Today, ordination for the Christian ministry is similar . One who is "rightly disposed for everlasting life" is helped to learn about God and his purposes by means of a Bible study. (Acts 13:48) The individual learns to apply Bible principles in his life and to pray meaningfully to God. (Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 21-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18) He associates with other believers and takes advantage of provisions and arrangements made by "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47; Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10"23-25) Thus he makes progress in a structural process of education.
Eventually, the Bible student, having developed a love of Jehovah God and a strong faith in the ransom sacrifice, wishes to dedicate himself completely to his heavenly Father. (John 1q4:1) He makes that dedication in personal prayer and then gets baptized as public symbol of that private act. His baptism is his ordination because that is when he is recognized as a fully dedicated servant, a di-a'ko-nos, of God. He must remain separate from the world. (John 17:16; James 4:4) He has presented his whole self "a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God" without reserve or condition. (Romans 12:1) he is God's minister, imitating Christ.
Next time: What Is the Christian Ministry?
The Watchtower, 2000
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