From a Greek word meaning to "dip" or "immerse." Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the introductory ordinance of the gospel and is necessary to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is preceded by faith in Jesus Christ and by repentance. It must be followed by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost in order to be complete (2 Ne. 31: 13-14). Baptism by water and the Spirit is necessary before a person can enter the celestial kingdom. Adam was the first to be baptized (Moses 6: 64-65). Jesus also was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and to show the way for all mankind (Matt. 3: 13-17; 2 Ne. 31: 5-12).
Because all on the earth do not have the opportunity to accept the gospel during mortality, the Lord has authorized baptisms performed by proxy for the dead. Therefore, those who accept the gospel in the spirit world may qualify for entrance into God's kingdom.
Essential: Suffer it to be so now to fulfill all righteousness, Matt. 3: 15. Jesus came and was baptized of John, Mark 1: 9. The Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God, being not baptized, Luke 7: 30. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God, John 3: 5. Repent, and be baptized every one of you, Acts 2: 38. He commands all men that they must be baptized in his name, 2 Ne. 9: 23-24. Men must follow Christ, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end to be saved, 2 Ne. 31. Christ's doctrine is that men should believe and be baptized, 3 Ne. 11: 20-40. They who believe not on your words and are not baptized in water in my name shall be damned, D&C 84: 74. God explained to Adam why repentance and baptism are necessary, Moses 6: 52-60.
Baptism by immersion: Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water, Matt. 3: 16 (Mark 1: 10). John was baptizing because there was much water there, John 3: 23. Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, Acts 8: 38. We are buried with him by baptism, Rom. 6: 4 (Col. 2: 12). Follow your Lord and your Savior down into the water, 2 Ne. 31: 13. Alma, Helam, and others were buried in the water, Mosiah 18: 12-16. And then shall ye immerse them in the water, 3 Ne. 11: 25-26. The proper manner of baptism is explained, D&C 20: 72-74. They were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, D&C 76: 50-51. Adam was laid under the water and was brought forth out of the water, Moses 6: 64. Baptism is by immersion for the remission of sins, A of F 1: 4.
Baptism for remission of sins: Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, Acts 22: 16. After baptism comes a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost, 2 Ne. 31: 17. Come and be baptized unto repentance that ye may be washed from your sins, Alma 7: 14. Blessed are they who shall believe and be baptized, for they shall receive a remission of their sins, 3 Ne. 12: 1-2. Declare repentance and faith on the Savior and remission of sins by baptism, D&C 19: 31. We believe in baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, A of F 1: 4.
Proper authority: Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Matt. 28: 19 (D&C 68: 8). Limhi and many of his people were desirous to be baptized, but there was none in the land that had authority from God, Mosiah 21: 33. I give unto you power that ye shall baptize, 3 Ne. 11: 19-21. The Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, D&C 13: 1. They are they who are ordained of me to baptize in my name, D&C 18: 29. John the Baptist gave Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the authority to baptize, JS-H 1: 68-69.
Qualifications for baptism: Repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son, 2 Ne. 31: 11. Ye must repent and be born again, Alma 7: 14. See that ye are not baptized unworthily, Morm. 9: 29. Teach parents that they must repent and be baptized and humble themselves, Moro. 8: 10. Qualifications for those desiring baptism are set forth, D&C 20: 37. Children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, D&C 68: 25, 27.
Covenants made through baptism: Ye have entered into a covenant with him that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, Mosiah 18: 8-10, 13. Those who repent, take on Christ's name, and determine to serve him shall be received by baptism, D&C 20: 37.
Baptism for the dead: What shall they do which are baptized for the dead, 1 Cor. 15: 29. Baptisms for the dead are performed for the remission of sins, D&C 124: 29; 127: 5-9; 128: 1; 138: 33.
Baptism not for infants: It is solemn mockery before God that ye should baptize little children, Moro. 8: 4-23. Children shall be baptized when eight years old, D&C 68: 27. All children who die before the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom, D&C 137: 10.