23rd May, 2021.
BAPTISM:
Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 States:
“And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—
All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and
come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church
that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them
the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and
truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto
the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church”. End of
Quote.
WHO SHOULD BAPTISE, AND WHAT IS THE CORRECT METHOD OF BAPTISM?
In (Doctrine and Covenants 20:73–74).The Savior revealed the true method of baptism to
the Prophet Joseph Smith, making clear that the ordinance must be performed by one
having priesthood authority and that it must be done by immersion:
Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the first saving ordinance of the
gospel and is necessary for an individual to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints and to receive eternal salvation. All who seek eternal life must follow
the example of the Savior by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 6:3–6. States: “3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into
Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ
was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be
also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin
might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin”. End of quote.
In summary, Immersion is symbolic of the death of a person’s sinful life and the rebirth into
a spiritual life, dedicated to the service of God and His children. It is also symbolic of death
and resurrection.
The Baptismal Covenant
Those who are baptized enter into a covenant with God to take upon themselves the name
of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end (see Mosiah 18:8–
10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). Church members renew this covenant each time they
partake of the sacrament (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79).
Those who keep the covenants they made at baptism are blessed by the Lord for their
faithfulness. Some of the blessings include the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost,
the remission of sins, and the privilege of being spiritually reborn. If they continue
faithfully, they are promised eternal life (See 2 Nephi 31:19–20).
Little Children and Baptism
From latter-day revelation, we know that little children are redeemed through the mercy of
Jesus Christ. The Lord said, “They cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt
little children, until they begin to become accountable before me” (See Doctrine and
Covenants 29:46–47). They are not to be baptized until they reach the age of accountability,
which the Lord has revealed to be eight years of age (See Doctrine and Covenants 68:27;
Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 17:11) States: “And I will establish a covenant
of circumcision with thee, and it shall be my covenant between me and thee, and
thy seed after thee, in their generations; that thou mayest know forever that
children are not accountable before me until they are eight years old”. End of Quote.
Anyone who claims that little children need baptism “denieth the mercies of Christ, and
setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption” (See Moroni
8:20).
My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify that the Saviors declaration in (John 3: 5); “Except
a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” still stands
today. If we are baptized by the right authority, and keep our baptismal covenants
faithfully, the Lord will bless us both in this life and in the eternities. These I know to be
true; and I testify of them, in name of JESUS CHRIST – Amen.