Counsels on Lifestyle

Counsel #7 — Baptism And Fashion

Picture: Counsel #7 — Baptism And Fashion CLi 62.1

Baptism and fashion might seem a strange pairing! But fashion is not only what a highly commercialized industry thrusts upon us. Clothing imagery is used in the Bible as a metaphor to illustrate wearing Christ’s righteousness like a garment. When we are baptized, we are choosing to “wear Christ” (see Galatians 3:26, 27). If we are wearing Christ’s garment, we will be holy, beloved, merciful, kind, humble, meek, longsuffering, forbearing, forgiving, loving (see Colossians 3:12-14).^[56] CLi 62.2

“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:21-24 NKJV CLi 62.3

“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.” Ellen White, Evangelism, p. 311 CLi 62.4

Reflect: In what ways do you struggle with being an active public witness for your faith? What could assist you in becoming a more active witness? CLi 62.5