Baptism by Water: The Doctrine of Baptism and Confirmation

Baptism by water--our first covenant

The Lord has established a single way to show that we are determined to follow him and keep his commandments throughout our lives. That established way is baptism by water (immersion) followed by confirmation (becoming a memeber of the Church of Jesus Christ) and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is the first covenant and saving ordinance of the gospel. 1

The terms of the covenant of baptism by water

The terms of the covenant of baptism by water are these:

1. We agree to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.
2. We agree to always remember him.
3. We agree to keep his commandments.

The promised blessings that follow baptism by water are:

1. Entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ, which is the gate that opens to the pathway leading to eternal life.
2. Full remission of sins
3. The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Baptism by water--The Example of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ set the example regarding the importance of baptism by water and receiving the Holy Ghost. Although Jesus was without sin, he appealed to John the Baptist, who held priesthood authority, to baptize him and thus “fulfill all righteousness.” 2 Therefore, John took the Savior down into the water and baptized him by immersion. The Savior’s baptism by water was followed by his receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which descended and lighted upon him “like a dove.”

Baptism by water leads to remission of sins

Through baptism by water we receive complete remission of our sins. Baptism by water is part of the spiritual cycle that cleanses us from sin and allows us to retain a remission of our sins.

• Faith in Jesus Christ gives us hope that we can repent, receive forgiveness, and be saved from the effects of sin. 3
• Repentance leads to our desire to enter into a covenant with God—a covenant of forgiveness and cleansing that we might be sanctified in every way so that we might one day be exalted. 4
• Baptism by water is that covenant for forgiveness and cleansing. Baptism by water is the only authorized way to receive remission of sins. Once our sins have been remitted, we become meek and humble, which invite the visitation of the Holy Ghost. 5
• The Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands by those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood, as did Jesus and his apostles. 6 The Holy Ghost gives us a spiritual witness that we have indeed been cleansed of sin. Now clean, the Holy Ghost will lead to eternal life through our diligent continued effort. The Holy Ghost also blesses us with the Lord’s perfect love, which sparks an increase in our capacity to feel and show love. This love--charity--endures by constant, sincere prayer; this love will sustain us all our life until we are brought to dwell with God forever. 7
• Sacrament. Retaining a remission of our sins is accomplished by regularly and worthily partaking of the sacrament. The sacrament is the Lord’s only authorized ordinance for renewing our covenants and thus retaining a remission of our sins.

Baptism by water and baptism of the Spirit

Baptism by water is followed by baptism of the Spirit; the two are inseparable. Jesus said,

“Except a man be born of water (baptism) and of the Spirit (Holy Ghost), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” 8

After we are baptized, worthy men holding the Melchizedek Priesthood lay their hands upon our head and confirm us a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which confirmation is followed by these words: “Receive the Holy Ghost.” That commandment—to receive the Holy Ghost--is also a guarantee: as long as we remain worthy, we are entitled to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. As a member of the Church, this is our right; it is our special gift from God—the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Questions about 'Baptism by Water: The Doctrine of Baptism and Confirmation'

• Baptism by water is the single way to show that we are determined to follow Jesus Christ and keep his commandments throughout our lives. What is baptism by water?



• Baptism by water is followed by confirmation and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. What is confirmation?


• What are the terms of the covenant of baptism by water?



• What are the promised blessings that follow baptism by water?



• Who set the example concerning the importance of baptism by water? By whom and how was this done?



• Baptism by water is part of a spiritual cycle that allows us to retain a remission of our sins. What is that spiritual cycle?



• What is the difference between and connection of baptism by water and baptism of the Spirit?

References for 'Baptism by Water: The Doctrine of Baptism and Confirmation'

1. Articles of Faith: 4 – We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2. Matthew 3:13-17 – Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
3. Elder Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, October 1955, Afternoon Meeting, p.124 – I encourage all sorrowing, repentant men to be comforted-comforted by the experience of Alma and by Paul's assurance that "... godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation... " (2 Cor. 7:10.) For today, as well as in days of old, there is hope, there is peace, there is rest in Christ for all whose godly sorrow brings them to that repentance which worketh salvation. Forgiveness is as wide as repentance. Every person will be forgiven for all the transgression of which he truly repents. If he repents of all his sins, he shall stand spotless before God because of the atonement of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ; while he that exercises no faith unto repentance remains "... as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death." (Alma 11:41.) Such is the gist of God's merciful plan of redemption.
4. Mosiah 18:10 – Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
5. John 3:5; Moroni 8:26 – Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water [baptism] and of the Spirit [Holy Ghost], he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). "And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God" (Moroni 8:26).
6. Matthew 3:11; Matthew 28:19 – I [John the Baptist] indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he [Jesus Christ] that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire" (Matthew 3:11). "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19).
7. Moroni 8:25-26 – And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins; And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.
8. John 3:5