What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What should be explained and taught to someone interested in Bible study who wishes to be baptized? Which preparation, doctrines of faith, repentance, discipleship, and baptismal commitments are important?"
Answer
Baptism candidates require thorough and faithful instruction in the principles of Christian life, because a mere verbal profession does not demonstrate a saving relationship with Christ. It must be clearly shown what genuine conversion entails: a change of heart and mind, the abandoning of sinful habits, and a life of practical obedience to God's commandments. With baptism the believer makes a solemn vow and a covenant with God, separates from the world, and commits to devote his entire life and gifts to the service of Christ.
Necessity of Thorough Preparation and Faithful Instruction
»There is a need for a more thorough preparation on the part of baptism candidates. They require a more faithful instruction than they usually receive. The principles of Christian life should be made clear 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. ... When someone renounces sin, which is the transgression of the law, his life is brought into conformity with the law, in perfect obedience. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. ... And love is manifested in obedience.«
True Conversion and the Test of Discipleship
»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. Read to them the biblical teaching concerning conversion. Show what the fruit of conversion is, the evidence that they love God. Demonstrate that true conversion is a change of heart, thoughts, and intentions. Bad habits must be abandoned. The sins of slander, jealousy, and disobedience must be laid aside. ... The test of discipleship is not applied as precisely as it should be to those who apply for baptism. It should be understood whether they merely adopt the name of the Seventh-day Adventists or whether they stand on the Lord's side, to go out of the world, be set apart, and not touch the unclean.«
The Meaning and Scope of the Baptismal Vows
»The vows we take at baptism encompass much. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit we are buried in the likeness of Christ's death and raised in the likeness of His resurrection, and we are to lead a new life. Our life is to be united with the life of Christ. Henceforth the believer must consider that he is consecrated to God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. He must give second priority to all worldly considerations in light of this new relationship. Publicly he has declared that he will no longer live in pride and selfishness. ... He has made a covenant with God. He has died to the world. He is to live for the Lord, using all the abilities entrusted to him for Him ... He is to consecrate everything he is and has to God, and use all his gifts to the honor of His name.«
Explanation of Self-Denial and Service to God
»Before they receive the ordinance, ask them whether it should be their primary life goal to work for God. Then tell them how to begin. These are the first lessons that mean so much. Teach them simply how they can perform their first service for God. Make the work as easy to understand as possible. Explain what it means to surrender oneself to the Lord and act exactly as His Word directs ... 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.«
Heart Connection with Christ Instead of Mere Rituals
»Baptism may be repeated again and again, but in itself it has no power to change the human heart. The heart must be united with the heart of Christ, the will must be immersed in His will, the mind must become one with His mind, the thoughts must be captured by Him. ... The regenerated person has a living connection with Christ. Just as the vine draws its nourishment from the mother stem and therefore bears much fruit, so the true believer who is united with Christ displays the fruits of the Spirit in his life.«
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.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
