What is necassary for baptism?

Answer 1

Among many religions, not much is necessary beyond 'accepting Jesus as their Savior'.

Among Jehovah's Witnesses - - much is necessary.

1) First there is an extensive & intensive Bible Study Program. This is a one-on-one, Teacher / Student program. They must learn various Bible teachings; and be able to explain them to others. They must learn some Bible scriptures; or at least how to find the scriptures needed for answering Bible questions from others. They must discard the idea of going to heaven, and learn about living right here 'on earth' forever; because Psalm 37:11 states that 'the meek' will have a different inheritance. "The meek shall inherit the earth", not heaven.

2) They must also abandon all the false teachingsthat find their origins in pagandom; like the Trinity; eternal torment in hellfire; the immortality of the soul. Those are not Bible teachings and must be abandoned and hated for what they really are.

3) They must also abandon celebrations that originate in pagandom, like Christmas / Easter / Halloween.

4) They must also end all immoral and other wrong conduct; ie pre-marital sex and other fornication; adultery; homosexuality, etc. They must stop smoking; taking drugs for pleasure. They must stop swearing and telling filthy jokes/stories. Basically they must strip off their whole old personality which is fashioned after this world around us.

5) They must learn to engage in the house-to-house preaching ministry. We provide one-on-one training in this activity. (Everyone who is a Witness has always said they'd NEVER do this work - - but now they're doing it; go figure.)

6) They will have sessions with 6 elders to see if they can answer Bible questions. Some do not qualify for baptism at this point. They will be offered more one-on-one help; and can apply for baptism at a later time.

Jehovah's Witnesses don't just baptize every Tom, Dick, & Harry off the street who might like what they hear when they first meet us.

But it's really not all as hard as it may sound to meet these requirements. Our program is made very simple. They are welcomed into a global brotherhood. It all depends on the strength of their desire to really please Jehovah God. Only God's holy spirit can make it happen; because it is really beyond any solely human achievement.

Other religions have different programs - - - or lack of programs (whichever is the case). Some religions baptize infants, so not much is necessary except to having a parent that takes you there without you knowing about it.