Resurrection: Compare Watchtower vs Bible

Is the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society’s teaching of The Resurrection Biblical?

From their earliest beginnings it was taught: 

“We deny that He was raised in the flesh, and challenge any statement to that effect as being unscriptural” [Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 1, p. 57] 

Below we compare their teachings with the Holy Bible. 

The Watchtower Teaches  

Jesus was raised from the dead as an invisible spirit creature and not with a fleshly body.

“Christ gave up his body as a sacrifice. He could never take it back and become a man again.” [You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, p. 142 – under illustration]

“The King, Christ Jesus, was put to death in the flesh and was resurrected an invisible spirit creature.” [Let God Be True, p. 122]

“The human body of flesh, which Jesus Christ laid down forever as a ransom sacrifice was disposed of by God’s power.” [Things in Which it is Impossible for God to Lie, p. 354]

The Bible Teaches

Jesus was raised from the dead with His own physical body.

For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay; but He whom God raised did not undergo decay. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. [Acts 13:36-38 NASB, cf. Psalm 16:10] 

But he (David) was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. [Acts 2:30-31 NIV]

Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'' The Jews then said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?'' But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. [John 2:19-22 NASB] 

Note:  When the word body (soma in Greek) is used in reference to a person, it always means a physical body in the New Testament.

Jesus was not raised as an invisible spirit creature.

But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have. [Luke 24:37-39 NKJV]

Why Is the Resurrection of the Flesh Important?

Jesus’ sacrifice fully paid for the sins of man.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. [1 Timothy 2:5 NIV]

He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. [Romans 4:25 NIV]

We know for certain of our bodily resurrection.

The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. [Romans 8:21-23 NIV]

Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God. [Job 19:26 NASB]

Who Are You Going to Believe, The Watchtower or Jesus?

Jesus Said:

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” [John 11:25 NIV]

Whose Voice Will You Listen To?

Jesus Said:

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice.” [John 5:28 NIV]