050. Baptism is necessary before a person can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
052. Only those who have truly repented may be baptized.
053. Baptism is an ordinance of the gospel entered into with a covenant.
056. The person being baptized shall be immersed in water.
057. Baptism by immersion in water symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
058. Baptism is a new birth; it is symbolic of our new life in the kingdom of God.
059. Baptism in connection with the gift of the Holy Ghost is a cleanser and a purifier.
060. Baptism was practiced in the former ages of the world, beginning with Adam.
049. Baptism is required for all persons (who are capable of repentance) for entrance into the kingdom of God.
quoted by John
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.
4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (Jesus tells Nicodemus men must be born again) John 3:3-5
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? — Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. This strong and positive answer of Jesus, as to water baptism, settles the question: If God is the same yesterday, today, and forever: it is no wonder he is so positive in the great declaration: He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believes not shall be damned There was no other name given under heaven, nor no other ordinance admitted, whereby men could be saved: No wonder the Apostle said, being "buried with him in baptism," ye shall rise from the dead No wonder Paul had to arise and be baptized and wash away his sins: No wonder the angel told good old Cornelius that he must send for Peter to learn how to be saved: Peter could baptize, and angels could not, so long as there were legal officers in the flesh holding the keys of the kingdom, or the authority of the priesthood. (Editorial in Times and Seasons, Sept. 1, 1842) TPJS:264-65
receiving the Word of the Lord
Verily, verily, I say unto you, they who believe not on your words, and are not baptized in water in my name, for the remission of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned, and shall not come into my Father's kingdom where my Father and I am. (Revelation on priesthood received with six elders, Sept. 22/23, 1832) D&C 84:74
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the Kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost. (In Grove near Nauvoo Temple, March 20, 1842) DGSM:43; TPJS:198
quoted by Nephi
And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
24. And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and be baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they must be damned; for the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has spoken it. (Jacob teaches the Nephites in the temple, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 9:23-24
No man can enter into the kingdom of God except he is born of the water and of the Spirit. Men may be judged and their bodies lie in the grave until the last resurrection, to come forth and receive of the telestial glory, but no man will receive of the celestial glory except it be through the ordinances of the House of God. (In Tabernacle, June 30, 1878, JD19:361) TLDP:53
Fundamental… is having faith in His plan, in His law, to be clean and holy and to repent of our sins, and to partake of the sacred ordinance of baptism required for admission into His celestial kingdom. CR1998Apr; The Articles of Faith, Ensign, May 1998, p.22
Related Witnesses:
The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
74. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:73-74
receiving the Word of the Lord
And they are they who are ordained of me to baptize in my name, according to that which is written; (Revelation received June 1829) D&C 18:29
quoted by Joseph Smith
Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness. (The ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood by the hands of John the Baptist, May 15, 1829) D&C 13:1
receiving the Word of the Lord
Behold, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.
2. Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works.
3. For it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant and this church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old.
4. Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen. (Revelation received April 1830, given in consequence of persons desiring to join the Church without rebaptism) D&C 22:1-4
Author's Note: The witnesses of the foregoing prophets were directed toward adult audiences. Latter-day revelation makes it clear that baptism is required for all persons who are capable of repentance, hence, excluding little children and probably the mentally incompetent. (D&C 20:71and Moroni 8:10)
050. Baptism is necessary before a person can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Peter addresses the people on the day of Pentecost when about 3,000 people were baptized) Acts 2:37-38
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. (The fourth of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :4
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this sign or ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost, which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him. (In Grove by Nauvoo Temple) TPJS:199; DGSM:44
translating the Book of Moses
And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you. (The record of Moses : Enoch recounts God speaking to Adam) Moses 6:52
receiving the Word of the Lord
But now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and they shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, even as the apostles of old. (Revelation to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, Dec. 1830) D&C 35:6
Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. (Revelation for Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet, Oct. 1830) D&C 33:11
Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, who was on the earth, and is to come, the beginning and the end;
13. Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the remission of sins;
14. And whoso doeth this shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of the church. (Revelation, March 1831) D&C 49:12-14
And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
13. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. (Nephi tells why Christ was baptized, between 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 31:12-13
Related Witnesses:
Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. (Nephi's writings, between 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 31:17
051. Baptism is required of children only when they arrive at the age of accountability—when they are capable of repentance.
Little children, too young to have sinned, and therefore incapable of repentance, are exempt from baptism, and it is a sin to baptize them, involving as it does the vain use of a sacred ordinance. [See Moroni 8:8-10,19,22.] Redeemed by the blood of Christ from the foundation of the world, their innocence and purity are typical of the saved condition of men and women, who must become like them before entering the Kingdom of Heaven. [See D&C 29:46-47; 74:6.] As children advance in years, however, they become accountable, and must yield obedience to the requirements of the Gospel. [See Moses 6:55.] Eight years is the recognized age of accountability in the Church of Christ. [See D&C 68:25-27.] (Saturday Night Thoughts, p. 248) TLDP:60
And you must preach unto the world, saying: You must repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ;
42. For all men must repent and be baptized, and not only men, but women, and children who have arrived at the years of accountability. (Revelation received June 1829) D&C 18:41-42
And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.
26. For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.
27. And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands. (Revelation, Nov. 1831) D&C 68:25-27
Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me.
9. And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.
10. Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.
11. And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. (Mormon writes to his son Moroni, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:8-11
With regard to redemption, Paul said: All children of Adam are redeemed from the fall by the atoning blood of Jesus, and all infants are redeemed as well as other people. There is no infant or child that has died before arriving at the years of accountability, but what is redeemed, and is therefore entirely beyond the tormented of hell, to use a sectarian term. And any doctrine, such as the sprinkling of infants, or any religious rite for little children, is of no effect whatever, neither in this world nor in the world to come. It is a man-made doctrine, and therefore not ordained of God; and I will defy any man to find in any of the records of divine truth any ordinance instituted for the salvation of little innocent children; it would be unnecessary on the face of it, and the only thing that can be found is where Jesus took the little ones in his arms and blessed them, which is and would be perfectly right to do according to the order of God. But the sprinkling of infants or the doctrine that infants go to hell under any circumstances, is a doctrine ordained of man and not of God, and is therefore of no avail and entirely wrong and displeasing in the sight of God. So much about the infants. I will say again they are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and when they die, whether of Christian, Pagan or Jewish parentage, their spirits are taken home to God who gave them, and never go to suffer torments of any kind. (In Tabernacle, May 14, 1882, JD23:126) TLDP:60
The innocence of little children is another revelation which God has given through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph. The general practice is the baptism of infants to take away the effects of what is described as the sin of Adam and Eve. Under the doctrine of the Restoration, baptism is for the remission of one's individual and personal sins. It becomes a covenant between God and man. It is performed at the age of accountability, when people are old enough to recognize right from wrong. It is by immersion, in symbolism of the death and burial of Jesus Christ and His coming forth in the Resurrection. CR2005Apr; The Great Things Which God Has Revealed, Ensign, May 2005
Only when a child reaches that age of accountability, set by the Lord at eight years of age (see D&C 68:27), is their baptism essential. Before that age, they are innocent. CR2002Apr; Children, Ensign, May 2002, p.7
The innocence of little children is another revelation which God has given through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph. The general practice is the baptism of infants to take away the effects of what is described as the sin of Adam and Eve. Under the doctrine of the Restoration, baptism is for the remission of one's individual and personal sins. It becomes a covenant between God and man. It is performed at the age of accountability, when people are old enough to recognize right from wrong. It is by immersion, in symbolism of the death and burial of Jesus Christ and His coming forth in the Resurrection. CR2001Oct; Fulfilling Our Duty to God, Ensign, November 2001, p.38
Related Witnesses:
No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830; laws governing repentance, justification, sanctification, and baptism are set forth) D&C 20:71
052. Only those who have truly repented may be baptized.
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. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:37
And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.
2. Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.
3. And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end. (Moroni writes a few last things in his record) Moroni 6:1-3
And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins; . . . (Mormon writes to his son Moroni, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:25
No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830; laws governing repentance, justification, sanctification, and baptism are set forth) D&C 20:71
No person can be properly baptized unless he has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and has repented of his sins, with a repentance that need not be repented of. ("Baptism," IE1911Jan:266) TLDP:55
I must be contrite in spirit and my heart broken and tender, for the Lord has prescribed that all those who humble themselves before God and desire to be baptized should come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the Church that they have truly repented of their sins and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve Him to the end. CR1897Oct:16
053. Baptism is an ordinance of the gospel entered into with a covenant.
Every person baptized into this Church has made a covenant with the Lord to keep his commandments. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:238) DGSM:43
Every baptized person who has fully repented, who comes into the Church with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, has made a covenant to continue with that broken heart, with that contrite spirit, which means a repentant spirit. He makes a covenant that he will do that. CR1941Oct:93
This understanding of the promise to Abraham places a heavy responsibility upon all who accept the gospel. As children of Abraham, they are under obligation to do the works of Abraham. The waters of baptism carry with them the promise on the part of the candidate that he will conform his life to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which, of course, was the gospel given, accepted, and practiced by Father Abraham. (Evidences and Reconciliations, p. 400) DGSM:58
The Special Purpose of Baptism is to afford admission to the Church of Christ with remission of sins. What need of more words to prove the worth of this divinely appointed ordinance? What gift could be offered the human race greater than a sure means of obtaining forgiveness for transgression? Justice forbids the granting of universal and unconditional pardon for sins committed except through obedience to ordained law; but means simple and effective are provided whereby the penitent sinner may enter into a covenant with God, sealing that covenant with the sign that commands recognition in heaven, that he will submit himself to the laws of God; thus he places himself within the reach of Mercy, under whose protecting influence he may win eternal life. AF:111
In the waters of baptism, we make a covenant with the Lord. We adopt, as individuals, all the terms and conditions of the new and everlasting covenant. This plan of salvation which was ordained in the councils of eternity, which is the gospel of Christ, is an everlasting, eternal covenant. Now a covenant is a contract. In the case of the gospel, it's a contract between God in heaven and man on earth. The gospel is a new and everlasting covenant. It is new to us, to the people in the world, because it's been revealed anew. But it's everlasting in the sense that it goes on eternally. Its laws are infinite; they apply everywhere to all people in all ages and on all worlds. Well, when we believe the truth, then we are baptized. And the ordinance of baptism is a procedure and the way that God has ordained for us to accept the terms and conditions of the plan of salvation.
If you will read in the eighteenth chapter of Mosiah the account that took place at the waters of Mormon, you'll read what members of the Church do when they come in by baptism. They covenant to do certain things; for instance, one of the list of covenants there listed, recited is this: I covenant to stand as a witness of Christ, at all times, and in all places, and under all circumstances that I may be in even until death. That's one of the covenants we make. Now the overall covenant that we make is to keep the commandments. And the Lord, on his part, covenants with us that if we do what we there and then agree, he will pour out his Spirit upon us more abundantly, and he will give us eternal life in his kingdom. In other words, we in effect sign the everlasting covenant by the ordinance of baptism, and we make its terms and conditions binding upon us, and this is what makes us different from the generality of mankind. We receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead. And if we are guided thereby, then the sanctifying, cleansing, purifying, perfecting processes begin to operate in our lives, and in literal reality we become the saints of God, a peculiar and distinct people. That's what happens to us at least, if we keep our covenants—the covenants made in the waters of baptism. ACR(Brisbane)1976:15
The innocence of little children is another revelation which God has given through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph. The general practice is the baptism of infants to take away the effects of what is described as the sin of Adam and Eve. Under the doctrine of the Restoration, baptism is for the remission of one's individual and personal sins. It becomes a covenant between God and man. It is performed at the age of accountability, when people are old enough to recognize right from wrong. It is by immersion, in symbolism of the death and burial of Jesus Christ and His coming forth in the Resurrection. CR2005Apr; The Great Things Which God Has Revealed, Ensign, May 2005
At baptism we make a covenant with our Heavenly Father that we are willing to come into His kingdom and keep His commandments from that time forward, even though we still live in the world. We are reminded from the Book of Mormon that our baptism is a covenant to “stand as witnesses of God [and His kingdom] at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:9; emphasis added). CR2000Oct
Related Witnesses:
quoted by Mormon
Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; 9. Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10. Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? (Mormon records Alma organizing the Church of Christ, about 148 B.C.) Mosiah 18:8-10
054. The covenant of baptism is a solemn promise that we are willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ and keep His commandments, with a determination to serve Him to the end.
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. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:37
Every person baptized into this Church has made a covenant with the Lord to keep his commandments. We are to serve the Lord with all the heart, and all the mind, and all the strength that we have, and that too in the name of Jesus Christ. Everything that we do should be done in the name of Jesus Christ.
In the waters of baptism, we covenanted that we would keep these commandments; that we would serve the Lord; that we would keep this first and greatest of all commandments, and love the Lord our God; that we would keep the next great commandment, we would love our neighbor as ourselves; and with all the might that we have, with all the strength, with all our hearts, we would prove to him that we would "live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God;" that we would be obedient and humble, diligent in his service, willing to obey, to hearken to the counsels of those who preside over us and do all things with an eye single to the glory of God. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:238) DGSM:43
quoted by Mormon
And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
8. And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
9. And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ. (King Benjamin addresses the people after they entered into a covenant with God to keep all his commandments, about 124 B.C.) Mosiah 5:7-9
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. (Nephi tells why Christ was baptized, between 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 31:13
Before performing a baptism, it should be known to those who officiate, and, in fact, to the Church, that the candidate for baptism is willing to conform to all these things. Further, that he is willing to take upon himself the name of Jesus Christ; to speak the truth in soberness; that he has determined to serve God to the end, and that he is willing to manifest by his works that he has received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of his sins. ("Baptism," IE1911Jan:266) TLDP:57
The saving ordinance of baptism must be administered by one who has proper authority from God. The fundamental conditions of the covenant into which we entered in the waters of baptism are these: we witnessed that we were willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, that we would always remember Him, and that we would keep His commandments. The promised blessing for honoring this covenant is that we may always have His Spirit to be with us (see D&C 20:77). In other words, baptism by water leads to the authorized opportunity for the constant companionship of the third member of the Godhead. CR 2006Apr; That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us
Related Witnesses:
And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.
23. Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved;
24. Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day;
25. Wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father. (Revelation received June 1829) D&C 18:22-25
quoted by Mormon
Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? (Alma organizes the Church of Christ, about 148 B.C.) Mosiah 18:10
055. The specific form and words of the baptismal ordinance have been prescribed by revelation from the Lord.
Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent—
73. The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
74. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:72-74
quoted by Mormon
And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth.
19. And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet.
20. And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him.
21. And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.
22. And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you.
23. Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them.
24. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:
25. Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 26. And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
27. And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.
28. And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been. (The resurrected Jesus Christ addresses his Nephite disciples, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 11:18-28
receiving the Word of the Lord
And they are they who are ordained of me to baptize in my name, according to that which is written;
30. And you have that which is written before you; wherefore, you must perform it according to the words which are written. (Revelation received June 1829) D&C 18:29-30
Baptism without divine authority is not valid. It is a symbol of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and must be done in the likeness thereof, by one commissioned of God, in the manner prescribed, otherwise it is illegal and will not be accepted by Him, nor will it effect a remission of sins. . . . (In Tabernacle, Sept. 30, 1877, JD19:190) TLDP:54-55
056. The person being baptized shall be immersed in water.
Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent—
73. The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
74. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:72-74
quoted by Mormon
Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them.
24. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:
25. Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
26. And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
27. And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name. . . . (The resurrected Jesus Christ addresses his Nephite disciples, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 11:23-27
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. (The fourth of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :4
Baptism means immersion in water, and is to be administered by one having authority, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Baptism without divine authority is not valid. It is a symbol of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and must be done in the likeness thereof, by one commissioned of God, in the manner prescribed, otherwise it is illegal and will not be accepted by him, nor will it effect a remission of sins, the object for which it is designed, but whosoever hath faith, truly repents and is "buried with Christ in baptism," by one having divine authority, shall receive a remission of sins, and is entitled to the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. (In new Tabernacle, Sept. 1877, JD19:190) DGSM:43
The evidence is perfectly clear in the New Testament, and this is confirmed in the teachings and writings of the first centuries, that there was but one mode of baptism practiced in the primitive Church of Jesus Christ, and taught by the early disciples. This mode was burial in water and definitely for the remission of sins. I feel that I can say without successful contradiction that there is not a syllable in the entire New Testament that can, by any sense of reason, be interpreted in defense of sprinkling or pouring water on the head of the person as baptism. It is needless for me to go into a lengthy discussion of the meaning of the word Baptize because it is universally conceded that the word in the Greek means to plunge or immerse, and that is the meaning the Savior and his apostles gave to the word if we are to judge them by their actions. (The Restoration of All Things, pp. 206-07) TLDP:54
The Latter-day Saints hold that the scriptures are devoid of ambiguity regarding the acceptable mode of baptism; and they boldly declare their belief that bodily immersion by a duly commissioned servant or representative of the Savior is the only true form. . . .
Scriptural authority, the revealed word of God through the mouths of ancient and latter-day prophets, prescribes immersion as the true form of baptism. AF:124
Under the doctrine of the Restoration, baptism is for the remission of one's individual and personal sins. It becomes a covenant between God and man. It is performed at the age of accountability, when people are old enough to recognize right from wrong. It is by immersion, in symbolism of the death and burial of Jesus Christ and His coming forth in the Resurrection. CR2005Apr; The Great Things Which God Has Revealed, Ensign, May 2005
Related Witnesses:
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
[T]he word baptize is derived from the Greek verb "baptiso," and means to immerse or overwhelm. . . . (Editorial in Times and Seasons, Sept. 1842) DGSM:43; TPJS:262
057. Baptism by immersion in water symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead.
13. Consequently, the baptismal font was instituted as a similitude of the grave, and was commanded to be in a place underneath where the living are wont to assemble, to show forth the living and the dead, and that all things may have their likeness, and that they may accord one with another—that which is earthly conforming to that which is heavenly, as Paul hath declared, 1 Corinthians 15:46, 47and 48. . . . (Joseph writes to the Church giving further directions on baptism for the dead, Sept. 6, 1842) D&C 128:12-13
Baptism means immersion in water, and is to be administered by one having authority, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Baptism without divine authority is not valid. It is a symbol of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and must be done in the likeness thereof, by one commissioned of God, in the manner prescribed, otherwise it is illegal and will not be accepted by him, nor will it effect a remission of sins, the object for which it is designed. . . . (In new Tabernacle, Sept. 1877, JD19:190) DGSM:43
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: (Paul writes to the Church in Rome regarding baptism, about A.D. 55) Romans 6:3-5
It is common among us to say that baptisms are performed in similitude of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, and that they should therefore be performed by immersion. This is true, but it is an oversimplification and tells only part of the story. Baptism is a new birth; it is symbolical of our new life in the kingdom of God, which new birth is a living reality because of the shedding of the blood of Christ, or in other words because of his death, burial and resurrection. The new birth grows out of the atonement wrought by our Lord; the newness of life comes to the repentant sinner because he has bowed to the will of the Lord; and has been immersed in water by a legal administrator. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 389-90) TLDP:59
Under the doctrine of the Restoration, baptism is for the remission of one's individual and personal sins. It becomes a covenant between God and man. It is performed at the age of accountability, when people are old enough to recognize right from wrong. It is by immersion, in symbolism of the death and burial of Jesus Christ and His coming forth in the Resurrection. CR2005Apr; The Great Things Which God Has Revealed, Ensign, May 2005
058. Baptism is a new birth; it is symbolic of our new life in the kingdom of God.
Membership is obtained by baptism, which is at once a burial and a birth—a burial of the old person, with all his frailties, faults, and sins, if any, and a coming forth to walk in a newness of life. Backbiting, faultfinding, slander, profanity, uncontrolled temper, avarice, jealousy, hatred, intemperance, fornication, lying, cheating, are all buried. That is part of what baptism by immersion signifies. "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom God," (John 3:3) said Jesus to Nicodemus. He comes forth to walk in a newness of life, signifying that in the new life ahead there will be an effort to maintain honesty, loyalty, chastity benevolence, and of doing good to men. CR1958Oct:90
It is common among us to say that baptisms are performed in similitude of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, and that they should therefore be performed by immersion. This is true, but it is an oversimplification and tells only part of the story. Baptism is a new birth; it is symbolical of our new life in the kingdom of God, which new birth is a living reality because of the shedding of the blood of Christ, or in other words because of his death, burial and resurrection. The new birth grows out of the atonement wrought by our Lord; the newness of life comes to the repentant sinner because he has bowed to the will of the Lord; and has been immersed in water by a legal administrator. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 389-90) TLDP:59
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: (Paul writes to the Church in Rome regarding baptism, about A.D. 55) Romans 6:3-5
The Master's admonition to Nicodemus, who came confessing Jesus as a teacher come of God, and undoubtedly seeking to know, like so many others who are true seekers after truth, just what he must do to be saved. He was told that he must be born again if he would see the kingdom of God. This statement the Master clarified when he explained, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). . . .
This new birth, then, was to be accomplished through the medium of baptism by immersion and by the laying on of hands for the conferring of the Holy Ghost, as the disciples, thereafter as they went out among the people, administered these sacred ordinances. CR1961Apr:32
When you think about it there is so much promised in the gospel for so little required on our part; for example, the ordinance of baptism is given us for the remission of sins, for entrance into the kingdom—a new birth. . . . CR1956Apr:110
Let us stop and think for a moment what a young missionary has to accomplish before he leads the convert down into the waters of baptism. He must first teach him the Word of Wisdom, and that means teach him in practically all cases to give up practices which have been lifelong and confirmed and live virtually a new life and to have the investigator commit himself to the keeping of this commandment of the Lord from the time of his baptism until the Lord calls him home. CR1961Oct:44
059. Baptism in connection with the gift of the Holy Ghost is a cleanser and a purifier.
In final preparation for Church membership, and as evidence of our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ and of our commandments, we were baptized by immersion for the remission of sin. . . . Thus prepared we were confirmed members of the Church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Through these principles and ordinances we were cleansed and purified. Having thus washed our garments in the blood of Christ, we entered through the straight gate and stood redeemed on the narrow way which leads to life eternal. It should have then been, and it should now be, the controlling desire of every Church member, and it is the desire of every member who is on the way to eternal life always to retain this redeemed status. CR1956Oct:17
In other words, we in effect sign the everlasting covenant by the ordinance of baptism, and we make its term and conditions binding upon us, and this is what makes us different from the generality of mankind. We receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead. And if we are guided thereby, then the sanctifying, cleansing, purifying, perfecting processes begin to operate in our lives, and in literal reality we become the saints of God, a peculiar and distinct people. That's what happens to us at least, if we keep our covenants—the covenants made in the waters of baptism. ACR(Brisbane)1976:15
quoted by Mormon
Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. (The resurrected Jesus calls on the Nephites to repent in contemplation of the final judgment, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 27:20
Related Witnesses:
quoted by Mormon
Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God. (Alma instructs the people that high priests were ordained because of righteousness, about 82 B.C.) Alma 13:12
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (Peter writes to the churches in modern Asia Minor, about A.D. 60) 1 Peter 1:2
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
[T]he effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually of the seed of Abraham. That man that has none of the blood of Abraham (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost. In such a case, there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body, and visible to the eye, than upon an Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be far before the Gentile in pure intelligence. (The Prophet instructs the Twelve in Nauvoo, June 27, 1839) TPJS:150; HC3:380
[The Holy Ghost] quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. (Key to the Science of Theology, pp. 61-62) DGSM:45
If the Father possesses infinite wisdom and knowledge, why, some may ask, can he not get along with his work without the assistance of the Son and Holy Spirit? We answer, the Son is necessary to reconcile fallen man to the Father; the Holy Spirit is necessary to sanctify and purify the affections of men, and also to dwell in them as a teacher of truth. (Masterful Discourses and Writings of Orson Pratt, pp. 313-14) TLDP:230
060. Baptism was practiced in the former ages of the world, beginning with Adam.
The Establishment of Baptism dates from the time of the earliest history of the race. When the Lord manifested Himself to Adam after the expulsion from the Garden of Eden, He promised the patriarch of the race: "If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you. And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water. And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man." Enoch preached the doctrine of repentance and baptism, and baptized the penitent believers; and as many as accepted these teachings and submitted to the requirements of the Gospel became Sanctified in the sight of God. AF:110-11
Every baptism—properly performed by a legal administrator—from Adam to Christ was itself a Messianic prophecy. It bore record of Christ, who was to come, and was so understood by the saints of old. . . .
Baptism began with Adam. . . . He was then taught that "by the blood ye are sanctified," meaning that the cleansing power of baptism rests upon and grows out of the atoning sacrifice of the Only Begotten. (Moses 6:59-68) That is to say, without the atonement and without the shedding of the blood of God's Son, neither baptism nor any ordinance would have any efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection of the dead. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 386-87) TLDP:57
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
In the former ages of the world, before the Savior came in the flesh, "the saints" were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to come, because there never was any other name whereby men could be saved; and after he came in the flesh and was crucified, risen from the dead and ascended into heaven, that they might be buried in baptism like him, and be raised in glory like him, that as there was but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and father of us all, even so there was but one door to the mansions of bliss. Amen. (Times and Seasons, Sept. 1842) DGSM:43; TPJS:266
Related Witnesses:
translating the Book of Moses
And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water. 65. And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man. (The record of Moses : Enoch testifies to the people; he tells of Adam's baptism) Moses 6:64-65
quoted by Joseph Smith,
translating the Book of Moses
And he gave unto me a commandment that I should baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, which is full of grace and truth, and of the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and the Son. (The record of Moses : Enoch is commanded to baptize) Moses 7:11
translating the Book of Moses
And it came to pass that Noah continued his preaching unto the people, saying: Hearken, and give heed unto my words;
24. Believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, even as our fathers, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, that ye may have all things made manifest; and if ye do not this, the floods will come in upon you; nevertheless they hearkened not. (The record of Moses : Noah preaches repentance and baptism) Moses 8:23-24
Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;
26. And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;
27. Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. (Baptism administered by lessor priesthood among the children of Israel) D&C 84:25-27
Baptism of water and of the Spirit by those having authority are the necessary ordinances for this cleansing, for as the Lord told Adam, ". . . by the water ye keep the commandment, by the Spirit are ye justified, and by the blood are ye sanctified." (Moses 6:60) CR1961Apr:33
Parley P. Pratt
Father in Heaven, We Do Believe
HYMNS:180
Father in Heav'n, we do believe
The promise thou hast made;
Thy word with meekness we receive,
Just as thy Saints have said.
We now repent of all our sin
And come with broken heart,
And to thy covenant enter in
And choose the better part.
O Lord, accept us while we pray,
And all our sins forgive;
New life impart to us this day,
And bid the sinners live.
Humbly we take the sacrament
In Jesus' blessed name;
Let us receive thru covenant
The Spirit's heav'nly flame.
We will be buried in the stream
In Jesus' blessed name,
And rise, while light shall on us beam
The Spirit's heav'nly flame.
Baptize us with the Holy Ghost
And seal us as thine own,
That we may join the ransomed host
And with the Saints be one.
