JW Baptism

The Baptism of Jehovah's Witnesses compared with the Baptism of the Christians in the Bible

Jesus Christ commanded:

"Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things which I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20)

Jehovah's Witnesses baptize people in the Name of Jehovah God, and in the Name of "Jesus Christ" [Michael the Archangel], and in the Name of the "spirit-directed" Watchtower Organization.

The Bible says that people were baptized immediately after they believed in Jesus Christ:

The Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and join yourself to this chariot." Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the Prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" He said, "How can I, unless someone explains it to me?" He begged Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the Passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, So He doesn't open His mouth. In His humiliation, His judgment was taken away. Who will declare His generation? For His Life is taken from the Earth." The eunuch answered Philip, "Who is the Prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?" Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him Jesus. As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?" He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (Acts 8:29-38)

....[the jailer] said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." They spoke the Word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house. He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. (Acts 16:30-33)

The Watchtower Society has Jehovah's Witnesses wait to be baptized until they can answer lots of questions about Watchtower Doctrine to make sure they are "qualified baptism candidates".

The only questions in the Bible were "Do you believe in Jesus" and "Have you repented of your sins".

Here is an oxymoron:

The Jehovah's Witnesses correctly teach that baptism does not save people -- it is the Blood of Jesus' Sacrifice that saves you.

Then, the JW's also say in some of their Publications that you must be a baptized JW in good standing to surivive Armageddon.

 

Good post.

 

A great post and a good topic indeed. Why does the WT feel the need to change the baptism vows in the 80's? It is another case of the FDS wanting to increase the gap between the anointed and the other sheep.

In nearly EVERY article written for serious study, the society discusses the advice/counsel/encouragement given to "anointed christians" and then discusses the faithful ones who are united with them; the intent is obvious: we are real scriptural israelites, and you are not.

Thus the baptism: we are baptized in name of father son and holy spirit, but you get the spirit directed organization.

How many JW's are not really baptized as christians?!

Good points-Un!

I was just reflecting seriously on both of these issues this week. I was reading the Bible,and was surprised to read that Jesus was considered to be above the angels in power. The scriptures I was reading seemed to indicate that Jesus was NOT an angel at any point (the version I was reading said "God never said to any angel,"You are my Son, and today I have given you the honor that goes with the name."-Hebrews 1:5&6, The Living Bible. I checked other versions, and they seemed to be in agreement with this). Interesting. I don't ever remember discussing these verses at the meetings:)

The baptism issue is what turned off most of  my family members to the organisation. There was always some "reason" that my family members didn't qualify for baptism, even though their actions qualified them in every way. They came to believe it was simply that the presiding overseer didn't like something about them personally, so withheld their right to be full-fledged members of the congregation.There was never any concrete reason given by the elders for not baptising them, so I am inclined to believe them.

When I read the passages on baptism, I couldn't see the need for all of the rules and regs either, just in the belief that Jesus was the way to salvation.

When I was on my way out, I read an article about marrying outside of the "truth" in the WT. It stated that doing so would cause pain to the believer at Armageddon when Jehovah destroyed their unbelieving mate. I think it said unbaptised mate, but I won't state that for sure,as I got mad and tossed that WT and all the others,lol. I found that to be such a preposterous statement, knowing the situation of some of my own family members. How dare an organisation of men blandly state that all unbaptised people would be destroyed, when they were taking it upon THEMSELVES to deem who was worthy of baptism and who wasn't!!

What about the "evil-doer" on the stake next to Jesus.   He wasn't baptised, as far as we know, but it was his faith in Jesus, and not baptism, that saved him.

KT

I kinda understand what u are saying cicatrix. But what I have come to realize is that the organization is filled with imperfect people. U should not let such thing's keep u from attaining the free gift of salvation. If u would take note of the fact that Jesus was born in Israel amongst very religious people who not only worshipped the true God, But also had his commandments and religious set up. Jesus had debated with the so called priest and scribes of Israel regarding his status during his whole ministry. Jesus even stated that Jerusalem was the killer of all the prophets even tho they were God's chosen people. Also take note of the fact that the first century christians had received some bad complaints from Jesus in the warnings to the seven congregations in the first century. Paul had to wirte many letters and speak to many in the congregation in regards to there spirituality and well being. If Israel and the first century christians acted this way, then we should expect this type of behavior in the last days of the wicked system. I feel that a lot of going's on in the JW could possibly be shady, But I feel that if I have a personal relationship with Jehovah and strive my hardest to do his will according to the way Jesus did thing's then I can wait until he comes and clean house inside and out. The bible states that if one evil man turns from his way toward a righteous path all the heavenly angels rejoice over that one repentant sinner than for a hundred dedicated righteous ones.

 Cicatrix- That's the way I see it . I mean they already declared the society as a mediator which is wrong but now they want to play messiah .

 KAYTEE- I think Jesus had the authority to forgive sins and prior to his death and resurection the baptism of John was just a symbol of repentance by the nation of Isreal and did not have the bennefits of being baptized in the name of Jesus so that all those baptized by John had to be redunked after Jesus was resurected so they could recieve the holy spirit. The criminal on the stake recieved a pardon personlly from Jesus .

Hello and Welcome to the Board UnBaptized!

I'm also Un-Baptized (never was Baptized as a JW).

You said:

Everyone on Earth is imperfect. There is a difference between imperfect and evil.

The Watchtower Organization is filled with imperfect Leaders who require you to obey whatever they command, or else be shunned by your family and friends.

You said:

I wholeheartedly agree with you on that statement.

Notice what you stated, which is absolutely true -- Salvation is a Free Gift. The JW's teach that you must put in enough hours out in service to earn your Free Gift. How is Salvation "Free" if you have to earn it?

You said:

What happens to un-repentant evil-doers such as those you mentioned?

You said:

Couldn't the Catholics say the same thing?

Not according to the JW's. The JW's always point out this Scripture:

Revelation 18:4: I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, "Get out of her, My people, that you have do not share in her sins, and that you don't receive of her plagues"

I agree that having a personal relationship with Jehovah and Jesus is most important of all. Then why do the JW's say that Jehovah will destroy you if you do not have a close relationship and good standing with the "Faithful and Discreet Slave" -- Can you show me where this is stated in the New Testament, please?

You said:

I truly wish that the JW Leaders would act like those angels.

Edited by - UnDisfellowshipped on 13 January 2003 3:7:3

unbaptized, welcome to the forum!

Listen to your heart. Feel the hairs going up on the back of your neck. Hear those little voices in the back of your mind.

God, and good sense, give you these warning systems to protect you.

Craig

One of the first things I did, after Disassociating myself, was approach a local Minister to baptise me properly.  The guy had never seen me before, and didn't require that I be a member of his congregation.  I was asked a few questions, to discern if I was a Christian, but after that I got wet.

The WTS baptism is a mockery of what it should be, as are so many things (e.g. the "Memorial"Tm).

 

I wanted to thank you all for giving me the nice welcome. I really appreciate it!!!!

Anyway I'm on a course of being baptized and serving in the organization.  As far as I know the bible does state that if a person who knows what is good and fell to do so it is considered to him a sin and could possibly be deemed the sin against the holy spirit. So I agree with their procedure in making sure that individual has made his personal dedication to Jehovah before getting baptized, instead of  getting baptized and bringing reproach upon God's good name. I think that's a problem with a lot of other faiths. If I went to back to my previous faith I would probably be getting baptized this week. They wouldn't know anything about me or if I really am sincere in taking that step. As far as going out in the ministry, I would do it with the utmost joy. I really don't care about the hours aspect. The bible say's that if one wicked person change his course and start doing what is righteous all the heavens rejoice over that one wicked perosn changing. If I could help one person during my whole ministry that would be a blessing to me. I don't really care about how many hours a person has. Some may brag on their hours, but not me. All I want to do is serve with a complete heart. We must also note that the separation of the sheep and the goats is also happening in the oragnization. I will let Jehovah and his son Jesus handle that part.

When I was baptized they still baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  What year did they change it?

This is just more proof of what a diabolical religion they are.  That and their black masses.

Robyn

 

TO UNDERSTAND PROPERLY WHY THE QUESTIONS WERE CHANGED IN 1985 PLEASE READ THIS LINK...VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THIS...

http://www.geocities.com/osarsif/legal.htm

UnBaptized said:

Actually, I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think the Jehovah's Witnesses changed the "Sheep and Goats" Teaching in 1995.

I don't even know what that Teaching is anymore.

This is happening in the world and the organization. People are being separated and could possibly not know it. Or they know it but they are putting up a front. You see we can fool other people and we can sometimes fool ourselves, But we cannot fool Jehovah who can read the heart. I'm still convince that the organization has the truth, But I never belived that everyone in the organization was truthful. A persons aim should be to serve Jehovah with a complete heart.

Hi again UnBaptized,

First of all, I just want to thank you for your comments.

I'm going to reply to your comments, and I'm going to ask you a few sincere questions.

I honestly want to know the answers to the questions I'm going to ask below. They definitely are not "trick-questions".

You said:

Yes, here's the Scripture:

James 4:17: To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin.

However, I believe that if someone commits the sin against the Spirit, they will no longer be repentant and they will no longer have a desire to worship God.

So, as long as a person is repentant and wants to worship God, they have not committed the sin against the Spirit.

You said:

I am curious, what was your previous faith?

I have absolutely no problem with making sure someone believes in God the Father and Jesus Christ, and that they have repented of their sins before they are Baptized, however, can you show me a Scripture that gives support to the big list of questions that Jehovah's Witnesses must answer in order to be "qualified" to be Baptized?

Can you show me a Scripture that gives support to making Baptism Candidates wait until the next Jehovah's Witnesses Convention to get Baptized?

As far as I have seen, in the Bible, the only questions that were asked to people who were about to be Baptized was "Do you believe in Jesus Christ and His Sacrifice?" and "Have you Repented of your sins?".

Also, probably the most important issue is the fact that starting in the middle 1980's, the Jehovah's Witnesses stopped Baptizing people "in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit", and they started Baptizing people "in the name of the Father, and the name of the Son, and the name of spirit-directed Watchtower Organization".

Please explain the Biblical support for this change. The Apostle Paul wrote in the Bible that people should never Baptize "in the name of Paul". So if you aren't supposed to Baptize in the name of the Apostles, why is it okay to Baptize in the name of the Watchtower Organization?

Also, since Baptism is a symbol of dedicating your life -- it means you are dedicating your life to serving the Father, the Son, and the Watchtower Organization, no matter what the Watchtower Organization tells you to do.

And, if you disobey the Watchtower Organization on any of their Doctrines or Policies, you will be Disfellowshipped and Shunned.

That is very, very commendable.

You sound like a truly loving, caring, person who wants to serve God and Jesus and help others.

I have a question, where is the Biblical support for even keeping a record of how many hours you spend preaching?

A while back, a Circuit Overseer (CO) visited my Congregation, and on his Book Study Talk, he asked all the Children in the Congregation how many hours in service they had put in for the month. (there were about 10+ Children who were aged around 8-12 years old)

The different Children had different answers, ranging from 8 to 12 hours each.

Then, this Circuit Overseer started asking the Children why they didn't put in more hours each month.

The Circuit Overseer only cared about hours.

That really disgusted me, because the Overseer was picking on and harping at CHILDREN for not putting in more hours.

I have known several Elders whose main concern was having the Congregation Members put in more hours.

I am very happy that you are not concerned by how many hours you put in.

You said:

I agree with that statement.

You said:

I have a question for you, if you don't mind.

Would you mind posting what the Most-Important Beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses are?

In other words, what are the main reasons why you believe that the Organization has the Truth?

You said:

I agree 100%.

I have one more question for you, UnBaptized (I hope you don't mind me asking all these questions, but I sincerely do want to know the answers):

I completely believe in Jehovah God and Jesus Christ.

I love Jehovah God and Jesus Christ with all my heart, mind, and soul.

I try my best to love all people, and I don't hate anyone.

I pray to God everyday.

I do my very best to read the Bible everyday.

I do my best to follow the Commandments in the Bible.

I tell other people about our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

But, I do not believe in "the Faithful and Discreet Slave" (the Governing Body), and I do not follow their Rules and Regulations.

Am I an Apostate who is going to be destroyed at Armageddon by Jehovah?

According to several Watchtower Publications, I am an Apostate who is going to be destroyed.

UnDisfellowshipped, I'm going to try and answer each question one at a time.

You said that (Also, probably the most important issue is the fact that starting in the middle 1980's, the Jehovah's Witnesses stopped Baptizing people "in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit", and they started Baptizing people "in the name of the Father, and the name of the Son, and the name of spirit-directed Watchtower Organization".)

I can't deny nor confirm that this is being done in the organization. But what they said makes since. They acknowledged the name of God first, this means that they recognize that Jehovah and the Holy spirit are one and the same. They acknowledged the name of the Christ, then they acknowledged the Organization. I don't see where they broke any laws. We all know that God and the Holy spirit are one and the same right! So separating them could cause people to believe that we support the trinitarian belief that God, Son and the Holy spirirt are one and the same.

UnBaptized, you said:

Don't you find it odd that our King, Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ, when He gave the Commandment to Baptize people, He separated the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and yet, you say that the Watchtower Society is doing a good thing by not following Jesus Christ's Commandment because it looks like you support the Trinity.

I think you just showed that Jesus Christ supported the Trinity.

Hi unbaptized! Glad to see you're so open to discussing these issues.

Jehovah's Witnesses have absolutely never ever believed that. If that's what you believe, then you are certainly heading into the wrong religion.

As far as your dedication and baptism, I would ask: Can you show me even one place in the Bible where Christians are asked to promise their allegience to an organization?

Craig

onacruse I think you should ask a witness if they believe that God and the Holy Spirit are one and the same.