WHY BE BAPTIZED? - Accurate Knowledge Essential

Accurate Knowledge Essential

Christian baptism is not for everyone.  Jesus ordered his followers:  "Go . . .and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you."  (Matthew 28:19, 20)  Before being baptized, people must be 'taught to observe all the things Jesus commanded his disciples.'    Hence, forced baptisms of those lacking faith based on accurate knowledge of God's Word are valueless and contrary to the commission Jesus gave his true followers. -Hebrews 11:6.

What does it mean to be baptized  "in the name of the Father"?  It means that the baptismal candidate recognizes our heavenly Father's office and authority.  Jehovah God is thus acknowledged as our Creator, "the Most High over all the earth," and the Universal Sovereign. -Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 40:28; Acts 4:24.

To be baptized 'in the name of the Son' means to recognize Jesus' office and authority as God's only-begotten Son.  (1 John 4:9)  Those qualified for baptism accept Jesus as the one through whom God has provided "a ransom in exchange for many."  (Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6)  Baptismal candidates must also acknowledge the "superior position" to which God has exalted his Son. - Philippians 2:8-11; Revelation  19:16.

What is the significance of baptism 'in the name of the holy spirit?  This indicates that the baptismal candidates recognize that the holy spirit is Jehovah's active force, used in various ways in harmony with his purpose.  (Genesis 1:2; 2 Samuel 23:1, 2; 2 Peter 1:21)  Those qualifying for baptism  acknowledge that the holy spirit helps them to understand "the deep things of God," to carry on the Kingdom-preaching work, and to display the spirit's fruitage of "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control." -1 Corinthians 2:10; Galatians 5:22, 23; Joel 2:28, 29.

Next time: WHY BE BAPTIZED? - Importance of Repentance and Conversion

The Watchtower, 2002