A Sacred Commitment: The Process of Baptismal Clearance

The process for baptismal clearance involves thorough spiritual instruction, a practical examination of the candidate's life and habits, and a solemn commitment to a new life in Christ17MR 305.3+1. This sacred ordinance is a mutual pledge between the candidate and the three heavenly powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—who are present to witness the renunciation of the world6BC 1074.8+1.

📖 Instruction and Preparation

Before a person is cleared for baptism, ministers must provide plain and faithful instruction regarding the meaning and solemnity of the ordinance17MR 305.3.

• Thorough Examination: There should be a kind and tender inquiry into the candidate’s religious experience2TT 393.1.

• Instruction for Youth: Parents and teachers should ensure children understand the meaning of conversion before they are baptizedEv 310.2. To avoid tiring young minds, instruction should be brief but frequentCG 495.2.

• Reforming Habits: Pastors must hold special meetings to address wrong habits or practices that have not yet been reformed15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 6. Candidates must be willing to put away sins of selfishness, unamiable temper, indolence, and wrong practices15LtMs, Ms 56, 1900, par. 7.

🍎 Judging by the Fruit

While we cannot judge a person's heart or motives, the church has a duty to examine the "fruit of the life" of any candidateEv 313.1.

• Evidence of Conversion: Baptism should only be administered when there is clear evidence that a change of heart has taken place and the individual is truly converted Matthew 28:19-2015LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 6.

• The Standard of Character: Candidates should show that they are dead to the world and alive unto God Colossians 3:321LtMs, Lt 396, 1906, par. 5.

• Countering Deception: Great care is necessary because Satan seeks to crowd false brethren into the church to weaken the cause of GodEv 313.1+1.

⚖️ The Nature of the Covenant

Baptism is not a mere form but a solemn renunciation of the world and a burial with Christ6BC 1074.8+1.

• A Public Pledge: In the presence of the heavenly universe, the candidate pledges to deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with GodCCh 257.1+1.

• A New Life: Those raised from the watery grave are to live a new life of loyalty to God, with their names inscribed in the Lamb's book of life6BC 1075.5+1.

• Church Relationship: Every member is expected to walk in the footsteps of Christ and take His yoke upon them, finding rest in His service Matthew 11:29-303SM 16.1+1.

🌊 Administrative Order

To maintain the sacred influence of the rite, the service must be conducted with calmness, solemnity, and perfect orderPC 100.1+1.

• Proper Attire: Candidates should be provided with appropriate, well-shaped robes made of suitable material so that nothing uncouth is seen in the holy ordinance10LtMs, Ms 67, 1895, par. 6.

• Solemn Influence: The administrator is responsible for ensuring the occasion has an elevating effect on all who witness it10LtMs, Ms 67, 1895, par. 6.

• Witnesses: The presence of witnesses and the use of well-selected hymns help carry the joyful news of obedience to heavenPC 100.1+1.

If there is a lack of earnestness or if the requirements of the gospel are not met, it is better for the person to wait until they are fully prepared to take their stand on the Lord's side Matthew 25:11-122TT 393.1+1.