What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Baptism: sufficient preparation, grounding in truth, and recognizable evidence of rebirth or the reception of the Holy Spirit before baptism."
Answer
Before baptism, thorough preparation and diligent instruction in the principles of faith are essential. A mere profession of faith is not sufficient; clear fruits of conversion, a change of heart, and an obedient life through the work of the Holy Spirit must be visible. Preachers and the congregation bear the responsibility to carefully examine the spiritual experience of baptismal candidates before they are admitted into the fellowship.
Necessity of thorough preparation and practiced truth
»It requires a more thorough preparation on the part of the baptismal candidates. They need a more faithful instruction than they usually receive. The principles of the Christian life should be made understandable to those who have newly come to the truth. No one can rely on his profession of faith as proof that he has a saving relationship with Christ. We should not only say, “I believe,” but practice the truth. By the conformity of our behavior, our words, and our character with the will of God we demonstrate our connection to Him. Whenever someone renounces sin, which is a violation of the law, his life is brought into alignment with the law, in perfect obedience. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.«
Fruits of conversion and testing of discipleship readiness
»Read to them the teaching of the Bible concerning conversion. Show what the fruit of conversion is, the proof that they love God. Show that true conversion is a change of heart, mind, and intentions. Bad habits must be abandoned. The sins of slander, jealousy, and disobedience must be put aside. A battle must be fought against every evil character trait... The testing of discipleship is not applied as strictly as it should be for those who apply for baptism. It should be clarified whether they merely adopt the name of the Seventh-day Adventists or whether they stand on the side of the Lord, to go out of the world, be set apart, and touch nothing unclean. Before baptism, a thorough examination of the candidates' experience should take place.«
Understanding of conversion and baptism before the step
»If, after faithful work, you are convinced that your children understand the significance of conversion and baptism and are truly converted, let them be baptized... Do they have false habits and practices? It is the preacher's duty to hold special meetings with them. Give them Bible lessons, speak and pray with them, and clearly show them the Lord's requirements upon them. Read to them the teaching of the Bible regarding conversion. Show what the fruit of conversion is, the proof that they love God.«
The necessity of heart renewal rather than external form
»Baptism may be repeated over and over, but by itself it has no power to change the human heart. The heart must be united with the heart of Christ, the will must be submerged in His will, the mind must become one with His mind, the thoughts must be made obedient to Him... The regenerated person has a living connection to Christ. Just as a branch draws its nourishment from the vine and therefore bears much fruit, so the true believer, who is united with Christ, reveals the fruits of the Spirit in his life.«
Regeneration through the Holy Spirit as a change of nature
»Nicodemus knew that Christ here referred to water baptism and the renewal of the heart by the Spirit of God... The Christian life is not a mere change or improvement of the old, but a transformation of the nature. There is a death of the self and sin, and a completely new life begins. This change can be brought about only through the effective work of the Holy Spirit.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
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