There is need of a more thorough preparation on the part of candi-dates 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. . . . The line of demarcation will be plain and distinct between those who love God and keep His commandments, and those who love Him not and disregard His precepts. . . .

Satan does not want anyone to see the necessity of an entire surrender to God. When the soul fails to make this surrender, sin is not forsaken; the appetites and passions are striving for the mastery; temptations con-fuse the conscience, so that true conversion does not take place. If all had a sense of the conflict which each soul must wage with satanic agencies that are seeking to ensnare, entice, and deceive, there would be much more diligent labor for those who are young in the faith. . . .

Baptism is a most sacred and important ordinance, and there should be a thorough understanding as to its meaning. It means repentance for sin, and the entrance upon a new life in Christ Jesus. There should be no undue haste to receive the ordinance. . . .

Read to them the teaching of the Bible in regard to conversion. Show what is the fruit of conversion, the evidence that they love God. Show that true conversion is a change of heart, of thoughts and purposes. Evil habits are to be given up. The sins of evil-speaking, of jealousy, of disobedience, are to be put away. A warfare must be waged against every evil trait of character. . . .

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 under-stood whether they are simply taking the name of Seventh-day Advent-ists, 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. Be-fore 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. . . .

All who study the life of Christ and practice His teachings will be-come like Christ. Their influence will be like His. They will reveal soundness of character. As they walk in the humble path of obedience, doing the will of God, they exert an influence that tells for the advance-ment of the cause of God and the healthful purity of His work. In these thoroughly converted souls the world is to have a witness to the sanctify-ing power of truth upon the human character.

The knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, expressed in character, is an exaltation above everything that is esteemed in earth or in heaven. It is the very highest education. It is the key that opens the portals of the heavenly city. This knowledge it is God’s purpose that all who put on Christ by baptism shall possess. And it is the duty of God’s servants to set before these souls the privilege of their high calling in Christ Jesus. (6T 91-97)

TE: Choosing to keep Sunday is a conscious decision. This is forming the habit of Sunday-keeping.

MM: True. But in light of our current discussion it is not analogous to not keeping the Sabbath.

T: Then I guess heaven will just have to accommodate the Sunday-keepers.

MM: I thought you agreed that sins of ignorance do not count as defective traits of character? The habit of keeping Sunday does not form sinful traits of character, and will not, therefore, keep them out of heaven. Do you agree?

MM:Jesus will not change any habit or its related traits of character when He returns.

T:Then I guess heaven will just have to accommodate the Sunday-keepers.

TE: Because he wasn't aware of it.

MM: Why didn't God reveal it to him before he died?

Do you have an example in mind?

I'm asking you because I cannot think of one. To make things less confusing, let's set the stage for your answer. In the following scenario, what do you think would be an example of a habit that need never be crucified before a person dies, a habit that could wait until after the resurrection to deal with:

MM: Under the following specific circumstances (quoted below), what do you think would be an example of a habit that need never be crucified before a person dies, a habit that could wait until after the resurrection to deal with:


TE: Keeping Sunday instead of Sabbath is an example.

MM: Where we differ is which habits you believe do not have to be confessed and crucified before death occurs to be admitted to heaven. You have a long list of sinful habits and traits you believe will not keep resurrected people out of heaven.

You also believe they will simply leave off these habits after Jesus resurrects them and explains to them the truth. If He can explain it to them after they are resurrected and they willingly give them up, why can't He tell them before they die? Remember, they go into the grave with the same disposition they come out with.

TE: Because he wasn't aware of it.

MM: Why didn't God reveal it to him before he died?

TE: Again this would be easier if you quoted more of the context. Who is "he"? What is "it"?

We are sinners. And we can't take that sin with us to Heaven. But, we ARE saved. That is secured in Jesus. But I would not want to live with the saved in Heaven. There has to be some kind of change in a moment in the twinkling of an eye ... that would make me desire to be with you folks in Heaven.

MM: (Requests an example of) a habit that could wait until after the resurrection to deal with:

T: Keeping Sunday instead of Sabbath is an example.

MM:Tom, you cannot be serious. What makes you think under such thorough indoctrination the Sabbath would not be fully addressed?

"He" refers to the people you say go into the grave with uncrucified sinful habits and traits.