Gospel Principles Chapter 20: Baptism Gospel Principles,, (2011),114-119
OUR OPENING PRAYER WILL BE GIVEN BY (Enter name here)
Why must we be baptized?
The Commandment to Be Baptized
Today, as in the days of Jesus, there are certain principles and ordinances of the gospel that we must learn and obey
A gospel principle is a true belief or teaching.
An ordinance is a rite or a ceremony.
Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel.
One of the instructions the Lord gave His Apostles was, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matthew28:19 20).
The first two principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance.
We Must be Baptized for the Remission of our Sins
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and are baptized, our sins are forgiven through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
From the scriptures we learn that John the Baptist did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4).
The Apostle Peter taught, Repent, and be baptizd everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
Following Paul s conversion, Ananias said to him, Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins (Acts 22:16).
We Must be Baptized to Become Members of the Church of Jesus Christ
All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized that have truly repented of all their sins shall be received by baptism into his church (D&C 20:37).
We Must be Baptized before We Can Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost
The Lord said, If thou wilt turn unto me, and repent of all thy transgressions [sins], and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Moses 6:52).
We Must be Baptized to Show Obedience
Jesus Christ was without sin, yet He was baptized. He said His baptism was necessary to fulfil all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).
The prophet Nephi explained that the Lord told him, Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do 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 (2 Nephi 31:12 13).
We Must be Baptized to Enter the Celestial Kingdom
Jesus said, Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned (3 Nephi 11:33 34).
Baptism is the gateway through which we enter the path to the celestial kingdom (see 2 Nephi 31:17 18).
How should we be baptized?
There is only one correct mode of baptism.
Jesus revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that a person having the proper priesthood authority to baptize shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water (D&C 20:73 74).
Jesus knew that he too had to be baptized by immersion. Immersion is necessary.
The Apostle Paul taught that being immersed in water and coming out again is symbolic of death, burial, and resurrection.
After baptism we start a new life. Paul said: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
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.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection (Romans 6:3 5).
Baptism by immersion by a person having the proper authority is the only acceptable way of being baptized.
Why is authority to perform a baptism important?
In what ways is baptism by immersion like the burial and Resurrection of the Savior?
Baptism at the Age of Accountability
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has reached eight years of age and is accountable (responsible) for his or her actions should be baptized.
Some churches teach that little children should be baptized. This is not in keeping with the teachings of the Savior.
When Jesus spoke of little children, He said, Of such is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14).
The prophet Mormon said that it is mockery before God to baptize little children, because they are not capable of sinning.
Likewise, baptism is not required of people who are mentally incapable of knowing right and wrong (see Moroni 8:9 22).
All other people are to be baptized
We must receive the ordinance of baptism and remain true to the covenants we make at that time.
What might you say to a friend who believes that infants need to be baptized?
We make Covenants when we are Baptised
Many scriptures teach about baptism.
In one of these scriptures, the prophet Alma taught that faith and repentance are steps that prepare us for baptism. He taught that when we are baptized we make a covenant with the Lord.
We promise to do certain things, and God promises to bless us in return.
Alma explained that we must want to be called the people of God. We must be willing to help and comfort each other. We must stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places.
As we do these things and are baptized, God will forgive our sins.
Alma told the people who believed his teachings about the gospel: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon. And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, 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? (Mosiah 18:8, 10).
The people clapped their hands for joy and said it was their desire to be baptized. Alma baptized them in the Waters of Mormon. (See Mosiah 18:7 17.)
Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord to:
Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord to: 1. Come into the fold of God.
Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord to: 1. Come into the fold of God. 2. Bear one another s burdens.
Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord to: 1. Come into the fold of God. 2. Bear one another s burdens. 3. Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places.
Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord to: 1. Come into the fold of God. 2. Bear one another s burdens. 3. Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places. 4. Serve God and keep His commandments.
When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to:
When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to: 1. Forgive our sins (see Acts 2:38; D&C 49:13).
When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to: 1. Forgive our sins (see Acts 2:38; D&C 49:13). 2. Pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon us (seemosiah 18:10).
When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to: 1. Forgive our sins (see Acts 2:38; D&C 49:13). 2. Pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon us (see Mosiah 18:10). 3. Give us daily guidance and the help of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 2:38; D&C 20:77).
When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to: 4. Let us come forth in the First Resurrection (see Mosiah 18:9).
When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to: 4. Let us come forth in the First Resurrection (seemosiah 18:9). 5. Give us eternal life (see Mosiah 18:9).
What do you think it means to bear one another s burdens?
What do you think it means to bear one another s burdens? to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all places?
Baptism Gives Us a New Beginning
With baptism we begin a new way of life.
With baptism we begin a new way of life. That is why we call it a rebirth.
Jesus said that unless we are born of the water and of the Spirit, we cannot enter the kingdom of God (see John 3:3 5).
This principle was explained clearly to Adam: Inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten (Moses 6:59).
The Apostle Paul said that after our baptism we should begin a new life: We are buried with him by baptism; even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
One of the great blessings of baptism is that it provides us with a new start on our way toward our eternal goal.
How was your baptism a new beginning?
I TESTIMONY
OUR CLOSING PRAYER WILL BE GIVEN BY (Enter Name Here)
THE END
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Matthew28:19 20 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Acts 22:16 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
D&C 20:37 37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism All those who humble them selves 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.
Moses 6:52 52 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.
Matthew 3:15 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then be suffered him.
2 Nephi 31:12 13 12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father givethe Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
2 Nephi 31:12 13 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.
3 Nephi 11:33 34 33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. 34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.
2 Nephi 31:17 18 17 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.
2 Nephi 31:17 18 18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
D&C 20:73 74 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.
Romans 6:3 5 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:
Matthew 19:14 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Moroni 8:9 22 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 accountableand 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.
Moroni 8:9 22 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. 12 But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism! 13 Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell.
Moroni 8:9 22 14 Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell. 15 For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism.
Moroni 8:9 22 16 Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this manner, for they shall perish except they repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having authorityfrom God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect lovecasteth out all fear. 17 And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike andpartakers of salvation. 18 For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity..
Moroni 8:9 22 19 Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of his mercy. 20 And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught theatonement of him and the power of his redemption. 21 Wo unto such, for they are in danger of death, hell, and an endless torment. I speak it boldly; God hath commanded me. Listen unto them and give heed, or they stand against you at the judgment-seat of Christ.
Moroni 8:9 22 22 For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power ofredemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing
Mosiah 18:8, 10 8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: 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; 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 acovenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
Mosiah 18:7 17 7 And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord. 8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: 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;
Mosiah 18:7 17 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?
Mosiah 18:7 17 11 And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts. 12 And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he being one of the first, and went and stood forth in the water, and cried, saying: O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart.
Mosiah 18:7 17 13 And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world. 14 And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit.
Mosiah 18:7 17 15 And again, Alma took another, and went forth a second time into the water, and baptized him according to the first, only he did not bury himself again in the water. 16 And after this manner he did baptize every one that went forth to the place of Mormon; and they were in number about two hundred and four souls; yea, and they were baptized in the waters of Mormon, and were filled with the grace of God.
Mosiah 18:7 17 17 And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church.
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