Gospel Principles
Unit 6: The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Chapter 20: Baptism
Comments and Resources

"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"  (Joseph Smith, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4:555).

During the study of this topic we will learn when baptism originated, the proper mode of baptism, what baptism means, and the blessings of baptism.

Resources

Gospel principles, Chapter 20
A Marvelous Work and A Wonder, Chapter 10
Jesus the Christ, Chapter 10
The Articles of Faith, chapters 6, 7

Scriptures :
2 Nephi 31 <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/31>

Nephi tells why Christ was baptized Men must follow Christ, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end to be saved Repentance and baptism are the gate to the strait and narrow path Eternal life comes to those who keep the commandments after baptism. Between 559 and 545 B.C. 


Mosiah 18 <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/18>
Alma preaches in private He sets forth the covenant of baptism and baptizes at the waters of Mormon He organizes the Church of Christ and ordains priests They support themselves and teach the people Alma and his people flee from King Noah into the wilderness. About 148 145 B.C. 

3 Nephi 11:19-41 <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/11/19-41#19>

Moroni 6, 8:4-16  
Repentant persons are baptized and fellowshipped Church members who repent are forgiven Meetings are conducted by the power of the Holy Ghost. Between A.D. 400 and 421 

Moroni  8:4-16 <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/moro/8/4-16#4>

D&C 20:37
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. 

Matthew 3  <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/3>
John the Baptist preaches in Judaea Jesus is baptized and the Father acclaims him as his Beloved Son. 

John 3:1-5
 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 
 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 
 3 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. 

Acts 8:26-40  <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/acts/8/26-40#26>

Romans 6:1-16  <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/rom/6/1-16#1>


Articles of Faith 1:4 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. 

Topical Guide: <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/tg/contents> 
                         Baptism

Bible Dictionary:  <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/bd/contents>
                             Baptism
                             Bethabara
                             John the Baptist
                             Jordan River
                             Regeneration
                             Symbolism





Concept 1: Introduction

'Today, as in the days of Jesus, there are certain principles and ordinances of the gospel that we must learn and obey.  A principle is a belief or a teaching.  An ordinance is a rite or a ceremony.  The first two principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance.  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" (Matthew 28:19-20).

Discussion

How does a principle of the gospel differ from an ordinance of the gospel?'



Concept 2: Why Must We Be Baptized?

'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 baptized every one 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 fulfill 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 believed in me, and is baptized ...shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall damned" (3 Nephi 11:33-34).  Baptism is the Gateway through which we enter the celestial kingdom.

Discussion

Consider some of the reasons why we need to be baptized.'



Concept 3: 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).  Immersion is necessary.  The Apostle Paul taught that being immersed in water and coming out again is symbolic of death and resurrection.  Our sins are washed away when we are baptized.  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 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.

Discussion

Read D&C 20:73-74.  Why is authority to perform a baptism important?
Why does the Apostle Paul liken our baptism to the burial of the Savior?'


Concept 4: 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.

Discussion

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 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.
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.
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.
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 authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth 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 and partakers 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.
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 the atonement 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.
22. For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption 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."

Why do we not baptize little children?'



Concept 5: We Make Covenants When We Are Baptized

'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 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 a 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.  

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;
 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.'


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-

1. Forgive our sins.
2. Pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon us.
3. Give us daily guidance and the help of the Holy Ghost.
4. Let us come forth in the First Resurrection.
5. Give us eternal life.

Discussion

Review the baptismal covenants.  List and discuss the promises we make and those made by our Heavenly Father.  How can we help each other keep these covenants?'


Concept 6: Baptism Gives Us a New Beginning

'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 (John 3:3-5 "  3 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.;


"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.

Discussion

Think about your own baptism. How as it a new beginning for you?

Additional Scriptures 

2 Nephi 31:4-7  (Purpose and necessity of baptism)
  4 Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which should take away the sins of the world. 
  5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! 
  6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? 
  7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he sho


3 Nephi 11:21-27 (how to perform a baptism)
  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. 

Acts 2:38-39  (be baptized for the remission of sins)
  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. 
  39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 

D&C 20:71-72 (baptism is not required of little children; baptism is required of all who repent)
  71 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. 
  72 Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent 


Alma 7:14, 15-16 (baptism is cleansing, entering into a covenant of eternal life)'
  14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. 
  15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism. 
  16 And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal life, according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me. 



-----------------
Moroni 10:4-5
"4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
  5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

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