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 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.—Testimonies For The Church 6:91, 92 (1900). {Ev 308.4}

Grundig forberedelse for dåb. - Der tiltrænges en grundigere forberedelse af dem, der skal døbes. De behøver en mere indgående undervisning end den, de i almindelighed får. Kristenlivets principper bør klarlægges for sådanne, som (309) nylig har antaget sandheden. Man kan aldrig bygge på deres bekendelse til troen som et bevis på, at de har en frelsende forbindelse med Kristus. Vi må ikke blot sige: "Jeg tror," men vi må efterleve sandheden. Det er ved at efterkomme Guds vilje i vor tale, vor færd og vor karakter, at vi beviser vor forbindelse med ham. Når som helst nogen forsager synd, som er lovens overtrædelse, vil hans liv bringes i overensstemmelse med loven og leves i fuldkommen lydighed. Dette er Helligåndens gerning. Lyset fra Guds omhyggeligt studerede ord tilligemed samvittighedens stemme og Åndens påvirkning, vil i hjertet frembringe en sand kærlighed til Kristus, der gav sig selv som et helt offer for at genløse hele mennesket, både legeme, sjæl og ånd. Og kærligheden viser sig ved lydighed. - Vidnesbyrdene bd. 6, s. 91, 92.(1900)