Origin of Jehovah's Witnesses

There is a misconception that Jehovah's Witnesses are a new sect. But, to find out the origin let us first consider what does it mean to be a witness. The Theological Dictionary of the new testament says: "the concept of witness is used both in the sense of witness to ascertainable facts and also in that of witness to truth i.e. the making known and confessing of convictions". So, a witness proclaims views or truths of what he is convinced. According to the scriptures, the first known witness is said to be Abel (second son of Adam and Eve). Of whom was he a witness?

Hebrews 11:4 in the holy Bible states "By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice of greater worth than Cain, through which [faith] he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness respecting his gifts; and through it he, although he died, yet speaks". So, Abel is said to be a witness of God. Of which God was he a witness? Definitely, he should have been a witness of the true God i.e. the creator mentioned in the Bible. Why should we consider the Bible to find out the true God?

The first five books of the Bible (Pentateuch) dates back to 1513 BC which is the oldest religious text the world has ever seen. This prompts us to look into the Bible in our search for God.  According to Jeremiah Chapter 10:10 Jehovah is said to be the "True God". Also, John 17:3 says that he is the "Only true God". God himself revealed his name to Moses as recorded at Exodus 3:15, says "This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel, ‘JEHOVAH the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name to time indefinite, and this is the memorial of me to generation after generation". The book of Malachi 3:6 assures us that Jehovah will never change. So, right from the beginning till now and for ever Jehovah will remain the true God.

Why did Jehovah need a witness? Satan has propagated many lies and distorted facts about the true God Jehovah. Some such misconceptions are hell fire, trinity, immortality of the soul, fate, God is cruel and responsible for all injustice and suffering. God's right to rule was  questioned at the garden of Eden. Man's integrity in worshipping the true God was also challenged during the days of Job. The truth about these accusations and issues has to be manifested and for that Jehovah needs witnesses. Abel was the first individual who stood on Jehovah's side and bore witness for him by his faith. Then comes a long list of names mentioned at Hebrews 11, such as Hanoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Rehab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jeph′thah, David as well as Samuel and the other prophets.

Most surprising thought is that even Jesus is said to be a faithful and true witness of Jehovah (Revelation 1:5, 3:14). Also, Hebrews 12:1 says about a great cloud of witnesses. Jehovah calls people who want to be on his side and bear witness for him as his witnesses.(Isaiah 43:10-12) The first century Christians and Jesus himself were called by Jehovah's name. ( John 17:11b, Acts 15:14) The meaning of the name "Jesus" ( Hebrew-'Yehoshua' ) is "Jehovah is salvation". In his model prayer, Jesus himself asked his disciples to pray for the sanctification of God's name.(Mathew 6:9)

The holy Bible talks about the restoration of Jehovah's people which would take place during the final part of the days. Isaiah 2: 2-4 well describes the establishment of Jehovah's Organisation during the last days and many would stream into it. The scriptures also mentions that these people who are trained by Jehovah will not practice war anymore. Is the fulfilment of this prophecy come true?

Certainly. Jehovah's Witnesses today are known by Jehovah's name. They have restored the usage of God's name in the Bible ( New World Translation published by Jehovah's Witnesses ) and even encourage others to sanctify Jehovah's divine name. They are wide spread in more that 239 Countries and Islands. They are united around the world and such unity is bonded with love and self sacrificing spirit. People who live in enemy countries are even trained to become friends. Despite national, ethnical, cultural and political barriers they live as a united family.

The witnesses  are well known for their door to door preaching activity. They play a significant role in spreading the good news of God's Kingdom world wide by fulfilling the commandment mentioned at Mathew 24:14. Their publications are translated into 600 languages. The Watchtower and Awake! magazines published by Jehovah's Witnesses are the most widely circulated religious magazine in human history and they hold a place in the Guinness book of world records. They have  111,719 Congregations  worldwide and 19,000,000 people attend their meetings or conventions.

Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses are indeed a modern day miracle who are united by love and unity world wide. They are not a modern sect. They existed throughout mankind's history i.e. from Abel's days.