“Now is the especially favorable time!” (2 COR. 6:2).
1. a) What are some of the blessings of being baptized?
Some of Jehovah's blessings include receiving forgiveness for our sins and God's approval. Furthermore, we enjoy a clear conscience and set an excellent example for those who have not yet taken that step.
1. b) What will we see in this article?
In this article we will see why some people hesitate to get baptized, why it is good to keep in mind that the end is very near, and what the benefits are of striving without delay to reach that goal.
WHY SOME PEOPLE CAN'T DECIDE
2. Why do some people not dare to be baptized?
Some are afraid to be baptized, thinking they will never be good enough to please God. But we must remember that God doesn't expect us to be perfect; He will be pleased with our worship as long as we give Him our best.
3. Why do some people postpone the decision to be baptized? (See also the image.)
Some postpone the decision to get baptized because they believe that extensive Bible knowledge is necessary before making that decision. However, if they love Jehovah sincerely, understand the Bible's basic teachings, have repented of their sins, and are determined to obey Jehovah, they are ready to be baptized.
ILLUSTRATION
It is night and Paul and Silas are preaching to a jailer and his family, who are listening attentively.
Paul and Silas preached to the jailer and his family, and they were immediately baptized. (See paragraph 3.)
4. What is another reason why some people are hesitant to get baptized? (See also the image.)
Another reason some hesitate to get baptized is that they focus on the cost of taking that step and worry too much about the sacrifices they will have to make to serve Jehovah. Furthermore, they feel they will not be able to live up to Jehovah’s standards. They are afraid of committing a serious sin after baptism and being disfellowshipped from the congregation.
ILLUSTRATION
A sister is giving a Bible lesson to a woman. As the sister speaks, the woman imagines herself drinking alcohol and dancing in a nightclub with her friends.
Some want to please God, but they are concerned about the sacrifices they will have to make to serve Him. (See paragraph 4.)
5. What should we consider when thinking about getting baptized? (Matthew 13:44-46).
When thinking about getting baptized, we should consider the value and not so much the price we have to pay, in the same way that when we go to buy something and see that its value is greater than its price, we will surely buy it immediately.
We should not focus only on the price we will pay when we get baptized, that is, on the changes we have to make, but on the immense value of what we will gain: a good friendship with Jehovah.
6. What can help us have a receptive heart?
Asking Jehovah for help in softening our hearts so that the Kingdom seed can flourish can help us develop a receptive heart. We must not give up, but ask God for help in gaining “a new heart,” one that is receptive to his guidance.
7, 8. Why do some young people not progress toward baptism? (See also the picture.)
Some young people do not progress toward baptism because of the influence of others, such as school counselors who may promote ideas contrary to God's standards. Following such advice can have terrible consequences, such as spiritual harm and alienation from Jehovah.
Furthermore, in some cases, even within the home, there are young people whose parents focus too much on studies or future employment and do not encourage them enough to set spiritual goals, which can also hinder their progress toward baptism.
ILLUSTRATION
A young man points to lesson 23 of the book Enjoy Life while talking to his parents.
What if you talked to your parents about getting baptized? (See paragraph 8).
9. Why do some people delay baptism?
Some people delay baptism due to peer pressure. They may want to wait for a friend or family member to be baptized together. While there's nothing wrong with being baptized on the same day as loved ones, it shouldn't depend on others or be a compelling reason to postpone baptism.
WHY KEEP IN MIND THAT THE END IS VERY NEAR
10. Why don't some people make all the necessary changes to get baptized?
Some do not make all the necessary changes to get baptized because they believe they have plenty of time to do so before the end comes. However, as Luke 12:40 shows, Jesus warned his disciples: “Always be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect him.”
11. According to Psalm 119:60, how do we feel about Jehovah’s standards the more we get to know him?
We feel a desire to obey them immediately because we know that Jehovah loves us and that his standards are for our good. The more we come to know Jehovah, the more we love his standards and feel a desire to obey them without delay, as Psalm 119:60 shows.
Furthermore, since we do not know what tomorrow will bring and we may not have another day to “do what is right,” the time to do what Jehovah asks of us is now.
12. What do we learn from the parable of the vineyard?
We learn that those who worked only one hour and still received the same pay as those who worked all day didn't do so earlier because no one had hired them, not because they were lazy. In fact, as soon as they were called, they went immediately. This teaches us that, like them, we should respond immediately to Jesus' call to be his followers and collaborate in preaching.
13. What do we learn from Lot's wife?
We learn that we should not postpone our spiritual progress or become attached to material possessions or what we leave behind. Lot's wife knew that destruction was imminent, but her attachment to what she was leaving behind led her to disobey. This teaches us that we must act without delay, because the opportunity for salvation will not be available forever.
14. What effect should seeing the fulfillment of end-time prophecies have on you?
Seeing the fulfillment of end-time prophecies should motivate us to be vigilant and to make the necessary changes so that we can get baptized as soon as possible. Furthermore, witnessing the fulfillment of prophecies that show the end is near strengthens our confidence that Jehovah will continue to keep all his promises and impels us to keep taking steps toward baptism.
15. With what attitude should we await the day of Jehovah? (2 Peter 3:10-13).
We must await Jehovah’s day with a watchful attitude and with a “deep longing” for it. We keep in mind that that day is very near and we long for its arrival. Furthermore, we must be prepared, striving to perform “holy acts of conduct and deeds of devotion to God.”
THE BENEFITS OF ACTING WITHOUT DELAY
16. When is the best time to progress toward baptism? (2 Corinthians 6:1, 2; see also the pictures.)
The best time to move toward baptism is now. Just like the Ethiopian eunuch, when Philip preached to him, as soon as he understood the truth about the good news, he didn't postpone his decision and, as soon as he had the opportunity, he was baptized. He didn't make excuses, but asked Philip, "What prevents me from being baptized?"
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. The Ethiopian eunuch putting his foot in the water while Philip points with one hand to the water and with the other to the eunuch, inviting him to be baptized. 2. In a Kingdom Hall, the Bible student and the sister from the previous image are smiling and talking with two elderly people.
The example of the Ethiopian eunuch teaches us that the best time to progress toward baptism is now. (See paragraph 16.)
17. What can we be sure of?
We can be sure that Jehovah wants to help us develop a strong friendship with him and that, with his support, we can overcome any fear, anxiety, or influence that is hindering our progress. In that way, we can feel truly happy, having a good conscience before God, and “the things that are behind us” will likely no longer seem so important.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why don't some people decide to get baptized?
Some hesitate to get baptized because they may fear not being good enough or facing opposition, or because they believe they lack sufficient Bible knowledge. Furthermore, they may focus too much on the sacrifices involved in serving Jehovah or doubt their ability to meet his standards. They may also be influenced by others, such as family members, counselors, or friends.
Why wouldn't it be wise to postpone baptism?
It would not be wise to postpone baptism because we do not know how much time we have or when the end will come, since Jesus warned that it will come when we least expect it. Furthermore, love for Jehovah compels us to obey him without delay, keeping in mind that the door of salvation will not be available indefinitely.
What is the best time to progress towards baptism?
The best time to move toward baptism is now, without postponing the decision. The example of the Ethiopian eunuch shows that, as soon as he understood the truth and had the opportunity, he was baptized immediately.
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