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Let’s talk about something super important for those of us who’ve come out of Seventh-day Adventism and are now walking in the true gospel of Jesus Christ — Christian water baptism.
The answer is yes. And not because we’re being picky or legalistic, but because biblically speaking, not all baptisms are legitimate Christian baptisms. Let’s break it down together.
What Makes a Baptism Legitimate?
According to the Bible, a valid Christian baptism has three essentials:
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Right understanding of the Gospel→ Acts 2:38 — “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
Baptism is a response to the true gospel — salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It’s not a ritual tied to legalism or a false gospel.
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Right authority→ Matthew 28:19 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Christian baptism must be administered by a true gospel-preaching church, one that holds to the biblical gospel and the Lordship of Christ.
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Right purpose→ Romans 6:3-4 — “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?”
Baptism identifies us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It’s not about joining a denomination or committing to Old Covenant law-keeping.
Why the SDA Baptism Is Not a Legitimate Christian Baptism
Now here’s the tough but loving truth: SDA baptism falls short in those essential areas.
Why Former SDAs Should Be Properly Baptized
If you’ve come to know the true gospel — that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ alone apart from works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9) — then you need to publicly identify with Jesus through legitimate Christian baptism.
It’s not about getting “re-baptized” because your old one was fine. It’s about receiving your actual, biblical baptism for the first time, now that you truly believe in the biblical gospel.
As seen in Acts 19:1-5, when Paul met disciples who had received John’s baptism (which wasn’t yet a full understanding of Christ), he baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus after teaching them the full gospel. The same principle applies here.
In Closing
Suppose you’re a former Adventist now standing in the true gospel of grace. In that case, your next step of obedience is legitimate Christian baptism, not to “join a church” but to publicly testify of your union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
It’s a beautiful declaration of the salvation you’ve already received.
Frequently Asked Questions: Former Adventists and Christian Baptism
Q: I was already baptized in the SDA Church. Why do I need to be baptized again?
Q: Is it disrespectful to my SDA family if I get baptized again?
It doesn’t mean you hate your family — it means you love the Lord enough to obey Him and trust His word over religious traditions.
Q: But the SDA Church baptizes in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, just like Matthew 28:19 says. Isn’t that valid?
The SDA Church preaches a gospel of grace plus law, plus Ellen G. White, plus the Sabbath, which contradicts the biblical gospel of grace alone.
Q: Can I just stay unbaptized? Isn’t salvation by faith alone anyway?
If you truly love and follow Jesus, you’ll want to obey Him in this, too.
Q: I’m nervous. What if people think I’m being too radical?
You’re not doing this for people’s approval. You’re doing it for the Lord.
Q: Where should I get baptized? Can any church do it?
In Summary:
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SDA baptism is invalid because it’s tied to a false gospel.
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Legitimate Christian baptism requires:
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Right gospel understanding
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Right authority (true gospel church)
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Right purpose (identification with Christ’s death and resurrection)
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You’re not dishonoring family — you’re honoring Christ.
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Salvation is by faith, but baptism is the first step of public obedience for believers.
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Do it with courage. Do it for Jesus.
If you’re a former Adventist ready to follow Christ in biblical baptism, talk to your pastor or church leader today. It’s not too late. You’ll never regret obeying the Lord.
Former Adventists Philippines Baptism Declaration & Decision Form Sample
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead… now we also may live new lives.” — Romans 6:4 (NLT)
Personal Information
Name: ___________________________________________
Age: _______
Contact Number: _________________________
Email: __________________________________
Spiritual Declaration
I, _______________________________, declare the following before God and my fellow believers:
✅ I have personally placed my faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone for my salvation, not in any law, human prophet, church system, or personal works.
✅ I believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
✅ I have left behind the false gospel of Seventh-day Adventism, including its teachings on salvation by Sabbath-keeping, Old Covenant law observance, and the prophetic authority of Ellen G. White.
✅ I now joyfully submit to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the sufficiency of Scripture alone (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
✅ I desire to follow Christ’s command in believer’s baptism, as a public testimony of my union with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection.
✅ I understand that this baptism does not save me, but it is an act of obedience declaring the salvation I have already received.
Decision
☐ Yes — I am ready to receive legitimate Christian water baptism and publicly testify of my faith in Jesus Christ.
Preferred Baptism Date: ____________________________
Signature: __________________________________________
Date: ___________________
“Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.” — Matthew 10:32
Certificate of Christian Baptism
Former Adventists Philippines
“Standing in the True Gospel of Grace”
This certifies that
[ Full Name ]
has received legitimate Christian water baptism
on the [ Date ] day of [ Month, Year ]
at [ Location ],
as a public testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection,
and as a declaration of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
Baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
in accordance with Matthew 28:19 and Romans 6:4.
📖 “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” — Galatians 3:26-27 (NLT)
Officiating Minister: _______________________________
Witness: _______________________________
Church Fellowship: _______________________________
Given this [ Date ] day of [ Month, Year ]
at Former Adventists Philippines.
For more inquiries, contact us:
Email: formeradventist.ph@gmail.com
Website: formeradventistph.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/formeradventistph
Phone: 09695143944
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