What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Must the pastor be informed about the sins of the baptismal candidate before a baptism?"
Answer
Before baptism it is the pastor's duty, through a thorough examination, to ensure that the baptismal candidates have experienced a genuine conversion and have broken away from sinful habits. While secret sins should be confessed only to God, the pastor must determine whether the candidate is ready to follow the requirements of the Gospel and lead a new life.
However, it is not required to disclose sins to people who are unaware of them or are not involved, unless it concerns public wrongdoing or offenses against others that need to be rectified.
The Pastor's Duty Toward Baptismal Candidates
»It is the pastor'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 for them. ... Point out that true conversion is a change of heart, mind, and intention. Bad habits must be abandoned. ... Before baptism a thorough examination of the candidates' experience should take place. This examination should not be conducted in a cold and distant manner, but with kindness and tenderness.«
Distinguishing Between Secret and Public Sins
»Here is a lesson for all followers of Christ. Secret sins are to be confessed privately before God; but public sins require a public confession. The disciple's sin allows Satan to triumph and wavering souls to stumble. Through the proof of repentance the disciple should remove this disgrace.«
Protecting Privacy in Sin Confessions
»God is more glorified when we confess the secret, innate corruption of the heart to Jesus alone, than when we expose its depths to the finite, erring human who cannot judge righteously, unless his heart is constantly permeated by the Spirit of God. ... Do not pour the story that should be heard by God alone into human ears. ... You are not required to confess to those who do not know your sin and your faults.«
Confession Regarding Offenses Against Others
»He will then make a confession to his fellow humans when he has wronged them, and as he confesses, God will be merciful and forgive his sin. ... If you have wronged your brother by word or deed, you must first reconcile with him before your worship is acceptable in heaven. Confess to those you have hurt and make restitution.«
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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