Watchtower Study, The Meaning and Importance of Baptism, Week of April 13–19, 2026, Comments and Answers.

Watchtower Study, The Meaning and Importance of Baptism, April 13–19, 2026, Comments and Answers.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them" (Matthew 28:19).

1. How do we know that baptism is a fundamental teaching of the Bible?

We know that baptism is a fundamental teaching of the Bible because, at the first meeting of the Christian congregation, which took place on Pentecost in the year 33, many people were baptized. On that occasion, the apostle Peter gave a discourse in which he explained that baptism is a fundamental teaching.

Furthermore, the apostle Paul later wrote that “the teachings about baptism” are part of the “basic teachings about Christ,” as Hebrews 6:1, 2 shows. This demonstrates that it is not a simple matter, but one of the main teachings of the Bible that we must understand well.

2. Why is it so important that we fully understand the teaching of baptism?

It is important that we fully understand the teaching of baptism because, just as a house needs solid foundations to be strong, if we want to have a strong faith, we must ensure that we fully understand all the fundamental biblical truths, including baptism.

Therefore, it is necessary to examine what this teaching symbolizes, how it is practiced, and what it implies, as well as to understand why we are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

What does it mean and why is it important?

3. What do we demonstrate when we are baptized?

When we get baptized, we publicly demonstrate that we have accepted the truth about Jehovah and Jesus Christ, that we have repented of our sins, and that we have made the necessary changes in our lives to serve Jehovah.

Furthermore, we demonstrated that we understand that Jesus is the means God uses to save us and that we promised Jehovah in prayer that we would do his will together with his organization.

4. What does being completely submerged in water symbolize? (See also the image).

Being completely submerged in water and then lifted up symbolizes burial and resurrection. It also illustrates the great changes we have made in our lives.

When we are immersed, we demonstrate that we are putting an end to our old way of life, and when we are raised up, it is a sign that, from that moment on, we begin a new life based on doing God's will.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: A man is baptized after overcoming several obstacles. 1. He enthusiastically watches a boxing match on television. 2. He smokes a cigarette. 3. He drinks excessively. 4. Some time later, he is baptized in a swimming pool.

When we are baptized, we leave behind our old way of life and begin a new life centered on doing God's will. (See paragraph 4.)

5. In what ways is what we do to prepare for baptism similar to what Noah did to build the ark? (1 Peter 3:18-21).

What we do to prepare for baptism is similar to what Noah did when he built the ark. Just as he had to carefully obey all of Jehovah’s instructions to survive the Flood, we too need to obediently fulfill God’s requirements for baptism. Although it may seem like a great effort, just as in Noah’s case, we can accomplish it because we have Jehovah’s help and we trust in him.

6. What did Peter mean when he said, “Baptism [...] is your salvation”?

With these words, Peter did not mean that simply being immersed in water brings us salvation, nor that baptism cleanses us from sins, for only the blood of Jesus can do that. Instead, he meant that baptism is a commandment from God and that, by being baptized, we ask Jehovah for a good conscience. Jehovah answers this request by forgiving us through the sacrifice of Christ, which opens the possibility of salvation, that is, eternal life.

HOW IT IS DONE AND WHAT IT INVOLVES

7. How should baptism be performed?

Baptism should be performed by complete immersion of the person in water. Although the Bible does not provide many additional details, it establishes principles that help ensure it is done correctly, such as the appropriate attire of the candidates and the respectful behavior of those present.

Baptism is usually performed by an elder, but this does not imply that he holds a higher hierarchical position than others. Furthermore, a baptism is valid regardless of the number of people present.

8. What questions are asked of baptismal candidates, and for what purpose? (Acts 2:38-42; see also the picture).

Baptismal candidates are asked two questions to give them the opportunity to make a “public declaration” of their faith, as Romans 10:9, 10 points out.

The first question is whether they have repented of their sins, consecrated themselves to Jehovah, and accepted Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation. This question focuses on the personal steps they have taken to prepare for baptism.

The second question is whether they understand that, by being baptized, they are publicly demonstrating that they are Jehovah's Witnesses and are part of God's organization. This question emphasizes that, to fulfill our vow of dedication, we must accept the guidance of Jehovah's organization and serve him together with our brothers and sisters.

ILLUSTRATION

At a meeting, a group of baptismal candidates of different ages are in the front rows of the auditorium making a public declaration of their faith.

When we are baptized, we make a “public declaration that leads to salvation.” (See paragraph 8.)

9. What do we all need to do to gain God's approval?

To gain God's approval, we must all acknowledge that we are sinners, repent, and choose to do His will instead of our own. Even if we have previously led a decent life or have been raised in the truth, repentance and baptism are necessary to obtain God's approval.

After this sincere repentance and "conversion"—that is, beginning to live according to God's will and changing our way of life in a way that pleases Him—we can be baptized.

10. What should you do if you have already been baptized as a member of another religion?

If you were baptized as a member of another religion, you need to be baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. This is because, when you were baptized, you did not have a correct understanding of the truth about Jehovah and Jesus. Even though you consecrated yourself to God in prayer and promised to do his will, you did not fully understand what that will was.

Just as happened in the first century with some men in Ephesus who had to be rebaptized, today it is also necessary to do so with accurate knowledge in order for Jehovah to approve a person's baptism.

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"

11. What does it mean to be baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”? (Matthew 28:18-20).

Being baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” means recognizing the position, authority, and reputation behind that “name.” In this way, we demonstrate our recognition of the position and authority of the Father and the Son, as well as the role of the Holy Spirit.

12. What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the Father? (Revelation 4:11; see also the image).

Being baptized in the Father's name means acknowledging that Jehovah gave us life, that he is our heavenly Father, the Almighty God and the Creator of all things. It also means accepting that he hears our prayers and using his name with respect when we pray and speak about him. Furthermore, it means recognizing something else: that Jehovah saves us through Jesus Christ.

ILLUSTRATION

A newly baptized sister, from the previous image, praying in her home.

After baptism, we should continue to demonstrate that we recognize the Father's position and authority. (See paragraph 12.)

13. What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the Son? (See also the image.)

Being baptized in the name of the Son means recognizing that Jesus is God’s only-begotten Son and “the way,” that is, the only means of having a good relationship with Jehovah. It also means accepting that he is our Redeemer, for he gave his life so that we may live forever.

Furthermore, it involves imitating his example in daily life, preaching with enthusiasm, remaining faithful even in the face of persecution, and respecting his authority as "head of the congregation," obeying the guidance of those he appointed to care for and lead his followers.

ILLUSTRATION

A newly baptized brother, from the previous image, preaching from house to house and reading a biblical text to a man.

After baptism, we should continue to demonstrate that we recognize the position and authority of the Son. (See paragraph 13.)

14. (a) What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit? (See also the picture.)

Being baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit means accepting the truth that the Holy Spirit is not a person nor part of a trinity, but rather the active force of God. It also means recognizing that the Holy Spirit guided the prophets and writers of the Bible, which is why we read it regularly and apply its teachings. Furthermore, it means striving to avoid serious sins, as these can prevent us from receiving the Holy Spirit and hinder its free flow in the congregation.

14. b) What other baptisms do the anointed receive? (See the box “Baptisms that the anointed receive”).

The anointed, in addition to water baptism, receive other baptisms. They are baptized with the Holy Spirit when they are chosen to serve with Christ in heaven. They are also “baptized into Christ,” in the sense that they become so united to Him that they form part of the body of Christ. Furthermore, they are baptized into Christ’s death, for they faithfully follow His example until the end of their life on Earth and then are resurrected to live in heaven.

ILLUSTRATION

A newly baptized sister, from the previous image, reading the Bible at home.

After baptism, we should continue to demonstrate that we recognize the role of the Holy Ghost. (See paragraph 14.)

15. What goal should we set for ourselves?

The goal we should set for ourselves is to understand all aspects of the “teachings about baptism” and to keep the promise we made to Jehovah when we dedicated ourselves and were baptized.

What would you answer?

What do we demonstrate when we are baptized, and what does baptism symbolize?

When we get baptized, we publicly demonstrate that we accept the truth about Jehovah and Jesus Christ, that we repent of our sins, that we have made the necessary changes in our lives to serve Jehovah, that we understand that Jesus is the means God uses to save us, and that we have promised Jehovah in prayer to do his will together with his organization.

Baptism symbolizes the profound changes we make in our lives. Being immersed in water means we leave behind our old way of life, and being raised up represents the beginning of a new life centered on doing God's will.

What questions are asked of baptismal candidates and for what purpose?

The first question is: “Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation?”

The second question is: “Do you understand that by being baptized, you are publicly demonstrating that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and that, from now on, you are part of God’s organization?”

These questions are asked to confirm that the person has made the necessary arrangements for baptism and recognizes that they should accept the guidance of Jehovah's organization and serve him along with his people.

What does it mean to be baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”?

Being baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” means recognizing the authority, position, and role of each of them.

In the name of the Father, we acknowledge Jehovah as our heavenly Father, the Almighty God, the Creator of all things, who hears our prayers and, through Jesus Christ, gives us salvation.

In the name of the Son, we acknowledge Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, “the way,” and our Redeemer, who gave his life so that we might live forever. This motivates us to follow his example, to preach, to remain faithful, and to respect his authority as leader of the congregation.

In the name of the Holy Spirit, we acknowledge that He is God's active force, who inspired the prophets and writers of the Bible. Therefore, we read and apply the Bible regularly and strive to avoid sin.