Is Jesus the Archangel Michael?

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In week one, we looked at the Jehovah's Witnesses' claim that Jesus was the "created one." Last week we carefully examined their claim that Jesus was "lesser than the father." So far both claims have fallen flat. This week we wrap up our examination of JW's beliefs. This week we'll look at the JW's claim that Jesus is actually the Archangel Michael. Let's see how this claim holds up.
The WS teaches that Jesus was and is the archangel Michael. Jesus ceased to be Michael when He was born as a human. After Jesus died, He was raised up as Michael the archangel again.[1] The WS states, “Jesus Christ, whom we understand from the Scriptures to be Michael the archangel.”[2] JWs teach Michael was the first “spirit-son” of God. He was created by God. God created other spirit-sons through Michael. The WS write, “However, by virtue of his being the sole direct creation of his Father, the firstborn Son was unique, different from all others of God’s sons, all of whom were created or begotten by Jehovah through that firstborn Son.”[3] After Jesus was conceived, Michael ceased to exist. Yet, when Jesus was conceived He remained the same person, Michael, who existed in Heaven. It was His existence on earth that earned Michael’s immortality. After Jesus was buried, His body dissolved into gases. Temporarily the new and improved Michael appeared to the disciples.[4] JW’s do not seem to have strong evidence for these claims.
The Bible mentions Michael five times. First is Daniel 10:13: “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia.” Michael is identified as one of the chief priests, not the one and only chief priests. This designation identifies him as one of many, which makes him not unique. This is very different than John 3:16’s designation God’s one and only son - one of a kind.[5]  
Daniel 10:21 states, “But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.” Here Michael is portrayed as the prince of exiled Israel. He is there to defend them against the demonic forces. Though Jesus has access to angelic forces, He is referred to as the King and never the prince.[6] Similarly, Daniel 12:1 describes Michael as a great prince who is the guardian angel over Israel. Scripture does indicate Jesus has access to legions of angels.[7] Jesus is given a variety of princely and kingly titles, but Jesus is never referred to as the prince of angels. Jude 1:9 says, “But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” This passage has Michael unable to rebuke without doing so in the name of the Lord. Jesus was able to rebuke the devil in Matthew 4, 17, and Mark 9:25. Last is Revelation 12:7, which depicts Michael fighting as the leader of the angels. In verses 5 and 6, Jesus is described as a son and male. Then in verse 10, He is called Christ. Nowhere is Revelation is Jesus identified as an angel or Michael.[8] JWs may claim Jesus is the archangel Michael, but they cannot prove it from Scripture.
The author of Hebrews 1:8-10 quotes Psalm 102:25-27: “Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.” Who is this passage referring to? Psalm 102:1 tells us: “Hear my prayer, O Lord [Jehovah]; let my cry come to you!” The Psalmist is identifying the Lord (Jehovah) as the creator of everything. Hebrews identifies Jesus as the same being as Jehovah. Jesus is God and He did not send an angel to die on the cross for mankind’s sins. Jesus, the God-Man, came and died on the cross. His death burial and resurrection provides hope for those who believe. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Final Thoughts
It can be concluded that the WS’ denial of Christ’s deity is proven false. When verses are read in proper context and filtered through proper hermeneutics, the true meaning of the text comes out. JWs attempt to misrepresent Scripture and so paint Jesus as a created being, a lesser god, and the archangel Michael. However with careful examination and thought, their claims are either a misrepresentation of the texts or a blatantly fictitious claim. Professor of New Testament at Princeton, Dr. Bruce Metzger characterizes the New World Translation of the Bible as “pernicious,” “reprehensible,” and “a frightful translation.”[1] Scripture is clear: Jesus was, is and shall always be Almighty God. Hebrews 1:3 declares, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Jesus is the same being and essence as God the Father. The Christian can be sure His work as mediator and sacrifice is sufficient to bring salvation not only to 144,000, but to a number no one can identify. It is the call and duty of the believer to share the truth with gentleness and respect to the Jehovah’s Witness.

[1] Bruce Metzger, “The Jehovah’s Witnesses and Jesus Christ: A Biblical and Theological Appraisal,” Bible-Researcher.com, accessed April 16, 2015, http://www.bible-researcher.com/metzger.jw.html.


[1] Reed, 47.
[2] The Watchtower, February 15, 1979, p. 31, cited in Reed, 47.
[3] Aid to Bible Understanding, p. 918, cited in Ankerberg, 142.
[4] Ibid, Ankerberg, 142-143.
[5] Rhodes 43.
[6] Lorri MacGregor, What You Need to Know About-- Jehovah's Witnesses, Conversations with the Cults (Eugene, Or.: Harvest House Publishers, ©1992), 50.
[7] Matthew 26:53
[8] MacGregor, 50-51.

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