If Someone Says—

‘You don’t believe in Jesus’

You might reply: ‘Evidently you are a person who believes in Jesus. And so do I; otherwise I would not be at your door today.’ Then perhaps add: ‘In fact, the importance of faith in Jesus is prominently featured in our publications. (Turn to an appropriate chapter in whatever book you are offering and use this as a basis for discussion, highlighting his role as King. Or read what is stated on page 2 of The Watchtower, regarding the purpose of the magazine.)’

Or you could say: ‘Do you mind if I ask you why you feel that way?’

Another possibility: ‘Apparently someone has told you that, but may I say that such is not really the case, because we have very strong faith in Jesus Christ.’ Then perhaps add: (1) ‘But we do not believe everything that people say about Jesus. For example, some say that he was just a good man, not the Son of God. We do not believe that, do you? . . . That is not what the Bible teaches.’ (2) ‘And we do not believe the teachings of groups that contradict what Jesus himself said about his relationship with his Father. (John 14:28) His Father has given him ruling authority that affects the lives of all of us today. (Dan. 7:13, 14)’

‘Do you accept Jesus as your personal Savior?’

You might reply: ‘The Bible clearly says . . . (quote Acts 4:12). I believe that. But I have also learned that serious responsibilities go with it. How is that? Well, if I really believe in Jesus, then I can’t believe in him just as far as it seems convenient.’ Then perhaps add: ‘His perfect life given in sacrifice makes it possible for us to have forgiveness of sins. But I know that it is also vital to pay attention to his instructions regarding our responsibilities as Christians. (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19, 20)’

Or you could say: ‘(After confirming the fact that you do believe in Jesus as Savior, not only of yourself, but of all who exercise faith in him . . . ) It is important that we respond appreciatively not only to what he did in the past but also to what he is doing now. (Matt. 25:31-33)’

‘I have accepted Jesus as my personal Savior’

You might reply: ‘I am glad to hear that you believe in Jesus, because there are so many people today who give no thought to what Jesus did for us. You no doubt know well the scripture at John 3:16, don’t you? . . . But where will such people live forever? Some will be with Christ in heaven. But does the Bible show that all good people go there? (Matt. 6:10; 5:5)’

Are the natural Jews today God’s chosen people?

That is the belief of many Jews. Says the Encyclopaedia Judaica (Jerusalem, 1971, Vol. 5, col. 498): “CHOSEN PEOPLE, a common designation for the people of Israel, expressing the idea that the people of Israel stands in a special and unique relationship to the universal deity. This idea has been a central one throughout the history of Jewish thought.”—See Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Exodus 19:5.

Many in Christendom hold similar views. The “Religion” section of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution (January 22, 1983, p. 5-B) reported: “Contrary to the churches’ centuries-old teachings that God had ‘cast off his people Israel’ and replaced them with a ‘new Israel,’ he [Paul M. Van Buren, theologian at Temple University in Philadelphia] says churches now affirm that ‘the covenant between God and the