“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.” -Alma 5:25 RAV, 7:14b RAV
When Nicodemus came to Jesus to learn about salvation, he was told he would need to be born again (John 3:1-8). Baptism is a Sacrament offered to those that have covenanted with God to be His people. When we were born again we were washed clean and made members of God’s one true Heavenly church through this covenant. When moved by the Holy Spirit, we will wish to be baptized as a symbol of this covenant, thus it is called the baptismal covenant. As above, so below; as below, so above.
In the Latter Day Saint movement, also known as Mormonism, one must be at least 8 years of age to be baptized (Article of Faith 4). While these steps are not mandatory as a part of teshuvah, the majority of those that have been born again are moved by the Holy Spirit to crave baptism by water and fire. This is because while our works will not save us, they are a sign that we are saved.
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone… For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” -James 2:17, 26
Baptismal Questions
Before baptism, the following questions should be asked:
- “Do you desire to come into the fold of God, and to be called a member of His Fellowship?”
- “Have you confessed your sins to the Lord, and repented of them?”
- “Are you obedient to the laws of the land?”
- “Are you willing to bear another’s burdens, that they may be light?”
- Are you willing to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort?”
- “Are you willing to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that you may be in, even until death, that you may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that you may have eternal life?”
By answering these questions in the affirmative, and the Spirit testifying to the questioner that the individual is ready to commit to baptism, one may be baptized.
Baptismal Covenant
Baptism is a covenant. Because we have been born again we move forward as God’s covenant people.
We promise/covenant God that we will:
- Be God’s people (disciples of Christ), taking upon ourselves His name
- Love and serve God by loving and helping others and the creation
- Grow our relationship with God as we grow in the Grace of Jesus Christ
God promises/covenants us that He will:
- Grant us forgiveness of sins through His Atonement, ensuring the gift of eternal life, salvation and exaltation
- Grant us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost
- Grow His relationship with us as we grow in the Grace of Jesus Christ and our discipleship
The Ordinance of Baptism
Baptism must be performed by immersion, by one ordained to the priesthood. Within the Fellowship, only those with the Priesthood keys of Priest/Priestess, Elder, or High Priest/High Priestess may baptize.The individual being baptized should ask a member of the Priesthood perform the ordinance and two people to act as witnesses the baptism. Anyone may act as witnesses for Fellowship baptisms. Members of other Latter Day Saint/Mormon or other Christian denominations are also welcome to stand as witnesses, any may be invited to attend the baptism. Once the person has been baptized, they should privately dry, change their clothing and return to receive the laying on of hands for confirmation.
Being baptized in any Latter Day Saint/Mormon denomination would be perfectly acceptable for anyone moved by the Holy Spirit to join the Fellowship. Those already baptized may be re-baptized as often as they like, provided timing permits. It is recommended that re-baptisms be done when new members are being baptized or a day may be set aside once a month for all baptisms, adding more dates as needed.
If you feel the Spirit of God moving you to be baptized, please contact us: info@cjccf.org
