"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them" (Matthew 28:19).
1. How do we know that baptism is a fundamental teaching of the Bible?
We know that baptism is a fundamental teaching of the Bible because, at the first meeting of the Christian congregation, which took place on Pentecost in the year 33, many people were baptized. On that occasion, the apostle Peter gave a discourse in which he explained that baptism is a fundamental teaching.
Furthermore, the apostle Paul later wrote that “the teachings about baptism” are part of the “basic teachings about Christ,” as Hebrews 6:1, 2 shows. This demonstrates that it is not a simple matter, but one of the main teachings of the Bible that we must understand well.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Baptism is accompanied by repentance, faith, and obedience to Jehovah. Therefore, those of us who seek God recognize that it is fundamental to our teaching.
We know this because, when the Christian congregation was formed in the year 33, at Pentecost, the apostle Peter gave a speech in which he spoke about the importance of baptism. He said that they should repent of their sins, be baptized, and then receive the Holy Spirit. Later, the apostle Paul also spoke of baptism as a basic teaching, along with other foundations of the Christian faith, such as repentance, faith, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, eternal judgment, and the resurrection of the dead.
It may seem like a simple topic, not very important; however, it is a fundamental part of the Bible. If we want to serve Jehovah, we must get baptized and dedicate our lives to him. Therefore, it is a topic we must understand and grasp well.
In Acts 2:40, 41, it is mentioned that the apostle Peter gave a thorough testimony so that they might be saved from “that wicked generation.” So many willingly accepted his message and were baptized. However, according to the account and the study note, they did not do so impulsively or for any similar reason, but because they came to understand the spiritual truths that were explained to them about the role of Jesus Christ in God’s purpose. It was then that they saw its importance and were baptized.
2. Why is it so important that we fully understand the teaching of baptism?
It is important that we fully understand the teaching of baptism because, just as a house needs solid foundations to be strong, if we want to have a strong faith, we must ensure that we fully understand all the fundamental biblical truths, including baptism.
Therefore, it is necessary to examine what this teaching symbolizes, how it is practiced, and what it implies, as well as to understand why we are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
If we want to have a strong faith, we must have a good understanding of fundamental biblical truths.
It is not just a symbol; it represents our personal dedication to Jehovah. Therefore, it is important to fully understand its meaning, as it is a serious decision that will affect our entire life.
In this article we will see what baptism symbolizes, how it is performed, what it implies, and why we are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean and why is it important?
3. What do we demonstrate when we are baptized?
When we get baptized, we publicly demonstrate that we have accepted the truth about Jehovah and Jesus Christ, that we have repented of our sins, and that we have made the necessary changes in our lives to serve Jehovah.
Furthermore, we demonstrated that we understand that Jesus is the means God uses to save us and that we promised Jehovah in prayer that we would do his will together with his organization.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We publicly demonstrate that we have accepted the truth about Jehovah and Jesus Christ.
We publicly demonstrate that we have repented of our sins.
We also demonstrate something very important: that we have made the necessary changes in our lives to serve Jehovah.
We demonstrate that we have understood that Jesus is the means God uses to save us.
We demonstrate that we have promised Jehovah, in a prayer, that we will do his will together with his organization.
When we understand what baptism means, we begin a journey, a journey whose destination is eternal life. So it is the beginning of our earthly life.
4. What does being completely submerged in water symbolize? (See also the image).
Being completely submerged in water and then lifted up symbolizes burial and resurrection. It also illustrates the great changes we have made in our lives.
When we are immersed, we demonstrate that we are putting an end to our old way of life, and when we are raised up, it is a sign that, from that moment on, we begin a new life based on doing God's will.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It symbolizes or illustrates the great changes we have made in our lives. Being submerged shows that we have put an end to our former way of life, so to speak. And, being raised, we begin a new life centered on doing God's will.
As the article states, baptism is taught in different ways in various religions. In some, it consists of sprinkling or pouring a little water on the person. But why do we fully immerse them? Because the Greek word means "complete immersion." Aside from the biblical examples we have, the word itself indicates that baptism should be a complete immersion in water.
The picture shows a brother being baptized, and the images on the left show what he has left behind. He has given up things like tobacco, drunkenness, and violence—practices that are not in harmony with Jehovah's standards. From that moment on, he will maintain these important changes in his life, leaving his past behind and focusing on obeying Jehovah.
Colossians 2:12 says, “Buried with him in baptism.” And of course, when a person is placed under the water, it is as if they die to their former life, and when they come out, they are a new person. So, it is a rather fitting symbol for this.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: A man is baptized after overcoming several obstacles. 1. He enthusiastically watches a boxing match on television. 2. He smokes a cigarette. 3. He drinks excessively. 4. Some time later, he is baptized in a swimming pool.
When we are baptized, we leave behind our old way of life and begin a new life centered on doing God's will. (See paragraph 4.)
5. In what ways is what we do to prepare for baptism similar to what Noah did to build the ark? (1 Peter 3:18-21).
What we do to prepare for baptism is similar to what Noah did when he built the ark. Just as he had to carefully obey all of Jehovah’s instructions to survive the Flood, we too need to obediently fulfill God’s requirements for baptism. Although it may seem like a great effort, just as in Noah’s case, we can accomplish it because we have Jehovah’s help and we trust in him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Just as Noah obeyed all the instructions Jehovah gave him to build the ark, even though it was an overwhelming task, he survived the Flood. Likewise, to get baptized, Jehovah gives us instructions that we must obey, just as Noah did, but always with faith and relying on Jehovah's help.
If we stop to think about what Noah had to do to build the ark, we realize it must have been a very complex construction, since it took nearly 50 years and measured about 40,000 cubic meters, and at that time there was no machinery like we have today. Therefore, having to cut down trees, drag them, and haul them up to the deck must have been very hard work.
We may feel that making certain changes in our lives is like building an ark, because it requires a complete change of mindset and way of life. But Noah was able to do it thanks to Jehovah's help and the support of his family. So we shouldn't worry about "building an ark," because Jehovah will give us the strength and our brothers and sisters will help us carry the load.
When Noah built the ark, he was publicly demonstrating to the world that he trusted Jehovah to keep his promise. So, when we get baptized, we too are demonstrating to the world that we trust in Jehovah.
Noah had to follow very precise instructions with great obedience, and to be baptized we also have to have faith and follow instructions with the same obedience.
As stated in 1 Peter 3:18-21, especially verse 21, baptism contributes to our salvation. But to be saved, we must have a good conscience before Jehovah because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So maintaining a good conscience before Jehovah requires considerable effort. Therefore, we want to put forth that effort and allow Jehovah to help us achieve it.
1 Peter 3:18 tells us: “Jesus Christ died once for our sins, a righteous man for the unrighteous.” So, to draw near to Jehovah, he is the means that Jehovah has provided. Therefore, baptism now saves us, not through physical cleansing, but as a petition to Jehovah, maintaining a good conscience thanks to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
6. What did Peter mean when he said, “Baptism [...] is your salvation”?
With these words, Peter did not mean that simply being immersed in water brings us salvation, nor that baptism cleanses us from sins, for only the blood of Jesus can do that. Instead, he meant that baptism is a commandment from God and that, by being baptized, we ask Jehovah for a good conscience. Jehovah answers this request by forgiving us through the sacrifice of Christ, which opens the possibility of salvation, that is, eternal life.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It wasn't just about being immersed in water; that alone won't bring us salvation. Even that act alone won't cleanse us of our sins, but it's important because we all know that to obtain salvation, we must be obedient, and baptism is a very important commandment. That's why it's important to do it.
We could summarize it by saying that baptism does not save us by itself, but we cannot be saved if we are not baptized.
The important thing is to be obedient to the command Jehovah gives us. Furthermore, the paragraph presents a very interesting idea: baptism is like a request we make to Jehovah. We could say that we are asking him that, from that moment on, we want to do things right and maintain a good conscience. And, based on that request—which we make through baptism—Jehovah grants us, through the ransom of Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins.
Baptism means that we ask Jehovah for forgiveness, that we leave our former life behind, and that from that moment on, we will dedicate ourselves to him. That is why it is important, because Jehovah uses Jesus' sacrifice to give us eternal life.
HOW IT IS DONE AND WHAT IT INVOLVES
7. How should baptism be performed?
Baptism should be performed by complete immersion of the person in water. Although the Bible does not provide many additional details, it establishes principles that help ensure it is done correctly, such as the appropriate attire of the candidates and the respectful behavior of those present.
Baptism is usually performed by an elder, but this does not imply that he holds a higher hierarchical position than others. Furthermore, a baptism is valid regardless of the number of people present.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It is true that the Bible does not give specific details of how baptism should be performed, but it does give us some biblical principles that help us determine what is considered appropriate, such as the way of dressing or how those present should behave.
For example, a biblical principle is found in 1 Timothy 2:9. Although it speaks of women, it also includes men: they should dress appropriately and groom themselves modestly and with good judgment.
Although baptisms are very important occasions and are usually observed by many people, this may not always be the case. Acts 8:36 shows that when the eunuch was baptized, there were probably few people present, and that baptism was also valid.
Another principle is found in 1 Corinthians 14:40, which says, “Let everything be done in a fitting and proper way.” Therefore, baptism is a very dignified act, and we must give it the dignity it deserves.
In 1 Corinthians 1:14-15, we are given an important detail: the person who performs baptism is usually an elder. However, we should avoid giving him special importance, because ultimately he is a brother like any other, and we should not treat him with a sense of superiority, much less anything else.
In 1 Corinthians 1:14-15, Paul thanks God for having performed only a couple of baptisms, so that no one could claim to have been baptized in His name. He didn't want to feel superior to other apostles who had baptized other Christians, and that's exactly what we do today.
For example, in the final reminders, when the baptismal questions are asked, those being baptized are advised not to wear a revealing swimsuit or clothing with messages or images. Whatever they choose should be clean, tasteful, and appropriate.
8. What questions are asked of baptismal candidates, and for what purpose? (Acts 2:38-42; see also the picture).
Baptismal candidates are asked two questions to give them the opportunity to make a “public declaration” of their faith, as Romans 10:9, 10 points out.
The first question is whether they have repented of their sins, consecrated themselves to Jehovah, and accepted Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation. This question focuses on the personal steps they have taken to prepare for baptism.
The second question is whether they understand that, by being baptized, they are publicly demonstrating that they are Jehovah's Witnesses and are part of God's organization. This question emphasizes that, to fulfill our vow of dedication, we must accept the guidance of Jehovah's organization and serve him together with our brothers and sisters.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The first question is: Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted that Jesus Christ is the means God has provided for salvation?
The second question reads: Do you understand that by getting baptized you are publicly demonstrating that you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses and that, from now on, you are part of God's organization?
It is a public declaration made to demonstrate to Jehovah, and to let those around us understand, that we have dedicated ourselves to him. It is not merely a feeling; it is done publicly so that others know we have dedicated ourselves to doing Jehovah's will.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, said that faith is demonstrated in the heart, leading to righteousness, but it is the mouth that makes a public declaration leading to salvation. The study note mentions that when the apostle Paul explained this, he indicated that to obtain salvation, it was not enough for Christians to have faith in their hearts; they also had to make a public declaration of their faith.
Making a public declaration of our faith is not something Christians do only once, only when we are baptized, but we do it every time we meet and every time we preach.
Peter begins by talking about repentance, so the first question has to do with that, with the steps one has taken and the changes one has had to make in their life so that, from that moment on, Jehovah accepts us within his organization.
Acts 2:38-42 also indicates a change of life, because it says that from that day on, when some 3,000 people were baptized, what did they do? They devoted themselves to learning the apostles' teaching, spending time with one another, eating together, and praying; that is, meeting together and preaching. In other words, there was a change of life from the moment of baptism.
As Acts 2:41 states, those who willingly accepted his message were baptized. Therefore, it is understood that a person is not baptized because family members pressure or encourage them, nor because of friends, but rather it is a personal decision they must make.
The fact that Acts 2:42 says that they devoted themselves to learning what the apostles taught also has much to do with what the paragraph says, since, when one devotes oneself to Jehovah, one has to understand that we belong to an organization guided by him and that we must follow his guidance and the steps that are willingly set.
Baptism, in the end, is like the key that leads us to salvation, along with repentance and the action of the Holy Spirit. However, we need to be baptized in order to have access to salvation.
The advice Peter gives in Acts 2:40 is: “Save yourselves from this evil generation,” for which true repentance is a privilege.
Baptism is a public declaration in which we openly say that we have decided to change our lives to follow Jehovah's commands.
A private declaration is something personal, in which we pour out our heart to Jehovah, telling him that we want to live for him from that moment on and forever.
ILLUSTRATION
At a meeting, a group of baptismal candidates of different ages are in the front rows of the auditorium making a public declaration of their faith.
When we are baptized, we make a “public declaration that leads to salvation.” (See paragraph 8.)
9. What do we all need to do to gain God's approval?
To gain God's approval, we must all acknowledge that we are sinners, repent, and choose to do His will instead of our own. Even if we have previously led a decent life or have been raised in the truth, repentance and baptism are necessary to obtain God's approval.
After this sincere repentance and "conversion"—that is, beginning to live according to God's will and changing our way of life in a way that pleases Him—we can be baptized.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Even if we have led seemingly decent lives or have not committed serious sins, or have been raised by Witness parents who have helped us to love Jehovah, all of us, without exception, without a doubt, must repent and be baptized to gain his approval, because Psalm 51:5 tells us that we are born sinners and that separates us from God.
What's interesting is that repentance isn't based solely on having committed serious sins, but on recognizing that we weren't previously living completely in accordance with God's will. It's a change of direction: ceasing to do our own will and beginning to do Jehovah's.
Acts 3:19 says that we must repent and turn away. When we turn away, we leave that life and those sins behind. Then Jehovah no longer holds them against us. But this is an important step before baptism, because otherwise it would not be compatible.
It could happen that someone who is studying might conclude that their life has been so good, that they have had good parents and a good upbringing, that they don't really need to progress spiritually. But that is not what Jehovah is asking of us. What Jehovah is asking is that, if we have to do something our way or his way, we do it his way. That is why we have dedicated our lives to Jehovah.
Acts 3:19 mentions that Jehovah will give us times of relief. That is, from the moment we dedicate ourselves to him, our life will be better, easier, and guided by principles that will help us gain everlasting life.
As mentioned in Psalm 51:5, we are sinners from the moment we are born. This refers not only to the sins we may commit, but also to the sin we have inherited as imperfect humans. And the only way to resolve this with Jehovah is to be baptized.
10. What should you do if you have already been baptized as a member of another religion?
If you were baptized as a member of another religion, you need to be baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. This is because, when you were baptized, you did not have a correct understanding of the truth about Jehovah and Jesus. Even though you consecrated yourself to God in prayer and promised to do his will, you did not fully understand what that will was.
Just as happened in the first century with some men in Ephesus who had to be rebaptized, today it is also necessary to do so with accurate knowledge in order for Jehovah to approve a person's baptism.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
For Jehovah to approve a person's baptism, that person must have accurate knowledge of God's will. Even if, when baptized in another religion in the past, they dedicated themselves to God through prayer, promising to do his will, at that time they did not know and did not correctly understand what Jehovah's will truly was. Therefore, it would be necessary for them to be baptized again, this time as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
We have the case of the apostle Paul, recorded in Acts 19:1-5, when he encountered people in Ephesus who had been baptized by John; however, they were unfamiliar with Christian teachings, for example, they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. So, once Paul helped them understand these teachings, they were baptized again, this time in the name of Jesus. That is, they were baptized once they fully understood what it all entailed.
In the account of Acts 19:1-5 it is very clear that the objective of the baptism that these men had when John baptized them was to repent of sins against the law of Moses, which had nothing to do with the baptism that Jesus established, which involves baptism under the holy spirit in order to follow and dedicate one's life to God in that way.
The purpose of baptism, according to each person's circumstances, is very important, and that is why accurate knowledge is key and what differentiates whether a baptism is valid or not.
Because a person baptized into another religion may not fully understand these teachings, the future hope of heavenly or earthly life, or the possibility of having a close relationship with Jehovah as Father and primary Savior. These aspects are fundamental to understanding the foundation of truth and to being able to exercise faith and be baptized with a proper understanding of Jehovah and Jesus as Savior.
Baptism is performed by completely immersing a person in water, and this implies that he has to leave behind everything that was not in accordance with Jehovah's will and, from then on, apply Jehovah's standards.
Baptism must be in accordance with accurate knowledge. Therefore, the person must have learned the basic truths of the Bible, and if they had been baptized in another religion, they evidently did not understand them; therefore, they would have to be baptized again.
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"
11. What does it mean to be baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”? (Matthew 28:18-20).
Being baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” means recognizing the position, authority, and reputation behind that “name.” In this way, we demonstrate our recognition of the position and authority of the Father and the Son, as well as the role of the Holy Spirit.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
“In the name of” refers to the position of authority that the person holds. And in this case, the position and authority of both Jehovah and Jesus Christ are acknowledged, as well as the role played by the holy spirit.
Matthew 10:41 speaks of a prophet, and the study note indicates that the "name" represents the recognition of the office and work that this prophet held. It wasn't a specific person, but rather the office or function, so to speak.
It's an expression we understand well in Spanish, because sometimes, when we watch movies, we hear the police arrest someone "in the name of the law." It doesn't mean that the law physically arrests them, but rather that it's the authority by which they do so.
12. What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the Father? (Revelation 4:11; see also the image).
Being baptized in the Father's name means acknowledging that Jehovah gave us life, that he is our heavenly Father, the Almighty God and the Creator of all things. It also means accepting that he hears our prayers and using his name with respect when we pray and speak about him. Furthermore, it means recognizing something else: that Jehovah saves us through Jesus Christ.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It involves several things, and some of them are that we recognize that Jehovah is our heavenly Creator, that he has given us life, that he is the Almighty God, and that he created everything.
We also acknowledge that Jehovah hears our prayers and we use his name openly and respectfully when we pray to him and when we talk about him.
Something very important is what Revelation 4:11 tells us: that Jehovah is the only one who deserves glory and honor.
The picture shows an elderly sister, but the number of years she has served Jehovah is not the most important thing, nor is it in our case. What is essential is to always recognize that Jehovah is our Father and to maintain the desire to speak with him. In any situation, no matter what happens, we continue to acknowledge him as our Father. In this way, we also show that we respect the decision we have made to dedicate our lives to him, because he deserves it and because we want to honor him as our Father.
In the image, we also see that the sister is praying with great devotion, deeply focused on her prayer. She is surely praying to Jehovah, using his name, and gratefully acknowledging all the blessings she enjoys. Perhaps, at the end, she will also recognize that what Jehovah has done through the sacrifice of his Son is truly meritorious and that we owe everything to him.
Being baptized in the name of the Father implies knowing Jehovah well, and for that reason we can be baptized with full knowledge. Acknowledging him in the name of the Father is acknowledging that he is the Sovereign and the principal one to whom we direct our petitions, the most important one.
ILLUSTRATION
A newly baptized sister, from the previous image, praying in her home.
After baptism, we should continue to demonstrate that we recognize the Father's position and authority. (See paragraph 12.)
13. What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the Son? (See also the image.)
Being baptized in the name of the Son means recognizing that Jesus is God’s only-begotten Son and “the way,” that is, the only means of having a good relationship with Jehovah. It also means accepting that he is our Redeemer, for he gave his life so that we may live forever.
Furthermore, it involves imitating his example in daily life, preaching with enthusiasm, remaining faithful even in the face of persecution, and respecting his authority as "head of the congregation," obeying the guidance of those he appointed to care for and lead his followers.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It involves recognizing that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and that he is the way and the only means that allows us to have a good relationship with Jehovah.
We also recognize that our Redeemer died so that we may live forever, and this motivates us to follow his example.
It also involves accepting and supporting Jesus as head of the congregation. As we have already seen, baptism links us not only to Jehovah but also to his organization. And since Jesus is the one who leads it, we must show our support by being obedient.
Being baptized in the name of the Son means we recognize that Jesus is the head of the congregation and that he commands us to preach. We also recognize that it is through Jesus' sacrifice that people, including ourselves, can be saved, and that is why we preach. So, if we want to demonstrate that we have truly been baptized in the name of the Son, the best thing we can do is preach.
It also implies that we are willing to endure persecution, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:12. Because we are in union with Christ, we will also be persecuted.
The caption reads “after we are baptized.” This means that preaching and accepting Jesus’ authority to give us this commandment isn’t something we do only to be cleansed and baptized, and then stop doing it. Rather, it’s something we must continue to do to demonstrate our trust in Jesus’ authority for the rest of our lives.
What joy it brings us to see all the gifts Jehovah has given us! As Ephesians 4:8 says, Jesus Christ appoints elders in the congregation to help us. So they are a gift that we certainly want to take into account so that we can continue doing Jehovah’s will.
ILLUSTRATION
A newly baptized brother, from the previous image, preaching from house to house and reading a biblical text to a man.
After baptism, we should continue to demonstrate that we recognize the position and authority of the Son. (See paragraph 13.)
14. (a) What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit? (See also the picture.)
Being baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit means accepting the truth that the Holy Spirit is not a person nor part of a trinity, but rather the active force of God. It also means recognizing that the Holy Spirit guided the prophets and writers of the Bible, which is why we read it regularly and apply its teachings. Furthermore, it means striving to avoid serious sins, as these can prevent us from receiving the Holy Spirit and hinder its free flow in the congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It implies that we know, understand, and accept the truth about the holy spirit, which is neither a person nor part of a trinity, but is the active force of Jehovah.
It also implies that we recognize that Jehovah used holy spirit to guide the prophets and the Bible writers, which is of fundamental importance.
Being baptized in the Holy Spirit has an incredible influence, not only on our lives but also on the smooth functioning of congregations. Ultimately, it is that active force that makes things work.
Being baptized in the name of the holy spirit involves recognizing Jehovah's active power and trusting fully that he will help us, even in the most difficult times, to walk in the straight path.
As you can see in the picture, the sister is quietly reading the Bible. One way we receive the Holy Spirit is by reading the Bible.
14. b) What other baptisms do the anointed receive? (See the box “Baptisms that the anointed receive”).
The anointed, in addition to water baptism, receive other baptisms. They are baptized with the Holy Spirit when they are chosen to serve with Christ in heaven. They are also “baptized into Christ,” in the sense that they become so united to Him that they form part of the body of Christ. Furthermore, they are baptized into Christ’s death, for they faithfully follow His example until the end of their life on Earth and then are resurrected to live in heaven.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The anointed are baptized with the holy spirit when they are chosen to serve with Christ in heaven.
Baptism in Christ has to do with the very close relationship they now have with Jesus Christ and that will prepare them to be kings and priests with him in the future.
Baptism into the death of Christ, because they also recognize that they must be faithful precisely until death itself.
ILLUSTRATION
A newly baptized sister, from the previous image, reading the Bible at home.
After baptism, we should continue to demonstrate that we recognize the role of the Holy Ghost. (See paragraph 14.)
15. What goal should we set for ourselves?
The goal we should set for ourselves is to understand all aspects of the “teachings about baptism” and to keep the promise we made to Jehovah when we dedicated ourselves and were baptized.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Since we have seen that baptism is a fundamental truth for Christians, we must aim to understand all aspects of this teaching and, especially if we have been baptized for many years, recalculate our course and continue fulfilling the promise we made to Jehovah to live for him and not for ourselves.
What would you answer?
What do we demonstrate when we are baptized, and what does baptism symbolize?
When we get baptized, we publicly demonstrate that we accept the truth about Jehovah and Jesus Christ, that we repent of our sins, that we have made the necessary changes in our lives to serve Jehovah, that we understand that Jesus is the means God uses to save us, and that we have promised Jehovah in prayer to do his will together with his organization.
Baptism symbolizes the profound changes we make in our lives. Being immersed in water means we leave behind our old way of life, and being raised up represents the beginning of a new life centered on doing God's will.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We publicly demonstrate that we have accepted the truth about Jehovah and Jesus Christ.
We demonstrate that we have repented of our sins and that we have made the necessary changes in our lives to serve Jehovah, that we have understood that Jesus is the means God uses to save us, and also that we have promised Jehovah in prayer to do his will and not our own.
What questions are asked of baptismal candidates and for what purpose?
The first question is: “Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation?”
The second question is: “Do you understand that by being baptized, you are publicly demonstrating that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and that, from now on, you are part of God’s organization?”
These questions are asked to confirm that the person has made the necessary arrangements for baptism and recognizes that they should accept the guidance of Jehovah's organization and serve him along with his people.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The first question they are asked is whether they have repented of their sins and dedicated themselves to Jehovah, accepting that Jesus Christ is the only means God has provided for them to be saved.
The second question is: Do you understand that by getting baptized you are publicly demonstrating that you are a Jehovah's Witness and that from now on you are part of God's organization?
To make a public declaration that they truly understand what baptism means and what it entails, and that from that moment on they will serve Jehovah forever in his organization.
What does it mean to be baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”?
Being baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” means recognizing the authority, position, and role of each of them.
In the name of the Father, we acknowledge Jehovah as our heavenly Father, the Almighty God, the Creator of all things, who hears our prayers and, through Jesus Christ, gives us salvation.
In the name of the Son, we acknowledge Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, “the way,” and our Redeemer, who gave his life so that we might live forever. This motivates us to follow his example, to preach, to remain faithful, and to respect his authority as leader of the congregation.
In the name of the Holy Spirit, we acknowledge that He is God's active force, who inspired the prophets and writers of the Bible. Therefore, we read and apply the Bible regularly and strive to avoid sin.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This means recognizing Jehovah's authority as our Creator, accepting Jesus as our Savior because he gave his life so that we too might have life, and allowing the holy spirit to influence our lives.
Comments
Post a Comment