What do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe happens when you die?
Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian denomination with over 8 million adherents worldwide, have a unique perspective on the afterlife. Their beliefs regarding death and the afterlife are central to their faith and play a significant role in their daily lives and practices.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that death is not an end but rather a state of non-existence. They teach that when a person dies, their soul ceases to exist, and they are unconscious until the resurrection. This belief is rooted in their interpretation of the Bible, which they consider to be the inspired word of God.
According to their doctrine, only a select group of 144,000 individuals will be resurrected to heaven to serve as kings and priests in the presence of God. This group is known as the “anointed” or “little flock.” The rest of the deceased will be resurrected on a new earth, where they will live forever in perfect health and happiness.
Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the concept of hell as a place of eternal torment. Instead, they believe that those who are not resurrected will be annihilated, meaning they will cease to exist. This belief is based on their interpretation of several Bible passages, such as Ecclesiastes 9:5, which states, “The dead know nothing, and the grave is their home.”
The resurrection is a cornerstone of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ faith. They believe that the resurrection will occur in stages, with the first resurrection occurring at the end of the current system of things. The anointed will be raised first, followed by the general resurrection of the righteous. This belief is rooted in their interpretation of the Bible, particularly the book of Revelation.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also emphasize the importance of living a moral and righteous life in preparation for the resurrection. They believe that by following Jesus’ teachings and adhering to the principles of their faith, individuals can ensure their place in the resurrection.
In conclusion, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that death is a state of non-existence, and only a select group of individuals will be resurrected to heaven. The rest of the deceased will be resurrected on a new earth, where they will live forever. Their beliefs regarding the afterlife shape their daily lives, guiding them to live moral and righteous lives in anticipation of the resurrection.
