Questions Answered

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, Cal. · Apr 29, 1875

Questions Answered.

Is it right to take the sacrament or the Lord's supper before being baptized? Please answer through the Signs of the Times. P. G.

Ans.—We think it is not right. The order seems to be plain, according to the Scriptures. The Lord's supper is an ordinance to be observed by the church as a body; baptism is an individual duty without which no one is considered a member of the church. “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” This is essential to the privileges of the church of Christ, which is his body.

To M. F.: Probably Matt. 19:30 has direct reference to the Jews and Gentiles, though it may also have an individual application. The resurrected saints will shout their victory over death and the grave. The righteous who are alive at the time of the resurrection will receive their reward then; all will be rewarded together. See 1 Thess. 4:13–18. J. H. W.