that has been practiced in all gospel dispensations. 1. Adam was baptized in water by the Spirit of the Lord (see Moses 6:6466). 2. Enoch was commanded to baptize (see Moses 7:11). 3. Noah preached repentance and baptism (see Moses 8:2324). 4. Baptism was practiced among the ancient Israelites (see D&C 84:2527; 1 Nephi 20:1). 5. Baptism was taught and practiced among the righteous Nephites and Lamanites (see Mosiah 18:1216; Alma 6:2; 7:14; 19:35 36; 3 Nephi 11:2128). 6. Jesus set an example for us all by being baptized (see Matthew 3:1317; 2 Nephi 31:5 12). 7. Baptism was taught and practiced by the Savior and His Apostles (see Mark 16:1516; John 3:35; JST, John 4:14; Acts 2:3738; 8:3739). 8. The Aaronic Priesthood, which can administer the ordinance of baptism, was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery under the hands of John the Baptist (see Joseph SmithHistory 1:6874; D&C 13). Baptism is an essential ordinance. 1. Baptism is required of us if we are to enter the kingdom of God (see John 3:5; 2 Nephi 9:2324; D&C 84:74). 2. Baptism is necessary for us to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ upon the earth (see D&C 20:37, 7174; Moroni 6:4). 3. Baptism is an essential step in receiving a remission of sins (see Acts 2:38; Alma 7:14; 3 Nephi 12:2; 30:2; D&C 33:11). 4. Baptism is a prerequisite for receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 2:3738; Moses 6:52; D&C 35:6). 5. Baptism is a necessary part of the process of personal sanctification (see 3 Nephi 27:20; D&C 76:5153). From Doctrines of The Gospel Student Manual Chapter 15 The ordinance of baptism is acceptable to the Lord only when it is performed as He has prescribed.
1. Baptism is required of those who arrive at the age of accountability (see D&C 18:4142; 68:2527; Moroni 8:8 11, 19). 2. Baptism must be preceded by repentance (see D&C 20:37, 71; Moroni 6:13). 3. Baptism must be performed by one having authority (see D&C 22:14; 20:7273; Mosiah 21:33; 3 Nephi 11:2125). 4. The Lord has revealed the prayer to be used in the ordinance of baptism (see D&C 20:7273). 5. Those desiring to be baptized must be baptized by immersion (see D&C 20:7274; 3 Nephi 11:2226; Articles of Faith 1:4). Baptism symbolizes eternal realities.
1. Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Romans 6:35; D&C 128:1213). 2. Baptism symbolizes a rebirth to a newness of life (see Moses 6:59; John 3:35). 3. Baptism symbolizes washing and cleansing (see D&C 39:10; Moses 6:59). Through baptism we enter into a covenant with the Lord.
1. When we are baptized, we covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, to stand as a witness for God, and to keep His commandments (see Mosiah 18:810; 2 Nephi 31:13; D&C 18:2225; 20:37). 2. God covenants to give the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands to those who accept baptism (see 2 Nephi 31:1213; D&C 49:1214). 3. To receive covenant blessings, we must obey the commandments (see D&C 82:10; 130:2021). All About The Holy Ghost Before individuals receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, they first receive the Spirit or Light of Christ, which is given to every person who is born into the world. (See John 1:9; Moroni 7:16; Doctrine and Covenants 84:4546; 93:2) The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed on all who have covenanted with Jesus Christ in baptism.
1. The gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands by those who have the proper authority (see Acts 8:1225; Moroni 2:13; Articles of Faith 1:4). 2. The Holy Ghost can lead us to all truth (see John 14:1517; Moroni 10:5). 3. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to His companionship when the individual is worthy (see D&C 121:4546). 4. The Holy Ghost cleanses us from sin and is likened unto fire (see Matthew 3:11; 2 Nephi 31:17; D&C 19:31). Those who have the gift of the Holy Ghost may enjoy the gifts of the Spirit. 1. Every member of the Church is entitled to at least one gift of the Spirit (see D&C 46:1112; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11). 2. The gifts of God come from Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost (see Moroni 10:8, 1718). 3. Many gifts can come from the Holy Ghost to Church members (see D&C 46:1326; Moroni 10:916; 1 Corinthians 12:8 10).