Christ's Commandments: Baptism

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

"Fulfill all righteousness."

Late one evening, Jesus Christ had a visitor. A man named Nicodemus had heard of Christ's miracles and teachings, and he wanted to meet Him. He recognized that Jesus had to be a man of God, for no evil man could do the good He was doing.

Nicodemus must have been excited for his personal interview with Jesus, but little did he know, he was the one going to be interviewed. In solemn simplicity, Christ declared that a man could not enter God's kingdom without being born of water and the spirit. Nicodemus was shocked, the common belief of the time was that Baptism was not needed for the Jews (God's first covenant people), but Jesus Christ declared that it was an essential requirement for all people! Even Christ Himself, being the only incorruptible man on the earth, chose to be baptized so that He could "fulfill all righteousness."

Several thousand years have past since Jesus Christ's life. Baptism is still a central part of Christianity, but some Christian groups no longer believe that it's necessary for salvation. Nevertheless, Christ's words to Nicodemus still stand.

Why is Baptism Essential for Eternal Life?

Baptism is the first ordinance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. An ordinance is simply a sacred ceremony where we make a promise with God. When we make a promise with God, He sets the terms and we're free to hold to our promise and receive the blessings, or neglect our promise and be held accountable. The greatest blessings God has in store for us can only be received when we make promises to Him and Baptism is the first of these promises we can make.

Baptism is essential for several reasons. When we're baptized by the priesthood authority of God, the sins of the past are washed away. This is not just a one time cleansing, but a continual cleansing that we renew every time we take The Sacrament worthily. Baptism is also one of God's Commandments for us. Christ was baptized because He knew it was God's will and He was willing to obey all of God's Commandments.

Although being baptized at all shows God our desire to follow Him, God has specific standards for those who want to fulfill His Commandments. To be baptized according to God's standards, He requires that we work to give up our knowingly sinful behaviors and follow Jesus Christ until the end of our lives. He also requires that the person baptizing us needs to have the Priesthood, which is authority and power from God to baptize. Without that authority, we can't be cleansed from sin or fulfill God's Commandment to be baptized.

What Happens to People Who Die Before Being Baptized?

Jesus Christ teaches that Baptism is necessary to enter the Kingdom of God, however, most of the people who have lived on the earth never had the chance to be baptized, let alone by the Priesthood. In order to give everyone the opportunity to be saved, God has established an ordinance called "Baptism for the Dead." Baptism for the Dead means that faithful members of The Church can be baptized in the Temple for their dead ancestors and for people of other faiths. Once the work has been done for them, the spirits of the dead have the decision whether to accept that Baptism or not.

Although God has prepared this wonderful safety net, we should not use this as a reason to be slothful. Baptism for the Dead is for those who never had a chance to be Baptized by the Priesthood. If we know without a doubt that Baptism is necessary for us, but neglect our responsibility and aren't baptized, we will not receive a second chance.

"It only takes five seconds."

Ideas For Living This Commandment

We should all repent and be baptized! If we've been baptized, we need to take The Sacrament and renew that promise with God! If we do this, we will be cleansed from our sins and be free from that burden. We will discover a better life with Christ and we will have greater motivation to follow Him.

If you are concerned in any way at all about your baptism or are interested in being baptized by the Priesthood, come to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I've received a witness of the Priesthood, and I know that you can receive this witness too.