For decades the Watchtower society has dogmatically answered this question yes. In fact, witnesses are taught to view their preaching work as a life-saving ministry. In fact, according to governing body member Anthony Morris, if witnesses fail to engage in the ministry according to Watchtower standards they are said to be in danger of being viewed as blood guilty by God.
Those that fail to respond favorably to the point of becoming dedicated and baptized witnesses will lose their lives at Armageddon. For example note what was published in various articles:
14 Read Matthew 28:19, 20. As we conduct Bible studies, we have to try our best to “make disciples . . . , teaching them to observe all the things [Jesus has] commanded.” We need to help people understand how important it is for them to take their stand for Jehovah and his Kingdom. This means trying to motivate people to make the truth their own by applying what they learn, dedicating their life to Jehovah, and getting baptized. Only then will they survive Jehovah’s day.—1 Pet. 3:21. (The Watchtower October 2019 study edition pg. 12 par. 14)
“To survive the coming destruction, individuals need to prove their faith now. As we saw earlier, those who survived Jerusalem’s destruction in 607 B.C.E. demonstrated beforehand their heartfelt rejection of wickedness and their devotion to pure worship. It is similar today. Before the destruction comes, individuals need to be “sighing and groaning”—deeply grieved at heart—over the wickedness of this world. And rather than hide their feelings, they must demonstrate by words and actions their devotion to pure worship. How can they do so? They need to react favorably to the preaching work that is being done today, to continue putting on a Christlike personality, to get baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah, and to support Christ’s brothers loyally. (Ezek. 9:4; Matt. 25:34-40; Eph. 4:22-24; 1 Pet. 3:21) Only those who pursue such a course now—and who enter the great tribulation as pure worshippers—will be in a position to be marked for survival. (Pure Worship Chapter 16 pg. 179 par. 17)
“We can draw a lesson from what Jehovah God told Ezekiel as to his responsibility with regard to an impending destruction:
“A watchman is what I have made you to the house of Israel, and at my mouth you must hear the word and give them warning from me. When I say to someone wicked, ‘O wicked one, you will positively die!’ but you actually do not speak out to warn the wicked one from his way, he himself as a wicked one will die in his own error, but his blood I shall ask back at your own hand. But as regards you, in case you actually warn someone wicked from his way for him to turn back from it but he actually does not turn back from his way, he himself will die in his own error, whereas you yourself will certainly deliver your own soul.”—Ezek. 33:7-9.
Jehovah spoke those words prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. But they also have meaning for Christians today who have a message that is both a warning and an invitation for persons to ‘turn back from their sins and carry on justice and righteousness.’ (Ezek. 33:14) (The Watchtower June 1, 1976 pg. 346 par. 11)
“Instead of looking for “loopholes” in God’s arrangement for salvation, what all humans who desire preservation need to do is take full advantage of God’s merciful opportunity to serve him. And they need to do so now, before it becomes too late to begin thinking about becoming a servant of Jehovah. The “sheep” who are preserved into “everlasting life” will be responsible persons who do God’s will as completely as possible. (1 John 2:17) The Bible shows without doubt that Jehovah’s will for humans today includes being baptized and being public witnesses of him.—Rom. 10:10. (The Watchtower January 15, 1971 pg. 64 “Can it be stated flatly that only baptized witnesses of Jehovah will survive Armageddon?”)[1]
I believe these teachings are presented purely for the purpose of branding. If the organization can present itself as the only means of survival, it becomes a powerful reason to join. Furthermore, to ensure zeal among its members for the preaching work, Armageddon has to be seen as imminent, always “just around the corner”.
But there are large portions of Earth’s population that have never heard a presentation of the message of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even those that have been approached by witnesses haven’t the slightest clue that what they are rejecting is of life-or-death importance. If every person on earth is to be reached with the message of salvation and understand it’s significance, and if this depends solely upon the preaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses, this cannot possibly be accomplished if the coming of Armageddon could be any day now.
Furthermore, the organization teaches that Armageddon begins with an attack on God’s people, which they consider to be Jehovah’s Witnesses, shortly after all other false religions, termed Babylon the Great, are destroyed. This is arrived at by an interpretation of Gog of Magog in chapter 38 of Ezekiel’s prophecy.[2] However, neither does Ezekiel mention the term Har-Magedon nor does Revelation mention an attack on God’s people at the time of Armageddon. (Rev. 16:13-16) According to Revelation, the attack of Gog of Magog occurs not before but after the thousand years have ended. (Rev. 20:7-10) But it is unthinkable for the Watchtower society to consider their organization destroyed with the rest of Babylon the Great. So they continue to present the scenario that God’s people will be protected during the great tribulation from an all-out attack from a coalition of nations egged on by Satan that will trigger the battle of Armageddon.
The imminent coming of Armageddon and the need for persons to be baptized members of the organization. These two concepts have since 1934 been used to drum up zeal for the preaching activity among its members. This was first explained in a two-part series of articles in the August 1st and 15th, 1934 issues of the Watchtower entitled: “His Kindness”. Prior to that, it was taught that survivors of Armageddon need not even be Christian, let alone a baptized member of the Watchtower organization.
But since the shift in 1934, many witnesses are understandably uncomfortable about the thought of millions of persons being destroyed by God simply for not accepting a Bible study from Jehovah’s Witnesses and progressing to baptism. Out of fear of being seen as critical of the organization this discomfort is never voiced. The governing body is aware of this. How have they responded?
Other statements in the Watchtower on the subject of Armageddon have been more carefully worded. This appeared in the FAQ section of their official jw.org website:
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Feel That They Are the Only People Who Will Be Saved?
No. Many millions who lived in centuries past and who weren’t Jehovah’s Witnesses will have an opportunity for salvation. The Bible explains that in God’s promised new world, “there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) Additionally, many now living may yet begin to serve God, and they too will gain salvation. In any case, it’s not our job to judge who will or won’t be saved. That assignment rests squarely in Jesus’ hands.—John 5:22, 27. (jw.org)
The answer is evasive since it does not address the question of Armageddon survivors as was done in the above quoted 1971 article. However, I believe that is by design. Another example is found in a 2012 Watchtower article which states:
“Armageddon is not a haphazard destroyer of communities. Instead, during Armageddon, only the wicked will be wiped out. The Bible promises that soon “the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be.”—Psalm 37:10. (The Watchtower December 1, 2012 pg. 4)
But just who are the wicked? This answer appeared in The Watchtower August 15, 1994:
“As to those who respond to the Kingdom message, Jesus said: “It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by Jehovah.’ Everyone that has heard from the Father and has learned comes to me. . . . No one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” (John 6:45, 65) Jehovah can read hearts and minds, and he knows those who will likely respond to his love even though they may not yet know him. He also uses his angels to direct this unique ministry. That is why in vision John saw angelic participation and wrote: “I saw another angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.”—Revelation 14:6. (The Watchtower August 15, 1994 pg. 17 par. 5)
The question is what will Jehovah do when Armageddon occurs? Can any human say that, at that time, he will have drawn out all of those that would likely respond to the message? That there would be no deserving ones left? Jesus illustration of the sheep and the goats has been appealed to as proof of what judgment Jesus will render among all people living at the time of his return. (Matt. 25:31-46)
The Watchtower society’s understanding of this parable of Jesus has gone through a series of changes.
Since October 1923 it was taught that the fulfillment of this parable of Jesus was being accomplished by the preaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses and began shortly after Jesus was enthroned invisibly in the heavens in 1914:
“Related to the question of the extent to which the good news of the Kingdom will yet be preached is a certain uneasiness on the part of some persons about what Jehovah’s judgment will be at the conclusion of the system of things. They are somewhat concerned as to whether Jehovah’s judgment will be just and righteous…
14 An illustration that Jesus gave provides some information about that judgment. The apostles had asked Christ what would be ‘the sign of his presence and of the conclusion of the system of things.’ (Matt. 24:3) The final part of his reply, was the parable of the sheep and the goats. (Matt. 25:31-46) This illustration applies now, for in 1914 C.E. his “presence” in Kingdom power in heaven began; then ‘the Son of man arrived in his glory and sat down on his glorious throne.’ (Matt. 25:31; Dan. 7:13, 14) Also confirming its application to this period between the start of his “presence” and the destruction of the system of things is the fact that Jesus spoke of his spiritual brothers, the remaining ones of the 144,000, as being mistreated and imprisoned; this is something being done to them now, not something that will occur in the New Order.—Rev. 12:17.
15 In the illustration, Jesus said that during this period, “all the nations will be gathered before him [as the enthroned King], and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (Matt. 25:32) This is no mere temporary handling of matters, but involves decisive judgments rendered by the one appointed by Jehovah to “judge the living and the dead.” (2 Tim. 4:1; John 5:26, 27) Well, then, can we conclude that during this period the attitude and actions of some individuals will result in their meriting eternal destruction? While some persons might hesitate to reach such a firm conclusion, note what Jesus said about those who now prove themselves “goats”: “Be on your way from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.” (Matt. 25:41, 46; 2 Thess. 1:6-9) So this is a time when eternal lives of such individuals are in the balance; it is a time of judgment.
16 Observe, however, that Jesus did not leave it up to humans to determine who are the “sheep” and who are the “goats.” How fine that is! For, if we humans were responsible to judge, how could we properly evaluate factors such as: How much of an opportunity did a person have to hear and accept the good news? Did his genetic, family or religious background affect his response? What is his heart condition—does he love righteousness? If he is a child or was born mentally retarded, how much bearing should family or community responsibility have on the matter?—1 Cor. 7:14; Deut. 30:19.
17 Unquestionably, not one of us is qualified to weigh these, and perhaps many other, vital factors and principles. We could not reach judgments that are ‘perfect, righteous and upright.’ (Deut. 32:4) Hence, why should any of us become needlessly involved with trying to decide who will survive and who will not? If we say, ‘I think these people in this certain situation are “goats” and will perish eternally, but those in that other category will live,’ are we not making ourselves judges? (Jas. 4:12) Rather than trying to decide whether a certain person, family or group of persons fits the description of the “goats” or not, we can be content to leave the matter in the hands of “the Judge of all the earth.”—Gen. 18:25.
18 God’s judgments are not merely a matter of applying strict, unfeeling justice. His mercy, compassion and love are involved. As the psalmist David put it: “He has not done to us even according to our sins; nor according to our errors has he brought upon us what we deserve.” (Ps. 103:10) Actually the only wages that imperfect, sinful humans deserve is death. (Rom. 6:23) Yet, in his mercy and compassion Jehovah has purposed that the message of salvation be spread extensively so that humans might gain life. He wants them to do so. (Ezek. 33:11; Isa. 55:6, 7) If God’s mercy, love and compassion have been displayed so consistently down to this time, and we have benefited from them, cannot we be absolutely certain that they will come into play, too, in the judgment at the conclusion of the system of things? Yes, the survivors will be absolutely right when they proclaim, “Jehovah God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judicial decisions.”—Rev. 16:5-7; 19:1, 2. (The Watchtower June 1, 1976 pgs. 346-348 pars. 12-18)
Noteworthy is the sentence that says: “Rather than trying to decide whether a certain person, family or group of persons fits the description of the “goats” or not, we can be content to leave the matter in the hands of “the Judge of all the earth.”—Gen. 18:25.
But isn’t the claim that the only survivors would be baptized Jehovah’s Witnesses something that elevates the society to the position of being judges? Why not just be content to preach the gospel message and leave matters in the hands of the Judge of all the earth?
However, in 1995 that teaching was adjusted:
“…the parable points to the future when the Son of man will come in his glory. He will sit down to judge people then living. His judgment will be based on what they have manifested themselves to be. At that time “the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one” will have been clearly established. (Malachi 3:18) The actual pronouncing and executing of judgment will be carried out in a limited time. Jesus will render just decisions based on what has become evident about individuals.—See also 2 Corinthians 5:10.
25 This means, then, that Jesus’ ‘sitting down on his glorious throne’ for judgment, mentioned at Matthew 25:31, applies to the future point when this powerful King will sit down to pronounce and execute judgment on the nations. Yes, the judgment scene that involves Jesus at Matthew 25:31-33, 46 is comparable to the scene in Daniel chapter 7, where the reigning King, the Ancient of Days, sat down to carry out his role as Judge.
26 Understanding the parable of the sheep and the goats in this way indicates that the rendering of judgment on the sheep and the goats is future. It will take place after “the tribulation” mentioned at Matthew 24:29, 30 breaks out and the Son of man ‘arrives in his glory.’ (Compare Mark 13:24-26.) Then, with the entire wicked system at its end, Jesus will hold court and render and execute judgment.—John 5:30; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. (The Watchtower October 15, 1995 pgs. 22-23 pars. 22-26)
So no longer is it taught that the separating of the sheep and goats is something that has been ongoing since 1914 but it is now understood to be a future event accomplished by Jesus at his return. Will billions of people be destroyed at that time because of not becoming baptized members of Jehovah’s Witnesses? Here is what was said 3 years later in 1998:
“All nations will shortly be examined by Christ so that he can “separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:31-33) We can be confident that Christ will be righteous in judging who is worthy of survival. Jehovah has given him the wisdom, insight, and other necessary qualities “to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness.” (Acts 17:30, 31) Let our conviction be like that of Abraham, who said: “It is unthinkable of you [Jehovah] that you are acting in this manner to put to death the righteous man with the wicked one so that it has to occur with the righteous man as it does with the wicked! It is unthinkable of you. Is the Judge of all the earth not going to do what is right?”—Genesis 18:25.
18 With complete confidence in Jehovah’s righteousness, we need not worry about finding answers to questions like: ‘How will babies and small children be judged? Might it be that a large number of people will not yet have been reached with the good news when Armageddon arrives? What about the mentally ill? What about . . . ?’ Granted, at present we may not know how Jehovah will resolve these issues. He will do so, however, in a righteous and merciful way. We should never doubt that. In fact, we may be amazed and delighted to observe him resolve them in a way that we never even considered.—Compare Job 42:3; Psalm 78:11-16; 136:4-9; Matthew 15:31; Luke 2:47. (The Watchtower August 15, 1998 pg. 20 pars. 17-18)
But should we be so amazed, knowing the character of our God and that of his Son? Acts chapter 9 records the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, an ardent persecutor of Christians. The disciple Thomas lacked faith and did not believe the reports of Jesus resurrection. He had to be convinced by Jesus himself, personally showing him his wounds. Jesus did not condemn him for his lack of faith but dealt with him compassionately. (John 20:24-29) At the time of Jesus execution, the Bible relates that two men were also being executed. Both of them ridiculed him along with the crowd. However, later, one of them felt regret and asked Jesus to remember him when he received his kingdom. Rather than condemn the man, Jesus promised “you will be with me in paradise”. (Luke 23:43) Might some persons who have never known Jesus or persecuted his disciples be moved to accept him at the sight of his future coming on the clouds? Would he not be able to tell if their motives at that time were pure?
However, how certain can we be that this parable is a description of a separation of all of the billions of people on earth? For an answer to this question please see the article Who Are the Sheep and the Goats?
[1] See also: The Watchtower June 2016 study edition pg. 26 par. 13; The Watchtower July 2011 Study Edition pg. 18 par. 15; The Watchtower December 15, 2007 pg. 14 par. 19; The Watchtower February 15, 2001 pg. 14 par. 10; The Watchtower September 1, 1989 pg. 19 par. 7; The Watchtower February 1, 1968 pg. 83-84 par. 20; The Watchtower October 15, 1958 pg. 614-615; The Watchtower November 15, 1950 pg. 463)
[2] See the article: What Does the Bible Say About the Attack of Gog of Magog? – Preach From The Housetops