Baptism

Baptism is a covenant—or a promise—that you make with God. When you get baptized, you promise to serve Him and follow His commandments to the best of your abilities.

Follow the Savior’s perfect example

If you’ve ever read the New Testament, you’re probably familiar with the story where Jesus visits John the Baptist to be baptized.

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” —Matthew 3:13–15

Even Jesus, who never sinned, was baptized to show obedience to God and be the example for us to follow.

Jesus Christ is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River

Jesus Is Baptized by John

Baptism is required to enter heaven

Jesus taught that we need to be baptized to return to live in God’s presence after this life is over.

“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.” —John 3:5

Baptism is being “born of the water.” It makes it possible for us to be made clean from our sins, which is necessary for us to return to God.

Baptism should be performed by immersion

Baptisms in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are performed by immersion, meaning a person is “immersed” all the way under water and brought back up. The Bible tells us that “when [Jesus] was baptized, [He] went up straightway out of the water” (Matthew 3:16). Baptism by immersion is beautifully symbolic, not only of the washing away of sins, but of death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism signifies the end of your old way of life and birth to a life committed to Christian values (see Romans 6:3–6).

Latter-day Saints believe that baptism must be performed by someone who holds proper priesthood authority. That authority directly from Jesus Christ was returned through the restoration of His Church.

Baptism and the Holy Spirit

Although baptism is itself a significant event, it is not fully complete without receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit). Receiving the Holy Ghost is being born of the Spirit (see John 3:5). The gift of the Holy Ghost is given to you after your baptism so you can receive God’s help, guidance, and comfort throughout your life.

John the Baptist baptizes Jesus Christ in the Jordan River fulfilling prophecy

The promises of baptism

A grandson visits his grandmother on her front porch

YOU PROMISE: To serve others

“Bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light” (Mosiah 18:8).

A mother and daughter hug each other and show compassion

YOU PROMISE: To show love and compassion

“Mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9).

A woman sits on a park bench with the Book of Mormon and learns that babies don't need baptism

GOD PROMISES: To give you the Holy Spirit

“He may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you” (Mosiah 18:10).

A group of young girls walk down a forest path together

YOU PROMISE: To be a good example

“Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in” (Mosiah 18:9).

A man studies the scriptures on a park bench learning that baptism for babies is not necessary

YOU PROMISE: To keep God’s commandments

“Ye will serve him and keep his commandments” (Mosiah 18:10).

The sun shines through clouds showing God's hand in nature

GOD PROMISES: The opportunity for you to receive eternal life

“Ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:9).

You can be baptized

The Apostle Peter also made it clear that baptism is a commandment for all people: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).

Before you are baptized, you show your desire to keep God’s commandments by repenting of things you have done wrong. This may require confessing your sins before you are baptized (see Matthew 3:6) or making up for mistakes where you can.

When you are baptized, you have a chance to start a new life—one dedicated to following Jesus Christ. Your sins are forgiven, and you can rededicate yourself to making choices that lead to happiness. After you are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, He will help, comfort, and guide you in your efforts.

Common Questions

Below are questions often asked about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Click here to see the full list.

Because baptism includes making a promise to follow Jesus Christ and keep His commandments, we believe that a person must be able to discern right and wrong and have sufficient understanding to choose baptism for themselves. This is one reason why the Church doesn’t practice infant baptism. Instead, children may be baptized beginning at eight years old.

After a person is baptized, those with proper priesthood authority place their hands on the baptized person’s head to confirm him or her a member of the Church and give the gift of the Holy Ghost. When someone receives the Holy Ghost, it means the person may have the Holy Spirit with them as a constant companion to comfort and guide them and to witness of truth.