WHY BE BAPTIZED? -Conclusion of Is Something Holding You Back?

Conclusion of Is Something Holding You Back?

Others say that they love Jehovah but do not make a dedication and get baptized because they think that they will thus avoid accountability.  But each of us must render an account to God.  Responsibility came upon us when we heard the word of Jehovah.  (Ezekiel 33:7-9; Romans 14:12)  As a 'chosen people,' the ancient Israelites were born into a nation dedicated to Jehovah, and they therefore had an obligation to serve him faithfully in accord with his precepts.  (Deuteronomy 7:6, 11) Nobody is born into such a nation today,m but if we have received accurate Scriptural instruction, we need to act on it in faith.

fear that they lack sufficient knowledge may hold some back from baptism.  Yet, all of us have much to learn because 'mankind will never find out the work that the true God has made from the start to the finish.'  (Ecclesiastes 3:11)  Consider the Ethiopian eunuch.  As a proselyte,  he had some knowledge of the Scriptures, but he could not answer every question about God's purposes. After learning; about Jehovah's provision for salvation through Jesus' ransom sacrifice, however, the eunuch  promptly underwent water baptism. -Acts 8:26-38. 

Some hesitate to make a dedication to God because they are afraid of failure.  Says 17-year-old Monique:  "I have  been holding back on baptism for fear of not being able to live up to my dedication."  If we trust in Jehovah with all our heart, however, 'he will make our paths straight.'  He will help us to "go walking in the truth" as his faithful dedicated servants. -Proverbs 3:5, 6; 3 John 4.

Because of implicit trust in Jehovah and heartfelt love for him, each year thousands are moved to make a dedication  and get baptized.  And surely all dedicated servant of God want to be faithful to him. Yet, we are living in critical times, and we face various test of faith.  (2 Timothy 3:1-5) What can we do to live up to our dedication to Jehovah?  This will will consider in the next article.

Next time: KEEP ON SERVING JEHOVAH WITH A STEADFAST HEART

The Watchtower, 2002