Good morning, MM,
I really believe you are right, that people are baptized way too early...that is why they so many times go out almost as fast as they came in. I think this quote goes a long way towards telling us how carefully we need to prepare people for baptism, and this is only talking about the subject of dress...there are lots of others.

Examination of Candidates

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The test of discipleship is not brought to bear as closely as it should be upon those who present themselves for baptism. It should be understood whether they are simply taking the name of Seventh-day Adventists, or whether they are taking their stand on the Lord's side, to come out from the world and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing. Before baptism there should be a thorough inquiry as to the experience of the candidates. Let this inquiry be made, not in a cold and distant way, but kindly, tenderly, pointing the new converts to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Bring the requirements of the gospel to bear upon the candidates for baptism. {6T 95.2}

One of the points upon which those newly come to the faith will need instruction is the subject of dress. Let the new converts be faithfully dealt with. Are they vain in dress? Do they cherish pride of heart? The idolatry of dress is a moral disease. It must not be taken over into the new life. In most cases, submission to the gospel requirements will demand a decided change in the dress. {6T 96.1}

There should be no carelessness in dress. For Christ's sake, whose witnesses we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance. In the tabernacle service, God specified every detail concerning the garments of those who ministered before Him. Thus we are taught that He has a preference in regard to the dress of those who serve Him. Very specific were the directions given in regard to Aaron's robes, for his dress was symbolic. So the dress of Christ's followers should be symbolic. In all things we are to be representatives of Him. Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty, and purity. But the word of God gives no sanction to the making of changes in apparel merely for the sake of fashion, that we may appear like the world. Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or expensive ornaments. {6T 96.2}

The words of Scripture in regard to dress should be carefully considered. We need to understand that which the Lord of heaven appreciates in even the dressing of the body. All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel will express the truth of the gospel. {6T 96.3}

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And here is another quote that clearly shows there is some things we must do, before Jesus can come into our hearts:

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Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20.

When the heart is emptied of self-importance, the door will be opened to Christ, because you will recognize His knock. But unless you clear away the rubbish that keeps the Lord Jesus out, He cannot possibly enter; for He forces no entrance. {TDG 74.1}

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The biggest problem we have, IMO, is not knowing the Gospel. If people come into the message with hearts melted by the love of Christ shining from the cross, they will stay. If Christ has our hearts, He has our wallets, our time, our everything. Love is awakened by love. New converts need to know the Good News!

Thank you, Tammy. I keep hoping and praying that the Church will take a meaningful stand on the issue of baptism. It's simply not fair to baptize people before they know exactly what the Lord requires of them as SDA church members living in these last days. We have a lot of work to do to ready the world for the return of our sweet Saviour.

I agree, MM. Makes me think of this quote:

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Only when the Church is composed of pure, unselfish members, can it fulfill God's purpose. Too much hasty work is done in adding names to the church roll. Serious defects are seen in the characters of some who join the church. Those who admit them say, We will first get them into the church, and then reform them. But this is a mistake. The very first work to be done is the work of reform. Pray with them, talk with them, but do not allow them to unite with God's people in church relationship until they give decided evidence that the Spirit of God is working on their hearts. {RH, May 21, 1901 par. 7}

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Isn't that exactly what is happening?

MM, I was wondering if you would mind if I sent you a little tract my husband and I just had printed up? It is all about Reverence and Kneeling in prayer. I am pretty sure, from what I am reading from your posts, that you are really going to like it. Reverence is something that is desperately lacking in so many of our churches. Let me know if that would be OK...Have a great day!

So true. It is sad that people are added to the church before they are truly born again. What is even more sad is the fact people are being baptized by members who are not truly born again themselves.

I did a study on reverence myself some years ago, and came to the conclusion that kneeling in church for prayer sets a nice tone. However, it is a mockery if the tone is otherwise worldly. I would be happy to read what Allen has written on the topic. Thank you.

Great! I'll send it to you...I'm sure we are on the same page on this...

Anyone else who would like a copy of this brochure, please just email me with your mailing address and I'll send it right out to you...