Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“Now is the especially favorable time!” (2 COR. 6:2).
1. a) What are some of the blessings of baptism? b) What will we see in this article?
Have you taken the step of dedicating yourself to Jehovah and getting baptized? What a good decision! In doing so, he asked God for a good conscience (1 Pet. 3:21). And, moreover, he set an excellent example for those who have not yet taken that step. What if you haven't been baptized yet? Surely you love Jehovah and want to do his will. He knows that to obtain forgiveness for his sins and God's approval, baptism is essential. (Acts 2:38-40). Even so, there may be something holding you back. This article will be of great help to you. We will see 1) why some do not decide to be baptized, 2) why it is good to keep in mind that the end is very near and 3) what are the benefits of striving without delay to reach that goal.
WHY SOME PEOPLE CAN'T DECIDE
2. Why do some people not dare to be baptized?
2 Some people want to serve Jehovah, but they are afraid to get baptized. For example, they may fear that they will never be good enough to please God. If you feel this way, you can review Bible texts that will convince you that God does not expect you to be perfect and that he will be pleased with your worship as long as you give him your best (Ps. 103:13, 14; Col. 3:23). On the other hand, if you are afraid of facing opposition, ask Jehovah to help you feel like the psalmist who wrote: “Jehovah is on my side, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Ps. 118:6).
3. Why do some people postpone the decision to be baptized? (See also the image.)
3 Some postpone the decision to be baptized because they think they do not have enough biblical knowledge. But how much knowledge is really necessary? Consider the following account. While Paul and Silas were in prison, a powerful earthquake struck, and they were freed. Afterward, they took the opportunity to preach to the jailer and his household. The man and his family likely understood that God had performed a miracle to free his servants. And that night they learned many important lessons about Jehovah and Jesus. What was the result? “Immediately, he and all his household were baptized.” (Acts 16:25-33) If you know Jehovah, love him with all your heart, understand the basic teachings of the Bible, have repented of your sins, and are determined to obey Jehovah, you are ready to be baptized. (Mar. 12:30).
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.)
4 Some want to please God, but they don't dare to get baptized because they focus on the price involved in taking that step. Of course, it is good to weigh up the cost of any decision we make (Luke 14:27-30). But some become overly concerned about the sacrifices they will have to make to serve Jehovah. That is what happened to Candace. Although she knew the truth as a child, she did not accept it. Later, as an adult, she began to study the Bible again. She says: “I knew what I had to do to please Jehovah, but a part of me really liked the life I was living. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to give those things up.” Others feel they will not be able to live up to Jehovah’s standards. They are afraid of committing a serious sin after being baptized and being disfellowshipped from the congregation. What can you do if you are worried about any of these things?
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).
5 When we buy something, we don't just consider its price, but also its value. If we see that the value is much greater than the price, we'll probably buy it right away. Likewise, when thinking about getting baptized, we should not focus only on the price we will pay—the changes we must make—but on the immense value of what we will gain: a good friendship with Jehovah. Jesus used two comparisons to teach precisely that point (read Matthew 13:44-46). In each one, a man gladly sold everything he had to buy something valuable he had found. And you too have found something of immense value: the truth of the Kingdom. If you are wondering whether it is worth making the necessary changes to be baptized, meditate on Jesus' comparisons. You might ask yourself: “Am I convinced that I have found something very valuable? Do I consider friendship with Jehovah, the hope of living forever, and the loving spiritual family he has given me to be true treasures?” Your answers will tell you what you need to improve on in order to be baptized.
6. What can help us have a receptive heart?
In his parable of the sower, Jesus spoke of different types of hearts into which the seeds of the Kingdom message fall. Some people have different kinds of hearts that prevent them from making progress. However, others listen to the Kingdom message “with a sincere and good heart,” and put into practice what they learn (Luke 8:5-15). If you feel your heart is divided, don't give up. With God's help, you can gain "a new heart," one that is receptive to His guidance. Ask Him to help soften your heart so that the seed of the Kingdom can flourish. (Ezek. 18:31; 36:26).
7, 8. Why do some young people not progress toward baptism? (See also the picture.)
7 Some young people who love Jehovah do not progress toward baptism because of the influence of others. Perhaps some school counselors will tell students to be open-minded about morality and to accept all lifestyles, even those that go against God's standards. But following that advice can have terrible consequences (Ps. 1:1, 2; Prov. 7:1-5). Young person, what can you do to avoid this danger? Follow the example of the psalmist who told Jehovah: “I am more discerning than all my teachers because I reflect on your reminders” (Ps. 119:99).
8 There are reports that some Witnesses discourage their children from taking the step of baptism. They focus too much on their children's studies and future employment, or simply don't encourage them to set spiritual goals. Young person, do you feel your parents could be more supportive of your spiritual growth? Why not talk to them about it? And don't forget: age is not a barrier to being a good friend of Jehovah. (Prov. 20:11).
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?
9 Some who meet the requirements to be baptized may delay that decision due to peer pressure. For example, perhaps a friend or family member will ask them to wait so they can be baptized together. Of course, there's nothing wrong with being baptized on the same day as our loved ones. But would that be a valid reason to postpone baptism? Let us remember that dedication is a personal promise between each of us and Jehovah. The decision to get baptized should not depend on others. (Rom. 14:12).
WHY KEEP IN MIND THAT THE END IS VERY NEAR
10. Why don't some people make all the necessary changes to get baptized?
10 In addition to the reasons we have already seen, there are those who do not progress towards baptism because they believe they have plenty of time to make the changes before the end comes. Is it sensible to think like that? Jesus gave this warning to his disciples: “Be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luc. 12:40).
11. According to Psalm 119:60, how do we feel about Jehovah’s standards the more we get to know him?
11 What motivates us to dedicate ourselves and get baptized is love for Jehovah and his standards. The more we get to know Jehovah, the more we see how much he loves us and that his rules are for our good. And that is why we want to obey them right away. (it’s Psalm 119:60). The disciple James explained another reason why we need to follow Jehovah's commandments without delay: we do not know what will become of our lives tomorrow. We may not have another day to “do what is right.” So the time to do what Jehovah asks of us is now. (James 4:13-17).
12. What do we learn from the parable of the vineyard?
12 Now, someone may think: “Didn’t Jesus say in the parable of the vineyard that some would work only one hour and still receive the same wage as those who worked all day?” That is true. But why didn't those who worked one hour start earlier? They said, "Because no one has hired us." It wasn't that they were lazy. They would have worked all day; it's just that no one had hired them. As soon as they were called to work, they went immediately. (Matt. 20:1-16). Today, Jesus has called us to be his followers and to collaborate in preaching. And we must respond to that call as soon as we hear it.
13. What do we learn from Lot's wife?
13 Those who are putting off their spiritual progress may find that making last-minute changes to please God is more difficult than they imagined. Jesus knew this and that is why he told his disciples: “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:31-35). She knew very well that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was imminent, but it seems she was too attached to the possessions she was leaving behind. (Gen. 19:23-26). This story also reminds us that the door to salvation will not remain open indefinitely. When God's appointed time arrives, it will be locked and permanently closed. (Luc. 13:24, 25).
14. What effect should seeing the fulfillment of end-time prophecies have on you?
14 What happens every day in the world proves that the prophecies about the end of this system are being fulfilled. Some of the things the Bible foretold may not be happening where you live. But seeing them happening elsewhere should motivate you to make the necessary changes and get baptized as soon as possible. Let us consider what the apostle Peter wrote to some first-century Christians: “Be watchful [or “alert”].” Why did he give them that counsel? He himself said: “The end of all things has drawn near.” (1 Pet. 4:7; footnote). Apparently, he was referring to the end of the Jewish system. Now, those Christians lived far from Jerusalem. So they would not be directly affected by the destruction of the city (1 Pet. 1:1). However, seeing that prophecy fulfilled would give them greater confidence that Jehovah would keep the rest of his promises. Similarly, you are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecies that show the end is near. Surely this motivates you to be vigilant and continue taking steps toward baptism.
15. With what attitude should we await the day of Jehovah? (2 Peter 3:10-13).
15 In his second letter, Peter explained with what attitude we should await “the day of Jehovah,” that is, the end of this system. In the first century, that day was still a long way off. Even so, Peter told those Christians to be “eagerly awaiting” that day or to “earnestly” desire it. (see 2 Peter 3:10-13; note). We too want to keep in mind that that day is very near and we intensely desire its arrival. Therefore, we strive to be prepared by performing “holy acts of conduct and deeds of devotion to God.” And how happy Jehovah is to see us act this way! Can you imagine how he must feel seeing us dedicate ourselves and get baptized?
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.)
16 The best time to progress toward baptism is now (read 2 Corinthians 6:1, 2). Let us consider the excellent example of the Ethiopian eunuch to whom Philip preached. As soon as he understood the truth about the good news and the opportunity to be baptized presented itself, he did not postpone the decision. He did not think, “First I want to learn more about the good news. Surely we’ll find another place to get me baptized later.” On the contrary, he asked Philip, “What’s stopping me from getting baptized?” (Acts 8:26, 27, 35-39). And after being baptized, “the eunuch went on his way happily.”
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?
17 If anything is holding you back from taking the step of getting baptized, you can be sure that Jehovah wants to help you develop a strong friendship with him (Rom. 2:4). With his support, you will be able to overcome any fear, anxiety, or influence that is hindering your progress. When you are baptized, you will feel very happy to have a good conscience before God and probably “the things that are left behind” will no longer seem so important to you. (Phil. 3:8, 13). Then he can look forward with excitement to “the things to come,” that is, the fulfillment of the promises that Jehovah makes to those who dedicate themselves to him and get baptized (Acts 3:19).
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why don't some people decide to get baptized?
Some hesitate to get baptized out of fear, for example, because they think they won't be good enough to please God or because they fear opposition from others. Others postpone it because they believe they don't have enough biblical knowledge.
Why wouldn't it be wise to postpone baptism?
It would not be wise to postpone baptism because Jehovah does not expect perfection, but rather that we give him our best. Furthermore, it is not necessary to know everything, but rather to know Jehovah, love him, understand the basic teachings, repent, and be determined to obey him.
What is the best time to progress towards baptism?
The best time to progress toward baptism is now. The example of the Ethiopian eunuch shows that when he understood the truth and had the opportunity, he did not postpone the decision but acted immediately and was baptized. This teaches us that if we already meet the requirements, we should not wait but proceed without delay.
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