years may think that he is too old for dedication and baptism. Here, too, age is unimportant. If a person is single-minded in his determination to carry out God’s commandments as stated by Jesus, and wants to serve Jehovah and wants eternal life, then the aging or aged one also is ready for baptism in symbol of his dedication and he should not delay it.

20. What brings true and lasting happiness?

²⁰ One who loves life wants it in full measure as only Jehovah can bestow it with all its attendant blessings. It is this love and unselfish devotion that causes him to volunteer for endless service of God, with an eternal existence in happiness.

APPROPRIATE TIME FOR BAPTISM

21. At what times can one arrange to be baptized?

²¹ Opportunities for baptism are generally available at conventions of Jehovah’s witnesses as well as circuit assemblies that are held twice a year. If by chance one cannot possibly be accommodated by one of these regularly scheduled assemblies, or due to some infirmities, another time may be arranged. Regardless of time or location, a dedicated servant of Jehovah should be assigned to do the immersing.

22, 23. (a) What important questions should be presented to candidates for baptism? (b) What response shows any candidate’s readiness for baptism?

²² It is essential that with the mouth a public declaration of faith be made. Two questions are therefore asked the candidates: (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? (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?

²³ Everyone who can answer “Yes” to these questions is eligible for baptism and should take this step without hesitation or delay.

Questions From Readers

● One of Jehovah’s witnesses who claims to be of the anointed remnant recently went to the hospital and took a blood transfusion, voluntarily. Should she be allowed to partake of the emblems of bread and wine at Memorial time?—R. J., United States.

We, of course, regret with you that this sister who professes to be one of the anointed remnant took a blood transfusion voluntarily during her stay in the hospital. We believe that she did the wrong thing contrary to the will of God. However, congregations have never been instructed to disfellowship those who voluntarily take blood transfusions or approve them. We let the judgment of such violators of God’s law concerning the sacredness of blood remain with Jehovah, the Supreme Judge. The only thing that can be done in the cases of individuals like this is to view them as immature and therefore not capable of taking on certain responsibilities, hence refusing to make certain assignments of service to such ones.

Since an individual is not disfellowshiped because of having voluntarily taken a blood transfusion or having approved of a dear one’s accepting a blood transfusion, you have no right to bar this sister from the celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal. As an anointed member of Christ’s body she is under orders and command by Christ Jesus to partake. Whether she is unfaithful as to what she professes to be by virtue of taking the emblems of the Lord’s Evening Meal is something for Jehovah God to determine himself. His judgment begins at the house of God. It is not for you or anyone serving the Memorial emblems to act as the judge, but to allow the emblems to go to anyone in the audience as these are passed along in the normal manner of letting each one have the opportunity to partake.