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

Watchtower Study, April 13-19, 2026, The Meaning and Importance of Baptism, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“Make disciples . . . baptizing them” (MATT. 28:19).

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

When we see someone get baptized, we feel very happy. And this has been the case since the first meeting of the Christian congregation, which took place on Pentecost in the year 33 and at which many people were baptized. On that occasion, the apostle Peter gave a speech in which he explained that baptism is a fundamental teaching (Acts 2:38, 40, 41). Later, the apostle Paul wrote that “the teachings about baptisms” are part of “the basic teachings about Christ.” (Heb. 6:1, 2). Baptism may seem like a simple topic, but it is one of the main teachings of the Bible. Therefore, it is essential that we understand it well.

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

2 Let's take an example that helps us see why it is so important that we all understand the teaching of baptism well, whether we have been baptized for many years or are preparing to take that step. If someone wants to build a sturdy house, they must ensure it has a solid foundation. Similarly, if we want to have a strong faith, we must ensure we have a firm grasp of all fundamental biblical truths, including the teaching of baptism. Therefore, in this article we will answer these questions: what does baptism symbolize?, how is it performed and what does it imply? and why are we baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

3. What do we demonstrate when we are baptized?

3 By being baptized, we publicly demonstrate 1) that we have accepted the truth about Jehovah and Jesus Christ, 2) that we have repented of our sins, 3) that we have made the necessary changes in our lives to serve Jehovah, 4) that we have understood that Jesus is the means God uses to save us and 5) that we have promised Jehovah in a prayer that we will do his will together with his organization. Once we make that promise or dedication and are baptized, we begin a journey that leads us to eternal life.

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

4 When we are baptized, we are completely immersed in water and then lifted up, as if we had been buried and then resurrected. (compare with Colossians 2:12). So baptism symbolizes or illustrates the great changes we have made in our lives: being immersed in water shows that we have put an end to our former way of life, and being raised up shows that we begin a new life centered 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 too much alcohol. 4. Some time later, he is baptized in a swimming pool.

When we are baptized, we put an end to our former way of life and begin a new life centered on doing God's will. (See paragraph 4.)

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

5 (Read 1 Peter 3:18-21). In a sense, what we do to prepare for baptism is similar to what Noah did to build the ark. If you have only recently begun learning about Jehovah, you may feel that all you have to do to get baptized is as daunting a task as building Noah's ark. But is it really necessary to make all those efforts? Yes. Let's think about Noah. To survive the Flood, he had to follow God's instructions on how to build the ark to the letter. And the story shows that he was obedient; he "did everything God had commanded him." (Gen. 6:22). Why? Because he had faith and had Jehovah's help. Just like Noah, you too can fulfill what God asks of you to be baptized.

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

6 In verse 21, the apostle Peter wrote: “Baptism [...] is saving you.” Of course, with these words he didn't mean that simply being immersed in water brings us salvation. Nor does it cleanse us of our sins, because only the blood of Jesus can do that. (1 John 1:7). Now, it is important that we get baptized because it is a command from Jehovah. Furthermore, baptism serves to “ask God for a good conscience.” And Jehovah gladly answers our request: based on Christ’s sacrifice, he forgives us and thus gives us the opportunity to attain salvation, that is, eternal life. That is what Peter meant when he said, “Baptism [...] is saving you.”

HOW IT IS DONE AND WHAT IT ENTAILS

7. How should baptism be performed?

7. How should baptism be performed? Aside from stating that the person must be fully immersed, the Bible does not give many details. But it does give us principles that help us know what is considered appropriate on that occasion, for example, how baptismal candidates should dress and how those present should conduct themselves (1 Cor. 14:40; 1 Tim. 2:9). Usually, the baptism is performed by an elder, but we avoid treating him as if he were above others. (1 Cor. 1:14, 15). A baptism is valid regardless of whether many or few people are present. (Hebrews 8:36).

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

8 The Bible says that Christians should make a “public declaration that leads to salvation,” that is, express our faith. (Rom. 10:9, 10; see study note “publicly declare”). Certainly, an appropriate occasion to do so is baptism, which, as we saw, is an essential step toward salvation. To give candidates an opportunity to make a “public statement”, they are asked two questions. The first is, “Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted Jesus Christ as the means God has provided for salvation?” This question focuses on the steps the person has taken to prepare for baptism and is similar to what Peter said to the crowd at Pentecost. The second is, “Do you understand that by getting baptized you publicly demonstrate that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and that from now on you are part of God’s organization?” This question reminds us that, to keep our vow of dedication, we must accept the guidance of Jehovah’s organization and serve him along with our brothers and sisters, just as the first-century Christians did. (Read Acts 2:38-42). Those who answer yes to those two questions are eligible for baptism.

ILLUSTRATION

At an assembly, 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 have to do to gain God's approval?

9 Before you learned the truth, you may have led a decent life and not committed serious sins. Or perhaps your parents are Witnesses and have helped you to love Jehovah. In such cases, is it necessary to repent and be baptized to gain God’s approval? Yes. Let us remember that we are all born sinners, and that separates us from God (Psalm 51:5). But when we come to know Jehovah, we make the decision to do his will and not our own. Once we do that, we can repent of our former way of life and turn around, that is, begin to live in a way that pleases God. Then we can be baptized. (Neh. 3:19).

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

10. What if you were already baptized as a member of another religion? Even so, he has to be baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Why? Because when he was baptized, he did not have sufficient knowledge of the truth about Jehovah and Jesus. Even if he dedicated himself to God in prayer and promised to do his will, at that time he did not fully understand what that will is. Let's look at an example from the first century. When the apostle Paul found some men in Ephesus who had been baptized without knowing the Christian teachings, he helped them see that they needed to be baptized again. (Neh. 19:1-5). Likewise today, for Jehovah to approve a person's baptism, that person must have accurate knowledge of God's will.

“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).

11 Jesus said that new disciples should be baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Read Matthew 28:18-20). What did he mean? In the Bible, the word translated “name” often refers to someone’s reputation. However, it can also refer to the position and authority that person holds. Therefore, doing something “in the name of” someone or something implies acknowledging the authority behind that name. (Compare Matthew 10:41; see the study note “because he is a prophet”). Next, let us see how we demonstrate that we recognize 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 picture).

12 In the name of the Father. We acknowledge that Jehovah is our heavenly Father, who has given us life, who is the almighty God, and who created everything. (see Revelation 4:11). We also acknowledge that he hears our prayers and we use his name openly and respectfully when we pray to him and when we talk about him. (Ps. 65:2). But we must acknowledge something else. Those who heard Peter at Pentecost already had knowledge about Jehovah, but now they had to recognize that he saves us through Jesus Christ. (Rom. 5:8).

ILLUSTRATION

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

After we are baptized, we must 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.)

13 In the name of the Son. We recognize that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and that he is “the way,” that is, the only means that allows us to have a good relationship with Jehovah. (Juan 14:6).  We also recognize that He is our Redeemer, for He died so that we may live forever. Knowing this motivates us to follow His example every day of our lives, not just on the day of our baptism. (1 Juan 2:6). So, like him, we preach with enthusiasm and let nothing stop us. (Luc. 4:43). We are even willing to endure persecution for remaining loyal to God (2 Tim. 3:12). Likewise, we respect Jesus' position as "head of the congregation" and therefore willingly obey the guidance of those he has appointed to lead and care for his followers. (Ephesians 4:8, 11, 12; 5:23).

ILLUSTRATION

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

After we are baptized, we must 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.) (b) What other baptisms do the anointed receive? (See the box “Baptisms the Anointed Receive.”)

14 In the name of the holy spirit. We accept the truth about the Holy Spirit: He is not a person nor part of a trinity, but rather the active force of God. We recognize that the Holy Spirit guided the prophets and the writers of the Bible, and therefore we read it regularly and apply its teachings. (2 Ped. 1:20, 21). Furthermore, we strive to avoid committing serious sins, for we know that this could prevent us from receiving the Holy Spirit and from it flowing freely in the congregation. (Ephesians 4:30).

ILLUSTRATION

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

After we are baptized, we must continue to demonstrate that we recognize the role of the holy spirit. (See paragraph 14.)

15. What goal should we set for ourselves?

15 If you are already baptized, set yourself the goal of understanding all aspects of “the teachings on baptisms” and of keeping the promise you made to Jehovah when you dedicated yourself and were baptized. What if he hasn't been baptized yet? Is there something holding him back? The following article will discuss what he can do to continue progressing toward taking that step.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

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

By getting 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 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 have made in our lives. Being immersed in water signifies that we have put an end to our former way of life, and being raised up indicates that we are beginning a new life centered on doing God's will. Furthermore, when we are fully immersed in water and then raised up, it is as if we have been buried and then resurrected.

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

The questions asked of candidates for baptism are two:

The first is: “Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted that Jesus Christ is the means God has provided for salvation?”

The second is: “Do you understand that by getting 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?”

The Bible says that Christians must make a “public declaration that leads to salvation,” that is, express their faith. Those who answer “yes” to these two questions are eligible for baptism.

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

In the Bible, the word translated as “name” often refers to someone’s reputation, position, or authority. Therefore, doing something “in the name of” someone implies acknowledging the authority behind that name.