Baptism

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."(John 3:5, KJV)

“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3). Baptism in water is an ordinance essential to our salvation. By being baptized, we show God that we are willing to be obedient to His commandments. Jesus set the example for us by being baptized, even though He was without sin (see Matthew 3:13-17). When we are baptized, we enter into a covenant, a two-way promise, with God. We promise to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, to keep His commandments, and to serve Him to the end, and He covenants that we may always have His Spirit (Holy Ghost) to be with us (See Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:8-10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). The Savior revealed the proper method of baptism to the Prophet Joseph Smith, making clear that the ordinance must be performed by one having priesthood authority and that it be done by immersion."(www.mormon.org)

I know that baptism is vitally important to our Salvation. Being baptized can help us throughout our lives, especially when we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Gift of the Holy Ghost, comes after baptism, by the laying on of hands, also done by priesthood authority. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is when the spirit can be with us AT ALL TIMES. Now before we are baptize we can feel the spirit strongly at different points in our life. Like at church, you can definitely feel it at church, and you don't have to be at ours to feel it, it can be felt at every church. This is what is called the Light of Christ. Everyone has the Light of Christ. But in order to receive the wonderful Gift of the Holy Ghost you must be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God. I know that baptism is important, Jesus Christ set the example for us by being baptized. If He being perfect did it, how much more do we need to follow His example? I know that as we follow His example we will be blessed what we do. I would like to end with a quote from the Bible dictionary.......

"Baptism is a most sacred ordinance, which a person, having received it, can remember throughout life as a reminder of the personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Its symbolism is beautiful, and its consequences ever so desirable. John the Baptist had the signal honor among all men to take the Son of God into the water and baptize him, after which he saw the Holy Ghost descend upon Jesus. By being baptized Jesus obeyed the law himself, and set the example for all mankind."

If  you would like to learn more about Baptism or anything more about our church please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org for more info. :) I hope this has explained a little more to you about what we believe about baptism.