Sunday morning food for thought.
...Into the temple of God "entry into the holy place" and that it is accomplished through baptism "bodies bathed in clean water" which also includes a public declaration "the public declaration of our hope". Heb 10:19-23
Now if the association with baptism and entry into the temple is understood a further examination of baptism should help the reader comprehend some simple baptism criteria which is mentioned in the following by the Apostle Matthew:
Matthew 28:19
19 Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,
Please notice the criteria which is listed in the following and compared where possible to 2 nd Thessalonians 2:4 :
Christian Baptism Criteria: Name of the Father ------------- Jehovah ----------- The God ------------ ( 2 Co 1:3 ) Jehovah's Witness Baptism Criteria: Jehovah to do his will ------------------ Name of the Father ----------- The God
And of the Son ------------------ Jesus -------------- a god ----------------- ( John 1:1 )
And of Holy Spirit -------------- The Helper ------ God's active force -- ( Acts 2:38 )
Now please compare this to the publicly declared baptismal vows, which is an absolute requirement to becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses. This is quoted from the June 1 st 1985 Watchtower Magazine on page 30:
"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?"
These vows are publicly made often in front of thousands of people.
Nowte reader should also attempt to reconcile the Jehovah's Witness baptismal criteria where possible to 2 nd Thessalonians 2:4 and Matthew 28:19 .
Sacrifice of Jesus Christ --------------- And of the son ----------------- a god
God's spirit-directed organization ---- an esoteric group of men ----- a god?
Can you see in the above an esoteric group who is "publicly showing himself to be a god"? ( 2Th 2:4 ).
Jehovah's Witnesses are taught by this same organization that the above vows are essential for salvation as confirmed in the following quote from the January 15 th 1989 Watchtower magazine on page 15:
"Baptismal candidates must acknowledge publicly that on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice they have repented of their sins and have dedicated themselves to Jehovah. They must also understand that dedication and baptism identify them as Jehovah's Witnesses.
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The final days-Jeremiah 23:20:the"man of lawlesness"has been revealed"
The entire baptismal arrangement, including this public expression of faith, is essential for salvation. "
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