Jesus Baptism
To Fulfill all Righteousness by Liz Lemon Swindle
“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 sins, 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 principles 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 sins being washed away. Baptism makes one pure and clean, freeing a person from God’s judgment for any past wrongdoing. Baptism also represents death or burial and rebirth as a new being. It is symbolic of being born again. The person is literally reborn spiritually:
Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness (Alma 7:14).
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).
Jesus Christ taught through example. Mormons, try to follow Christ’s example and be like Him in all things. Jesus 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 Matthew 3:15, that “it was necessary to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus Christ was a sinless man, but was still baptized to set a precedent for his followers. Soon after Jesus was baptized, His followers were baptized. It was later revealed in 1829 to Joseph Smith by what method and authority people in modern day were to be baptized. Through revelation the Lord has dictated that his disciples, after true repentance, should be baptized by immersion by one holding priesthood authority from God.
Baptism humbles man before God. Baptism is a contract between God and man. If one takes upon himself the name of Jesus at all times and keeps His commandments, He will forgive us of our sins and bring us back to live in heaven with Him. Baptism is a way to show one’s 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.
And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God (3 Nephi 11:33).
One must have the proper authority to baptize. Mormons believe that only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who hold the Aaronic Priesthood hold the keys of baptism. The keys were handed down from John the Baptist (who appeared as a resurrected being) to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery 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. One must commit to following His teachings and His example. The person must repent for his or her sins before baptism. Baptisms in the Mormon Church are usually performed at the age of eight, although people can be baptized at any age after eight, which is called the “age of accountability.” 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 members of the Mormon Church, we may 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 impart 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, since it is the gate to the straight and narrow path leading to His kingdom.