|
|
The Way of Baptism, Part 4
THE
RIGHT PASTOR
by Lisa Panasuk and Andrew & Matthew
Hohnberger with YD
Staff
Part 1
| 2 | 3 |
4 | 5 | 6
| 7 | 8 | 9
| 10 | 11
When you are preparing for baptism, you will want to find a pastor or teacher who understands the true meaning of baptism—and who has experienced conversion himself. You’ll know that you are on the right track if they do more than simply guide you through a course of basic Bible doctrines. Someone who understands the real significance of baptism will work with your heart, helping you to come to a true conversion experience.
Sometimes people skip this step. “Our churches are becoming enfeebled by receiving for doctrines the commandments of men. Many are received into the church who are not converted. Men, women, and children are allowed to take part in the solemn rite of baptism without being fully instructed in regard to the meaning of this ordinance. Participation in this ordinance means much, and our ministers should be careful to give each candidate for baptism plain instruction regarding its meaning and its solemnity” (Review and Herald,
October 6, 1904).
Take responsibility.
Even if you cannot find someone to study with who understands this responsibility, you can still take responsibility for yourself. For starters, read Steps to Christ, by Ellen White, carefully and prayerfully. You may also find it helpful to go through a series of Bible lessons such as Young Disciple’s “Conversion and Righteousness by Faith” series. As you spend time in prayer and Bible study, God will teach you what you need to know.
Accept that things may not be perfect.
When Ellen White decided to be baptized, her pastor did not understand the importance of being baptized by immersion! She wrote, “Young as I was, I could see but one mode of baptism authorized by the Scriptures, and that was immersion. My sisters tried in vain to convince me that sprinkling was Bible baptism. The Methodist minister consented to immerse the candidates if they conscientiously preferred that method, although he intimated that sprinkling would be equally acceptable with God” (Life Sketches, page 145).
Ellen had a shock when one of the other baptismal candidates was dressed in an unchristlike way. Ellen wrote, “I expected that the minister would give some whispered reproof or advice to this sister; but . . . no rebuke was administered. We both received the right hand of fellowship” (Ibid, page 146)
If a minister does not seem to understand conversion and baptism the way you do, that should not keep you from being baptized. Your baptism will not be lessened in the sight of God. We are told, “Hearts and hands that are unworthy may even administer the ordinance, yet Christ is there to minister to His children. All who come with their faith fixed upon Him will be greatly blessed” (The Desire of Ages, page 656). This statement is referring to the ordinance of communion, but we believe it is equally appropriate for the ordinance of baptism.
Keep your eyes on Christ.
Whatever you do, never take your eyes off Christ. Others will often disappoint us, especially if we look to them as our guides and examples. But we’ll never go wrong if we look “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
Part 1 | 2
| 3 | 4 | 5
| 6 | 7 | 8
| 9 | 10
| 11
|
