Christian Baptism.
In 1955 Jehovah's Witnesses were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and holy spirit. That's what Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 28:18,19. They could NOT be baptized into the name of any organization.
'A Christian, therefore, cannot be baptized in the name of the one actually doing the immersing or in the name of any man, nor in the name of any organization, but in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy spirit. This shows, among other things, that Christianity is not a denominational affair, that sects have nothing to do with it.' WT July 1, 1955, Article: 'Christian Baptism for the New World Society', pg 411, par 15
Baptism Means Having A Personal Relationship With God.
'We do not dedicate ourselves to a religion, nor to a man, nor to an organization. No, we dedicate ourselves to the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe, our Creator, Jehovah God himself. This makes dedication a very personal relationship between us and Jehovah.' WT Oct 1, 1966, Article: 'Serving with Everlasting Life in View' par 15
Baptismal Vows Of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Baptismal Vows 1956.
'(1) Have you recognized yourself before Jehovah God as a sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?'
WT July 1, 1956, Article: 'Why One Must Be Baptized', par 20,21; WT Aug 1, 1958, Article: 'Baptism', par 22
Baptismal Vows 1970.
'(1) Have you recognized yourself as a sinner and needing salvation from Jehovah God? And have you acknowledged that this salvation proceeds from him and through his ransomer, Christ Jesus?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for redemption have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to Jehovah God, to do his will henceforth as that will is revealed to you through Christ Jesus and through God’s Word as his holy spirit makes it plain?'
WT May 15, 1970, Article: 'Your Conscience Toward Jehovah' par 20
Baptismal Vows 1973.
'(1) Have you repented of your sins and turned around, recognizing yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?'
WT May 1, 1973, Article: 'Baptizing Follows Discipling', par 25
Baptismal Vows 1985.
Prior to 1985 Jehovah's Witnesses could not be baptized in the name of a religion or organization.
However in 1985, dedication required becoming a Jehovah's Witness in association with the organization.
Vow #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?
Vow #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?
Baptism as a Jehovah's Witness indicates one has 'opted for submission to the true God, Jehovah, in place of submission to Satan.' WT, June 1, 1985, Article: 'Subjecting Ourselves to Jehovah by Dedication'
Questions About Baptism.
If the organization is 'spirit-directed' by Jehovah, why does it disagree with what Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20?
If I get baptized into the Jehovah's Witness faith by saying 'yes' to their baptismal vows, I will be rejecting the instructions of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20. Am I willing to do this?
Am I willing to rebel against the authority of Jesus in Matthew 28:18,19? Jesus said that all authority was given unto him in Matthew 28:18-20.
The organization knows what the Bible says. In 1955 and 1966, they told us the truth. They said that Christians do not dedicate their lives to any organization or religion. Why did they leave the truth and run ahead of Jesus? 2 John 1:9
All Christians have a direct personal relationship with God symbolized by baptism. Christians can attend any church. They are free. Why? Because they do not dedicate their lives to any organization or religion. They dedicate their lives only to God.
That's the difference between Christian baptism and baptism as a Jehovah's Witness. Christians answer directly to God. Christians are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No organization or religious affilliation is required for salvation.
What Will I Do?
Will I follow Jesus and be baptized as a Christian? Or will I follow an organization and be baptized as a Jehovah's Witness? We cannot serve two masters. The Bible says that Jesus is the path to eternal life. John 3:36; 1 John 5:11; Jude 1:21
|
