“ 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 sin; fourth, laying on of hand for the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Since Jesus Christ is the great mediator, everything is centered in him. We have faith in Jesus Christ. We repent of our sins through Jesus Christ. We are baptized into the church of Jesus Christ by immersion, just like Jesus was. We receive the Holy Ghost by His authority. Jesus Christ gave us principles and ordinances that he wants us to follow so we can get back in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
The difference between principles and ordinances is that an ordinance is performed by one having the authority such as blessings, baptisms, laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. A principle such as faith and repentance require individual research and development of the principle until it becomes a gift from God.
A) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
The first principle of the Gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A truth is given in the Old Testament, in the book of Hebrews, and explains the importance of faith: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him1.” Thus we know that without faith it is impossible to please God.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2” Faith in Jesus Christ is to have a firm belief that he is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. How can we expect to be saved by someone in whom we don't believe? Faith is an important part of the plan of our Heavenly Father. We know that faith in Jesus Christ is essential to our salvation. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.3” The prophet Moroni, in the Book of Mormon express the same truth: “ For no man can be saved, according the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made4.”
How can we obtain faith?
The first step is through hope: “faith is things, which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until the trial of your faith.5” Moroni added “ And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ...6” Once we obtain hope in Christ, we need to listen carefully to His words. The prophet Alma teaches, in the Book of Mormon how we can obtain and develop faith: “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts…7” We need to nourish this seed: “And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get roots, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us...8” In all we do to develop our faith, we need to have the hope and belief that we shall receive answers to our prayers. God is a rewarder of those who seek him; Christ taught: “Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be done unto you.9”
The first step is through hope: “faith is things, which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until the trial of your faith.5” Moroni added “ And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ...6” Once we obtain hope in Christ, we need to listen carefully to His words. The prophet Alma teaches, in the Book of Mormon how we can obtain and develop faith: “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts…7” We need to nourish this seed: “And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get roots, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us...8” In all we do to develop our faith, we need to have the hope and belief that we shall receive answers to our prayers. God is a rewarder of those who seek him; Christ taught: “Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be done unto you.9”
Once we are “ meek, and lowly of heart10”; once we open our eyes and hearts11 and receive this good word of Christ, we will get to know him through our own studies or by the testimonies of those who have faith: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.12”. To obtain and develop faith, we need to obey the commandments13 and exercise this little particle of faith into works “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith without work is dead.14” Thus we will build our foundation on Christ: “ And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which yea are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.15” Faith comes little by little, step by step, from a simple believe to a sure knowledge.16
Once we obtain faith in Christ, we will love him and his teachings. We know that he wants the best for us. We, then, accept his atonement and all that he has asked us to do. We will follow his example and put our trust in him.
Faith is a wonderful gift that the Lord gives to those who diligently seek him. “But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold, it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.17”
Faith in Jesus Christ is the essence of the Gospel. It is a step to our salvation. A few examples of faith in the Book of Mormon will show the kind of determination faith brings. After leaving Jerusalem in 600 BC, Lehi, a prophet had a vision that they needed to carry with them the records of the Jews and a genealogy of their forefathers they had left behind. Nephi, a righteous son of Lehi was asked by his father to go and bring back those records. He said: “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.18”
Later on, Nephi is talking to his brothers who are loosing their faith because of the tribulations they had to go through in the wilderness on their way to a promised land: “Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him. And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise.19” It is this kind of faith that motivates us, that helps us overcome the trials and difficulties of this life.
B) Repentance
As we exercise faith in Christ, we will want to repent of all the wrong choices we make. Repentance is only possible through Jesus Christ; He being the only one that took upon him all of our sins; He being the one to whom we are indebted to.
The process of repenting is not something new. Repentance is a principle that has existed since the fall of Adam. In fact, this life is a probationary state. It is a time granted unto us to learn to choose between good and evil, repent of our sins, and prepare to meet God. “And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead20.” Another prophet, by the name of Nephi, talked about this time granted unto us: “ And the day of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men.21”
True and sincere repentance can follow a simple pattern of four steps.
The first step is to realize and admit that we have done something wrong, something against the will of God “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me,22” said David pleading for forgiveness. It might be the hardest step because of the tendency we have to rationalize everything that we do. The tendency we have to find excuses or ways to call the bad, good! But, none of the excuses or rationalization will change the fact that we acted against the will of God, and committed a sin. Of course, God could have made us perfect from the beginning without giving us a chance to grow spiritually by learning to choose between good and evil. This, was the great plan of the devil. The devil wanted every one of us to have no agency. In this way we would all come back in the presence of our Heavenly Father and him. Lucifer wanted to receive all the glory of the Father. The Lord revealed some truth concerning the creation of the world to the prophet Moses: “Satan said: Behold, here I am, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul should not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and chosen from the beginning, said unto me- Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord had given him, and also, that I should give unto him my own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down.23”
The plan of our Father in Heaven was to give us a chance to learn by ourselves, to distinguish good from evil, that we may learn from our own experiences and decisions. He would provide a Savior, his Only Begotten Son, who would redeem us from our sins. He knew that we would fall short of perfection. Repentance is granted unto those who sincerely have the desire to change and humble themselves instead of suffering for the consequences of our disobedience.
God's plan was accepted by every one of us. It is interesting to see the difference between the plan of God and the plan of Lucifer. By eliminating our free agency, Satan was looking for his selfish desire to obtain God’s glory. He was taking away from us any choices that would allow us to progress toward becoming like our Heavenly Father; any chance to progress spiritually by choosing between right and wrong. This total act of selfishness and lack of love toward us was to satisfy his own desire to obtain all the glory, even the glory of God. On the other hand, the plan of God, supported by Jesus Christ, was not selfish. Instead of looking with selfishness to his own glory, his first preoccupation was that we may be able to grow spiritually; that we may become like him someday. It required a lot of trust for his children, whom he loves individually. He would send them into the world, give them the light of Christ or conscience, laws, the Holy Ghost, and inspired leaders to help them recognize the truth in this dark world and to follow it. But the final decision would depend on each individual to follow him or not.
Inevitably, all will sin in this life. We must feel sorrow for the sins we have committed. The prophet Lehi expresses his feelings: “Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things, which I have seen and heard. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.24”
We also need to ask God to forgive us through sincere prayer. Another personage of the Book of Mormon gave a great account of his dealing with the Lord in asking for remission of his sins: “ And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins [...] My soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens. And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.25” It might require long prayers and humility; for “Because ye are compelled to be humble, blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance.26” It also requires a sincere desire to change our hearts. In addition to asking for forgiveness, we need to show, by our acts, that we are truly sorry for the things we have done. We need to do everything we can to correct the problems that our actions may have caused. Paul is calling the Saints to repentance: “But showed first unto them... that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.27”
Finally, if we truly and sincerely repent, we need to experience a “change of heart”. Alma explains the meaning of experiencing a change of heart: “ And now behold, I ask of you...have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? [...] Or do ye imagine to yourself that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say - Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth- and that he will save you...28”
We need to overcome these sinful acts. This means to turn away from these sins, and desire to do these things no more. “O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation,29” is the invitation from the prophets of old. A revelation given to Joseph Smith on the subject reaffirms this truth: “And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.30”
By overcoming temptations and falling short of perfection, we work toward our perfection and overcome our imperfections, as a result of our own weaknesses. Through this process, we need to exercise faith that the Lord will forgive us; because he will. He loves us. He wants us to be happy. “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.31” Jesus Christ gave a wonderful parable while teaching the Pharisees32 . This parable illustrates a prodigal son. We can learn from it the importance of repentance and how important it is to forgive ourselves as well as others.
Sins make us unhappy and miserable, and make the devil happy. On the other hand, sincere repentance brings us the peace that we need in our life and a witness that we've been forgiven.
The principle of repentance is not a one-time process. Even after we have accepted Jesus Christ in our lives and decided to follow his teachings, we continue to fall short of perfection and we sin again. Repentance is a process we need to use throughout our lives. Whenever we make wrong decisions by disobeying the commandments of our Heavenly Father, we need to repent. Repentance is a principle that will change our hearts. Amulek, in the Book of Mormon talked about repentance: “And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witness, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doeth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world...33” As important as the principle Amulek teaches us, we cannot take a chance on our salvation by procrastinating. We might have a tendency to say that it is all right, that we have time to repent or there is no need to: Christ does not redeem his people in their sins but from their sins. He redeems his people through their repentance34 .
If we don't repent, we put in danger our own salvation: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.35”
Finally, if we truly and sincerely repent, we need to experience a “change of heart”. Alma explains the meaning of experiencing a change of heart: “ And now behold, I ask of you...have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? [...] Or do ye imagine to yourself that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say - Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth- and that he will save you...28”
We need to overcome these sinful acts. This means to turn away from these sins, and desire to do these things no more. “O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation,29” is the invitation from the prophets of old. A revelation given to Joseph Smith on the subject reaffirms this truth: “And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.30”
By overcoming temptations and falling short of perfection, we work toward our perfection and overcome our imperfections, as a result of our own weaknesses. Through this process, we need to exercise faith that the Lord will forgive us; because he will. He loves us. He wants us to be happy. “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.31” Jesus Christ gave a wonderful parable while teaching the Pharisees32 . This parable illustrates a prodigal son. We can learn from it the importance of repentance and how important it is to forgive ourselves as well as others.
Sins make us unhappy and miserable, and make the devil happy. On the other hand, sincere repentance brings us the peace that we need in our life and a witness that we've been forgiven.
The principle of repentance is not a one-time process. Even after we have accepted Jesus Christ in our lives and decided to follow his teachings, we continue to fall short of perfection and we sin again. Repentance is a process we need to use throughout our lives. Whenever we make wrong decisions by disobeying the commandments of our Heavenly Father, we need to repent. Repentance is a principle that will change our hearts. Amulek, in the Book of Mormon talked about repentance: “And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witness, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doeth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world...33” As important as the principle Amulek teaches us, we cannot take a chance on our salvation by procrastinating. We might have a tendency to say that it is all right, that we have time to repent or there is no need to: Christ does not redeem his people in their sins but from their sins. He redeems his people through their repentance34 .
If we don't repent, we put in danger our own salvation: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.35”
C) Baptism
Repentance is an important part in the preparation for baptism. Moroni, in the Book of Mormon, gave the requirement to join the Church of Christ: “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 are truly repented of all their sins.36” That is another reason why infant baptism has no justification.
Repentance is an important part in the preparation for baptism. Moroni, in the Book of Mormon, gave the requirement to join the Church of Christ: “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 are truly repented of all their sins.36” That is another reason why infant baptism has no justification.
Once we exercise our faith in Christ and repent of our sins, we prepare ourselves to receive the ordinance of baptism. On the day of Pentecost, while Peter was teaching the people and testifying of the resurrection of the Savior, a divine gift was given him “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance.37” Through the Holy Ghost, they could speak in different tongues to all those that assembled themselves to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Apostles. People from many places were assembled38 . They were amazed! Those prepared and receptive to the spirit could recognize a divine manifestation of the power of God “And they were all amazed...39”; those not in tune with the Spirit and not receptive to it could not recognize anything, so, they were mocking not understanding “ Others mocking said, these men are full of new wine.40” Through Peter's teaching, the Spirit confirmed the truth to the people “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?41” These wonderful feelings explained came from the manifestation of the Holy Ghost 42 testifying of the truth.
Having received this witness and recognizing the truth they asked Peter what they had to do ?!. “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 Holy Ghost.43” Peter was expressing the simple and profound teachings of Jesus Christ.
The word baptism comes from the Greek word “baptizo”, meaning heavy dipping or immersion. Jesus Christ showed us the way; the perfect example. “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and cometh thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.44”
Why would Jesus come out of the water if he were not baptized by immersion? Baptism by immersion is a symbol of his death, burial and resurrection. “ 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.45” Baptism is also a symbol of the end of our old life and the beginning of our new life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon teaches us additional truth concerning the meaning of baptism and gives us some insight concerning Christ's baptism: “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. And now, if the Lamb of God, he being Holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfill all righteousness in being baptized by water? Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, 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. Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove. And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness 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, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. 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.46” We see that Jesus Christ, being perfect and having no need to be baptized, received this ordinance to express complete obedience and submissiveness to the commandments of his Father; setting an example for us. We need to express the same kind of submissiveness to all the commandments of the Lord.
Having received this witness and recognizing the truth they asked Peter what they had to do ?!. “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 Holy Ghost.43” Peter was expressing the simple and profound teachings of Jesus Christ.
The word baptism comes from the Greek word “baptizo”, meaning heavy dipping or immersion. Jesus Christ showed us the way; the perfect example. “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and cometh thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.44”
Why would Jesus come out of the water if he were not baptized by immersion? Baptism by immersion is a symbol of his death, burial and resurrection. “ 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.45” Baptism is also a symbol of the end of our old life and the beginning of our new life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon teaches us additional truth concerning the meaning of baptism and gives us some insight concerning Christ's baptism: “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. And now, if the Lamb of God, he being Holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfill all righteousness in being baptized by water? Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, 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. Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove. And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness 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, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. 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.46” We see that Jesus Christ, being perfect and having no need to be baptized, received this ordinance to express complete obedience and submissiveness to the commandments of his Father; setting an example for us. We need to express the same kind of submissiveness to all the commandments of the Lord.
Through the ordinance of baptism, we make a covenant with God. A covenant is a sacred promise, a real agreement with God. Our part of the covenant is, to accept Jesus Christ, to become his followers, and do so by keeping his commandments and endure to the end of our life. A covenant is a two-way promise. Heavenly Father promises that our sins will be forgiven, and that we will have His Spirit to be with us, as long as we keep our part of the covenant.
Thus, the people that Peter and the Apostles were teaching received a confirmation of the spirit and were baptized; three thousand of them “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day they were added unto them about three thousand souls.47”
Jesus answered Nicodemus' question in the Book of John “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.48” Baptism is the gate by which we enter the kingdom of God. We must be baptized to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. Baptism has to be performed by someone who has the authority of the priesthood, and is authorized to perform ordinances in the name of Jesus Christ. As we would not accept a speeding ticket from a milkman, there is no validity to a baptism performed by someone who has not received the authority to baptize.
John the Baptist was the one who had the authority to baptize unto repentance, at the time of the Savior. Once the Savior came, he bestowed upon his apostles a higher authority, a higher priesthood giving them authority to confer the Holy Ghost. The first presidency of the Church have the right and keys to this priesthood. So we see the need for some people to be re-baptized: “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them; have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whither there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.49”
Baptism is a sacred ordinance, which is to be performed by the proper authority and in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon gives us more knowledge on how to prepare ourselves for baptism. We need to believe in Christ “And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved...50” We need to have a determination to serve him, “And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.51” We need to be desirous to be called His people52 . We need to repent and be willing to keep his commandments53; “And the Father said: Repent, repent and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son54”. It is important to develop a broken heart and a contrite spirit “Neither did they received any unto baptism save they came with a broken heart and a contrite spirit...55”
We become like a child: “And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive this things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God,56” said the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet Alma taught: “And now, as ye are desirous to come unto the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Ye, 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...; Now I say unto you, if this is the desire of your hearts, what have ye against being baptized in he 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 ?57”
The Book of Mormon gives us more knowledge on how to prepare ourselves for baptism. We need to believe in Christ “And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved...50” We need to have a determination to serve him, “And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.51” We need to be desirous to be called His people52 . We need to repent and be willing to keep his commandments53; “And the Father said: Repent, repent and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son54”. It is important to develop a broken heart and a contrite spirit “Neither did they received any unto baptism save they came with a broken heart and a contrite spirit...55”
We become like a child: “And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive this things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God,56” said the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet Alma taught: “And now, as ye are desirous to come unto the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Ye, 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...; Now I say unto you, if this is the desire of your hearts, what have ye against being baptized in he 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 ?57”
Baptism is a wonderful way to show our acceptance of the Lord and seal our desire to follow him.
On baptism, especially infant baptism, the prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation from the Lord which states: “ Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name. No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and his capable of repentance. Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent- 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.58”
The Lord has set the age of accountability at eight years of age; “And again, inasmuch as parents have children of Zion, or in any other 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 hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. 59 “
The Lord holds parents responsible for teaching baptism to their children and provide them an understanding of the meaning and purpose of this ordinance.
D) The Gift of the Holy Ghost
After baptism, we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the lying on of hands by someone who has the authority from God. At this point, it is important to express the difference between the spirit of Christ or light of Christ, often mentioned in the scriptures, and the Holy Ghost, comforter, or spirit of truth.
The spirit of Christ or light of Christ is given to every man that comes into the world. It has the power to stimulate the mind and gives inspiration to men for discovery and talents.
The Holy Ghost or Spirit of truth is a personage of spirit. He is part of the Godhead as mentioned earlier. He serves us in two different ways.
The first way is through the power that He has. The power of the Holy Ghost can be with man before being baptized to convince and witness to him the truthfulness of Christ and His gospel. As a witness of the Savior, he also testifies of His teachings and works; and also a witness of the servants of Christ. Through its power, he may guide us while we are in contact with the truth, but will not remain constantly with us.
Second, the Holy Ghost is a gift directly from God. As a gift, it is given to those who have been baptized and have accepted Christ's teachings. It is bestowed upon men by the lying on of hands by someone having the priesthood authority from God. Once the gift is given, members of Christ’s church are entitle to his influence constantly as long as they remain worthy of it. The gift of the Holy Ghost is only conferred on man after proper and authorized baptism 60. In the Book of Mormon, it is recorded that Jesus Christ gave the Nephite disciples the power to confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost: “ The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them - And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine Apostles. Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it; and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.61” The gift of the Holy Ghost is a sanctifying and purifying power. He is spoken of as "Fire". The Holy Ghost helps us recognize the truth, and helps us through the difficulties of life. Referred to as the comforter, he comforts us in times of trials and sorrow. The Holy Ghost has the power to bring things to our remembrance: “ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you62.” He also has the power to guide us by letting us know what we should do; “Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things, which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do.63”
The Holy Ghost has the power to testify of the truthfulness of all things; “ And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.64”
One of the early Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Parley P. Pratt, said about the Holy Ghost: “It 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…. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features…. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.” What a wonderful gift which brings light to the countenance to those that enjoy its presence.
The Holy Ghost is felt whenever we pour out our souls to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is the key to communication with God. It is the key that opens the way between Heaven and us. One of the early leaders of the church wrote: “Every prayer is heard, and every sincere prayer is answered. They who pray should be content to await the answer at the time and in the manner comporting with God’s wisdom. He knows what is for our good and bestows His blessings accordingly. The testimony of untold millions, that their prayers have been heard, is a convincing testimony that God hears and answers prayers. A prayer is not complete unless gratitude for blessings is expressed. It is by the power of the Lord that we live and move and have our being. This should be stated gratefully as we pray to our Father in Heaven. 65”
E) Enduring to the end
Once these steps are complete, we can start on the straight and narrow path of life. When we are baptized, we want to show our Heavenly Father that we can live the full Gospel plan. The Holy Ghost is here to guide us in this path but it is our responsibility to follow its prompting. It is called “enduring to the end” in the scriptures: “ 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. And then ye are in the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered 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. And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.66”
To keep our baptismal covenant or promise and enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we must keep the commandments of God throughout our life. Some look at the commandments as restrictions, but God gives us commandments to point the way we can return to live with him. Just as airplanes need lights on both side of the runway to assure a perfect landing so that the passengers may arrive at their destination safely, commandments are the lights along the way to assure us of our return to our destination; to live with our Heavenly Father. “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.67” “For behold, it is easy to give heed to the words of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss...68”
God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what is good for us and he knows what makes us unhappy. He also knows what will take away our free agency.
The commandments are given unto us to define the straight and narrow path, which leads to our Heavenly Father.
Only by obeying the commandments of God, can we find real and lasting happiness.
The prophet Isaiah said: “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked69”. The prophet Samuel predicted six years before Christ appeared on the American continent “But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the days of your salvation until it is everlastingly to late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head70”.
Jesus Christ and his Apostles invited everyone to exercise faith , be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Followers and servants of the Lord , in our days, invite everyone to follow the teachings of the Savior.
References:
1. Hebrews 11: 6
2. Hebrews 11: 1
3. Mark 16: 16
4. Moroni 7: 38
5. See Ether 12: 6
6. See Moroni 7: 41
7. See Alma 32: 28
8. See Alma 32: 37
9. See Moroni 7: 26
10. See Moroni 7: 43
11. See John 12: 40
12. Romans 10: 17
13. See Doctrine and Covenants 1: 17-21
14. James 2: 17, 20
15. Helaman 5: 12
16. See Alma 32: 26-43
17. Alma 32: 41
18. 1 Nephi 3:7
19. 1 Nephi 7: 12-13
20. Alma 12: 24
21. See 2 Nephi 2 : 21
22. Psalms 51:3
23. See Moses 4: 1-3
24. 2 Nephi 4: 16-17
25. Enos 1: 4-5
26. See Alma 32:13
27. See Acts 26: 20
28. See Alma 5: 14-37
29. 2 Nephi 9: 45
30. Doctrine and Covenants 82: 7
31. Hebrews 10: 17
32. See Luke 15: 11-32
33. See Alma 34: 33-36
34. See Helaman 5: 10-11
35. Luke 13: 3
2. Hebrews 11: 1
3. Mark 16: 16
4. Moroni 7: 38
5. See Ether 12: 6
6. See Moroni 7: 41
7. See Alma 32: 28
8. See Alma 32: 37
9. See Moroni 7: 26
10. See Moroni 7: 43
11. See John 12: 40
12. Romans 10: 17
13. See Doctrine and Covenants 1: 17-21
14. James 2: 17, 20
15. Helaman 5: 12
16. See Alma 32: 26-43
17. Alma 32: 41
18. 1 Nephi 3:7
19. 1 Nephi 7: 12-13
20. Alma 12: 24
21. See 2 Nephi 2 : 21
22. Psalms 51:3
23. See Moses 4: 1-3
24. 2 Nephi 4: 16-17
25. Enos 1: 4-5
26. See Alma 32:13
27. See Acts 26: 20
28. See Alma 5: 14-37
29. 2 Nephi 9: 45
30. Doctrine and Covenants 82: 7
31. Hebrews 10: 17
32. See Luke 15: 11-32
33. See Alma 34: 33-36
34. See Helaman 5: 10-11
35. Luke 13: 3
36. Moroni 6: 2
37. Acts 2:4
38. See Acts 2: 9-11
39. See Acts 2: 12
40. Acts 2: 13
41. Acts 2: 37
42. See Galatians 5: 22-23
43. Acts 2: 38
44. Matthew 3: 13-16
45. Romans 6: 3-5
46. 2 Nephi 31: 4-12
47. Acts 2: 41
48. John 3: 5
49. Acts 19: 1-6
50. See 3 Nephi 11: 33
51. Moroni 6: 3
52. See Mosiah 18: 8
53. 2 Nephi 31: 11
54. See 2 Nephi 31: 10
55. See Moroni 6: 2
56. 3 Nephi 11: 37-38
57. See Mosiah 18: 8-10
58. Doctrine and Covenants 20: 70-74
59. Doctrine and Covenants 68: 25
60. See Acts 8: 12-25
61. Moroni 2: 1-3
62. John 14: 26
63. 2 Nephi 32: 6
64. Moroni 10 :5
65. John A. Widsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 1: 313
66. 2 Nephi 31: 17-20
67. Proverbs 6: 23
68. See Alma 37: 44
69. Isaiah 57: 21
70. Helaman 13: 38
37. Acts 2:4
38. See Acts 2: 9-11
39. See Acts 2: 12
40. Acts 2: 13
41. Acts 2: 37
42. See Galatians 5: 22-23
43. Acts 2: 38
44. Matthew 3: 13-16
45. Romans 6: 3-5
46. 2 Nephi 31: 4-12
47. Acts 2: 41
48. John 3: 5
49. Acts 19: 1-6
50. See 3 Nephi 11: 33
51. Moroni 6: 3
52. See Mosiah 18: 8
53. 2 Nephi 31: 11
54. See 2 Nephi 31: 10
55. See Moroni 6: 2
56. 3 Nephi 11: 37-38
57. See Mosiah 18: 8-10
58. Doctrine and Covenants 20: 70-74
59. Doctrine and Covenants 68: 25
60. See Acts 8: 12-25
61. Moroni 2: 1-3
62. John 14: 26
63. 2 Nephi 32: 6
64. Moroni 10 :5
65. John A. Widsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 1: 313
66. 2 Nephi 31: 17-20
67. Proverbs 6: 23
68. See Alma 37: 44
69. Isaiah 57: 21
70. Helaman 13: 38
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