What Jehovah’s Witnesses Teach
Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus’ return took place invisibly in 1914, marking the beginning of his heavenly presence as King. They base this understanding on the interpretation of the Greek word “parousia”, which is often translated as “coming”, but which JW believe means “presence”.
According to JW beliefs, Jesus’ invisible presence is manifested through signs in the world situation, such as wars, food shortages, and earthquakes, which they interpret as the fulfillment of the prophecies of the last days. Jehovah’s Witnesses further argue that it will be difficult for people all over the world to literally see Jesus coming at the same time. Furthermore, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that “the appointed times of the nations” ended in 1914, when Jesus took up his heavenly kingship. This is in line with the 1914 teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
What the Bible Says
Jesus’ resurrection has a direct connection with his return, since he would come again in the same way that his disciples saw him ascend to heaven. It is important to understand that the purpose of Jesus’ return to earth is because he will stay on earth for 1000 years so that he can lead the earthly part of God’s government. There will be no doubt about where Jesus comes from, since all eyes will see him (Revelation 1:7). After the resurrection, Jesus showed himself physically to his disciples, as confirmed at Luke 24:39, where he says: “Behold my hands and my feet, it is indeed I. Touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” This emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection was physical and not just spiritual. This physical resurrection forms the basis for the expectation that his return will be just as visible.
Furthermore, Acts 3:21 affirms that Jesus will only be in heaven “until the time when all the things that God spoke through his prophets of old will be restored.” This limits the time Jesus remains in heaven between His first visit to earth and His next stay on earth in the future..
The Bible shows that Jesus’ coming will be visible to all mankind, not hidden. Acts 1:9-11 describes how Jesus left his disciples and ascended into heaven: “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come again, just as you saw him go up into heaven.” Furthermore, Matthew 24:30 says, “Then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and all the peoples of the earth will break out in mourning, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Jesus’ return is an event that the whole world will be able to observe. Revelation 1:7 confirms this: “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.”
Jesus warns against the belief in a hidden return. In Matthew 24:23-27, he says: “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will perform great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. Look! I have forewarned you. Therefore, if people say to you, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; ‘Look! He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For just as the lightning comes out of the east and shines over to the west, so the presence of the Son of man will be”
This warning makes it clear that Jesus’ coming will not be hidden or local, but like lightning – clear and visible to all.
As for JW’s argument that it would be impossible for all people to see Jesus at the same time at a physical return, this is a human limitation that does not apply to God. The Bible describes Jesus after His resurrection as having a glorious body that is not bound by physical laws (John 20:19). Such a body can allow him to be seen by the whole world at the same time, regardless of time zones and geographical limitations. Such an understanding is supported by Revelation 1:7, which says that “every eye will see him.”
Jesus’ coming is connected with the expiration of “the appointed times of the nations”
Regarding “the appointed times of the nations,” Luke 21:24 refers to “Jerusalem being trampled down by the nations until the appointed times of the nations are completed.” It is not a hidden event that took place in 1914, but the period from the time when Jerusalem was destroyed in the year 70 (trampled down by the nations) until Jesus ends and removes the nations’ power over the earth in Armageddon. We know that the appointed times of the nations have not yet expired, because humans still have power over the earth today. The period of rule by the nations has not expired yet. Matthew 24:29–31 describes the events leading up to this, including heavenly signs and the visible coming of the Son of man. This marks the end of the rule of the nations and the beginning of the Messianic 1000-year kingdom, during which Jesus reigns as King.
To say that the appointed times of the nations expired in 1914 lacks Scriptural basis. Instead, the Bible shows that this period is completed when the governments of the nations are removed and God’s Kingdom takes full control. This is in harmony with Revelation 11:15, which says: “The seventh angel blew his trumpet. And there were loud voices in heaven, saying: “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever.” This event takes place after Armageddon and marks the beginning of Jesus’ visible and direct rule over the earth.
By interpreting Jesus’ return as invisible in 1914, Jehovah’s Witnesses adapt the Bible’s message to harmonize with JWs own 1914 doctrine. However, the Bible itself provides clear descriptions of Jesus’ visible return.
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