Baptism and Church Membership
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heaven. They are to seek God’s honor. If they will be true to their vow,
they will be furnished with grace and power that will enable them to
fulfill all righteousness. “As many as received Him, to them gave He
power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His
name.—
Letter 129, 1903
.
Thorough Conversion to the Truth—The preparation for bap-
tism is a matter that needs to be carefully considered. The new converts
to the truth should be faithfully instructed in the plain “Thus saith the
Lord.” The Word of the Lord is to be read and explained to them point
by point.
All who enter upon the new life should understand, prior to their
baptism, that the Lord requires the undivided affections.... The prac-
ticing of the truth is essential. The bearing of fruit testifies to the
character of the tree. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. The
line of demarcation will be plain and distinct between those who love
God and keep His commandments and those who love Him not and
disregard His precepts. There is need of a thorough conversion to the
truth.—
Manuscript 56, 1900
.
Accepted When Position Fully Understood—The test of disci-
pleship is not brought to bear as closely as it should be upon those who
present themselves for baptism.... When they give evidence that they
fully understand their position, they are to be accepted.—
Testimonies
to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 128
(1897).
Thorough Preparation for Baptism—There is need of a more
thorough preparation on the part of candidates for baptism. They are
in need of more faithful instruction than has usually been given them.
The principles of the Christian life should be made plain to those who
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have newly come to the truth. None can depend upon their profession
of faith as proof that they have a saving connection with Christ. We are
not only to say, “I believe,” but to practice the truth. It is by conformity
to the will of God in our words, our deportment, our character, that we
prove our connection with Him. Whenever one renounces sin, which
is the transgression of the law, his life will be brought into conformity
to the law, into perfect obedience. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.
The light of the Word carefully studied, the voice of conscience, the
strivings of the Spirit, produce in the heart genuine love for Christ,
who gave Himself a whole sacrifice to redeem the whole person, body,