“Baptism … is also now saving you.”—1 Peter 3:21
[From ws 03/20 p.8 May 11 – May 17]
“Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
What we do we learn about baptism from this week’s theme scripture.
Jewish ceremonial washings symbolized cleansing from sin but only achieved external cleansings.
Baptism achieves far more than those ceremonial washings; baptism leads to a clean conscience when we exercise faith in the ransom sacrifice. Although the ark in Noah’s day saved 8 lives (verse 20), they did not receive eternal salvation. The resurrection of Christ provides us with eternal salvation.
The purpose of this article is to assist the reader to discern whether or not they are ready for baptism. Let us review the article and see what we can learn from the writer and the scriptures cited.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DEDICATION AND BAPTISM
What is dedication?
According to paragraph 4 when making a dedication you approach Jehovah in prayer and tell him you will use your life to serve him forever. Matthew 16:24 is cited as the supporting scripture for this statement.
Matthew 16:24 reads:
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and keep following me.”
It is important to note that Jesus did not say that those who are baptized should pick up their torture stake and follow him, he said “Anyone”.
There is also no mention of the apostles being baptized anywhere in the scriptures. Although it is possible that Jesus could have baptized them himself if you consider the instruction he gave to them to baptize people of all the nations recorded in Matthew 28:19,20.
In Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus simply invited the brothers Peter and Andrew and two other brothers, James and John who were all fishermen to follow him. It does not mention that he requested that they get baptized first or dedicate themselves.
The Bible does not mention the requirement to dedicate oneself before baptism.
Even if you would search for the word “dedication” in most translations, you would not find the word in relation to baptism.
Dedication and devotion are usually used interchangeably. For instance, in the New International Version 1 Timothy 5:11 reads:
“As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry.”
In the New Living Translation, the scripture reads:
“The younger widows should not be on the list, because their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ and they will want to remarry.”
What is important is dedication or devotion to Christ both before and after we are baptized. The Bible is silent on whether this is a requirement before baptism.
Also consider the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch which we discussed in last week’s review in Acts 8:26-40: https://beroeans.net/2020/05/03/love-and-appreciation-for-jehovah-lead-to-baptism/
Paragraph 5
“How is dedication related to baptism? Your dedication is personal and private; it is between you and Jehovah. Baptism is public; it takes place in front of others, usually at an assembly or a convention. When you get baptized, you show others that you have already dedicated yourself to Jehovah. * So your baptism lets others know that you love Jehovah your God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength and that you are determined to serve him forever.”
The paragraph is correct when it states that dedication is personal and private. However, does baptism have to be public and at an assembly? Is there a requirement to let others know that we love Jehovah through baptism?
In Acts 8: 36 the Eunuch simply exclaims to Phillip: “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” There was no formal event or forum that was required for him to get baptized.
Jesus also provided a much more meaningful measure of how we would see whether someone really worships or loves Jehovah. Luke 6: 43-45
43“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” - the New International Version
A person who truly loves Jehovah and his ways would display the fruitage of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
There is no need to show others we are dedicated to Jehovah except through our conduct. The scripture in 1 Peter 3:21 says that baptism is “the request to God for a good conscience” not a public declaration of our faith.
The Box:
“Two Questions to Be Answered on the Day of Your Baptism
Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his way of salvation through Jesus Christ?
Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with Jehovah’s organization?”
There is no requirement to answer any of these questions. There is no evidence that any of Christ’s followers in the first century were asked these questions let alone evidence of the existence of Jehovah’s witnesses. Exercising faith in Jesus’ ransom is the only real requirement for one to get baptized and even then no human should have the authority to decide whether or not you can get baptized based on the answer you give them.
Paragraphs 6 and 7 provide plausible reasons as to why baptism is necessary, these are supported by the text in 1 Peter 3:21
Paragraph 8 “Your love for Jehovah must be the primary basis for your decision to get baptized”
This is very important. Your love for Jehovah will help you to stick to Jehovah even after your baptism. Much like the love for a marriage mate will make you stick to them after your wedding day.
Paragraphs 10 - 16 speak about the basics truths that one can learn before making a decision to get baptized such as Jehovah’s name, Jesus and the ransom sacrifice as well as the Holy Spirit.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE BAPTISM
Most of the thoughts in paragraph 17 regarding the steps to be taken before baptism involve one’s personal relationship with Jehovah and are for the most part in line with the scriptures. What is not scriptural is the statement: “You qualified to become an unbaptized publisher and began preaching with the congregation.” As we stated in last week’s review, based on the baptism of the Eunuch, there is no formal qualification process for baptism. In fact, the Eunuch only began to preach after getting baptized. This qualifying criterion is simply there to ensure that all witnesses comply with the directive from the Organisation to preach from door to door even before they get baptized.
The questions asked for qualification for being an unbaptized publisher and for getting baptized are designed to give the elders comfort that you have accepted the Organisation’s doctrine on a few key issues that they consider fundamental to being a Jehovah’s Witness.
Paragraph 20 really summarises what the baptism process is about for the Organization; “As a baptized Christian, you are now part of an 'association of brothers.'” Yes, in effect what baptism does for you as one of Jehovah’s witnesses is to earn you a place in the Organisation rather than in a personal relationship with Christ.
Conclusion
The article is designed to make witnesses believe that there is a scriptural process to be followed when one gets baptized. There is also the unscriptural notion that baptism is a public declaration to others of your dedication. These teachings are not supported by the scriptures. Since the scriptures are silent on dedication and process leading to baptism, baptism remains a personal decision and no one should impose their own ideas as to when or how it should be done.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Chet on 2020-05-10 17:10:48
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” I do not see a word about answering a couple of questions dreamed up by Watchtower lawyers.
“Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his way of salvation through Jesus Christ?
Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with Jehovah’s organization?”
If you examine these in any depth at all, the first asks a question that is supported only in Watchtower doctrine, the matter of dedication and the second is a declaration of membership. As best I recall, these questions first were used in roughly 1985, when the Watchtower realized that to enforce their doctrines, they would have to do more than baptize one as a non-denominational Christian.
Having been baptized before they made this change, I am free to define my Christianity as I see fit and am not beholden to the Watchtower in any way. Even before I left off my activity in the Watchtower’s definition of preaching, mainly the Field Service, I had begun using only the Bible in my ministry and felt that the magazines were no longer something I cared to recommend to anyone. I was never a member of anything and am thankful that is the case. Their membership requirements were a change made without my consent or agreement. I would never have agreed to such a thing at any time. My salvation is through Christ, not an manmade organization, with or without their fanciful reasoning of being God’s only channel of communication. Their two questions are an offense.
Baptism is an extension of the cleansing rituals of the ancient Jewish world. Mikveh baths were common in Israel. I don’t claim to know all the ins and outs of it, but the context of Christian baptism would be with a people that practiced ritual cleansing through such mikvehs. But mikveh immersion was not a one time thing. They were used for ritual cleansing, and this was something that was required periodically. Keep in mind, a pool of fresh water would have been pretty special in those days, compared to now, when we can run a fresh bath any time we choose.
Most of what their Watchtower teaches about baptism seems to be cut from whole cloth, of their own weaving. My impression is that this is much more about controlling their membership and not about Christianity.
Comment by leachmar66 on 2020-05-10 20:15:35
Strong ! Strong! Spiritual points I never thought of when I was a Jehovah’s Witness I always believed it had to be this way . Become an unbaptized publisher when the scripture never indicated anything like this!
I will share this too many witnesses I know that have started paying attention too my post on my Facebook page.. I don’t think you truly realize how powerful Hods holy spiritual is operating on this site leading many to freedom in Christ Jesus
Comment by swaffi on 2020-05-11 03:43:47
This whole business of requiring some dedication vow to almighty God before they go baptised and entwining the two was the first big crack in the dam for me. Making some dedication vow to God is nothing to do with baptism. Do you notice that they leave out a pretty solid scripture about baptism. That is Acts 2:38. I brought this up with 2 elders after that same Watchtower study. They couldn't answer why it wasn't in the Watchtower study. I said "funny that". I think I went to one meeting after that
Comment by Frankie on 2020-05-12 17:17:53
Thank you Nobleman for your review of these "baptism" articles. There are several unscriptural requirements that must be met before baptism, including the two questions. And I agree with Chet - all of this is about controlling WT membership.
In NT, there are several examples of situations related to baptism, where we can find three basic things - to believe in Jesus, be baptized in the name of Jesus, to receive the holy Spirit from Jehovah. There is no mention of mandatory questions.
Interestingly, the formulation of Matt 28:19 is not used anywhere in NT on the occasion of baptism (I can't find it). But if one believes in Christ, he automatically believes in God and in his salvation through Christ (John 3:16; 12:44!). And after baptism (or sometimes even before - Acts 10:44), the Christian receives the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17; 19:6), that all Christians be united through the holy Spirit
(1Cor 12:13). Thus, the Father, the Son, and the holy Spirit are present at the baptisms mentioned in NT.
But the Holy Spirit is not mentioned in either of these two WT questions. The holy Spirit is replaced by people there. I think this is on the brink of blasphemy because this question corrects Jesus' command in Matt 28:19. Is the GB more than our Lord is?
Love to all here. FrankieReply by Menrov on 2020-05-14 09:01:25
JMNT translation has this: into the Name which has reference to, belongs to, has its origin and character in, and which represents, the Father and the Son, as well as the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Name from the Father, as well as from the Son, and even which is the Holy Spirit; or: the Name of the Father and of the Son – even of the Holy Spirit; or: the Father's Name, even the Son's, and which pertains to the Sacred Breath; or: the Name belonging to the Father and the Son, and which is the Sacred Attitude; or: the Name of the Father, and then of the Son, and which comes from the se-apart Spirit; or: the Name which represents the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; or: the Name which comes from the Father, belongs to the Son, and corresponds to the Holy result of the Breath), [note: Eusebius gives this as "Go and make disciples of all the nations in my name." – Eusebius: The History of the Church from Christ to Constantine, translated by G. A. Williamson, Barnes & Noble Books, 1995, p 111. Williamson footnotes: "Matt. 28:19, in a simpler, perhaps a more primitive form." comment: this may have been a paraphrase; it may come from a lost MS tradition; it may represent an interpretation of this verse in the early AD 300's; cf Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5] 20
Reply by Frankie on 2020-05-14 14:44:26
Yes J.A., you're right, that might be controversial. I noticed this, but I wrote my commentary with respect to wording of the vast majority of Bible translations. But if it were different, then my GB error note wouldn't be appropriate as to the first question. But the second question is still very, very manipulative and has little to do with Christian baptism.
Frankie
Comment by Zacheus on 2020-05-12 20:51:50
I recall seeing many years ago at a jw convention a little girl baptized. She was about 9. This caused no little "Huh!" among those watching.
Comment by truthrooster on 2020-05-13 07:32:10
Not all translations include baptism in this verse ( 2001 Septuagint http://www.2001translation.com/MATTHEW.htm)
Mathew 28 : 19 So now, go make disciples in all the nations in my name, 20 and teach them to obey all the things that I’ve commanded.
Look… I will be with you every day until the end of the age!’
If baptism is so key to salvation, JW should offer immediate baptism every day otherwise, wouldn’t they be blood guilty?
“ what prevents me from being baptized? “ - you must first pass the test of answering these riddles to the pleasing of a plumber and two cleaners, then wait for the next large assembly.
Now that assemblies are cancelled, so are public baptisms.Reply by Chet on 2020-05-13 21:26:40
I wondered about that last point when I was ready to be baptized. They talked like Armageddon could happen tomorrow, but they were in no hurry about the baptism itself. If someone wants to be baptized, all it requires is some water.
I agree too, about answering the questions of a plumber and two cleaners. I never understood how menial labor and an elder appointment made someone a jurist.Reply by truthrooster on 2020-05-13 23:31:49
It reminds me of children's’ stories when you have to solve a riddle or go on a quest before you can cross the bridge. Elder trolls.
Comment by safeguardyourheart on 2020-05-13 09:33:32
Watchtower January 2020 first study article paragraph 19........
You might begin by asking him, ‘What do you think will be your biggest challenge in becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?’ The student might answer, ‘I DO NOT MIND STUDYING THE BIBLE, BUT I WILL NEVER BECOME ONE OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES!’ If that is his attitude after he has studied for some time, is there any point in continuing the study? ......
In essence one can never GET baptized in the ORGANIZATION without first SWEARING ALLEGIANCE to the ORGANIZATION a direct opposition to Matthew 28:19,20, words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 1: 15-17 and the VERY OWNED publication of the ORGANIZATION bible teach book on page 183 regular version.
The second baptismal question can be seen as AUDIO/VOCAL LEGAL SIGNATURE with serious IMPLICATIONS for those who FALL for it. Whenever I read the second question and the fact that it is stated clearly in THEIR "article of ASSOCIATION" that they have BYE LAWS in which members are SUBJECTED to. Then I know the YES to the second question is as GOOD as YES to all the BYE LAWS the ORGANIZATION can think of including the PUNISHMENT that comes along with DISOBEYING those BYE LAWS.
Christ didn't set up the CONGREGATION he died for to be CONTROLLED and MANIPULATED using BYE LAWS, all the things he COMMANDED in Matthew 28:19,20 are not BYE LAWS.
Organizations when set UP needs BYE LAWS in its SUBORDINATION of its MEMBERS in the LONG RUN in order to SURVIVE perhaps they SAW imminent collapse as a result of the PURGE in the late 79, early 80 the reason for the new BAPTISMAL questions.Reply by Chet on 2020-05-13 14:35:37
When they adopted these questions, they took a step away from Christianity. The Awake used to claim to be non-denominational. The Witnesses of the ‘60s and ‘70s (and before) considered themselves an alternative to denominational religion. As I’ve said before, my baptism was non denominational, performed at a circuit assembly of JWs, but by their own words, I was non-denominational.
That was important to me, because even at that tender age, I understood the significance of joining an organization, as opposed to working in cooperation with an organization which shared goals and beliefs similar to my own. I don’t believe that i would have participated in a baptism which associated me with any organization. Even back then, I had reservations regarding some of what came out of the Society, and I never would have signed on to being bound by their interpretations.
When Jesus started his ministry, the Jewish system was in place, but had been corrupted by rule making and an effort to “build a fence around the Law”. It was a system of organized worship, based upon a priesthood established by Jehovah.
Jesus did not extend or build upon that system, but taught something which was more of a grass roots movement and very loosely organized. The only centralized power was that vested into Christ by the Father. As the Witness Organization has moved towards evermore complex and co trolling structure, they have moved away from the way early Christianity operated. The fact that they have had to adopt unscriptural policies to maintain their assumed authority only serves to prove the point.
Comment by Menrov on 2020-05-14 09:07:37
Baptism in JW land is not about being scriptural correct. It is about making the organization as very special. Compare with a 3 or 4 step application process you have to go through in order to get that one job in a company. Wow....must be a very special job. Same here, they have made the WT superior to all other religions / organizations and it is a privilege if you can join.
Comment by Lipi Tong on 2020-05-16 12:58:19
The theme verse seems to be an example in eisegesis:
“Baptism … is also now saving you.”—1 Peter 3:21
While the original verse:
Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
There is also "paragraph hocus-pocus" in NWT for 1 Peter 3:20-22
LT
Comment by “Run the Race to the Finish” - Beroean Pickets - JW.org Reviewer on 2020-06-30 15:05:09
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