Is Jesus Christ the same Person as Michael the Archangel [Chief Angel], as the Watchtower Society teaches?
What does the Bible say?
Here are all of the Scriptures that mention Michael the Archangel:
Daniel 10:13: But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Notice: That Verse says that Michael is "one of the chief princes", which must mean that there are more than one "chief prince" like Michael is.
Daniel 10:21: But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none who holds with me against these, but Michael your prince."
Daniel 12:1: "At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the Book.
Notice: That Verse shows that Michael is the angel who "stands up" for the Jews. In other words, the angel who is assigned to protecting and helping faithful Israelites.
Jude 1:9: But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the Devil and arguing about the body of Moses, did not dare bring against him an abusive condemnation, but said, "May the Lord rebuke you!"
Notice: That Verse shows that Michael did not have the authority to rebuke Satan the Devil, but instead Michael said "May the Lord rebuke you!".
Jesus Christ, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, while on Earth (after He had "emptied Himself" of glory, honor, and power), rebuked Satan and the demons several times, so if Jesus is Michael, why would He have LESS authority to rebuke Satan in Heaven than on Earth?
Jesus while on Earth, prayed to the Father and asked that the Father restore the glory to Jesus that He had while in Heaven, so it seems obvious to me that Jesus had MORE authority while in Heaven, than on Earth.
Also, in Jude 1:4, it says that Jesus Christ is "Our Only Sovereign Ruler and Master". Would the Bible say that a created angel, who did not even have the authority to rebuke a fallen angel in Heaven, is "Our Only Sovereign Ruler"?
Revelation 12:7: There was war in Heaven. Michael and his angels made war on the Dragon. The Dragon and his angels made war.
Revelation 12:8: They didn't prevail, neither was a place found for him any more in Heaven.
Revelation 12:9: The Great Dragon was thrown down, the Old Serpent, he who is called the Devil and Satan, the Deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the Earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
1st Thessalonians 4:16: For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first,
1st Thessalonians 4:17: then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.
Notice: The Watchtower Society likes to use that Verse to "prove" that Jesus is Michael.
The Watchtower claims that since Jesus will descend from Heaven "with the voice of the archangel", it must mean that Jesus is the archangel!
My response is: Jesus will also descend with "a shout" and "God's trumpet". Does that mean that Jesus is a shout? Does that mean that Jesus is a trumpet?
Also, if that Verse was saying that Jesus was Michael, why didn't it read like this:
"For the Lord Himself, the archangel, will descend from Heaven with a shout, with His voice, and with God's trumpet."
Hebrews 1:1: God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the Prophets at many times and in various ways,
Hebrews 1:2: has at the end of these days spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed Heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.
Hebrews 1:3: His Son is the Radiance of His Glory, the Very Image of His Substance, and upholding all things by the Word of His Power, when He had by Himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty On High;
Hebrews 1:4: having become so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent Name than they have.
Hebrews 1:5: For to which of the angels did He say at any time, "You are My Son, Today have I become your Father?" and again, "I will be to Him a Father, And He will be to Me a Son?"
Hebrews 1:6: Again, when He brings in the Firstborn into the world He says, "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
Hebrews 1:7: Of the angels He says, "Who makes His angels winds, And His servants a flame of fire."
Hebrews 1:8: but of the Son He says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.
Hebrews 1:9: You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows."
Hebrews 1:10: And, "You, Lord [Yahweh in the Old Testament], in the beginning, laid the foundation of the Earth. The Heavens are the works of Your hands.
Hebrews 1:11: They will perish, but You continue. They all will grow old like a garment does.
Hebrews 1:12: As a mantle You will roll them up, And they will be changed; But You are the same. Your years will not fail."
Hebrews 1:13: But of which of the angels has He said at any time, "Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet?"
Hebrews 1:14: Aren't they all ministering spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
Some More of My Comments:
Michael is called "One of the Chief Princes".
Jesus Christ is called KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS.
Jesus Christ is called the Only-Begotten and Unique Son of the Father, who is in the Bosom of the Father.
In Hebrews Chapter 1 God The Father called Jesus Christ "God" and "Lord" ("Yahweh" in the Old Testament Scripture which was quoted by Paul).
In Hebrews Chapter 1, God The Father said that Jesus Christ created Heaven and Earth.
In Hebrews Chapter 1, God The Father commands all angels to worship Jesus Christ.
Hebrews Chapter 1 says that God The Father never said to any angel the following statements:
"You are My Son, Today have I become your Father?"
"I will be to Him a Father, And He will be to Me a Son?"
"Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet?"
So, what do YOU think -- is Jesus Christ Michael?
Edited by - UnDisfellowshipped on 23 January 2003 23:41:59