Where Else Would I Go?

 

This Contribution by Robin McEwen

Common questions that Jehovah's Witnesses often employ on hearing criticism of their religion/organisation are ‘Where else would I go?’ and ‘which other religion is as close to early Christians as ours?’

I get the impression that JWs think in terms of groups, denominations, and organisations. I believe this stems from the fact that they are taught that their own group is ‘the truth’, and all other groups or churches as false. On finding out you are a Christian, a Jehovah’s Witness will want to know which church or denomination you belong to, as they seem to have a set opinion on each church group.

What they are unaware of, is that within the rich tapestry of Christian cultures/denominations there is a unity which arises out of the fellowship that all born again believers share. We may worship in varied ways organise our churches slightly differently etc., but generally speaking, we have unity. He who unites us, Jesus Christ, is infinitely greater than anything that might divide us.

Unity not Uniformity

Its true to say there are occasional ‘disagreements’ but these are few and far between, we have worldwide unity, as opposed to the Jehovah’s Witness religion, who, although a very small sect, have worldwide uniformity.

On the important things, like Jesus Christ, we have unity, on the less important things, we have liberty, and on anything else, we have love. “Where else would I go?” is probably the wrong question, The person who asks this question is thinking in terms of groups. The question, I believe, comes from John’s gospel:

‘From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:66-68

The question should be ‘To whom should we go?’, and the answer, ‘To Jesus, who has the words of eternal life.’

The church that professes Jesus Christ as Saviour and God is not found in any one church, denomination or group, it is found amongst billions (2.6 currently, this figure can be researched and verified), of born again Christians who are from the vast and varied groups, denominations and cultures that collectively make up what is called, Christianity.

Where Should I Go?

It is to Christ one should go, rather than a particular organisation or church.

    ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28

This is Jesus' invitation to those who are struggling, offering them comfort and peace.

    ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.’ John 7:37

This illustrates the spiritual nourishment that Jesus provides to those seeking fulfilment and hope.

    ‘All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.’ John 6:37

Here is firm assurance for believers that Jesus welcomes all who approach Him, regardless of their past.

    ‘The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’’ Revelation 22:17

This verse emphasises the ongoing invitation for all to come to Jesus, reinforcing the idea that His call is universal and inclusive. The Bible presents coming to Jesus as a vital step in the Christian faith, offering rest, salvation, and a personal relationship with God.

Through various verses, believers are encouraged to approach Him with their burdens, knowing that He welcomes them with open arms and promises to provide the support and love they need. This invitation is a central theme in the New Testament, reminding us of the grace and hope found in Jesus Christ:

    ‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.’ Acts 4:12

For many, myself included, the first step towards Christ could be reading his words:

    ‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.’ Revelation 3:20

In, (very) brief, on hearing those words of Jesus, I ‘opened the door of my life, and my heart’, and invited Jesus in. Jesus did as he promised, I had a dramatic conversion experience, and I have been on a pretty amazing eternal journey with God ever since that personal encounter with Jesus.

This verse illustrates Jesus' invitation to individuals to welcome Him into their lives, symbolising a relationship with Him. It is also interpreted as Jesus knocking at the door of the church at Laodicea, seeking to be admitted and to share fellowship with believers.

Please note, I am not promoting any particular church, denomination, or group here, just The Lord Jesus Christ, and a personal relationship with him.

    ‘And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.’ 1 John 5:11-12

Concluding Affirmations

    ‘I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.’ 1 John 5:13

Thank you for taking the time to read this.