Baptism is a foundational ordinance of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the first step on the covenant path. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, baptism is performed by immersion by one holding proper priesthood authority. Through the ordinance of baptism, individuals covenant to take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ, serve God, and keep His commandments. In return, they receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost and deepen their relationship with the Savior. Covenants made with God are a foundation for lifelong conversion and discipleship.
Baptism also represents spiritual rebirth. Jesus Christ taught Nicodemus that a person must be “born of water and of the Spirit” to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Theodore M. Burton explains that baptism symbolizes a “second birth” and Harold B. Lee emphasizes that this rebirth requires a genuine change of heart.
This ordinance marks the beginning of a lifelong spiritual journey of continual spiritual renewal and eternal growth. In this collection, speakers emphasize the importance of living the baptismal covenant through repentance, service, obedience, and faith in Jesus Christ. Dale G. Renlund teaches that lifelong conversion comes through repeatedly applying doctrinal elements, while Rosemary M. Wixom describes the covenant path as a journey in which we perform God’s will and allow His plan to unfold in our lives. Featuring stories of converts who waited years for baptism and reminders of the simple beauty of the gospel, these addresses invite us to consider more deeply the waters of baptism and to diligently keep the covenants we make there.
