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by Glenn Blaylock on June 6th, 2005
Baptism is the first of the "saving ordinances" (those ordinances required for salvation). It is the ordinance by which we take upon us the name of Christ and promise to obey God's commandments. It is the ordinance by which we become members of the Church. It is also the ordinance by which we signify our repentance of our previous sins and by which they are washed away through the atonement of Christ. As such, a person must be mature enough to have an awareness of the difference between good and evil and be capable of repentance. Because of this, we don't baptize people until they have reached at least the age of eight years old. We don't consider children younger than this to be accountable for their actions.
The manner of baptism is laid out in the Doctrine and Covenants (a book of modern revelations, most of which were given to Joseph Smith). We believe in baptism by complete immersion. A male who holds at least the office of Priest goes down into the water with the person to be baptized until the water is somewhat over waist deep. Then standing somewhat behind the person, the Priest calls him or her by their full name and then says, "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." Then the person is lowered backwards into the water until they are completely submerged and then brought back up again (http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/20/72-74).
There is a twofold symbolism involved in this ordinance. First of all, it should remind us of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior. It is also symbolic of the end of our old lives and our rebirth as followers of Christ and members of the Church.
Can a woman who has had tubal ligation become Mormon?
by Runner2006 on May 9th, 2006
| 1 person likes this
How exactly do mormons baptize and what WORDS exactly do they use?
by wilburee on August 16th, 2007
| 4 people like this
Is there any way I can be given the information from the"discussions" without having to actually talk to anyone until I am ready to? The thought of actually having to meet with anyone at the moment absolutely terrifies me.
by tabitha anna on October 15th, 2007
| 2 people like this
I really want to convert but I think my husband will get mad and my father will disown me. I pray about it all the time. Any suggestions?
by amcoop on June 1st, 2006
| 5 people like this
I am a single mom. can i still become a mormon?
by annie on March 3rd, 2008
| 4 people like this
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Comments
Excellent response, Glenn. :-)
by the Otter on November 11th, 2008