All About Baptism

Baptism is an eternal ordinance

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).