"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
Baptism is the first in a number of promises that we make with God, our loving Heavenly Father. When we keep those promises, we are blessed. Baptism is also symbolic and must be performed in the way that God has instructed. The most important thing for a person to be baptized is that they are willing to keep the commandments of God. Baptism does not require great troves of knowledge and is only the beginning of a life of learning and service. Infants don't have sins and therefore don't need to be baptized, and that's why they're not baptized. In order for baptism by immersion to be complete, you must receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost soon after by the "laying on of hands". (See "Confirmation")
**NOTE: If you wish to get in contact with missionaries of the Church to learn more, you can do so at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/missionary-visit
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WHAT IS BAPTISM?
The word baptism is of Greek origin literally meaning “immersion” or “washing”. Immersion in water means being completely underwater. Anything short of being completely underwater would not be baptism by definition. Some denominations refer to a similar religious rite involving water as a "christening', particularly regarding infants. However, baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is different from all other religions on a number of matters, including this one, which will be explained.
**To learn more about the priesthood, check out my earlier post here.
While you can't have a baptism without water, there is nothing special about the water itself. The water is not blessed. The water is not holy. It has no unearthly properties. Rather what makes a baptism valid in the eyes of God is the restored priesthood authority that him performing the baptism has (See "Who Baptizes?"). Baptism must be performed with God's authority for it to be anything more than getting wet. It is essential! And if we are to understand that authority, that godly power, which goes by the name "priesthood", we are to understand that it is not some manmade construct that comes by study or want alone. It comes by "the Laying on of Hands". If we are to understand that this is how Jesus gave His priesthood authority to His Apostles to act in His name (See "Christ's Ministry"), we are also to know that the priesthood was no longer on the Earth following their death, the same priesthood by which they performed so many wonders and governed the church (See "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism"). Although faith and ceremony endured to some degree thanks to good-hearted believers, they were also altered resulting in the numerous branches of Christianity we see today (See "Apostasy and Restoration" and "The Holy Bible: A Testament of Jesus Christ"). Unfortunately, as far as baptism was concerned, while water was present in all these subsets of Christianity, in all of them, the priesthood authority of God was absent. But because God is loving, He restored His priesthood authority again to the Earth through angelic beings when the time was right in the early 1800s to select laymen in the same way it was with the Apostles, by "the Laying on of Hands". In particular, John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smtih and Oliver Cowdery and gave them the priesthood and instructed them to baptize. From there, under God's direction, with a living prophet on the Earth once more, that priesthood was and continues to be found among many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints around the world and there alone. (See "The Return of the King -- Part 4.2" and "Joseph Smith: A Name Had For Good and Evil")
THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT
A covenant is a sacred two-way promise we make with God upon His conditions. We promise to obey those conditions and God promises to bless us in return. An ordinance is an act by which covenants are made. Some religions may refer to these as "sacraments" or "rites", but in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, these are referred to as "priesthood ordinances". Baptism by Immersion is the first ordinance. The promise we make during this time is called our Baptismal Covenant.
We often cite the prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ who teaches what we demonstrate to God by being baptized:
“…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; 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. 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?” (Mos. 18:8-10)
When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the name of Christ. This means that we promise to follow Him and be witnesses of Him "at all times and in all things, and in all places". Being members of His church --- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints --- means that we strive to be good representatives of Him and His gospel. We do this by striving to keep His commandments and serving others with love. While we don't profess to be perfect individuals, we do strive to do the best that we can and the Lord blesses us for our righteous efforts. (See "More Than Good")
BLESSINGS OF BAPTISM
Baptism is a commandment. The purpose of baptism is crystal clear. Baptism is first and foremost for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). In simple language, when we are baptized, our sins are "washed away" or "our sins are forgiven". It is the fruit of repentance. This is a promise that Heavenly Father gives. Forgiveness of sins is only possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ (See "Great Sacrifice" and "Repentance"). Baptism is how we commit ourselves to Christ.
For this purpose, baptism into the Lord's true church is a requirement for eternal life. One cannot dwell in the kingdom of God without this sin-removing ordinance, without this contract with God. But not only is baptism a requirement but it is a blessing. Just as the scriptures above say, those who are baptized will:
1) Be redeemed of God
2) Be numbered with those of the first resurrection
3) Have eternal life
4) God will pour out his Spirit more abundantly
It is worth remembering too that baptism by immersion doesn't do anything in the long run without the ordinance that comes soon after by "the laying on of hands" ---- the Confirmation. The Confirmation is how a person receives the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism (See "A Still, Small Voice"). It is just as essential and special a blessing. Think of it this way, Jesus taught Nicodemus:
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
Just as we can think of the first part as a baptism of water, we might consider the confirmation a baptism of the spirit (D&C 33:11). John the Baptist said, "I indeed have baptized you with water: but [Jesus Christ] shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost" (Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16). Both go hand-in-hand. A package deal. Speaking of blessings that come with our baptismal covenant, the gift of the Holy Ghost is one of the greatest blessings that we receive as we strive to keep the commandments and follow Jesus Christ.
SYMBOLISM OF BAPTISM
Jesus Christ started His ministry by being baptized by John the Baptist who was a prophet and had the authority to baptize (See "Christ's Ministry"; Matt. 11:7-11):
“John did baptize in the wilderness and preach of baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins” (Mark 1:4-5).
From this, we can also see that repentance preceded baptism. "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance", was his message (Luke 3:8). When we repent and are baptized, God promises us forgiveness and that He will remember our sins no more (D&C 58:42). And so we should recognize that baptism and repentance go together.
At the end of the gospel books in the Bible, the resurrected Lord tells His disciples to:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19). And many believed and indeed were baptized into His church. (Acts 2:41,47)
Jesus was sinless but was still baptized, why? The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ explains in greater depth:
“…he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments…And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straightness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? And the Father said, Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son…wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.” (2 Nephi 31:7-12)
Jesus Christ didn’t just command us to be baptized, He showed us how to be baptized to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). There can be no doubt that Jesus Christ was baptized by immersion in water (Matt 3:16). Certain religions may profess otherwise but it was undoubtedly complete immersion in water; sprinkling is not a proper ordinance and therefore does not constitute any valid covenant with God. As with many things Jesus taught, there is purposeful symbolism coupled with baptism and there is a reason why it must be a baptism by immersion.
Baptism is symbolic of death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-6). As such, when we go down into the water, it is like burying the old us, and when we come up, it is like the resurrection from the tomb or the start of a new and holier life. You may think of it as a chance to start again, be “born again” or to “become clean again”, to be a new person. In this metaphor, one which Jesus used with Nicodemus (John 3:3-5), the baptism by water may represent the womb, thus we become as little children, innocent and pure (Mark 10:14-15; see also "Become As Little Children"). That is why white clothing is worn for baptisms and in the temple; because it represents purity and holiness. Sometimes white baptismal clothing may be provided when available, otherwise, any non-transparent white clothing may be worn so long as everything is completely white and non-revealing.
Water can also be thought of as symbolic. For one, it's essential to life. To the woman at Jacob's well, Jesus said, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water" (John 4:10). In the desert for forty years, Moses was inspired to strike a rock with his rod, and out came water to drink; note that this is also symbolic of Christ as the rock, just as when Jesus was upon the cross and a spear pierced His side, out came blood and water. (See "Upon the Rock"; John 19:34)
Water also has obvious cleansing usefulness. Scripturally, this is the symbolic explanation for the flood during Noah's time (Gen. 7). The flood was used to cleanse the land from the sinful unrepentant people. Noah and his family, eight people in total, were spared. This is also considered symbolic by some because within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, you must be at least eight years old to be baptized (D&C 68:27).
INFANTS AND LITTLE CHILDREN ARE NOT BAPTIZED
Before the age of eight, children are sinless and incapable of sinning because they are not old enough to be accountable for their actions. They are innocent before God. Because they have no sin, and baptism is for "the remission of sins", they are not baptized until they're older. When they turn eight years old, they are old enough to understand baptism and they can choose for themselves if they want to be baptized or not. This is important because baptism is a commitment and act of love for God. Our actions after baptism are just as important as the day we're baptized. For this reason, 8 years of age is called the "Age of Accountability". As a matter of fact, according to the Book of Mormon, God considers infant baptism "an abomination" and a "solemn mockery" (Moroni 8). Instead, God, in His infinite mercy has promised that little children who die before the age of accountability are saved in the kingdom of heaven. (vs. 17; D&C 137:10)
You can read to learn about what sin is and the myth of "original sin" in my previous post "Repentance".
"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.
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.
And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins." (Moroni 8:9-11)
THOSE WHO DIE WITHOUT BAPTISM
The last section clarified that infants and little children who die without baptism are saved in the kingdom of heaven. But what about everyone else? We know that baptism is a commandment, and that Jesus Christ too was baptized. But if it's true that baptism must be performed in a specific way, and by a specific authority, in a specific Church, what happens to all those millions --- even billions --- of people who died without that opportunity?
Heavenly Father is kind, and merciful, and will NOT condemn those who didn't get the chance to be baptized to eternal punishment. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for all people. The blessings of Eternal Life are available to all who are willing to accept the restored gospel. And this is a grand truth that has been revealed in our modern-day through Joseph Smith:
"All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;
Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;
For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts." (D&C 137:7-9)
When we die, our spirits go to a temporary place called "The Spirit World" where we await the Resurrection. There, those who didn't have the chance to know the restored gospel will be taught. They, as we do in life, will have the chance to either accept the gospel or reject it.
Because we need a physical body to be baptized in water, a living person must perform a baptism on behalf of someone in the Spirit World, what we usually call "Proxy Baptisms" or "Baptisms for the Dead". These were also performed in the days of Paul (1 Cor. 15:29). Today, these proxy baptisms can only be performed in temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (See "Temples: Holy Houses of the Lord" and "Redeeming the Dead"). Other proxy ordinances can also be performed in temples, and the person in the Spirit World may choose to accept or reject the ordinances performed for them on their behalf. And thus, everyone living and dead will have the chance to receive the gospel and the ordinances, and God's mercy and blessings are extended to all.
REQUIREMENTS
“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”. (D&C 20:37)
Baptism is just the beginning of lifelong learning, not graduation. The important thing is that the person being baptized knows enough to keep the commandments, has the desire to be baptized, and is committed to staying in the church and being faithful to their covenants. It is not expected that we memorize or know the ins and outs of everything there is to know. As a matter of fact, nobody knows everything there is to know. And certainly, at eight years of age, I didn't know everything and I still don't all these years later. That shouldn't mean we need to postpone the blessings of repentance and baptism that we can have right now. I again emphasize that a desire to serve God is what we're demonstrating by being baptized. The baptismal interview isn't an exam. It's an opportunity to profess your willingness to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment and I can testify that the act of baptism combined with that personal commitment is what makes the Baptismal Covenant meaningful. There is no need to feel inadequate or unprepared so long as that desire and commitment are there. If anything else is needed before taking that step, the person conducting the interview will indicate it and help resolve it. I know that I don't like the word "interview" but there is nothing to fear. I can promise you that the person conducting the baptismal interview is just as excited for you to be there as anyone and is willing to help you in whatever way he can. More often than not, the baptismal interview is a joyful experience.
BAPTISMAL INTERVIEWS
NOTE: The questions that are posed in the Baptismal Interview are laid out in my other blog post "The Baptismal Interview" if you want more details.
At least a day or two prior to the actual baptism, each baptismal candidate (As they are usually referred to) has a basic one-on-one interview with another missionary leader if they've been taught by the missionaries or with the Ward Bishop for children whose parents are already members of the Church; recall that "Ward" is the term for the local congregation and that a 'Bishop" is the unpaid individual that oversees them (See "Church Organization").
If the baptismal candidate desires, he or she may invite a parent, spouse, or another adult to join you during the baptismal interview.
It’s called an "interview" but its purpose is to simply confirm that the baptismal candidate understands the basic doctrine and commandments that the missionaries taught (such as repentance, the Word of Wisdom, the Law of Chastity, the Law of Tithing, and "Sabbath Day Observance"). The meeting is also an opportunity for the person conducting the interview to express congratulations for their desire to be baptized and to give the baptismal candidate a chance to openly share their feelings, ask questions, or address concerns in a private setting. I say this because many churches believe that baptism requires great scriptural knowledge but the requirements of baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, similar to what Alma says, is as follows:
MEMBERSHIP RECORDS
Heavenly Father is a God of order (D&C 88:119; D&C 132:8; see also "Counsel in Councils"). In much the same way as you'd have any other record, such as a birth certificate, bank history, school transcript, and so forth, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints keeps records of church members, as instructed by the Lord (D&C 128:3-4). The Lord sheds more light on the scripture Revelations 20:12, to help us understand the importance of record-keeping, saying:
"You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened; and another book was opened, which was the book of life; but the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works; consequently, the books spoken of must be the books which contained the record of their works, and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life is the record which is kept in heaven; the principle agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the letter which I wrote to you previous to my leaving my place—that in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven." (D&C 128:7)
What is recorded on Earth is also recorded in Heaven, and that is particularly important pertaining to baptismal records, and other ordinances; this goes hand in hand with family history and temple work (See "Redeeming the Dead"). Such records also help Bishops reach out to and serve the members of their Ward. These records start as part of the Baptismal Interview, which is provided by the person conducting the interview, and must be signed by 3 people: the person who conducted the interview, the Bishop of the Ward (or Branch President), and the person who is baptized (or a parent or legal guardian if a minor). This document is only signed by the Bishop (or Branch President) and made official after the person is "confirmed" a member of the church and receives the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the ordinance that follows shortly after baptism (See "Confirmation").
The membership record will include basic information including full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, parents' names and birthdates, marriage information (as it applies), and children information (as it applies) [1]. These records are digitized for easy access. Basic information such as your name, address, and contact information may be shared with other members of your Ward, if you give permission, for the primary purpose of fellowshipping. More sensitive information, such as ordinance information remains confidential between you and the Bishopric. Your membership records are transferred digitally to your new Ward when you move. General records of the history of the church are also kept by way of commandment to store and secure personal information around the world, again for family history purposes or if someone should ever misplace a record and need to request a copy. Requests for an individual's membership records can be done online these days. As you'd expect, your membership information is confidential and will not be shared without your consent.
HOW TO BAPTIZE & BE BAPTIZED
As has been thoroughly explained by this point, only an authorized priesthood holder can perform baptisms and we baptize by immersion in water. The following is what modern revelation teaches us about the manner of baptism:
“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'. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water.” (D&C 20:73–74)
All in all, the baptismal ordinance is actually rather quick. The ordinance itself only takes about a minute, or so, maybe less. With the aforementioned scripture passage in mind, both individuals enter the water at about waist deep; there are dedicated areas in most chapel buildings called "Baptismal Fonts" for this, otherwise, in certain places where baptismal fonts are inaccessible, permission may be given for the baptism to occur in another body of water that is 1) deep enough for complete immersion and 2) is below ground level (again, symbolic of death and resurrection).
The Person Being Baptized
Uses his or her left hand to grasp the right wrist of the baptizer for support standing back up while using their other hand to plug their nose while being submerged under the water.
Uses the right hand to plug their nose when they go under the water.
The Man Baptizing
Holds onto the person's right wrist with their left hand for additional support pulling them out of the water.
Raises his right hand at a 90-degree angle and says as the aforementioned scripture says (D&C 20:73).
After he says amen, he makes sure the person plugs their nose and bends their knees, and leans back like they're sitting down in a reclining chair. He uses his right hand to support the person's back with their right hand and carefully helps them fall backward into the water. This only takes a fraction of a second, making sure that the person is completely under the water, hair and all.
Immediately after the person is completely submerged, they are lifted back out of the water. He pulls them forwards out of the water, supporting their back, as the person straightens their legs to stand up straight again. It's much like getting out of bed, or someone being resurrected [2].
And that is the whole ordinance! And then both individuals exit the water and go dry off and change into some dry clothes. And that's it!
I've been baptized and I have baptized others, and even though I don't consider myself the strongest person, people weigh significantly less when they're in the water so it's not that hard to pull someone back out of the water. Also, for people who might have physical limitations, appropriate accommodations may be made, for example, placing a chair in the baptismal font for them to sit on. Special considerations like this are taken on a case-to-case basis.
MY FIRST TIME BAPTIZING
The daughter of the C. Family (mentioned in "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ") got baptized on the 11th of October, 2014. She was the first person I ever baptized. She and her family thought it would be special for it to be my first baptism which is why they asked me to baptize her instead of Elder Howard (See "Who Baptizes?"). Everyone was so excited. I was so nervous! I spent the entire morning memorizing the baptismal words in Spanish while Elder Harvey and I cleaned and filled the baptismal font. (See "A-Maori-Cans in Mexico")
In the hours leading up to the baptism, an incident came up where the ride that was going to bring them to the chapel fell through and our phone ran out of minutes (which we called saldo). How would we get in touch with them and make travel arrangements in time for their baptism?!
In a hurried panic, we ran several blocks to a church member that our Zone Leaders knew who could help us (See "Mission Administration"). I could barely keep up with them! I felt like I was going to pass out from sheer heat and muscle fatigue. I don’t know what happened because we got back to the chapel and the C. family was there waiting for us. I guess there was a miscommunication that their ride fell through and they arranged another way to get there on their own. Due to our rush, I was now sweaty and weak in the legs and I forgot to bring a backup shirt for the baptism (This was my first baptism mind you!). I hadn’t considered that my shirt would inevitably get wet and I needed a backup one so Elder Adams lent me one since they lived just down the street (See "1st Area: Monterreal, Rio Bravo"). His shirt was ridiculously oversized but I rolled up my sleeves and dealt with it. I had to baptize her twice because the first time her hair wasn’t submerged all the way. That’s why you have "witnesses" to check (See "Happy Birthdays"). I was mortified at my failure but that feeling left once she was baptized correctly the second time.
MY BAPTISM
My mom has always been an outstanding example to me. I love hearing her story of how she joined the church. Her roommate was a member and introduced her to the church. At some point, my mom went to a Ward activity where they watched a video on the Restoration of the gospel (See "Apostasy and Restoration"). My mom said that from that moment on, she knew the church was true because of the spirit she felt (See "A Still, Small Voice"). My dad was one of the missionaries in the area who helped teach my mom the gospel and consequently was the one who baptized her. To date, she is the only member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on her side of the family (Although I never lose hope that others will follow her example).
If it weren't for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, my parents never would have met. Furthermore, it's because of their faith in Jesus Christ that they raised me with the values that I developed. Although I have worked for my own testimony, I attribute them as the best examples of Christ-like individuals in my life. I literally have no idea where I would be without the restored gospel. I probably wouldn't be.
I remember my own baptism when I was eight years old and how I felt. My family was excited for me and told me that they were proud of the decision I had made. I remember thinking “I get to choose?” and then I felt the spirit clearly as if a voice spoke to me, “Yes, you have your agency. This is your choice”. That thought made sense to me. I knew I had my agency. It was then that I knew that not only was everybody happy for me but that God was happy and those two things made me happy. I’ve always felt love in my life and the spirit has never led me wrong before or since that day.
My dad baptized me. We dressed in all white. I was a bit uncomfortable with water in general even though I knew I would only be underwater for literally a second. Nonetheless, I remember gasping when I came out of the water and hearing everyone chuckle kindly. I probably blushed a bit but everyone in attendance was family and friends who loved me. The water was somewhat cold but I felt a warmth come over me after I was baptized.
AFTER BAPTISM
Baptism is for the remission of sins. If repentance is the process of turning to God and away from sin, then why do we say baptism for the remission of sins? Let me give you some dictionary definitions for the word remission: 1) the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty, 2) a diminution of the seriousness or intensity of disease or pain; a temporary recovery, 3) forgiveness of sins, or 4) the reduction of a prison sentence, especially as a reward for good behavior. I’ll leave it to you to pick which baptism talks of; it could be all of them.
We obtain a remission of sins through baptism but we retain a remission of sins through our efforts afterward. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland put it this way:
“We obtain a remission of our sins by pleading to God, who compassionately responds, but we retain a remission of our sins by compassionately responding to [others] who plead to us”.
This is part of our Baptismal Covenant -- to care for others (Mosiah 18:8-10) and is the second great commandment (Mark 12:31).
Eternal Life is more than a one-and-done baptism. Baptism is the door (2 Nephi 31:9-21) to an ongoing path of progression that we call "The Covenant Path". After baptism must follow a life of enduring effort and frequent repentance. That’s not to say that mistakes won’t be made after baptism, they likely will, but we must do our best to pick ourselves up with a true heart when we do fall short (See "Repentance"). A baptism followed by a life of intentional disobedience to the commandments if not repented of is equivalent to never having been baptized (See "Obedience: A Sign of Love"). I think of it as a house. If a house is neglected and unkept will become unclean again, so we too must be repenting regularly and cleaning our “inner vessel” (Alma 60:23; See also "Our Baptismal Font"). It is essential that we follow the example of Christ. We will inevitably sin again after baptism but so long as we do our best, God’s grace will give us strength (See "More Than Good"). Far from being the end, baptism represents starting again.
First things first, we'll recall that the Confirmation ordinance must come soon after baptism.
We renew our Baptismal Covenant when we partake of the sacrament every Sunday, bread and water symbolic of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. To learn more about the sacrament and church meetings, read "Sabbath Day Observance".
Rather than being baptized repeatedly, the sacrament serves to renew and remind us of our Baptismal Covenants. The sacrament is a priesthood ordinance, like baptism, and the only ordinance that we participate in more than once for ourselves. It is part of repentance and accessing the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our Baptismal Covenant is reflected in the sacramental prayers (D&C 20:77-79) which are recited because the sacrament is an ordinance (regular prayers are not recited; see "Prayers"). It is a time for self-reflection on our relationship and standing with Jesus Christ. That is why attending church is so important after baptism.
In summary, our Baptismal Covenant is the first step of discipleship in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a requirement and blessing. And it is more than a one-time "act", it should be reflected in the way we live and how we treat those around us every day.
Consider being baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints if you haven't already! Missionaries will help fill you in on more. Learn more here!
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