To the Point

What exactly do we promise when we’re baptized?

Baptism, by Annie Henrie Nader

The scriptures teach us that when we are baptized, we covenant (or promise) to be willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, serve God, and keep His commandments (see Mosiah 18:10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77).

We also learn in the scriptures that baptism helps us fulfill our desire “to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people” (Mosiah 18:8). In other words, one reason we are baptized is that we want to join the Church of Jesus Christ and enjoy the love and belonging that come from being united in Christ.

The commitment to serve the Lord and keep His commandments can include many things throughout our lives. For instance, it includes being “willing to bear one another’s burdens, … to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:8–9).