2, 3. In baptism, what request to God does the disciple make?

² “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father.” (Matt. 28:19) This command shows the close relationship to Jehovah into which the properly baptized disciple is taken.

5. Conscientiously, in the name of whom first is the disciple baptized? Why?

⁵ This shows the close relationship to Jehovah, in whose name first the disciple is baptized. The dedicated one must recognize that God is a father, although many religions do not accept that Scriptural fact. The name of the Father must be upheld. “You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” (Ps. 83:18) “For with you is the source of life.”​—Ps. 36:9.

WHY IN THE NAME OF THE SON?

6. (a) From whom did the Son receive his official authority? (b) Why baptism in the name of the Son?

⁶ This Father has a most beloved Son. “Go therefore and make disciples . . . baptizing them in the name of the . . . Son.” (Matt. 28:19) It is in his footsteps that we must follow. Concerning him Philippians 2:9-11 states: “God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” The act of baptism is a person’s following the example set by this Son of God, and he is the proper one to follow because, as his Heavenly Father states: “Look! As a witness to the national groups I have given him, as a leader and commander to the national groups.” (Isa. 55:4) “He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Rev. 19:16) “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man Christ Jesus.”​—1 Tim. 2:5.

7. (a) For what is the Son responsible? (b) What recognition does the disciple show at baptism?

⁷ The salvation for which we hope and in which we trust and for which eventually he officiates in our behalf in priestly office is dependent upon him as Jehovah’s great provision. Such point was made by Paul when he wrote: “He became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him, because he has been specifically called by God a high priest according to the manner of Melchizedek.” (Heb. 5:9, 10) One’s being immersed in the name of this high one, therefore, shows that the dedication to Jehovah is with recognition of his Son and is in appreciation of the fact that one’s relationship to Jehovah God is through the Son, Christ Jesus, and one confesses his lordship, to the glory of God the Father. We can well see that it is not getting wet with water, but it is the sacrifice of Christ that is the basis of our salvation and forgiveness of sins. So we gladly recognize the office of authority, the High Priestly function, of the Son.

8. In addition to having knowledge, what is required of the disciple?

⁸ As followers of the Son disciples must not only know the Bible requirements on conduct and morals but also be living up to them, having conformed their private lives to the high standards set out in God’s Word in all respects, and they must have freed themselves from conduct, religion or enterprise conflicting with Bible principles. Anyone who plans to get baptized should first come to an accurate knowledge of at least the basic teachings of the Bible, which is in harmony with Jesus’ instructions first to make disciples, and thereafter to baptize them.

UNFAILING SUPPORT OF THE DISCIPLE

9. Explain in the name of what the disciple is third baptized.

⁹ “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the . . . holy spirit.” (Matt. 28:19) The holy spirit is not a person, but it is the active force of Jehovah God accomplishing his will and essential to the disciple in the faithful performance of his dedication to Jehovah. It is concerning the holy spirit that Jesus stated: “I will request the Father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, the spirit of the truth.” (John 14:16, 17) The Word of God, for the guidance of the Christian, is referred to as the “sword of the spirit” (Eph. 6:17), and similarly the Bible is related to God’s spirit by Peter: “Prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit.”​—2 Pet. 1:21.

10. (a) State some accomplishments through the holy spirit. (b) What is the import of baptism in its name? (c) What is available to the new disciple, and how is it related to baptism?

¹⁰ The spirit of God provides his Word, preserves his Word of truth, reveals it, enabling his servants to understand it, and empowers the followers of Christ Jesus for the ministry of the Word of God. (1 Cor. 2:10) One properly baptized in the name of the holy spirit must recognize the obligations upon Christians in being ministers of the good news and as such a minister must share in the great worldwide work of making disciples of other persons, teaching them in turn. This means cooperation with the congregation of God’s people and association with it, taking advantage of all the fine provisions made through the congregation upon which God’s spirit rests for the spiritual welfare of all therein.