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Counsels for the Church
a partaker of the divine nature. He is to surrender to God all that he is
and all that he has, employing all his gifts to His name’s glory.
Candidates to Be Thoroughly Prepared
There is need of a more thorough preparation on the part of can-
didates for baptism. They are in need of more faithful instruction
than has usually been given them. The principles of the Christian life
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should be made plain to those who 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, soul, and spirit. And love
is manifested in obedience. 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.
Satan does not want anyone to see the necessity of an entire sur-
render to God. When the soul fails to make this surrender, sin is not
forsaken; the appetites and passions are striving for the mastery; temp-
tations confuse the conscience, so that true conversion does not take
place. If all had a sense of the conflict which each soul must wage
with satanic agencies that are seeking to ensnare, entice, and deceive,
there would be much more diligent labor for those who are young in
the faith.
The Preparation of Children for Baptism
Parents whose children desire to be baptized have a work to do,
both in self-examination and in giving faithful instruction to their
children. Baptism is a most sacred and important ordinance, and
there should be a thorough understanding as to its meaning. It means
repentance for sin, and the entrance upon a new life in Christ Jesus.