Are The Last Empire SDA Baptisms Legitimate

The recent Last Empire Crusade baptisms may not be legitimate because they did not follow standard SDA practices outlined in the 2010 Church Manual. It was interesting to notice that over 3,000 people were baptised (although figures range from 800 to over 3,000, depending on who you ask). Most would have been rebaptisms. Here is what the manual has to say (you can download a copy for yourself here)

Candidates individually or in a baptismal class should be instructed from the Scriptures regarding the Church’s fundamental beliefs and practices and the responsibilities of membership. A pastor should satisfy the church by a public examination that candidates are well instructed, are committed to taking this important step, and by practice and conduct demonstrate a willing acceptance of Church doctrines and the principles of conduct which are the outward expression of those doctrines, for “by their fruits you will know them”
(Matt. 7:20).

If public examination is impractical, then candidates should be examined by the board or a committee appointed by the board, such as the board of elders, whose report then should be given to the church before the baptism. “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, 96.

This is never done, meaning that the baptism is likely not recognised.  That is great news for Christians of other denomonations that regretted their decision (and I know a few that have.)

Secondly, during the baptism the candidate makes three vows, one of which is this

2. Do you accept the teachings of the Bible as expressed in the Statement of Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and do you pledge by God’s grace to live your life in harmony with these teachings?

The candidates at Freswota have no idea what these statements are.  A simple breakdown and analysis (which I will explain in a later post) reveals the following.

Sound doctrine = 9 Statements
Minor, inconsequesntial doctrinal errors = 7 Statements
Significant error likely to lead to false teaching = 4 Statements
SERIOUS DOCTINAL ERRORS = 8 STATEMENTS

SO BEFORE YOU CONSIDER BEING BAPTISED, KNOW WHAT YOU ARE VOWING.  If after careful consideration you beleive the statements to be true, then go ahead, I will not and cannot stop you, but at least you know what you are committing yourself to.