Dec 13, 2011 -- 11:08PM, acomtha wrote:

Are there JWs that never get baptised? And if so why do you think that is? What are some of the reasons for this? I've heard of this, so was wondering.


Acomtha

It  depends on your  point  of  view.   If  you  look upon  Jehovah's  Witnesses  that  meet  together  as  an  organized  group,  the  answer  could  be  yes.   There  are  many  that  attend  some  meetings,  or  go  to  our  larger  gatherings,  assemblies,  conventions, etc.  They  may  do  this  many years  and  perhaps,  some  in  the community  even identify  them  as  Jehovah's  Witnesses.   However,  the  point  of  us  being  gathered  together  is  to  be  footstep  followers  of  Jesus  Christ.   We  are  taught  that  he  is  our  reigning  King  and  we  must  be  obedient  to  his  commands.   Read  his  command  at  Matt  28:18 to 20.   You  will  notice  that  he  asked  that  those  who  love  him  first  of  all  seek  people  out. Make  them into  a  disciple.  This  means  a  person  who  is  educated  by  Jesus.  Then  the  next  step  is  getting  baptized.  Then  the  education  is  on  going.   We  need  to learn  ALL  of  his  commands  and  follow  them.  

One  of  the  things  we  learn  is  that  it  is  faith  in  Jesus' ransom  sacrifice  that  is  going  to  give  us  everlasting  life.   John  3:16    If  we  choose  not  to  keep  any  one  of  his  commands,  then  it  shows  a  lack  of  faith.    He  is  the  one  who  is  going  to  judge  us. Acts 10:42.   We  know  that  he  is  the  image  of  his  heavenly  Father,  and  the  scriptures  tell  us  that  this  Father  is  Love.  1 John 4:8.   Love  is  described  for  us  at  1  Cor.  13.  So  a  person  knows  that  we  are  imperfect  and  because  of  this,  we  are  not  able  to  keep  every  command  perfectly.  However,  if  we  deliberately  decide to  NOT  keep  a  command,  we  will  have  to  answer  to  Jesus .   Most  persons  who  associate  with  Jehovah's  Witnesses  and  do  not  get  baptized are  engaging  in  some  practice  that  they  do  not  wish  to  give  up,  therefore,  they  CANNOT  dedicate  their  lives  to  Jehovah.  THis  is  a  requirement  to  have  your  baptism  performed  by  Jehovah's  Witnesses.  You  must  dedicate  your  life  to  Jehovah  before  baptism.  

So,  I  think  the  true  answer  is  that  you  cannot  be  one  of  Jehovah's  witnesses  unless  you  are  baptized. 

with  affection  from  Marken

Dec 15, 2011 -- 7:58PM, acomtha wrote:

Thanks for the reply.

I've heard that there are more and more people that consider themselves JWs, and attend, but do not get baptised. There must be a reason for this if it is true. Again aren't those that are new, and children of JWs that haven't been baptised, aren't they considered Jehovah's Witnesses? Do you ever have guests, that is people that attend somewhat regularly maybe for years, that are not baptised, for whatever reasons they may have? And are they accepted somewhat?

If someone has beliefs that are closer to JWs than other churches,  but not totally the same, but have no other denomination or church to go to near by, would they be accepted by JWs although they can't come to a complete agreement with the JW beliefs? As isn't it better to assemble with someone than to not to because one has some small differences?

More thoughts on this, please. Thanks.

Acomtha

 

any person  who  wishes  to  learn  the  scriptures  in a  peaceful  setting  are  welcome  to  attend  any  meeting arranged  by  Jehovah's  Witnesses.  

However,  if  you  read  in  a  publication  of  the   WTBTS  the  number  of  persons  counted  as  Jehovah's  Witnesses( such  as  our  yearbook,  last year--7,313,173) these  are  only persons  who  reported  some  witnessing  work  to  the  organization.  These  reports  are  only  accepted  by  the  organization  if  you  are  a  baptized  believer or  showing  that  you  are  intending  to  be  baptized  before  much  time  passes.   Every person  who  desires  to  be  baptized  has  discussions  with  appointed  men  in  the  congregation,  and  it  is  their  duty  to make  sure  that  person  is  dedicated  to  serving  Jehovah.   If they  discern  that  the  person  is  still  practicing  something  not  in  harmony  with  the  scriptures,  the  brother  would  tell  them  to  wait  until  they  get control  of  that  practice.  If  the  person  does  not  yet  have  accurate  knowledge  on  basic  doctrines,  then  he  will  be  asked  to wait  and  take  in more  knowledge  by  personal  study as  well  as  meeting  attendance. 

I  hope  this  answers  your  question.

with  affection  from  Marken