Each year, many young people who are being raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses get baptized. Are you thinking of taking that step? If so, first you’ll need to understand the meaning of dedication and baptism.

• What is baptism?

• What is dedication?

• Why is baptism important?

• What your peers say

• Myths and facts

What is baptism?

The baptism referred to in the Bible is complete immersion in water—not just a sprinkling of water—and it has rich symbolic meaning.

• Going underneath the water during baptism shows publicly that you will no longer live to do just what pleases you.

• Being raised out of the water shows that you have started a new life focused on doing what pleases God.

By getting baptized, you publicly acknowledge that Jehovah has the authority to set the standard of right and wrong, and you officially make known your promise to conform voluntarily to what he wants you to do.

To think about: Why should you want publicly to commit to a life of obedience to Jehovah? See 1 John 4:19 and Revelation 4:11.

What is dedication?

Before you get baptized, you should privately dedicate yourself to Jehovah. How?

In a personal prayer, you tell Jehovah that you promise to serve him forever and that you will do what he wants no matter what situation arises and no matter what others choose to do.

Baptism is a public expression of that private dedication. It tells others that you have given up ownership of yourself and that you now belong to Jehovah.—Matthew 16:24.

To think about: Why does your life get better when you belong to Jehovah? See Isaiah 48:17, 18 and Hebrews 11:6.

Why is baptism important?

Jesus established baptism as a requirement for his disciples. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Therefore, baptism is still a requirement for Christians. In fact, the Bible says it’s necessary for salvation.—1 Peter 3:21.

However, your motive for getting baptized should be your love and appreciation for Jehovah. Your attitude should be like that of the psalmist, who wrote: “With what will I repay Jehovah for all the good he has done for me? . . . I will call on the name of Jehovah. I will pay my vows to Jehovah.”—Psalm 116:12-14.

To think about: What good has Jehovah done for you, and how can you repay him? See Deuteronomy 10:12, 13 and Romans 12:1.

If you’re living up to the Bible’s standards and cultivating a friendship with God, it’s only natural for you to be thinking about baptism. How do you know if you’re ready for that step?a

In this article

• How much do I need to know?

• What should I be doing?

• What your peers say

How much do I need to know?

Preparing for baptism doesn’t involve memorizing facts, as a person might do to pass a school exam. However, you will need to use your “power of reason” to strengthen your conviction that what the Bible teaches is the truth. (Romans 12:1) For example:

• Are you convinced that God exists and that he deserves your worship?

  The Bible says: “Whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.”—Hebrews 11:6.

  Ask yourself: ‘Why do I believe in God?’ (Hebrews 3:4) ‘Why do I owe him my worship?’—Revelation 4:11.

  Need help? See “Creation or Evolution?—Part 1: Why Believe in God?”

• Are you convinced that the Bible’s message comes from God?

  The Bible says: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.”—2 Timothy 3:16.

  Ask yourself: ‘Why do I believe that the Bible is more than a book of human ideas?’—Isaiah 46:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

  Need help? See “How Can the Bible Help Me?—Part 1: Exploring Your Bible.”

• Are you convinced that Jehovah uses the Christian congregation to accomplish his will?

  The Bible says: “To [God] be the glory by means of the congregation and by means of Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.”—Ephesians 3:21.

  Ask yourself: ‘Do I view what I learn from the Bible at Christian meetings as coming from humans or from Jehovah?’ (Matthew 24:45) ‘Do I attend meetings even when my parents cannot (if they permit you to do so)?’—Hebrews 10:24, 25.

  Need help? See “Why Attend Meetings at the Kingdom Hall?”

What should I be doing?

You don’t have to be perfect to get baptized. However, you should be showing that you really want to “turn away from what is bad and do what is good.” (Psalm 34:14) For example:

• Are you living according to Jehovah’s standards?

  The Bible says: “Maintain a good conscience.”—1 Peter 3:16.

  Ask yourself: ‘How have I shown that my “powers of discernment” are “trained to distinguish both right and wrong”?’ (Hebrews 5:14) ‘Can I think of specific instances when I have resisted negative peer pressure? Do my friends encourage me to do what is right?’—Proverbs 13:20.

  Need help? See “How Can I Train My Conscience?”

• Do you accept responsibility for your actions?

  The Bible says: “Each of us will render an account for himself to God.”—Romans 14:12.

  Ask yourself: ‘How honest am I, with myself and with others?’ (Hebrews 13:18) ‘Do I admit my mistakes, or do I tend to hide them or to blame others for them?’—Proverbs 28:13.

  Need help? See “How Can I Deal With My Mistakes?”

• Are you maintaining a friendship with Jehovah?

  The Bible says: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.

  Ask yourself: ‘In what ways am I drawing close to Jehovah?’ For example, ‘How often do I read the Bible?’ (Psalm 1:1, 2) ‘Do I pray regularly?’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17) ‘How specific are my prayers? Are my friends Jehovah’s friends?’—Psalm 15:1, 4.

  Need help? See “How Can the Bible Help Me?—Part 2: Make Bible Reading Enjoyable” and “Why Should I Pray?”

TIP: To help you prepare for baptism, read chapter 37 of the book Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2. Note especially the worksheet on pages 308 and 309.

Does the thought of dedicating yourself to Jehovah and getting baptized make you nervous? If so, this article will help you confront your fears.

In this article

• What if I make a serious mistake after baptism?

• What if I fear the responsibility that baptism will bring?

• What if I feel unworthy to serve Jehovah?

• What your peers say

What if I make a serious mistake after baptism?

Why the concern: Perhaps you know someone who got involved in serious wrongdoing and had to be removed from the congregation. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13) You might worry that this will happen to you.

“When I first thought about getting baptized, the idea of messing up scared me. I could just imagine how badly that would reflect on my parents.”—Rebekah.

Key scripture: “Let the wicked man leave his way . . . Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, to our God, for he will forgive in a large way.”—Isaiah 55:7.

Think it through: Although unrepentant wrongdoers are removed from the congregation, Jehovah extends mercy to those who humbly repent and accept correction.—Psalm 103:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 7:11.

Besides, the fact is this: Even though you’re imperfect, you can resist temptation with God’s help. (1 Corinthians 10:13) After all, who decides how you will act? You? Or someone else?

“I feared that I would make a serious mistake after baptism, but then I realized that I would be making a mistake if I were to hold back from getting baptized. I realized that I shouldn’t let the what-ifs of tomorrow hold me back today.”—Karen.

The bottom line: If you choose to, you can avoid serious sins—as do the vast majority of Jehovah’s servants.—Philippians 2:12.

Need more help? See “How Can I Resist Temptation?”

What if I fear the responsibility that baptism will bring?

Why the concern: For instance, you might know of young ones who have moved far away from their family and friends to expand their service to Jehovah. You worry that people will expect you to do the same.

“A baptized Christian is eligible for greater privileges, but some people just aren’t ready to make themselves available or they don’t have the circumstances to do so.”—Marie.

Key scripture: “Let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.”—Galatians 6:4.

Think it through: Rather than compare yourself with others, focus on the words of Mark 12:30: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart.”

Note that you should serve Jehovah with your whole heart—not someone else’s. If you truly love Jehovah, you will find ways to serve him to the best of your ability.

“While baptism is a serious step, it’s not a heavy burden. If you surround yourself with good associates, they’ll be there to help you. Gradually taking on responsibilities will actually make you happier. By avoiding baptism, you would be doing yourself a disservice.”—Julia.

The bottom line: Build up your appreciation for the love that Jehovah has shown you. That will motivate you to give him your best in return.—1 John 4:19.

Need more help? See “How Responsible Am I?”

What if I feel unworthy to serve Jehovah?

Why the concern: Jehovah is the Sovereign of the universe; by comparison, humans are nothing! You may wonder if Jehovah even knows you exist.

“Because my parents are Jehovah’s Witnesses, I was worried that I had just ‘inherited’ my friendship with Jehovah from them and that Jehovah hadn’t drawn me personally.”—Natalie.

Key scripture: “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him.”—John 6:44.

Think it through: The fact that you are considering baptism may indicate that Jehovah is drawing you into an even closer friendship with him. Isn’t it only right to respond to that invitation?

Remember, too, that Jehovah—not you or anyone else—sets the standard for those whom he will draw. And his Word assures you that if you “draw close to God, . . . he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.

“The fact that you know about Jehovah and have been drawn to him is evidence that he loves you. So when your mind tells you that you are unworthy to serve him, remind yourself that he doesn’t agree. And Jehovah is always right.”—Selina.

The bottom line: If you meet the Bible’s requirements for baptism, then you qualify to worship Jehovah. What is more, he deserves your worship.—Revelation 4:11.

Need more help? See “Why Should I Pray?”