The worker who prepares people for the sacred step of baptism must himself have a clear conception of its significance in the Christian life. Most of our workers today have a Seventh-day Adventist background and have grown up in the message. Such workers at times may not be able to appreciate what baptism means to someone coming out of another denomination into a church whose standards are entirely different from the church he is leaving.
The struggle is intense, and when the decision to be baptized is finally settled, baptism must be a step that will tie the convert firmly to the message.
During an evangelistic campaign, baptisms are frequently conducted. As workers responsible for the souls who take their stand for our message, we must do everything within our power to make the rite of baptism an impressive occasion. It must be preceded by thorough indoctrination, but this alone does not qualify the candidate for baptism. Baptism is the "answer of a good conscience toward God," the testimony of a fully surrendered life that the habits of the candidate have been definitely changed. There must be a separation from the world in eating and drinking, reading and amusements, and education generally. In view of the fact that baptism is the planting of a new life and that the young plant does not have the strength of the mature stock, this step should witness to a godly life in process.
Let us notice a few points worth emphasis as souls are prepared for baptism. "Idolatry of dress is a moral disease. It must not be taken over into the new life."—"Testimonies," Vol. VI, p. 96. Repentance, faith, and remission of sin must be more than theological terms to the candidate; at the time of baptism these new experiences of grace must be a reality. "There should be no undue haste to receive the ordinance." "Before baptism, there should be a thorough inquiry as to the experience of the candidates."—Id., pp. 93, 95.
Because the tobacco and liquor habits are now so generally practiced, and other evangelical churches have so decidedly dropped their standards on these points, candidates presenting themselves for baptism and admittance into our church 'should be thoroughly instructed regarding these evil habits. But even this is not sufficient. Special help should be given so that a complete transformation will be seen in habits and character. This requires more than a decision, or even the consent of the will. With very few exceptions, such habits present a most stubborn battle with the enemy. We are likely to take too much for granted, and at almost the first suggestion of surrender to Christ on the part of the struggling soul, baptism is planned. It is often the part of wisdom to let the candidate wait awhile so that he may demonstrate his absolute sincerity in the stand which he has taken.
How can we hold off the candidate and yet not discourage him in his Christian experience? Again we may ask, Why should he wait to be baptized when he is so fully persuaded to obey and has already expressed his stand for victory? At this important time in his Christian experience he would be greatly helped by a progressive series of heart-to-heart talks and Bible studies designed to establish him. Usually a group of people of like need may be gathered for the special purpose of a deeper work of grace through prayer and further study. Tobacco and liquor are not the only problems to be dealt with in our efforts. Every other evil practice will need specific help.
Study should also be given to the question of reclaiming backsliders. Backsliding is no light malady ; it is a serious illness of the soul. The steps back to Christ are surely not as simple as some might wish them to be. God abhors sin ; and before it can be overcome, it must be recognized in all its evil aspects. Unless we as workers know this, we are not able to give the proper help to the backslider. The result may merely become opportunities to slide back into the church without a change of heart. Such a course disgraces the faith and weakens the character of the one concerned.
Backsliders usually do not need doctrine nearly so much as prayer which brings about a revelation of the need of Christ. We must find the most effective way to help these deluded souls get onto a more solid basis, so that their backslidings will be checked forever. Let us not take them all through the regular course of indoctrination again, but rather seek to teach them to pray for themselves so that they may be victorious in the coming conflicts. Fasting and prayer may be the only remedy for backsliders.
How shall we win all the youth in Seventh-day Adventist homes ? Many are conversant with our teachings, but they still love the world too much to surrender to Christ. Baptismal classes should be planned for them in our regular series of evangelism. We must not take too much for granted. We may think they know our message, but the unconverted heart and mind does not grasp it, not even its theory. Conscience needs to be awakened. By means of a series of special Bible studies to meet their specific needs, these younger members of the flock should be led step by step to know our message. To the senior youth especially, emphasis should be laid on questions such as amusements, associations, courtship and marriage, employment with Sabbath privileges, and the military problem, which is so important right now.
When our junior youth reach the years of accountability, the church should give special attention to their needs. This is even more necessary where children have not had the background of a church school. It is always inspiring to take in a large group of juniors who may represent the first fruits of an evangelistic series. We must carefully guard the experience of children from divided homes, fortifying them against special tests they will have to meet in the home. A little extra help at the time of baptism will bring courage to the young lad or lassie when he needs it most. A too general preparation for the whole group to be baptized often fails to give the definite help this age level needs.
The challenge of our losses brings the worker face to face with the problem of salvaging our converts for the gospel. It is not the large number brought into the church that counts. What truly counts is the thorough work done. We must weld them into our great denominational program for soul winning and for the finishing of our message. To do this it is imperative that we give special attention to our present problems and deal with them so as to meet the needs of this hour.
Preparing Souls for Baptism
I. Baptism and the Great Commission.
I. What the commission involves.
2. Baptism must be a spiritual experience.
3. Worker's responsibility for candidate.
II. When to Baptize.
I. Candidate must have knowledge of salvation.
2. He must be born again.
3. He should be carefully examined as to his experience.
III. Baptized into the Message.
I. Candidate must recognize the message.
2. Should be walking in revealed light.
3. Should claim victory over evil habits.
IV. Special Problems Today.
1. Workers must deal with specific problems.
2. Backsliders need more than indoctrination.
3. Senior youth problems.
4. Juniors should have careful indoctrination.
5. Salvaging our losses, a concern of all workers.
L. C. K.
