Changing Baptism Arrangement
Jesus commanded to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Over time, Watchtower has changed the question asked prior to immersion, replacing "holy spirit" with "spirit-directed organization," and then removing reference to the "holy spirit" altogether. Scriptural precedence is ignored in order to elevate the Watchtower organization.
“It is clear, then, that, by water baptism, a creature is not joining any earthly or human organization. He is not joining the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (that is a legal corporation), nor joining Jehovah’s Witnesses (they are not incorporated and have no membership rolls). The creature is simply giving an outward sign, according to God’s commandment through Jesus Christ, and before witnesses, a sign of what has taken place in the heart, namely, unconditional and unreserved consecration to God through his Son.
(The Watchtower April 15, 1943 p. 124)
Because so many preachers in North America were baptising people into a church, in 1955 it was made once more clear, people should not be baptised into an organisation.
“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.”
(The Watchtower July 1, 1955 pg. 411 par. 15)
Bible | Watchtower |
---|---|
Matthew 28:19"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". | (1) “Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his way of salvation through Jesus Christ?”
(2) “Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with Jehovah’s organization?” |
At Matthew 28:19, Jesus outlined a simple yet powerful baptismal process. It was to be "in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the holy spirit". He made no mention of affiliation with any earthly organization. Whilst the Watchtower baptism arrangement originally followed the requirements set by Jesus, it has gradually deviated from his guidelines.
Watchtower originally followed Matthew 28:19, with baptism "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit." In 1985, the baptismal question replaced the holy spirit with the spirit-directed Organization. In 2019, in blatant disregard for Jesus' words, reference to the holy spirit was completely removed.
Baptismal exclusivism is a major symbolical sectarian feature and the changes outlined below represent Watchtowers desire for stricter control and segregation of its members.
Christian baptism requires confession of faith in Jesus, followed by full water immersion. The simplicity of this ritual is attested to by multiple New Testament examples; the Ethiopian Eunuch, those that presented themselves to John the Baptist and the 3000 Peter baptized.
Acts 8:36 "The eunuch said: "Look! A body of water; what prevents me from getting baptized?""
At times followers were baptized in the name of Jesus alone. However, it was then necessary later to specifically pray to receive the holy spirit.
Acts 2:38 "Peter [said] to them: "Repent, and let each one of YOU be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of YOUR sins, and YOU will receive the free gift of the holy spirit."
Acts 8:14-16 "When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Sa·mar´i·a had accepted the word of God, they dispatched Peter and John to them; 15 and these went down and prayed for them to get holy spirit. 16 For it had not yet fallen upon any one of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Originally that was how baptism was conducted by the Watchtower Society. Over time a regimented pre-baptism approval procedure has developed, with the "baptismal candidate" answering numerous questions about Watchtower doctrine as part of a process of being judged worthy by 3 elders. Most significantly, since 1985 the candidate declares they are devoting themselves to an organization when answering the two pre-immersion questions.
As late as 1955, a person did not need to be baptized by a Watchtower representative to be considered one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Baptism by another Christian denomination was considered valid, provided it was as an adult by full immersion. The Watchtower 1955 Jul 1 p.412 paragraph 20 explained that re-baptism was necessary only if the previous baptism was not in symbol of a dedication, or if it was not by immersion.
It was not until 1956 that a Watchtower baptism became mandatory.
"Yes, one must be baptized again. Obviously, by any of such religious systems one was never in reality baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit," because had he been so baptized he would have appreciated the authority and office of such true Higher Powers." Watchtower 1956 Jul 1 p.406
The rationale for the change was that though other religions baptize in the name of "The Father, and the Son, and the holy spirit", they do not recognize Jehovah and Jesus to represent the Higher Powers of Romans 13:1. The irony is that shortly after this, Watchtower also stopped recognizing this passage as having reference to Jehovah and Jesus. This view of the Higher Powers was only held between 1928 and 1961.
More unusual, the Watchtower 1956 December 15 p.763 made the qualification that only those who had been baptized after 1918 needed to be re-baptized. Apparently, that was the date when Christendom was officially rejected by Jehovah.
The pre-baptismal process continued to become more rigid. To qualify for baptism, it became necessary for an interested person to answer 80 questions in front of 3 different elders.
"All who do get baptized are first given thorough instruction in basic Bible teachings, and thereafter (especially since 1967) elders in the congregation review such teachings with each baptismal candidate." Proclaimers p.186
This was changed to 124 questions in the 1983 Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry and 104 questions in the 2005 Organized To Do Jehovah's Will pp.182-216.
There is no Biblical precedence that requires passing an exam prior to baptism. Watchtower claims Jews needed no such questions, as they already knew Jehovah's requirements and simply had to confess faith in Jesus to be baptized. This is nonsense. In Jesus day there were numerous Jewish Sects with a range of beliefs. Sadducees and Pharisees had diametrically opposing views of the resurrection. Other Jews had little knowledge of their religious teachings and the Mosaic Law. (John 7:49) In addition to this, Jesus revelation of the Sacred Secret did away with the Mosaic Law and its arrangement of animal sacrifices, making Christianity significantly different from Judaism. Despite this theological gulf between Jewish thinking and Christianity, baptism only required that a person such as the Ethiopian Eunuch profess faith in Jesus.
Baptism Questions
Under Russell, baptism candidates consecrated themselves to the Lord only, and it was specifically noted that baptism was not to any particular sect.
"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 a reference to the God the Father, Jesus the son, and the holy spirit.
Watchtower 1944 Feb 1 p.44
Watchtower continued to clarify that baptism is not in the name of any organization.
"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 Jul 1 p.411
Emphasis of baptism shifted from Jesus to Jehovah.
"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 Oct 1 pp.603-604
In 1985, a significant change was introduced. In total disregard to Biblical guidance, and Watchtower's previous comments, it became a requirement for the baptismal candidate 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 Jun 1 p.30
In 2019, reference to the holy spirit was removed altogether.
“(1) “Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his way of salvation through Jesus Christ?”
(2) “Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with Jehovah’s organization?”” ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS May 2019
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 devote themselves to an organization - the Watchtower Society.
Age of Baptism
Image - Watchtower Study Ed Mar 2016
Watchtower criticizes Christendom for infant baptism.
"Many mainstream churches of Christendom still baptize newborn babies. Moreover, throughout history, compulsory baptism of conquered “pagans” was practiced by rulers and religious leaders of so-called Christian nations. But infant baptism and forced baptisms of adults have no foundation in the Bible." Watchtower 2006 Jul 1 p.26
"Does the Bible teach infant baptism?
No, it does not. Christian baptism is for those old enough to understand and believe in “the good news of the Kingdom of God.” (Acts 8:12) It is linked with hearing God’s word, accepting it, and repenting—actions that an infant cannot take.—Acts 2:22, 38, 41." Bible Questions Answered - What is Baptism? (As of 28 May 2017)
Jesus set the example of being baptized at 30. Jehovah's Witnesses are generally baptized between 10 and 18. Despite recognizing that baptism requires informed consent, some are lured into baptism whilst children, even as young as 6.
"In the summer of 1946, I was baptized at the international convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Although I was only six years of age, I was determined to fulfill my dedication to Jehovah." Watchtower 1992 Mar 1 p.27
"BAPTIZED AT SEVEN. Paola, who lives in western Mexico, is being raised by her grandparents. Her grandmother began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses when Paola was five years old. Paola listened in, and the truth took root in her young heart. Although her grandmother did not progress, Paola began to attend the meetings by herself. She would ask her grandparents to help her get dressed and to help her cross the street to get to the Kingdom Hall.
As soon as she learned to read and write, Paola enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School and became a publisher. Because of her love for Jehovah, she got baptized at the age of seven. " Yearbook 2011 p.58
Does a 16-year-old comprehend what they are devoting themselves to? The brain does not reach maturity until 25, which is why at 16 a person is too young to legally smoke, drink, drive a car, go to war, vote or get married. Yet, by that age, Watchtower expects a dedication to an organization that can disfellowship the person and force shunning if they ever change their mind, regardless of whether they are 17 or 70.
Watchtower spuriously presents baptism as a youngster is a protection.
“A Christian mother writes: “Children who are baptized have more reasons to stay away from the bad things of the world. My son, baptized at 15, feels that baptism is a protection. ‘You don’t think about doing something contrary to Jehovah’s law,’ he said. Baptism is a strong motivation for righteousness.”” Watchtower Study Ed. June 2011 p.6
Baptism does not stop a person having temptations or doubts when they are older. They may think twice before doing wrong, contemplating the consequences of being disfellowshipped and shunned, in which case such protection equates to bribery. Even so, two-thirds of those raised as Jehovah's Witnesses eventually leave the religion, with baptism the opposite of protection, as it sets the child up later for the devastating consequences of being shunned.
Watchtower Baptismal Requirements
Prior to 1951
Baptism as a Christian in any religion, provided by full water immersion. (What Pastor Russell Saidpp.35,36)
1955 to 1985
Baptized by Watchtower Representative.
To Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
1985 to 2019
Baptized by Watchtower Representative.
To Father, Son, and the spirit-directed Organization w85 6/1 p.30
2019 onwards
Baptized by Watchtower Representative.
To Father and Son. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS May 2019
Changing Baptismal Questions
On the day of baptism, the candidate is required to answer two questions publicly. The following traces these changes.
Baptismal questions from the Watchtower 1944 Feb 1 p.44:
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?"
Baptismal questions from the Watchtower 1956 Jul 1 p.407:
(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?"
Baptismal questions from the Watchtower 1966 Aug 1 p.465:
(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 enlightening power of the holy spirit?
Baptismal questions from the Watchtower 1970 May 15 p.309:
(1) 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?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for redemption have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to Jehovah God, to do his will henceforth as that will is revealed to you through Christ Jesus and through God's Word as his holy spirit makes it plain?
Baptismal questions from the Watchtower 1973 May 1 p.280:
(1) Have you repented of your sins and turned around, recognizing yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned 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 enlightening power of the holy spirit?
Baptismal questions from the Watchtower 1985 Jun 1 p.30:
(1) On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
(2) Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?
Baptismal questions from ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS May 2019 (section FOR THE ELDERS ONLY).
3. Baptism Questions: The two baptism questions that are reviewed with candidates at the time of their concluding discussion with the elders and that are included at the end of each baptism talk outline have been changed as follows: (1) “Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his way of salvation through Jesus Christ?” (2) “Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with Jehovah’s organization?” The new questions will be used starting with the baptism talks at assemblies and conventions beginning the week of May 13, 2019. Elders should update the two questions on page 209 in their copies of Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will.
The 80 Questions
In order to gain approval for baptism, a series of questions require answering before three elders. These are the 80 from 1967. Each reincarnation of the Organized book slightly changed the number and substance of these questions.
1. Who is the true God?
2. What kind of God is Jehovah?
3. What does it mean to know God?
4. What does the Bible mean when it says that Jehovah requires our exclusive devotion?
5. How will Jehovah God sanctify his name? How can we have a share in it?
6. Who is Jesus Christ, and what is his position in relation to Jehovah God?
7. Why did Jesus die a sacrificial death?
8. How is the ransom an expression of God’s love for mankind?
9. How does the ransom affect us as individuals?
10. What is the holy spirit?
11. How can we benefit from the operation of that spirit today?
12. Whose ideas are recorded in the Bible? Does that mean that God personally spoke or wrote it all? Is all of it true?
13. Why should we pray, to whom, and how often?
14. About what is it proper to pray?
15. What is the kingdom of God?
16. What does it mean to “seek first the kingdom”?
17. When Christ returns, is it visibly as a man, or how?
18. How can people know when his second presence occurs?
19. What is God’s purpose for the earth?
20. How will this purpose be realized?
21. What conditions will prevail on earth in God’s new system of things?
22. Who is the Devil? What is his origin?
23. Against what spiritistic practices employed by the Devil and his demons does the Bible warn us?
24. How can we protect ourselves against the influence of these wicked spirits?
25. Why has God permitted wickedness to continue until now?
26. By what means will God destroy the wicked?
27. What is the human soul? Can it die?
28. What is sin, and how did we all become sinners?
29. What should be our attitude toward committing sins?
30. Do only those who have committed a gross sins or flagrant violations of God’s Word need to repent?
31. What is death?
32. Why do people die?
33. What future hope for life is there for one who dies?
34. How many from among mankind will be in heaven with Christ?
35. What will they do there?
36. Are Christians under the law covenant with its requirements of Sabbath keeping and sacrifice?
37. What Christian quality should outstandingly characterize our relationship with our spiritual brothers and with the members of our own families?
38. In God’s arrangement, who is head of a married woman?
39. How should a husband exercise his headship?
40. Is the wife whose husband is not a believer freed from his headship?
41. Who is responsible before God for the training and disciplining of children?
42. May a Christian have more than one living marriage mate?
43. What is the only Scriptural basis for divorce that frees one to remarry?
44. Must persons living together as husband and wife have their marriage legally registered with the government?
45. Why must lying be avoided?
46. What is the Christian view of stealing?
47. What is the Christian view of drunkenness?
48. What is God’s law concerning blood?
49. What does the Bible say about fornication, adultery, sexual relations with another person of the same sex and other loose conduct? May a person who is engaging in such practices be baptized?
50. Why is moral cleanness of all persons among Jehovah’s people important to every one of us?
51. When difficulties arise between individuals because of serious wrongs, what is the Christian way to handle the situation?
52. What action does the congregation take when a person in its midst proves to be a persistent and unrepentant violator of God’s commandments?
53. If a person in weakness commits a serious sin, but he wants to help to be restored to Jehovah’s favor, what action should he take?
54. What is the proper viewpoint to have when one is Scripturally reproved?
55. What is the fruitage of the spirit, and is it reasonable to expect a Christian to manifest this fruitage in his life?
56. How should Christians view the shortcomings of fellow believers?
57. What does the Bible say about sharing with other religius groups in worship or any of the other activities in which they engage?
58. What is the only religious celebration that Christians are commanded to observe?
59. What Bible principles should guide us in determining whether other celebrations that are popular in the community are acceptable for Christians?
60. Whom does the Bible identify as the “ruler of the world” and “the god of this system of things”?
61. What is the position of Christians as to this world alienated from God?
62. What was Jesus’ attitude toward all participation in the political affairs of the world?
63. How do Bible commands concerning idolatry affect a Christian in this modern world?
64. In the light of the following texts, what is the position of a true Christians in this world?
65. Is it necessary for a Christian to be subject to worldly rulers and to show them respect?
66. Must a Christian pay all the taxes demanded by the law?
67. Is there any circumstance under which a Christian would not obey the law?
68. Why are true Christians persecuted?
69. What are some factors to consider in determining whether certain types of employment are not proper for Christians?
70. What should always be our attitude toward the doing of Jehovah’s will?
71. Why are Christians called Jehovah’s witnesses?
72. Who or what is the “faithful and discreet slave?”
73. What is the governing body of the Christian congregation, and what purpose does it serve?
74. What attitude should Christians show toward those who serve as shepherds in the congregation?
75. Why is it beneficial to attending the meetings arranged by the congregation?
76. Why is personal study important in the life of a Christian?
77. What urgent work does the Bible set out for all Christians at this time?
78. In what various ways may this work be accomplished?
79. Is this work done in our own strength?
80. Why should one who has sincerely repented and turned around and chosen to be a disciple of Christ be baptized?
This is a really great video on the changes in the scriptures in the New World Translation: Watchtower examination,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loGi5jo6Ea8
I often wondered how I was allowed to do bricklaying on the outside of a building and put down an entire bathroom floor without ever having done it before? Every 5 years or less everything would have to be redecorated with designs by elders wife with no sense of design (not their fault).
Well, this article explains how those buildings are viewed by real builders. Cong. are asked this month to sign over all water rights to properties.
I thought only the witnesses would be standing when religious organizations closed their doors? hmm
http://www.whitehorsenews.co.uk/blog/2020/12/09/no-to-homes-on-former-place-of-worship-site/
This article s so true! I was baptized in 1970, dedicating myself, not to a religion, but to our Lord Jehovah and his son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I was 16 years old! I was not raised a Witness, in fact my family was opposed. My dad tried to talk me out of it. All I really knew about the Bible was what I was taught in the book, The Truth that Leads to Eternal Life! I was baptized because I honestly felt I had found the truth.
I was married to a born in Witness in 1975, despite the warnings. We had two children, one in 1976 and the other in 1977. I began pioneering and working full time. I began taking my son with me in service, often starting at 4 AM working gas stations, all night motels, and leaving magazines in phone booths and at bus stops.
So at the age of 10, I was proud that my son expressed an interest in Baptism. My pride got the best of me and I allowed it. My son did well for a time, working in service along side of me and going out working with some of his friends.
As he reached the teenage years, like most teenagers, hormones kicked in, and a desire to be independent. He began associating with a friend at school. My wife was very ill at the time and most of my time was trying to take care of her. As a result my children did not get the attention they needed. My son started smoking and Steven, a witness friend saw him and told him to go to the elders. As a result he was disfellowshipped at the age of 18. My son is now 43 years old, he has a wife and son, he stopped smoking, has a good job, and has been very helpful to me and my wife as we deal with her depression and anxiety disorder and now my Parkinson\’s Disease.
Yet according to the JW dogma, I should not fellowship with him at all because he was never reinstated. When my kids were young I swore to them that I would never turn my back on them, and I never have. My wife is not as strict either. While she won\’t go to his home for meals or have his family over, she will show him love when he drops off our grandson to baby sit or when he comes to help with errands at the house.
Through the years there was a lot of inward strife, trying to reconcile our natural feelings as parents with the Societies direction. My daughter, who is now married to an elder, refuses to speak with her own brother and looks down on us because we are not following direction.
All of this because my son was baptized before he was really capable of understanding what he was doing. He was baptized, not because he truly knew our Lord God, but to please me. To this day I have to take the blame for this. But I am keeping my promise to my kids.
I am not currently disfellowshipped but am considered inactive. I have finally found the true Christ. I don\’t know how my daughter will react if I am ever disfellowshipped. But that decision will be hers. I can only hope that her natural love for family will take precedence over her misguided loyalty to an organization.
TedR, I am catching up on the reading of your posts. I can almost feel your pain at your son being disfellowshipped and sister not speaking to him.
Only the devil hates God’s family arrangement. The governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses are evil,deranged and sadistic men. They don’t have a heart. They see and read about all of the pain and destruction if their policies but laugh and rejoice! They are evil!
Persons that implement their policies now, with the internet true stories all around are showing that evil side of themselves. Normal humans who claim to know God don’t follow men to that degree unless it is a cult. But sometimes when you see and hear sisters in field service laugh about getting a householders house and possessions because they refused to talk to them, it makes me wonder what type of women are these? Something ain’t right!
Witnesses go beyond not speaking, they can see one family member dying and not flinch but shunn for decades.
Something ain’t right! This isn’t even bad human nature.
Marcus Vaughn ex-bethelite on YouTube has a video about channeling at Bethel, where he actually lived.
I am on a tablet and don’t know how to copy link for his YouTube but put in his name.
Ted it helps to just do as you are doing, hug your son and say to him, I made a mistake in letting you get baptized! Son, can you forgive me??? The healing power of confession and saying I’m sorry can’t be compared!
Thanks for opening up and sharing your journey and story with us.
You have had a lot of people read this heartfelt life story, maybe it will help them take the initiative to heal their family!
They need to fight this demonic influence this organization has over their families and get their children back from this cult mindset. They have stolen so many oeop!e children and messed up the lives of so many families.
I don’t know how the governing body sleep at night.
Hopefully the monetary damage imposed on them will in some way show them that they can be dealt with by civil agents and a sword put out after them in every nation to make them pay for molesting the young children.
I will read your other post tomorrow. Family situations good and sad are happening right now, but this too shall pass. Love you, my brother and may the Grace of God go with you and your family.
So this pulls out of the article the new questions to be used beginning in May 2019.
Baptismal questions from ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS May 2019 (section FOR THE ELDERS ONLY).
3. Baptism Questions: The two baptism questions that are reviewed with candidates at the time of their concluding discussion with the elders and that are included at the end of each baptism talk outline have been changed as follows: (1) “Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his way of salvation through Jesus Christ?” (2) “Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with Jehovah’s organization?” The new questions will be used starting with the baptism talks at assemblies and conventions beginning the week of May 13, 2019. Elders should update the two questions on page 209 in their copies of Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will.