Baptism

So far we have discussed the Godhead, Faith, and Repentance. Faith and Repentance are the first two principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They lay the foundation and bring us to a point where a covenant is required for us to progress closer to Jesus Christ.

In the Bible, there are many references to covenants. Even the name "Testament" means "Covenant"

What is a Covenant?
Simply put, a covenant is a two way promise. Unlike a business contract though, the word Covenant notes our most solemn vow and promise to live by the promise we have made.

One does not make a covenant lightly. Especially one with God. Usually a contract is solemnized on paper. Both parties sign the contract as a way of making a record.

Covenants with God are much more personal. They are made through what we call an Ordinance. Just as most contracts require witnesses and proper authority to enter into.. so do Covenants.

The Ordinance is the way we enter into this Covenant. Baptism is the Ordinance Jesus Christ chose for his people to enter into his covenant of grace and into his kingdom. Said He:

"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5)

Baptism as a symbol:
Baptism symbolizes the death of Jesus Christ, His burial, and His resurrection.
It also symbolizes the death of the "natural man" or "sinner" and the birth of a new creature in Christ Jesus.

In fact, when one is Baptized, they are actually adopted as a child of Christ.

The Covenant:
So what does one covenant at Baptism? They make a special promise to God that they will keep His commandments and take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. When you take upon yourself the name of Christ, its as if it is your new surname. Another way you have become a child of Christ.

Why is this important? Paul said this:

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17)

This is one of the reasons that we cannot enter the Kingdom of God without Baptism. We must be born again under the name of Jesus Christ.

Baptism for a remission of Sins:
In addition to the covenant we make, Jesus Christ makes his promise to us. Remember that a covenant is a two-sided promise. One of the blessings of Baptism that is proceeded by true repentance is a remission of your sins.

A third way that Baptism is a symbol is the symbolic washing way of your sins. You become clean. Your slate is clear. Jesus Christ atonement is made effective in your life.

His promise to us is that He will forgive us and grant us access to His grace. He also promises us that He will give us His Spirit..even the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. This is the promise of the Baptism of fire. The only way to be sanctified is through the Holy Ghost. Baptism is not the end, but the beginning of the process of change. To be sanctified is to be made holy. To be holy is to be without sin. Not just cleansed from your sins, but over time, to be changed from a sinful person.

Authority:
Baptism is to be performed by one who has the proper authority.

In Jesus' day, there existed the Aaronic, or Levitical Priesthood. This was the priesthood given to descendants of Levi. They were the priests in Israel. However, there was more required of a priest than just family history. They had to live a life of righteousness for their priesthood to have any effect. By the time Jesus was born the keys of this priesthood had fallen to Zacharias. He was the father of John the Baptist. Later he conferred these keys to his son John.

John lived righteously and held the proper authority to baptize Jesus Christ.

This priesthood authority was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, when John the Baptist appeared to the prophet and Oliver Cowdry. They received this special authority to baptized and conferred it upon others.

This same authority is found within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints today.

I testify that Baptism is essential for our salvation. It is the covenant, ordinance, and promise that we can receive a remission of our sins through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that we can receive His Holy Spirit.

In the name of Jesus Christ amen.