The Sacrament of Baptism is both an outward expression of inner faith and a sacred ordinance of healing and renewal. This lesson explores the meaning, procedure, and significance of baptism within the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship. It emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding individuals to this sacred step and highlights its voluntary and personal nature.
Key Concepts
- Baptism as a Sacrament of Healing and Renewal: Baptism symbolizes repentance, the washing away of sins, and a renewed commitment to follow Jesus Christ. It represents a transformative moment of spiritual healing and union with God.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit in Baptism: The Holy Spirit guides both the individual’s decision to be baptized and the performance of the ordinance. Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a Spirit-led act of faith and submission to God.
- Inclusivity in Membership and Baptism: While baptism is a significant sacrament, it is not required for membership in the Fellowship. The inclusive approach reflects God’s grace, emphasizing faith in Christ and a commitment to live His teachings over adherence to specific ordinances.
The Sacrament of Baptism is a Sacrament of Healing performed by an ordained Priest or Priestess of the Levitical Priesthood.
And you must preach unto the world, saying: You must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” –Doctrines of the Saints 12a:59
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a holy act performed by an ordained Priest or Priestess of the Levitical or High Priesthood. It signifies repentance, a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, and a symbolic washing away of sins. It is also a moment of union between the individual, the Holy Spirit, and the body of Christ. Baptism, while deeply meaningful, is not a requirement for membership in the Fellowship, reflecting the openness and inclusivity of Christ’s love.
The Procedure for Baptism
Baptism is performed through immersion in water. The officiating Priest or Priestess, dressed in the Garments and Robes of the Priesthood, raises their right hand in the sign of the Law of Sacrifice and invokes the name of Jesus Christ as instructed in 3 Nephi 5:24-27/11:23-27. The individual is fully immersed in water and brought back up, symbolizing death to sin and resurrection into new life in Christ.
Those ordained to the office of Priest or Priestess in the Levitical or to the High Priesthood may baptize. They should be dressed in their Garments and Robes of the Priesthood, as instructed in the Law of the Gospel. They should raise their right hands to the square, in the sign of the Law of Sacrifice. They should then follow the instruction on how to baptize as given by Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon:
Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:
“Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. “And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
“And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.” –3 Nephi 5:24-27/11:23-27
Baptism should only be performed by those moved to this work by the Holy Spirit of God. Those coming from other Latter Day Saint sects carry their baptisms with them. Likewise, all that feel moved by the Spirit to be baptized may be baptized as many times as they feel moved to do so. All works for the Lord should be done as moved by the Holy Ghost, not to tick a box of a to-do list.
Anyone may stand as witnesses to the baptisms, signing the forms of the Fellowship’s records, however a member or ordained Ministry is preferred. Witnesses are present to ensure the sacredness and correctness of the ordinance, with at least one being required, though two are recommended. They must witness that the words were spoken correctly and that the individual was fully submerged in the waters. (See also Doctrine of the Saints 2a:62-65.)
Baptism and Membership
While baptism is a significant spiritual step, membership in the Fellowship is granted to all who profess faith in Jesus Christ and commit to living His teachings. Those baptized in other traditions or by the Spirit are welcomed without rebaptism, though individuals may choose to be baptized again as led by the Holy Spirit.
It should be noted that baptism is not a requirement of membership in the Fellowship of Christ.
Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship shall be eligible to all who give evidence to their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and who voluntarily hold to the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. When a person chooses to be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship and involve themselves, they are automatically considered a member (Ephesians 4:16).
“A member is one who attends regularly, serves at and contributes financially to the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship and can answer the following question in the affirmative:
1. Do you desire to come into the fold of God, and to be called a member of His Fellowship?
2. Have you confessed your sins to the Lord, and repented of them?
3. Are you obedient to the laws of the land?
4. Are you willing to bear another’s burdens, that they may be light?
5. Are you willing to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort?
6. Are you willing to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that you may be in, even until death, that you may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that you may have eternal life?
7. Are you willing to continue in obedience to the Laws of God and Jesus Christ as you understand them?
“Membership, ordinances, callings, and fellowship are open to all, regardless of race, gender orientation, sexual orientation, or marital status.” –Doctrines of the Saints 3c Article V
Also,
God’s grace, revealed in Jesus Christ, freely moves throughout creation, often beyond human perception, to achieve divine purposes in people’s lives. In harmony with God’s will, the Holy Spirit leads some people already committed to Jesus Christ through Christian baptism to further focus their response through Church membership. Individuals previously baptized of water in an attitude of humility and repentance and as an expression of faith in Jesus Christ may become Church members through the sacrament of confirmation of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation should follow a time of intentional preparation that includes exploring the Church’s mission, beliefs, and understanding of discipleship expressed through covenant with God and others in sacred community. During the confirmation prayer include an acknowledgment of the grace and authority of Jesus Christ through which baptism occurs.” –Doctrines of the Saints 14c:21-25
Discussion Questions
If you are taking this course independently, please use the quiz to turn in your answers.
- Reflect on the symbolism of baptism. How does the act of immersion mirror both repentance and renewal in Christ?
- Why is the role of the Holy Spirit emphasized in both the decision to be baptized and the performance of the ordinance?
- What does the inclusivity of the Fellowship’s approach to baptism and membership teach us about God’s grace and love?
Suggested Actions to Grow in Faith
- Reflect on Your Faith Journey: Write about a moment when you felt particularly connected to God’s grace. Consider how baptism might deepen that connection or symbolize it.
- Participate in Fellowship: Attend a service or speak with a Priest or Priestess to learn more about their experiences performing the sacrament.
- Pray and Meditate: Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you in understanding baptism’s significance and its potential role in your spiritual path.
Final Thought/Final Meditation
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” -Hebrews 10:22
Take a moment to meditate on God’s invitation to renewal and healing. Picture yourself standing in the waters of baptism, feeling the cleansing grace of Christ wash over you. Let this vision inspire your walk with God, whether or not you choose baptism as part of your spiritual journey.
Note
If one feels that confirmation is all that is needed for their spiritual growth, please see the following lesson.