Lesson 47 Are You Ready to Get Baptized?

[Image:] A Bible student contemplating baptism while watching another man get baptized at an assembly.

[Press play to hear the MP3 of the Lesson]

You have learned many things about Jehovah through your study of the Bible. Likely you made some changes to apply what you learned. Yet, there may be something holding you back from dedicating yourself to Jehovah and getting baptized. This lesson will discuss some common obstacles to baptism and how you can overcome them.

1. How much do you need to know before you get baptized?

To get baptized, you need to have “an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

[Quotation] 1 Timothy 2:4: whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth. [End Quotation]

This does not mean that you have to know the answer to every Bible question before you get baptized. Even Christians who have been baptized for a long time keep learning. (Colossians 1:9 and 10)

[Quotation] Colossians 1:9 and 10: That is also why from the day we heard of it, we have never stopped praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, so as to walk worthily of Jehovah in order to please him fully as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God; [End Quotation]

But you do need to have a basic understanding of Bible teachings. Congregation elders will help you find out if you have enough knowledge.

2. What are some steps you need to take before baptism?

Before you can get baptized, you must “repent . . . and turn around.” (Read Acts 3:19.)

[Read scripture] Acts 3:19: “Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from Jehovah himself [End of Read scripture]

This means that you feel deeply sorry for any sins you have committed and you ask Jehovah to forgive you. You also firmly reject bad conduct and are determined to live in a way that pleases God. In addition, you begin to participate in congregation activities by attending meetings and preaching as an unbaptized publisher.

3. Why should you not let fear hold you back?

Some are afraid that they will not be able to do what they promised Jehovah. True, at times you will make mistakes, even as faithful men and women mentioned in the Bible did. But Jehovah does not expect his worshippers to be perfect. (Read Psalm 103:13 and 14.)

[Read scripture] Psalm 103:13 and 14: As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear him. For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust. [End of Read scripture]

He is pleased when you do your best! He will help you. In fact, Jehovah assures us that nothing “will be able to separate us from [his] love.” Read Romans 8:38 and 39.

[Read scripture] Romans 8:38 and 39: For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [End of Read scripture]

Dig Deeper

See how you can overcome any obstacles to baptism by getting to know Jehovah better and accepting his help.

[Image:] Collage: A young woman overcoming obstacles to baptism. Scenes are repeated in this lesson.

4. Get to know Jehovah better

How well do you need to know Jehovah before getting baptized? You need to know him well enough to love him and to want to please him. Play the video The Road to Baptism (3:56) to see how Bible students around the world have done so. Then discuss the question that follows.

[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added by independent blind and sighted volunteers to assist those who are blind or have low vision]

[Click for Transcript]|[The Road to Baptism]
[JW Broadcasting. Mamuka Tektumanashvili. Georgia
Mamuka: I enjoyed associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Later, I also started to study the Bible. I knew that I had to make drastic changes in my life, but my job prevented me from doing so.
[Benjamin Lubi. Malaysia]
Benjamin: So, I asked myself, ‘What would I like to do with my life?’
[Mi Jung You. South Korea]
Mi Jung You: I began studying the Bible again with the couple and one month later started attending meetings regularly.
[Dorjkhand. Mongolia]
Dorjkhand: Since our parents had stopped studying, only three of us went to the meetings.
[Donald McGowan. United States]
Donald: Jehovah can do a lot with you. Jehovah could, you know, your whole perspective can change. I knew if I applied what I learned, Jehovah would not let me down.
[Kyaw Zaw Win. Myanmar]
Kyaw Zaw Win: To strengthen my relationship with Jehovah, I read the Bible daily and I pray.
[Oyun. Mongolia]
Oyun: My relationship with Jehovah has gotten stronger. When I pray now, it feels like I’m talking to my close Friend.
[Mimi McConnell. United States]
Mimi: Going out in service more—I think it really helped me to draw closer to Jehovah and make the Kingdom feel real to me. And so that’s why I wanted to get baptized.
[Wilhelm Knelsen. Mexico]
Wilhelm: What a great pleasure it was for me when four months later I could dedicate myself to Jehovah and get baptized! That made me so happy.
[Norma Makaranga. South Africa]
Norma: Today is a very, very special day for me, because today I’m getting baptized.
[Ataa Yaldiko. Sweden]
Ataa: At the regional convention, August 9, 2014,
[With no legs Ataa while sitting on white chair is slowly tilted back under the water and then back out]
it was a beautiful day.
[Aimé Rakotoniaina. Madagascar]
Aimé: Now, when I think about my three children who got baptized today, I feel my heart is full of joy, and I really thank Jehovah!
Donald: Yeah, it’s not a day I don’t go thank Jehovah for taking me out of the darkness.
[Giovanni Capizzano. Italy]
Giovanni: If we are determined to be loyal to Jehovah and we have the courage to remain chaste, well, we won’t have any regrets.
[Soten Yoeun. United States]
Soten: To know that you have a heavenly Father that cares about you —that was the best feeling on earth.
Ataa: I often think: ‘God, is it true? Is it real? Do I really deserve to have all these blessings?’
Benjamin: All these blessings have helped me to see that this life provides true satisfaction and true happiness.
[Lei Lei McConnell. United States]
Lei Lei: The important quality that Jehovah has taught me is love. I felt that love from my family, from Jehovah, and from my friends. I learned that it’s OK to love people, and that’s what you are supposed to do.
[Undraa. Mongolia]
Undraa: Working closely with Jehovah, I really feel part of his family.
[Rocky Webb. United States]
Rocky: When you give your faith to Jehovah, you’re giving your life to him. He’s permitted these things to come upon me; I knew that. But he protected me.
Mimi: When I meditate and think about what Jehovah has done for me and Lei Lei, I don’t have to be afraid. Jehovah is my secure refuge, because life may change, but Jehovah does not change.
[A group of friends enjoying an evening gathering]
Benjamin: Choosing to serve Jehovah was the best decision I have made in my life.
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2020 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]

In the video, what helped some individuals to prepare for baptism?

Read Romans 12:2, and then discuss the questions that follow:

[Read scripture] Romans 12:2: And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. [End of Read scripture]

Do you have any doubts about what the Bible teaches or whether Jehovah’s Witnesses teach the truth? If so, what can you do about it?

[Image:] The woman studying the Bible with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

5. Overcome possible obstacles to baptism

When we decide to dedicate ourselves to Jehovah and get baptized, we all face challenges. To see an example, play the video Love for Jehovah Conquers Obstacles (5:22), and then discuss the questions that follow.

[Click for Transcript]|[Love for Jehovah Conquers Obstacles. Narangerel Erdenebayar]
Narangerel: My name is Narangerel. I was born and raised in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. My father, my younger brother and I were in the army. During that time, I had money to buy whatever I wanted and enjoyed going drinking with my friends, which made me feel better, at times even satisfied and happy. But my stressful life quickly returned. One of my best friends started to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. She used to give me tracts and talk about Jehovah often. But I never read them. One day when I was feeling really down, I wondered what was in those tracts and decided to read them. I really liked what I read. I wanted to know more about it, so I called my friend and said, “Can you please teach me about the Bible?” Then I started to study the Bible and go to the meetings. At one meeting, I heard, “Jehovah God listens and answers his servant’s prayers.” This truth touched my heart. I decided to learn more about God and to cultivate a close relationship with him and to worship him. I told my father about my decision to retire from the military. Of course, he didn’t want to accept it; he tried everything to stop me. I felt bad that I was letting my family down. But I really loved Jehovah. I never looked back. But I had another obstacle to overcome. I lived with my boyfriend. He never accepted the Bible truths. I loved both Jehovah and him. I didn’t want to lose either of them. So, I prayed to Jehovah, “Please help me that he legally marries me and let me be a servant of you.” I did everything I could do. But he said, “If you don’t leave this religion, I will never marry you.” Later, he told me, “I am going abroad; come with me.” To be honest, I thought I could go with him and get married, then become a servant of God. But I prayed to Jehovah, “Please help me to make the right decision.” Then I realized that I had to cut off the relationship with him who didn’t want to marry me. I cried until I had no tears left. I really loved him. But my love for Jehovah was much stronger. I was surprised at myself that I made this decision. In March 2008 I was baptized, and I started regular pioneering from that December. I was appointed to be a special pioneer in August 2010, and I’m joyfully serving in the city of Darkhan. I’m still single, but now I have many friends who love Jehovah and care for me. I have more self-respect than before. For me, the real satisfaction and happiness come from working with Jehovah and serving him.
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2017 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]

[Image:] The woman putting a Bible in her bag while her mother scolds her.

In the video, what obstacles did Narangerel need to overcome to serve Jehovah?

How did love for Jehovah help her to conquer those obstacles?

Read Proverbs 29:25 and 2 Timothy 1:7, and then discuss the question that follows:

[Read scripture] Proverbs 29:25: Trembling at men is a snare, But the one trusting in Jehovah will be protected. [End of Read scripture]

[Read scripture] 2 Timothy 1:7: For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but one of power and of love and of soundness of mind. [End of Read scripture]

What gives us the courage to overcome obstacles?

6. Trust in Jehovah’s help

Jehovah will help you to please him. Play the video Jehovah God Will Help You (2:50), and then discuss the questions that follow.

[Click for Transcript]|[Jehovah God Will Help You]
Son: When is your turn, Dad?
Grayson: ‘Our family was contacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses a few years ago. Rachel started studying first. Soon, we all joined in. For the first time, we were all learning what the Bible really teaches. It wasn’t long before we were sharing the truth with others. Well, most of us were. I knew it was the truth, but I didn’t know if I could live up to everything Jehovah asks.’
Householder: Get away!
Grayson: ‘What if I let everyone down? What if I let Jehovah down?
Ben: You know, can you just give me one second?
Grayson: Yeah, no problem.
Ben: All right.
Grayson: Yeah. ‘A kind elder named Ben noticed I was struggling.
Ben: You, OK?
Grayson: ‘He took the initiative to help. He asked, what drew you to Jehovah in the first place? I guess it was learning that Jehovah isn’t harsh and demanding, but that he’s a loving Father. Ben agreed and said, when we do our best to serve Jehovah, he does the rest. He explained that Jehovah knows our limitations and doesn’t expect perfection. And he’s always there to help because he wants us to succeed. Then he read Isaiah 41:10: Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you,
Boy: Help!
Grayson: I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness. I don’t need to be perfect to serve Jehovah. I just need to love him and trust him. And he’ll do the rest.
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2017 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]

In the video, what caused the Bible student to hold back from getting baptized?

What did he learn that helped him to strengthen his trust in Jehovah?

Read Isaiah 41:10 and 13, and then discuss the question that follows:

[Read scripture] Isaiah 41:10: Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.’ [End of Read scripture]

[Read scripture] Isaiah 41:13: For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, The One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’ [End of Read scripture]

Why can you be confident that you can fulfill the promise you make at your dedication?

[Image:] The woman preaching to an older woman. Her Bible teacher accompanies her in the ministry.

7. Deepen your appreciation for Jehovah’s love

The more you think about how much Jehovah loves you, the more thankful you will be and the more you will want to serve him forever. Read Psalm 40:5, and then discuss the question that follows:

[Read scripture] Psalm 40:5: How many things you have done, O Jehovah my God, Your wonderful works and your thoughts toward us. None can compare to you; If I were to try to tell and speak of them, They would be too numerous to recount! [End of Read scripture]

What blessings from Jehovah do you especially appreciate?

The prophet Jeremiah loved Jehovah and his word, and he deeply appreciated the privilege of bearing Jehovah’s name. He said: “Your word became to me the exultation and the rejoicing of my heart, for your name has been called on me, O Jehovah God.” (Jeremiah 15:16)

[Quotation] Jeremiah 15:16: Your words were found, and I ate them; And your word became to me the exultation and the rejoicing of my heart, For your name has been called on me, O Jehovah God of armies. [End Quotation]

Answer these questions:

Why is it a special privilege to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Do you want to get baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Does anything prevent you from doing so?

What do you think you need to do to reach the goal of baptism?

[Image A:] The woman praying alone. [Image B:] The woman getting baptized.

[Box]

Some People Say: “I don’t think I could live up to the responsibility of baptism.” Is that how you feel? [End of box]

Summary

With Jehovah’s help, you can overcome any obstacle to baptism.

Review

How much Bible knowledge do you need to get baptized?

What changes may you need to make before you can get baptized?

Why should you not let fear hold you back?

Goal

Review “Am I Ready to Preach With the Congregation?” and “Am I Ready to Get Baptized?” at the end of Section 4. Set Other Goals

Explore

Consider what should be the basis for your decision to get baptized. “Are You Ready to Get Baptized?” (The Watchtower, March 2020)

[Click for article]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]

Learn how to overcome specific challenges that could hold you back. “What Prevents Me From Getting Baptized?” (The Watchtower, March 2019)