"...coming into intimate relationship with God and his earthly organization."
The Watchtower April 15, 1987 page 12


A FOOTNOTE on page 12 of the April 15, 1987 Watchtower says, "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."

Previously the second question asked "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?"—May 1, 1973 Watchtower p. 280

But then The Watchtower of June 1, 1985 changed it to, "Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?"—page 30

Jesus instructed, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19 NIV).

Should new believers be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the "spirit-directed organization."

[Devotion to an organization -- When does it become idolatry?]

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