Keep Working Toward Baptism - WHY KEEP THE END IN MIND - Conclusion

 With each passing day, world events fulfill Bible prophecies about the end of this system. Even if you are not yet directly affected by some of those events, seeing what is happening in one place after another should increase your sense of urgency to progress to baptism. Consider a first-century example.  The apostle Peter urged Christians to "be vigilant," or "alert," because "the end of all things [had] drawn close." (1 Peter 4:7; ftn.) "The end" was evidently that of the Jewish system of things. Those whom Peter wrote to lived far away from Jerusalem, so they would be directly affected by the destruction of that city. (1 Peter 1:1) However, once they saw the fulfillment of the prophecy, their confidence in all of Jehovah's other promises would be strengthened. Similarly, as you see prophecies related to the coming end being fulfilled, you will be moved to be vigilant by advancing toward baptism. 

In his second inspired letter, Peter explained how we should view the timing of Jehovah's coming day of judgment. For Christians living in the first century, that day was still in the far distant future; yet Peter told them to "keep close in mind," or "eagerly desire," that day. (Read 2 Peter 3:10-13; ftn.) We can keep that day close in mind by being ready and eager for it to come. We show our eagerness by performing "holy acts" of conduct and deeds of godly devotion." Think of how it would please Jehovah to see you performing "deeds of godly devotion"! He would surely be delighted to see you dedicate yourself to him and get baptized. 

Next time: Keep Working Toward Baptism - THE BENEFITS OF ACTING NOW

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