Before Being Baptized . . .

by AuldSoul 16 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  AuldSoul

  

  I would love to see anyone attempt to Scripturally prove this chart wrong.
  
  If you cannot do so, then you must concede that the requirements for baptism imposed by Jehovah's Witnesses go FAR beyond the requirements for first century Christian baptism.
  
  Quote:

  1 Corinthians 4:6 — Now, brothers, these things I have transferred so as to apply to myself and Apollos for your good, that in our case you may learn the [rule]: “Do not go beyond the things that are written.” Galatians 1:8-9 — However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond what we declared to you as good news, let him be accursed. As we have said above, I also now say again, Whoever it is that is declaring to you as good news something beyond what you accepted, let him be accursed.

  Jehovah's Witnesses call quite a lot of doctrine "good news" that goes far beyond what the Galatians accepted. The Apostle Paul said that neither he nor an angel out of heaven had the authority to add to the good news, but the Governing Body often presumes that authority.
  
  Paul said anyone doing so should be "accursed" or 'anatema' in the Greek. Anathema, in English. Disfellowshipped in JW speak.
  
  That is how Paul judged the Governing Body, as 'anatema' for teaching something beyond what was written, beyond what the Galatians accepted.
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  purplesofa
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  shamus100

  Simple, plain as day.

  But jw's believe that jehoblah is directing them with his speerit - therefore, they can pick and choose which bible verses are applicable.
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  restrangled

  Auldsoul, please add to your list the 80 questions or what ever the number required before you can be approved for babtism.

  By the way...great post!

  r.
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  yknot

  LOL there are over 100 now !

  In all seriousness.....There are 3 Sections consisting in 104 questions, and then 2 more questions just prior to actually baptism.

  I will post the questions by section.... a bit later.
• 

  yknot

  QUESTIONS FOR THOSE
  DESIRING TO BE BAPTIZED
  ?
  PART I
  ELEMENTARY BIBLE TEACHINGS

  (Pages 182-194)
  35 Questions

  1. Who is the true God?
  2. What are some of Jehovah’s outstanding qualities?
  3. What terms does the Bible use to help us understand some aspects of Jehovah’s authority?
  4. What does it mean to give Jehovah exclusive devotion? Why does he alone deserve such devotion?
  5. How should we view and treat God’s personal name?
  6. Why is it important for us to use God’s personal name in worship?
  7. How will Jehovah God sanctify his name? How can we have a share in this?
  8. Why would it be wrong for us to make an image of God or to attempt to worship him through the use of images?
  9. What does it mean for a person to dedicate himself to Jehovah? Have you made your personal dedication to Jehovah in prayer?
  10. Who is Jesus Christ?
  11. What is Jesus’ position in relation to Jehovah God, and what authority has Jehovah given him?
  12. Why did Jesus come to earth and die a sacrificial death?
  13. Why do we need the ransom, and how does it affect you personally?
  14. What is the holy spirit, and what has been accomplished by means of it?
  15. How does holy spirit operate for our benefit today?
  16. What is the Kingdom of God?
  17. What blessings will Kingdom rule bring for the earth and for mankind?
  18. What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom?
  19. How do we know that we have entered into the time of the end and that God’s Kingdom is ruling?
  20. Who is Satan the Devil? Where did he and his demons come from?
  21. What challenge did Satan make against Jehovah and His rulership in the garden of Eden? What false accusation did Satan make against faithful Job?
  22. How can we personally show our support for Jehovah and his rulership and prove that Satan’s accusations against God’s servants are false?
  23. What will become of Satan and his demons, according to Jehovah’s judgment against them?
  24. What are some of the spiritistic practices that Christians shun?
  25. What is the human soul? Can the soul die?
  26. What is sin? How did we all become sinners?
  27. What should you do if you commit a serious sin?
  28. What should be our attitude toward sin?
  29. What is death?
  30. Why do people die?
  31. What hope is there for one who dies?
  32. How many from among mankind will be raised to heavenly life with Jesus Christ?
  33. What will those who are resurrected to heaven do there?
  34. What is the hope for mankind in general?
  35. Why should we hold firmly to our hope in the resurrection of the dead?
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  yknot

  PART II
  JEHOVAH’S RIGHTEOUS REQUIREMENTS
  (Pages 194-206)
  37 Questions

  1. What is the Christian standard for marriage?
  2. What is the only Scriptural basis for divorce that frees one to remarry?
  3. What does the Bible say about married people separating from each other?
  4. Why should those living: together as husband and wife be properly married?
  5. If you are married, are you sure that your marriage has been properly registered with the civil authorities?
  6. Why should we show respect for the gift of life?
  7. How does Jehovah view (a) the unlawful shedding of human blood? (b) abortion? (c) suicide?
  8. What responsibility rests upon a person who is infected with a communicable disease that is potentially fatal? 9. To avoid transmitting an infectious or a potentially fatal disease to others, why should an infected person (a) not initiate public displays of affection, such as hugging and kissing? (b) attend the Congregation Book Study at the Kingdom Hall if at all possible? (c) not react negatively when some choose not to invite him into their homes? (d) Why should a person who may have been exposed to an infectious disease voluntarily choose to have a blood test before beginning a courtship? (e) Why should one having a communicable disease inform the presiding overseer before getting baptized?
  10. Why should Christians abstain from blood, and what does it mean to do so?
  11. Are Christians under the Mosaic Law and its requirements regarding sacrifices and the Sabbath?
  12. What Christian quality should outstandingly characterize our relationship with our spiritual brothers and sisters?
  13. How should Christians view the shortcomings of fellow believers?
  14. If your brother’s sin against you is of a serious nature, what should you do?
  15. What is the fruitage of the spirit, and how will cultivating it help us to maintain a fine relationship with others?
  16. Why must lying be avoided?
  17. What is the Christian view of stealing?
  18. Does the Bible prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages in moderation?
  19. What is the Christian view of overdrinking and drunkenness?
  20. Why should Christians abstain from all non-medical use of addictive or mind-altering natural or synthetic substances?
  21. What does the Bible say about fornication, which includes adultery, sexual relations with another person of the same sex, and other ungodly sexual conduct?
  22. By adhering to what Bible counsel will you be able to resist temptations and pressures that could induce you to engage in sexual immorality?
  23. Why must a Christian avoid becoming involved in any form of gambling?
  24. If a person commits a serious sin out of weakness but wants help to be restored to Jehovah’s favor, what action should he take immediately?
  25. In addition to confessing his own sins, each Christian has what responsibility regarding serious wrongdoing by others that could threaten the spiritual or moral cleanness of the congregation?
  26. What is the proper viewpoint to have if one is Scripturally reproved?
  27. What action does the congregation take when a person in its midst proves to be an unrepentant violator of God’s commandments?
  28. What is idolatry? What are some forms of idolatry that Christians must guard against today?
  29. What is the Christian’s position as to the world alienated from God?
  30. What was Jesus’ attitude toward participation in the political affairs of the world?
  31. When a person separates himself from the world and becomes a Christian, what treatment should he expect from those in the world?
  32. How does being: separate from the world affect a Christian in his choice of secular employment?
  33. What Bible principles should a Christian apply regarding his choice of entertainment and recreation?
  34. Would it be proper for true Christians to share in worship with other religious groups?
  35. What is the only religious ceremony that Christians are commanded to observe?
  36. How can you determine whether you should observe or participate in celebrations that are popular in your community?
  37. What birthday celebrations are mentioned in the Bible? How does this affect your view of birthday celebrations?
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  yknot

  PART III
  JEHOVAH’S ARRANGEMENT OF THINGS
  (Pages 206-215)
  32 Questions

  1. In God’s arrangement of things, who is the head of the married woman?
  2. How should a husband exercise headship over his wife?
  3. Is the wife whose husband is not a believer freed from his headship?
  4. Who is primarily responsible before God for the training and disciplining of children?
  5. What responsibility do children have in the family arrangement?
  6. What is the proper attitude for Christians to maintain toward worldly rulers?
  7. Must a Christian pay all taxes and assessments demanded by law?
  8. Are there any circumstances under which a Christian would refuse to obey worldly rulers? 9. Should Christians comply with legal requirements that do not conflict with God’s laws, such as registering marriages and births, responding to census inquiries, or obtaining required licenses and permits?
  10. What is the headship arrangement in the Christian congregation?
  11. Who is the Head of the Christian congregation?
  12. How can you identify "the faithful and discreet slave" today?
  13. What is the Governing Body of the Christian congregation?
  14. By what visible means is Christ’s headship represented in the congregation?
  15. How do members of the congregation demonstrate submission to the headship of Christ in the congregation?
  16. Whose ideas are recorded in the Bible? Why should you regularly study God’s Word?
  17. Why is it beneficial to attend the meetings arranged by the congregation? What efforts do you make to do so?
  18. Why should you participate in congregation meetings as your circumstances allow?
  19. Why must approved works accompany our Christian faith?
  20. What urgent work does the Bible set out for all Christians?
  21. Are you sharing the good news of the Kingdom with others? In what ways?
  22. Why should you take seriously your responsibility to share the good news with others?
  23. How can we give material support to the Kingdom work today?
  24. How can we demonstrate our love for brothers and sisters who come to be in need of material assistance?
  25. What should be our attitude toward giving of ourselves and of our material possessions in Jehovah’s service?
  26. What attitude should we have when we are persecuted or undergoing trial?
  27. To whom and in whose name should we pray?
  28. How should we pray so as to be heard by Jehovah?
  29. What are some of the things you can pray about?
  30. What effect might our conduct have on our prayers?
  31. Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses baptize in water those who embrace the Christian faith?
  32. Why is it appropriate for dedicated and baptized Christians to be called Jehovah’s Witnesses?
• 

  yknot

  CONCLUDING DISCUSSION WITH
  BAPTISM CANDIDATES
  (Pages 215-216)
  2 Questions
  Instruction for Baptismal Candidates

  Baptisms are usually performed at assemblies and conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At the conclusion of the baptism talk, the speaker will ask the baptism candidates to stand and answer the following two questions in a loud, clear voice:

  1. On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?

  2. Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?

  Affirmative answers to these questions constitute a "public declaration" of the baptism candidates’ faith in the ransom and of the fact that they have unreservedly dedicated themselves to Jehovah. (Rom. 10:9,10) Baptism candidates will therefore want to give prayerful advance thought to these questions so that they can answer in harmony with their personal convictions.

  . What is appropriate attire for baptism? (John 15:19; Phil. 1:10; 1 Tim. 2:9)

  Those being baptized will want to wear modest clothing, keeping in mind the importance of the occasion. Thus, a swimsuit that is immodest would be unbecoming attire for a Christian and should be avoided. Likewise, it would be inappropriate for one to be unkempt or slovenly in appearance. Further, it would be fitting to avoid wearing garments with worldly sayings or commercial slogans. In this way, the dignity of the occasion will be maintained, and we will continue to stand out as different from the world.

  . How should a person conduct himself when getting baptized? (Luke 3:21, 22)

  Jesus’ baptism set the example for Christian baptisms today. He appreciated that baptism is a serious step, and this was reflected in his attitude and actions. Hence, the baptism site would not be the place for jesting, swimming, or other conduct that would detract from the seriousness of the occasion. Neither would a new Christian carry on as though he had won a great victory. While baptism is a joyful occasion, that joy should be expressed in a dignified manner.

  . Even after you are baptized, why will it be vital for you to maintain a good schedule of personal study and to share regularly in the ministry?

  . How will staying in close association with the congregation help you to carry out your dedication to Jehovah?

  . Are you now thoroughly convinced that you should be baptized at the first opportunity?

  http://www.4shared.com/file/62479717/d683f930/2005_ODBook.html
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  carla