Gospel Principles
Unit 6: The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Chapter 20: Baptism
Concept 3: How Should We Be Baptized?
"There is only one correct mode of baptism. Jesus revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that a person having the proper priesthood authority to baptize "shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism.... Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water" (D&C 20:73-74). Immersion is necessary. The Apostle Paul taught that being immersed in water and coming out again is symbolic of death and resurrection. Our sins are washed away when we are baptized. After baptism we start a new life. Paul said:
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" Romans 6:3-5).
Baptism by immersion by a person having the proper authority is the only acceptable way of being baptized.
Discussion
Read D&C 20:73-74. Why is authority to perform a baptism important?
Why does the Apostle Paul liken our baptism to the burial of the Savior?"