To Whom Are You Dedicated?

Shortly before his ascension to heaven, Jesus gave his disciples these parting words:

“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, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 28:19, 20)

Did Jesus command his disciples to use these exact words when making disciples?

This is unlikely since, there is no passage in the New Testament that mentions baptisms taking place using this exact phrase as if it were a strict formula.

In the book of Acts we find such phrases as “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38; 10:48) and “baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 8:16; 19:5)

Some scholars question whether this triadic baptismal formula was actually what Jesus said and consider the text to be a spurious addition. However, there does not exist sufficient evidence to settle the question. (See Baptism in the Name of Who? – Proselyte of Yah (wordpress.com)

Regarding the expression in the name of, Albert Barnes reasons on Paul’s use of the term in 1 Corinthians 1:13-16:

“Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul – Or, “into,” or “unto” the name of Paul; see the note at Mat_28:19. To be baptized “into,” or “unto” anyone is to be devoted to him, to receive and acknowledge him as a teacher, professing to receive his rules, and to be governed by his authority – Locke. Paul here solemnly reminds them that their baptism was an argument why they should not range themselves under different leaders. By that, they had been solemnly and entirely devoted to the service of the only Saviour. “Did I ever,” was the implied language of Paul, “baptize in my own name? Did I ever pretend to organize a sect, announcing myself as a leader? Have not I always directed you to that Saviour into whose name and service you have been baptized?” It is remarkable here, that Paul refers to himself, and not to Apollos or Peter. He does not insinuate that the claims of Apollos or Peter were to be disparaged, or their talents and influence to be undervalued, as a jealous rival would have done; but he numbers himself first, and alone, as having no claims to be regarded as a religious leader among them, or the founder of a sect. Even he, the founder of the church, and their spiritual father, had never desired or intended that they should call themselves by his name; and he thus showed the impropriety of their adopting the name of any man as the leader of a sect..” (Albert Barnes)

During the time of C.T. Russell, the Bible Students dedicated 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 pgs.35-36)

This was in harmony with his view that Christians were not to form a sect, separating themselves from other Christians:

“Ques. Please let me know by what name you people call yourselves? What denomination?

Ans. We are strictly unsectarian, and consequently recognize no sectarian name, believing with Paul, (read 1 Cor 3:1-4) that where one saith I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, or I am a Baptist, or I a Methodist, etc., it is an evidence of carnality, and consequently in opposition to the Spirit of Christ. Did Paul or Apollos die for us? If so, let us call ourselves theirs. Were we baptized into the Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, or other denominational churches? If so, we are members of it, and should be properly recognized by those names. But if we were baptized into the one body or church of which Jesus is the one and only Head, then we are members in particular of his body, and the only name appropriate would be his; Scripturally called the “Church of Christ,” “Christians,” “Church of the first born,” and such like general names. Again we would remark that ours is the only Scriptural basis of Christian union, viz: We have no creed (fence) to bind us together or to keep others out of our company. The Bible is our only standard, and its teachings our only creed, and recognizing the progressive character of the unfolding of Scriptural truths, we are ready and prepared to add to or modify our creed (faith-belief) as we get increase of light from our standard.

We are in fellowship with all Christians in whom we can recognize the Spirit of Christ, and especially with those who recognize the Bible as the only standard. We do not require, therefore, that all shall see, just as we do in order to be called Christians; realizing that growth in both grace and knowledge is a gradual process. Nor do we see reason to expect that any but the watchmen of Zion will see “eye to eye” (Isa. 52:8) until that which is perfect is come, when “that which is in part shall be done away.” (1 Cor. 13:10)

If all Christians were to thus free themselves of prescribed creeds, and study the Word of God without denominational bias, truth and knowledge and real Christian fellowship and unity, would result. The Spirit of the Head would pervade the unfettered members of the body, and sectarian price would vanish. Thus we believe, thus we practice, and thus we teach. It becomes our duty to denounce sectarianism and the God-dishonoring creeds of men which while contradicting each other, unite in misrepresenting God’s Word and character. Because these are bonds which hinder God’s children from rendering him the homage due unto his name, hinder their knowing him, hinder their worshipping in spirit and truth, and also hinder them from enjoying that joy and peace which their Father designed they should have. We “cry aloud and spare not.”

Because we believe sectarianism to be a snare of the devil. And in opposition both to God and his saints. Therefore we labor to set them free, and bring them into the liberty of Christ. That this has been so accounted before the present day by holy men of God, we quote you from the words of John Bunyan, whose name is a household word, and one of whose books has been more read than any other ever written except the Bible-“Pilgrim’s Progress.” He wrote:-

“Since you would know by what name I would be distinguished from others, I tell you I would be, and hope I am, a Christian; and choose, if God should count me worthy, to be called a Christian, a believer, or other such name which is approved by the Holy Ghost. And as for those factious (or sect” titles of Anabaptist, Presbyterian, Independent, or the like. I conclude that they came neither from Antioch nor from Jerusalem, but from Hell and Babylon, for they tend to divisions: you many know them by their fruits.” – John Bunyan.

John Bunyan was a Christian whose creed was the Bible. “He was commonly called a “Baptist,” though, then, and in a few Baptist churches now, the Bible is the only written confession of faith.) He was imprisoned in bedford jail by the English Church in 1660, because he thus believed. It was while there imprisoned that he wrote of “Pilgrim.” (Questions and Answers Zion’s Watchtower April 1882)

Later, during the presidency of N. H. Knorr, two questions were developed, similar to Jesus’ instructions.

In the October 1, 1942, issue of The Watchtower, on pages 300 to 302, an article entitled “Baptism” was published and this article concludes with the following statements:

“Jesus sent forth his disciples with the instruction: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy [spirit] ; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28: 19,20) Therefore this water baptism toward you is performed in the name, that is. By the authority, of Jehovah God the Father and through Christ Jesus the Son, and with the spirit or holy power of God, which spirit of power is the commission of authority to do this. Hence, when you present yourself to the one baptizing in water, your baptism will be performed with this understanding and in the spirit of the Lord.

Before proceeding with your baptism it is proper, first, that you answer affirmatively these questions to show you are taking this step with the Scriptural understanding thereof and are fit for baptism as a devoted servant of the Lord, fully responsible to Him:

(1) Do you believe in Jehovah God the Father, that “salvation belongeth unto Jehovah”, and that Christ Jesus is his Son in whose blood your sins are washed away and by whom salvation comes to you from God’

(2) Have you therefore confessed your sins to God and asked for cleansing by Christ Jesus, and therefore turned away from sin and the world, and consecrated yourself without reservation to God to do his will?

Your answer, being Yes, is testimony that you are worthy and in line for water baptism in obedience to God’s Will.
(The Watchtower October 1, 1942 pg. 302)

This is the first time a standard formula for baptism questions appears in The Watchtower. The following year the significance of baptism and all that it entails was made clear:

“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)

“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)

The questions were similar in 1956. The wording was slightly different but the important elements, Father. Son and Holy Spirit remained the same:

“(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?

²¹ (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?
(The Watchtower July 1, 1956 pg. 407 pars. 20-21)

In the year 1964 the view of C.T. Russell, noted above, regarding baptism was upheld:

“It may be that on some baptismal occasions in the past years specific questions that could be answered audibly were not asked of the baptismal candidates regarding their faith, obedience and dedication. Yet the failure of the speaker on baptism to pronounce such questions, and hence the failure of the baptismal candidates to answer audibly and affirmatively to such questions, do not undermine the validity of the baptism performed on such occasion. When receiving candidates for water immersion, Charles Taze Russell, the first president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (1884-1916), would put the following questions to such candidates:

“(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?”

After the candidates had answered affirmatively, he would say: “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.”—See The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence as of May 15, 1913, page 159, column 2, under the heading “Broad Unsectarian Questions.”

Other baptismal speakers would follow this pattern with candidates for water immersion.
(The Watchtower February 15, 1964 p. 123)

“Jehovah is the giver of life. ‘For with you is the source of life.’ (Ps. 36:9) We cannot keep everlasting life in view without staying CLOSE TO JEHOVAH, the source of life … This is what we mean when we dedicate our lives 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. For this reason, all dedicated ones are not only privileged but obligated to draw near to Jehovah in prayer. James 4:8 tells us: ‘Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”
(The Watchtower October 1, 1966 pgs. 603, 604 paragraph 14, 15)

Six years later in 1970 the same basic formula is used:

“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?
(The Watchtower May 15, 1970 pg. 309 paragraph 20)

The reasoning was made plain later that year:

“Christians must appreciate these facts. Their dedication is not to an organization nor to a work. Neither is it to a human or a government; it is only to the Creator himself, to Jehovah God, through Jesus Christ. Therefore, every command from his mouth is law to them and they know that they must live by it, just as Jesus said to the Devil: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matt. 4:4) If they do not live by it, it will be enforced against them. The spirit of God motivates them to love him and not to think that they can choose which of his laws they will obey and which they will disobey or ignore. It is the spirit of the world to try to “get by” with wrongdoing. The world’s spirit is that, if a person does not get caught, he has actually evaded the penalties of the law. As one commentator remarked, many people live by an eleventh commandment: “Thou shalt not get caught.”
(The Watchtower July 1, 1970 pg. 404 par. 13)

Baptism without mentioning the organization remained essentially the same in 1973:

“(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?
(The Watchtower May 1, 1973 p. 280)

However a significant change was made in 1985:

“1) On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus, 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?
(The Watchtower June 1, 1985 pg. 30 paragraphs 3 &4)

In order to prepare candidates for baptism, the book Organized to do Jehovah’s Will stated:

CONCLUDING DISCUSSION WITH BAPTISM CANDIDATES

Baptisms are usually held at assemblies and conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At the conclusion of the baptism talk, the speaker will ask the baptism candidates to stand and answer the following two questions in a loud voice:

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?

Affirmative answers to these questions constitute a “public declaration” by the baptism candidates that they have put faith in the ransom and have unreservedly dedicated themselves to Jehovah. (Rom. 10:9, 10) Baptism candidates will want to give prayerful thought to these questions in advance so that they can answer in harmony with their personal convictions.
(Organized to do Jehovah’s Will pg. 209 [2015 edition])

Previous versions of this book [1972 & 1983] did not consider these two pre-baptism questions.

Thus in addition to the baptismal expressions commanded by Christ, in contradiction to previous statements made not only by C.T. Russell but also statements printed in the Watchtower, candidates are now baptized in association with an organization. Yet amazingly, the Watchtower issued statements assuring that a person’s dedication was made only to God himself:

“Whether young or old, undoubtedly a baptismal candidate wants to remain faithful to Jehovah. So why do some baptized Christians experience a spiritual relapse? Though various factors may be involved, there seems to be one fundamental cause—a failure to understand all that is meant by dedication. It is not a matter of dedicating ourselves to a work. That would keep us busy but would not make us spiritual persons. We need to remember that we are dedicated not to a work but to a Person—Jehovah God. This helps us to avoid the mistake of viewing our dedication as a perfunctory step we had to take before getting on with the work. Making a dedication should be viewed as entering into a vital relationship that must always be guarded and maintained. In this respect, we have the example of Jesus Christ. Expressing his heartfelt attitude when presenting himself to Jehovah are the prophetic words: “I have come . . . To do your will, O my God, I have delighted, and your law is within my inward parts.”—Psalm 40:6-8; Hebrews 10:5-10.
(The Watchtower January 15, 1989 pg. 19 par. 17)

“As long as Jehovah has work for us to do amid this wicked world, then, following Jesus’ example, we want to be engaged in that work till it is finished. (John 17:4) Our dedication to Jehovah was not on the understanding that we would serve him for just a short time and then Armageddon would come. Our dedication was forever. God’s work for us will not end with Armageddon’s battle. However, it is only after we have accomplished the work that is to be done before Armageddon that we shall see the grand things to come beyond that great war. Then, in addition to the happy privilege of continuing to do his work, we will be rewarded with the long-hoped-for blessings that he promised.—Romans 8:32.
(The Watchtower November 1, 1991 pg. 12 par. 16)

“Dedication to God in prayer must precede baptism. (Compare Luke 3:21, 22.) Dedication means a setting apart for a sacred purpose. So important is this step that we should express to God in prayer our decision to give him exclusive devotion and serve him forever. (Deuteronomy 5:8, 9; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13) Of course, our dedication is not to a work but to God himself. That point was made clear at the funeral of the Watch Tower Society’s first president, Charles Taze Russell. On that occasion in 1916, the Society’s secretary-treasurer, W. E. Van Amburgh, said: “This great worldwide work is not the work of one person. It is far too great for that. It is God’s work and it changes not. God has used many servants in the past and He will doubtless use many in the future. Our consecration [dedication] is not to a man, or to a man’s work, but to do the will of God, as He shall reveal it unto us through His Word and providential leadings. God is still at the helm.” But what else must be done about dedication to God?
(The Watchtower March 15, 1992 pg. 17 par. 18)

“The baptism of Jesus’ followers must also be preceded by a wholehearted dedication to God. Dedication signifies a setting apart for a sacred purpose. This step is so important that we should express to Jehovah in prayer our decision to give him exclusive devotion forever. (Deuteronomy 5:9) Of course, our dedication is not to a work or to a human but to God himself.
(The Watchtower April 1, 2002 pgs. 12-13 par. 14)

But if a person’s dedication is only to God, why the need for a change in the questions? The April 15, 1987 Watchtower explains:

“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.
(The Watchtower April 15, 1987 pg. 12)

It was explained that the questions were simplified for the benefit of baptismal candidates. While it is true that the new questions contain less verbiage than formerly, an important and striking difference for the first time in the organization’s history appears. Whereas previously it was emphatically stated: “We DO NOT DEDICATE OURSELVES TO A RELIGION, nor to a man, nor to AN ORGANIZATION” now it is important for baptismal candidates to understand that their baptism identifies them as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit directed organization.

Then in May 2019 a letter was sent to all bodies of elders in which the questions were adjusted again. Paragraph 3 of the letter reads:

“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.
(Announcements and Reminders May 2019)

This announcement was in the portion of the letter for elders only and not to be read to the congregation or posted on the information board. One has to wonder, if there is such an important need to change the baptism questions, why was the congregation not informed.

So, whereas in 1985 the questions were worded so that candidates could answer with full comprehension that their baptism was in association with God’s spirit directed organization, in 2019 the holy spirit is no longer mentioned.

Witnesses are assured that the organization would never deviate from what is taught in scripture:

“What will help you to maintain a steadfast heart and thus live up to your dedication to God? With the purpose of taking in ever-increasing knowledge of God’s Word, read the Bible daily. This is something that “the faithful and discreet slave” constantly urges us to do. Such counsel is given because living up to our dedication requires that we keep on walking in God’s truth. If Jehovah’s organization knowingly endorsed false teachings, advice to read the Bible would never be given to Jehovah’s Witnesses and those to whom they preach.
(The Watchtower April 1, 2002 pgs. 18-19 par. 14)

But what about making additions to God’s word? Would Christ approve of sectarian divisions among his followers? (John 17:22) Would the first century disciples approve of baptisms that would divide Christians? (1 Cor. 1:10-13) They may not knowingly endorse false teachings but is it possible for them to do so by mistake? Is the direction given by the organization infallible?

“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870. Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food.
(The Watchtower February 2017 study edition pg. 26 par. 12)

So if it is possible for the guidance to be faulty, are Jehovah’s Witnesses and those to whom they preach allowed to interpret the Bible for themselves and use it to test the organizations teachings? Here is the society’s answer:

“Some may feel that they can interpret the Bible on their own. However, Jesus has appointed the ‘faithful slave’ to be the only channel for dispensing spiritual food. Since 1919, the glorified Jesus Christ has been using that slave to help his followers understand God’s own Book and heed its directives. By obeying the instructions found in the Bible, we promote cleanness, peace, and unity in the congregation. Each one of us does well to ask himself, ‘Am I loyal to the channel that Jesus is using today?’
(The Watchtower November 2016 study edition pg. 16 par. 9)

What happens though, if one were to discover that the organization asks him to proceed in a course that goes beyond or contrary to the scriptures? Are Witnesses allowed to question such a directive? Would they be allowed to proceed in harmony with their own understanding of God’s Word?

What else does the Devil use in trying to turn us away? Has he not always tried to stir up rebellion, to cause Jehovah’s servants to become critical of those taking the lead? ‘The elders just do not understand. They are too critical, too demanding,’ some may say. A person may go further and claim that the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses or other responsible brothers interfere with freedom of conscience and the individual’s “right” to interpret the Scriptures. But remember Joseph’s humble words: “Do not interpretations belong to God?” (Genesis 40:8) And did not Jesus foretell that in these final days an organization of anointed ones, “the faithful and discreet slave,” would be entrusted with providing spiritual food at the proper time? (Matthew 24:45-47) Beware of those who try to put forward their own contrary opinions.
(The Watchtower March 15, 1986 pg. 17 par. 8 Allow No Place for the Devil!)

Hence, taking a stand other than strict obedience would put one, according to the simplified questions, in breach of his baptism vow and result in judicial action being taken.

The first century apostles were faced with just such a situation.

“The entire Jewish nation had been dedicated to God, but Jehovah had rejected the Jews because they did not obey him. Saul believed that the Jews were still serving God in the right way, so he persecuted the Christians. But one day, the resurrected Jesus, who Saul thought was dead, personally spoke to Saul from heaven. How did Saul react? He gladly accepted help from the Christian disciple Ananias. The Bible says: “He then got up and was baptized.” (Acts 9:17, 18; Galatians 1:14) He later became known as the apostle Paul. Notice that as soon as he understood that God was using Jesus to accomplish His will, Saul got baptized without delay.—Read Acts 22:12-16.
(The Watchtower March 2018 study edition pg. 6 par. 10)

The apostle Paul was later accused, by members of that same dedicated nation, of teaching an apostasy against Moses. (Acts 21:21) Because the disciples were Jews, they were demanded by the Sanhedrin to stop speaking about Jesus. Their response was that they must obey God as ruler rather than men. (Acts 5:29)

In John chapter 9, Jesus healed a man blind from birth, yet because of his confessing Jesus as a prophet from God he was thrown out of the synagogue. It didn’t matter how many scriptures he used to reason logically with the religious leaders. As guardians of doctrine, they assumed the sole right to interpret the scriptures for the people. (John 9:34) What made all of this possible is that men viewed themselves as dedicated to a nation with its set of laws and traditions instead of to God.

What is sad and disturbing is that, like the fine print on a legal contract, most Witnesses are completely unaware of the changes made to the pre-baptism questions and what they imply, namely, that in part their dedication is to the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.