12-12-10 Lesson Summary: Baptism

"Chapter 20: Baptism," Gospel Principles, (2009), 114–19 Sister Parker

The Commandment to Be Baptized

A gospel principle is a true belief or 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. 

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.

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 fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). 

We Must Be Baptized to Enter the Celestial Kingdom

Baptism is the gateway through which we enter the path to the celestial kingdom (see 2 Nephi 31:17–18).

The Correct Mode of Baptism

There is only one correct mode of baptism. The Apostle Paul taught that being immersed in water and coming out again is symbolic of death, burial, and resurrection. After baptism we start a new life. 

Baptism at the Age of Accountability

Every person who has reached eight years of age and is accountable (responsible) for his or her actions should be baptized. We must receive the ordinance of baptism and remain true to the covenants we make at that time.    

We Make Covenants When We Are Baptized

We promise to do certain things, and God promises to bless us in return.     

Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord to: 

Come into the fold of God, Bear one another’s burdens, Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places, and Serve God and keep His commandments.

When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to: Forgive our sins, Pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon us, Give us daily guidance and the help of the Holy Ghost, Let us come forth in the First Resurrection, and Give us eternal life. 

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. One of the great blessings of baptism is that it provides us with a new start on our way toward our eternal goal.