Jehovah's Witnesses' View on Guardian Angels and Spiritual Deceptions

When considering the stance of Jehovah's Witnesses on guardian angels, it is important to acknowledge the fundamental belief system and the sources they rely on for theological understanding. A core tenet of the Jehovah's Witnesses' faith is the primacy of the Bible as the ultimate authority on spiritual matters.

Are You a Christian?

Before diving into the specifics of the belief in guardian angels, one must first establish whether one considers themselves a Christian. Ultimately, the answers provided here align with the teachings of the Bible, which is the central text for Jehovah's Witnesses.

No Guardian Angels Exist

Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in the concept of guardian angels or spirit guides. They believe these ideas originated from pagan teachings and customs, particularly Greek culture. To them, these ideas are manifestations of the Devil's attempts to mislead people away from the truth of God.

According to Jehovah's Witnesses, the Devil employs a large number of “fallen” angels to assist in these deceptions. While these angels cannot materialize physical bodies anymore, they can manifest in ways that could be visible or conceivable to humans as a means to lead them into accepting these false beliefs.

Greek Pagan Influences

The idea of guardian angels or spirit guides has roots in Greek pagan teachings and customs. In these cultures, it was believed that each person had a specific spirit, or daemon, assigned to them at birth to protect and guide them through life. On the anniversary of the birth, special ceremonies were performed to honor and appease this spirit to avoid its retribution.

Guidance and Help from God

In contrast to these pagan beliefs, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that guidance and help come from God alone, not from angels. The Apostle John wrote in the Bible: This is the confidence that we have toward him that no matter what it is that we ask according to his will he hears us. Further if we know he hears us respecting whatever we are asking we know we are to have the things asked since we have asked them of him.—1 John 5:14 15.

No Former Humans, but Created Early

It is also important to note that angels, according to Jehovah's Witnesses, were not former humans. They were created far before the physical earth came into existence. They are described as keenly interested in the outworking of God’s purposes.

No Worshipping Angels

Worshipping angels is strongly condemned in the Bible. The apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 2:18: Let no one who delights in false manifestations and those who follow Sue of demonic spirits, and who are practicing such things as not to be led away by such world philosophy and guardian angels. Instead, say to the fullness of Christ.

Moreover, when the apostle John fell down before an angel in Revelation 19:10, the angel instructed him: See that you do not do that. You see, I’m thy fellow bondservant, and of the brethren the witnesses of Jesus. Worship God.

Rejection of 'New Spirituality'

The popular ideas and stories about angels often do not align with the teachings of the Bible. For instance, the modern “new spirituality” encourages an attitude that conflicts with Christian beliefs. Jude 1:3 and 1 Timothy 6:12 both refer to the need to stand firm in faith and combat such false teachings.

Truth from the Bible

Thus, according to Jehovah's Witnesses, it is only from the Bible that we can obtain the truth about angels, not from self-proclaimed experts or modern-day books. The Bible, as indicated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, is the true source of wisdom and instruction in matters of faith.