AboutBaptism
“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, second Repentance; third Baptism by immersion for the remission of sin, fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” This is the fourth article of faith which outlines some of the most fundamental beliefs of Mormonism. We believe that baptism is necessary for every person who wishes to enter the Kingdom of God.
The process of baptism is symbolic. Being immersed in water represents your sins being washed from you. Baptism makes you pure and clean, freeing you from any past wrongdoing.
One might ask why baptism important. One main reason is because Jesus Christ was baptized. Jesus Christ teaches through example. As Mormons, we try to follow Christ’s example and be like Him in all things. He asked John the Baptist to baptize Him in the River Jordan. John didn’t understand why a perfect being would need to be baptized. We read in Matt 3:15, that “it was necessary to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus Christ was a perfect man and he was still baptized to set a precedent for his followers. Soon after Jesus was baptized, His followers were baptized. His followers looked up to him and wanted to be like Him. Jesus’ faith in the Lord’s commandment influenced his followers and made them want to be baptized too. It was later revealed in 1829 to Joseph Smith how people in modern day were to be baptized.
Baptism humbles man before God. Baptism can be thought of as a contract between God and man. If we take upon the name of Jesus at all times and keep His commandments, He will forgive us of our sins and bring us back to live in heaven with Him. Baptism is a way for us to show your commitment to Heavenly Father. Baptism allows us to declare and show publicly our devotion to God. Baptism is a symbol of our sacrifice and devotion to God. The scriptures tell us that one must be baptized to enter into the Kingdom of God.
One must have the proper authority to baptize. Mormons believe that only members of the church that hold the Aaronic Priesthood hold the keys of baptism. The keys were handed down from John the Baptists to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry when the church was restored. Not just anyone can perform baptisms. The power to baptize comes from the Lord. In 3 Nephi 11:19-21, the Lord gives Nephi the power to baptize in His name. The authority must be valid, coming from the Lord.
In order to be worthy of baptism, one must have a basic testimony of Jesus Christ. They must commit to following his teachings and his example. They must repent for their sins before baptism. Baptisms in the Mormon Church are usually performed at the age of eight although people can be baptized at any age. Infant baptisms are not performed in the Mormon Church since “infants are not capable of committing sin.” (Moroni 8:4-23)
Not only did Jesus provide us with the opportunity to be baptized but when we are baptized and confirmed a member of the Mormon Church, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a member of the godhead and is a constant companion. He can guide us and help us make wise decisions. He can comfort us when we are feeling weak and lonely. After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Ghost appeared in the form of a dove to give a feeling of love and peace.
The main purpose of baptism is to bring people back to Christ. Through baptism, we are given the way to return back to Heavenly Father.