WHY THE CHANGE IN THE BAPTISMAL QUESTION?

That baptism for those wishing to follow in the footsteps of Christ is a scriptural admonition is not debated. What is debated among various Christian denominations is who should get baptized and for what purpose. Many denominations believe in infant baptism, which we believe is unscriptural.

In any event, a long standing tradition within the Watchtower movement is to ask a few questions to those desiring to get baptized as an outward symbol of their consecration to the Lord and His will.

In the days of Pastor Russell, two simple questions were asked:
Have you repented of sin with such restitution as you are able, and are you trusting in the merit of Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins and the basis of your justification?

Have you made a full consecration of yourself with all the powers that you possess--talent, money, time, influence--all to the Lord, to be used faithfully in His service, even unto death?

The candidate was then told "On the basis of these confessions, we acknowledge you as a member of the Household of Faith, and give to you as such the right hand of fellowship, not in the name of any sect or party or creed, but in the name of the Redeemer, our glorified Lord, and His faithful followers." <What Pastor Russell Said, page 35>

After the death of Pastor Russell and prior to the year 1985, the questions asked to baptismal candidates did not change much, although they were slightly revised. An example of the questions asked are found in the February 1st 1945 Watchtower:

Have you recognized yourself as a sinner and needing salvation from Jehovah God? and have you acknowledged that this salvation proceeds from Him and through his Ransomer Christ Jesus?

On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for redemption, have you consecrated yourself unreservedly to do the will of God henceforth as that will is revealed to you through Christ Jesus and through God’s Word as His holy spirit makes it plain? (page 44 - Subheading "Questions")

These same questions were asked of baptismal candidates in 1970 (See Watchtower 1970 pg. 309 par. 20.)
We believe that these questions are proper and in line with what both the prophet John the baptizer and Christ Jesus admonished their followers to do, "Repent, because the Kingdom of Heaven draws near!" - Matthew 3:2; 4:7
However, as the years have gone by and the leadership behind the Watchtower have taken unto themselves certain privileges that rightfully belong to Christ Jesus, they have made drastic changes within the organization. Abusing their authority, and having ursurped the authority of Christ. By their actions they have asserted equal status with Jehovah God Himself. Yet, these changes came subtley and unnoticed by the rank and file members of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Some may ask for an example, and to that we ask, let's take a look at the baptismal questions and how they have drastically changed since 1985. There is no need to reproduce the original questions as they are quoted above, we do well to look at the new questions asked of baptismal candidates since 1985.

On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?

Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization? (Watchtower June 1, 1985 pg. 30 par. 3,4.)

You will notice that the original questions and there slight revisions placed emphasis on one being a sinner and in need of a redeemer, that redeemer being Christ Jesus as a means of salvation. A simple and plain stated fact. Scripturally sound.

However, the new questions, (post 1985), are drastically revised. While emphasis in recognizing ones sinfulness in need of repentance is stressed, the atoning blood of Jesus is not. Instead, the emphsis is in recognizing ones association with the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. As they are the "spirit-directed organization" mentioned.
Therefore, The candidate is NOT baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, but in the name of the Watchtower, Bible and Tract Society. As there is no emphasis in whom to confess ones sins in order to gain forgiveness, there is no emphasis on accepting Jesus as one's personal savior, the ONLY name by which we gain salvation. Acts 4:12

While the candidate is led to believe that he is repenting of his sins and dedicating his life in the service of Jehovah, he is in fact doing the opposite, that is dedicating his life in the service of man, the Watchtower leadership. Yet the Watchtower states that "Baptism validates a solemn agreement made with God." (Watchtower April 15, 1987, page 12)

So we ask, why the change? What prompted the Watchtower leadership to change the questions to their current status? We believe that the new questions are out of character and unscriptural to say the least. The Society states they were changed for simplification but for what purpose?

"Recently the two questions addressed to baptismal candidates were simplified so that candidates could answer with full comprehension of what is involved in coming into intimate relationship with God and his earthly organization." (Watchtower April 15, 1987, page 12)

An "intimate relationship with God"? Where is that stated in the questions? There is nothing said of one's intimate relationship with God. Yet, there is stated, one's intimate relationship with the spirit-begotten organization.
We may ask then to what is baptism a dedication? Let's look at the Watchtower to gain some insight:

"A Christian, therefore, cannot be baptized in the name of the one actually doing the immersing or in the name of any man, nor in the name of any organization, but in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy spirit. This shows, among other things, that Christianity is not a denominational affair, that sects have nothing to do with it. "Does the Christ exist divided? Paul was not impaled for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I am thankful I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name."—1 Cor. 1:13-15, NW". (Watchtower July 1, 1955, page 411)

One would think the leadership would reread that issue of the Watchtower or perhaps reread the July 1, 1955 issue, (pg. 411 par. 15)

"We do not dedicate ourselves to a religion, nor to a man, nor to an organization. No, we dedicate ourselves to the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe, our Creator, Jehovah God himself. This makes dedication a very personal relationship between us and Jehovah."

Yet, the questions state the opposite, instead of a personal relationship between "us and Jehovah" it is a personal relationship between "us and the spirit-directed organization" namely, the Watchtower Society.

Jesus' Birthday and December 25th

December 25 is being called in question by many as the date of Jesus' birth. As far as can be learned this date was first mentioned during the third century. Many believe that the existence of heathen festivals celebrated on or about December 25 had great influence on its being accepted by the Roman church for special religious services, including ultimately the celebration of Jesus' birth.

While the exact day on which Jesus was born cannot be determined, it is certain we think, that it was not in December, but rather about the first of October. When Jesus was born the shepherds of Judea were watching their sheep through the night in open pastures. Palestine does not have extremely cold weather in winter, but it would be too cold near the end of December for shepherds to be spending their nights in the open fields.

The Prophecy of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27) reveals that Jesus' ministry was to last for three and one-half years. It is a prophecy of sixty-nine symbolic weeks to the coming of the Messiah. Then another "week" is mentioned, the seventieth, in the midst, or middle, of which the Messiah would be "cut off," this being a reference to Jesus' death.

A week has seven days, and in prophecy each day represents a year. The rule is set forth in Ezekiel 4:6. This means that each prophetic week is seven years in length. The middle of such a week would therefore mark off a period of three and one-half years. It is very generally agreed that this was the length of Jesus' ministry.

It is definitely known that Jesus was crucified in the spring of the year, at a date corresponding approximately to the early part of our month of April. This means that his ministry must have begun in the Fall, about the first of October. We are informed in Luke 3:23 that Jesus began his ministry when he was thirty years of age - perhaps even on his thirtieth birthday. Since three and one half years from that date terminated in early April it means that his birthday was about October 1, and not December 25.

Is it proper, then, to celebrate Christmas on the wrong date? Well, in the first place, there is nothing in the Scriptures enjoining Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus at all. Naturally, however, those who appreciate what his birth means both to the church and to the world will always desire to praise the Lord for this evidence of his great love for mankind. Surely it is proper to acknowledge the goodness of God at any time of the year.

The word "Christmas" is not, of course, of biblical origin. It is a contraction of the words, "Christ's mass," which naturally associates it with the Roman church. The majority of those who know this still feel that they can enter into the spirit of the occasion, and give thanks to God for the gift of his Son. To what extent an enlightened Christian should enter into the festivities of the day is a question for individual decision.

An Appeal to Jehovah's Witnesses

If sincerity and zeal alone determined what is Truth, then the "Jehovah's Witnesses," would have an argument almost second to none, in favor of its teaching. Its publishing organization has flooded the world with a succession of leaflets, pamphlets and books proclaiming its doctrines; its members are untiring in their proselytising zeal, supplementing these public appeals by voluntary donations and goodwill.

All this would be very commendable if the things preached were in accordance with Divine Truth, but if not, the words of the Master apply:

"If the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness" (Matt. 6: 23).
Something more than sincerity, and zeal, and proselytizing fervor is required in the things of God and that is a mind disciplined to seek and accept the truths of His Word. Paul shows, in 1 Corinthians 15:14 that it is possible to be found "false witnesses of God." He spoke of some who had -

"a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge" (Rom. 10: 2).

These "compassed sea and land to make one prosleyte" only to lead him into greater error (Matt. 23:15). Unfortunately, as we shall show, the energy of "Jehovah's Witnesses" has been harnessed to error, and not truth.

"Jehovah's Witnesses" have never hesitated to hold up the failings of others for all the world to see, and to classify the world's denominations as part of "Satan's organization." A group that so roughly handles the opinions and teachings of others must, itself, be prepared to have its own ideas ruthlessly examined. If they are firmly based upon the Rock of Truth, it has nothing to fear; but if not, its members are well advised to do what they of Berea are reported to have done when the Apostles preached to them the truth in Christ Jesus:

"They searched the Scriptures, whether those things were so" (Acts 17: 11).
To quote the Watchtower itself:

"The Watchtower... invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures." - Watchtower August 15, 1950 p. 263

Yet, sad to say, this very journal reveals that Jehovah's Witnesses are exempt from such examination. That questioning their beliefs and practices is akin to treason, independent thinking, and a subtle design of the Devil. [See Watchtower "Exposing the Devil's Subtle Designs" 01/15/83 p. 22] Why? Because many passages from the Bible are quoted therein, but many are either quoted out of context, or are misapplied in order to conform to their teachings.
A faulty use of Scripture must result in instability of doctrine, and though Truth does not vary with time, it is significant that the doctrines of the "Watchtower" have been constantly revised. An example of this is found in the subject of the restoration of the Jews to Israel. C. T. Russell the founder and first president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, taught that the Jews must return in fulfilment of prophecy. His teaching was followed by J.F. Rutherford for some time, but later, changed his mind upon this subject, and today the "Jehovah's Witnesses" repudiate the very ideas they then set forth before millions of people as truth!
Meanwhile, the Jews have and still are returning to the land in fulfilment of prophecy, as the Bible from the very beginning maintained they must (Jer. 31: 10, Ezek. 36: 22-24; 37: 21-22). Yet this truth, now vindicated by events, is vigorously opposed by Jehovah's Witnesses. We believe that if members of this organization were to carefully examine their teachings, without bias, in the light of Scripture, they would see the need to considerably amend many of their doctrines.

Among the tenets promulgated by the "Jehovah's Witnesses" are some that are true, false, peculiar to them alone, and some that have been borrowed from other religious systems.
They are most outspoken against Roman Catholicism, and yet they cling to some of the teaching of that system.

The reader will understand that it is impossible for us to thoroughly examine all the beliefs propagated by the "Jehovah's Witnesses" through their various legal entities [e.g. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society] within the compass of this short article. We propose to comment upon a few of those peculiar to them, as our space permits, recognising that much more could be said upon those we touch upon, as well as other matters, if we had more space at our disposal.

We ask the reader to bear with us in this, and (particularly if they are a member of the "Jehovah's Witnesses" to give the evidence we submit thier candid and unbiased consideration.
We pray this site and its contents may be, not only an "eye-opener", but a blessing, in revealing to you God Plan of the Ages. A Plan that will involve every man, women and child ... a Plan that involves YOU!