Episode 52 - Adoption

Adoption is related to the sacraments but it is not a sacrament. This act of blessing is still very necessary nowadays, because when a guest is adopted in our church, he or she ascribes to the doctrine taught in our church.

Adoption is not about “ratifying” a Baptism carried out in another church (as it was understood to be in the past), but about a guest being part of our church and publicly professing that they believe in what we believe (i.e. that Jesus Christ is active in this church, in the Apostle ministry…).  Moreover, we acknowledge that Baptism performed in another church is valid, because it is God acting, washing away original sin. So, if the guest is already baptized with water and in the name of the Triune God adoption opens up access to receiving Holy Sealing and Holy Communion.  Thus, if the guest has not been baptized in the name of the Triune God, then he or she would have to receive Holy Baptism (instead of being adopted) in order to receive the other two sacraments.