Why Be Baptized? Baptism is Ordained of God

Why be baptized?

The Kingdom of God must be erected upon the principles which Christ has revealed, upon the foundation of eternal truth;  Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone.  Those holy and sublime principles must be observed and honored in our lives, in order that we may obtain exaltation with the sanctified in the Kingdom of God.  (Gospel Doctrine, p. 91).

As it is well known that various opinions govern a large portion of the sectarian world as to this important ordinance of the gospel, it may not be amiss to introduce the commissions and commands of Jesus Himself on the subject.  He said to the Twelve, or rather eleven at the time: Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; Thus it is recorded by Matthew.  In Mark we have these important words: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned.  (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 262).

Upon looking over the sacred pages of the Bible, searching into the prophets and sayings of the apostles, we find no subject so nearly connected with salvations, as that of baptism…it is one of the only methods by which we can obtain a remission of sins in this world, and be prepared to enter into the joys of our Lord in the world to come.  (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 262).

Man must be born again.  Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.  Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old?  Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  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.  This strong and positive answer of Jesus, as to water baptism, settles the question:  If God is the same yesterday, today and forever: it is no wonder He is so positive in the great declaration:  He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believes not shall be damned!  There was no other name given under heaven, nor no other ordinance admitted, whereby men could be saved.  (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 264-265).

Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the Kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.198).

Is there any difference between the baptized and the unbaptized man?  All the difference in the world, I tell you, but it is only discernible through the Spirit.  It is a vast difference too great for one not in possession of the Spirit to comprehend.  Take two men, they may be equals in point of goodness, they may be equally moral, charitable, honest and just, but one is baptized and the other is not.  There is a mighty difference between them, for one is the son of God redeemed by compliance with his laws, and the other remains in darkness. (Gospel Doctrine, p. 97). 

Has water, in itself, any virtue to wash away sin?  Certainly not; but the Lord says, “If the sinner will repent of his sins, and go down into the waters of baptism, and there be buried in the likeness of being put into the earth and buried, and again be delivered from the water, in the likeness of being born-if in the sincerity of his heart he will do this, his sins shall be washed away.”  Will the water of itself wash them away?  No; but keeping the commandments of God will cleanse away the stain of sin.  (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 159).

Time Out For Women – TOFW

I just attended Time Out For Women in St. George, Utah.  It was my first time and it was awesome to say the least.  I am so glad I went.  Each presenter and vocalist would have you laughing one minute and crying the next.  If you’ve never been, I urge you to go next year.  You can view their 2010 schedule at www.DeseretBook.com/tofw

Here are two short video clips from this year’s tour:

Wendy Ulrich: 

Emily Watts: 

This year’s presenters were:  Kris Belcher, Cherie Call, Mary Ellen Edmunds, Deanne Flynn, Emily Freeman, Jill C. Manning, Kim Nelson, Brent Top, Wendy Ulrich, Emily Watts, Brad Wilcox, S. Michael Wilcox, Chieko Okazaki and Carolyn Rasmus.

The music artists were Hilary Weeks and Kenneth Cope.  Both of them are amazing artists and so inspiring to see live.

Treat yourself and make plans to attend next year!

LDS Infant Blessings

In the LDS church, infants are given a blessing and then baptized at the age of 8.  Both ordinances are performed by a member who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, usually the child’s father.  In the blessing the infant is given his/her name that he/she will be known by.  The person giving the blessing also adds words as directed by the Spirit.

The children are dressed in white in a blessing gown or blessing outfit.  The blessing dresses and blessing suits are keepsakes that will be handed down from generation to generation.

Infant blessing outfits available at www.CelestialFashions.com

ForSaleByMormon.com

I found a great website for Mormon’s to promote their business or post classified ads that I feel is worthing sharing – www.ForSaleByMormon.com:

ForSaleByMormon.com creates a very easy and effective way for LDS Church members to communicate with each other about their businesses, products, services and blogs. Members now have better access to LDS business owners who provide products and services in their community and nationwide.  There is an option for everyone who desires to advertise.  You can post free listings, create a “store”, sponsor a Give-Away and more!  Check out ForSaleByMormon.com and join the community of Mormon’s doing business.

My business is found at www.ForSaleByMormon.com/CelestialFashions

He Heals The Heavy Laden

My topic is based on a talk given by Dallin Oaks entitled, “He Heals the Heavy Laden.”

Dallin Oaks refers to being “heavy laden” as follows: 

Some have lost a loved one to death, or care for one who is disabled. Some have been wounded by divorce. Others yearn for an eternal marriage. Some are caught in the grip of addictive substances or practices like alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or pornography. Others have crippling physical or mental impairments. Some are challenged by same-gender attraction. Some have terrible feelings of depression or inadequacy. In one way or another, many are heavy laden.

I would like to add ”being mistreated” to the list of “heavy burdens” that some people carry. In the book, “The Peacegiver”, the author states: 

            “Being mistreated is the most important condition of mortality, for eternity itself depends on how we view those who mistreat us.” (p. 33)

When we are in the middle of a crisis, a trial or our “burden”, are we so obsessed with our pain, anger and possibly revenge towards an offender, that we forget to even ask the Lord for strength to endure?  Or for guidance on how to proceed?  Do we remember that the Atonement reaches and is powerful enough not only to pay the price for sin but also to heal every mortal affliction? The Book of Mormon teaches that “He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people” (Alma 7:11; see also 2 Nephi 9:21).