WHY BE BAPTIZED? - Is Something Holding You Back?

Is Something Holding You Back?

Many coerce participants in mass baptisms may have been told that they would go to heaven at death.   But with reference to his footstep followers, Jesus said:  "No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me,draws him."  (John 6:44) Jehovah has drawn to Christ 144,000 who will be Jesus' joint heirs in the heavenly Kingdom.  Forced baptism has never sanctified anyone for that glorious place in God's arrangement. -Romans 8:14-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Revelation 14:1.

Since the mid-1930's  in particular, multitudes hoping to survive "the great tribulation"  and live on earth forever have joined the ranks of Jesus' other sheep."  (Revelation 7:9, 14; John 10:16)  They qualify for baptism because they have conformed their lives to God's Word and love him with 'their whole heart, soul, strength, and mind.' (Luke 10:25-28)  Though some people realize that Jehovah's Witnesses 'worship God with spirit and truth,' they have not yet followed Jesus' example and given public evidence of genuine love and exclusive devotion to Jehovah by getting baptized.  (John 4:23, 24; Deuteronomy 4:24; Mark 1:9-11 earnest and specific prayer regarding this vital step may well provide them with the incentive and courage to conform fully to God's Word, to make an unreserved dedication to Jehovah God, and to be baptized.

Some hold back from dedication and baptism because they are so absorbed in affairs of the world or in the pursuit of wealth that they have little time for spiritual things.  (Matthew 13:22; 1 John 2:15-17) How happy they would be if they changed their views and goals!  Drawing close to Jehovah would enrich them spiritually, would help them to allay anxiety, and would bring them peace and the satisfaction that result from doing the divine will. -Psalm  16:11; 40:8; Proverbs  10:22; Philippians 4:6, 7.

Next time: WHY BE BAPTIZED! - Continue Is Something Holding You Back?

The Watchtower, 2002