Baptism annulment. ???

by Anti-Christ 14 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Black Sheep

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/109423/1/Do-not-Disassociate-Anull-your-baptism
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  OnTheWayOut

  I think there was a small window in the 1980's when they "voided" a baptism and let you get dunked a second time.
  I don't know the details, but they asked me in 1988, "Is this your first baptism?" and they wouldn't explain what that meant. Someone may be able to shed light on this, but the window is definitely closed now.
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  sacolton

  Under Russell baptism candidates were simply asked if they had consecrated themselves to the Lord.

  "What are the questions usually put by Brother Russell when receiving candidates for water immersion?
  ANSWER.--You will notice that they are on broad lines--questions which any Christian, whatever his confession, should be able to answer in the affirmative without hesitation if he is suitable to be acknowledged as a member of the Church of Christ:
  (1) 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?
  (2) 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?
  (3) 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 pp.35, 36

  Later, two questions developed containing reference to the Father, Son and holy spirit, as shown in a scan from theWatchtower 1944 February 1 p.44.

  "Therefore now with your mouth make a public declaration of your faith by answering these two questions that I shall ask you, and let your answers be hearable, that all those about you may be witnesses to the declaration that you solemnly make:
  (1) Have you recognized yourself before Jehovah God as a sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him the Father through his Son Jesus Christ?
  (2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightenment of the holy spirit?" Watchtower 1956 July 1 p.407

  An important comment was made in 1955, something significantly contradicted in the arrangement introduced in 1985.

  "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." Watchtower 1955 July 1 p.411
  "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." Watchtower 1966 October 1 pp.603-604

  In total disregard for these previous comments and Biblical examples, in 1985 the baptism questions changed, with the candidate having to announce their desire to become associated with an Organization.

  "At the close of the convention baptism talk, the baptism candidates will be in position to answer with depth of understanding and heartfelt appreciation two simple questions that serve to confirm that they recognize the implications of following Christ's example. The first question is:
  On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
  The second is:
  Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization? Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism." Watchtower 1985 June 1 p.30

  Rather than follow the biblical example of confession in Christ prior to baptism, a Witness must prove they intricately know Watchtower doctrine and law, and then devote themselves to "God's spirit-directed organization" - the Watchtower Society.

  ALL BAPTISMS FROM 1985 TO PRESENT SHOULD BE ANNULLED AND VOID. THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIAN BAPTISMS!
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  straightshooter

  I remember a Circuit Overseer saying that one can have their baptism annulled if they did not go over the questions and did not want to be a JW.

  For example, if you did not go over the questions with the elders and got baptized and found out you needed an operation that the doctor says you need blood. You find out that this is wrong for jws, so now you want your baptism annulled.

  Of course most all jw baptisms require going over the questions with the elders so that the above is prevented and it prevents any baptism annulments. After all, it makes the elders feel more important and needed to df individuals. To annul a baptism means that the elders failed in letting the baptism candidate know the rules of the WTS.
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  Anti-Christ

  Thanks black sheep for the link, it was helpful. Sacolton those are good points for someone who considers themselves a christian.

  Straightshooter thanks for the info.