“Chapter 3: The Invitation to Be Baptized and Confirmed,” Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2023)
“The Invitation to Be Baptized and Confirmed,” Preach My Gospel
Chapter 3
The Invitation to Be Baptized and Confirmed
Doctrinal Foundation
We are all children of Heavenly Father. We have come to earth to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and become more like Him so we can return to His presence (see Moses 1:39). We cannot become like Him or return to Him without divine help. Our Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for us and break the bands of death (see 3 Nephi 27:13–22).
We gain access to Christ’s redeeming power by exercising faith in Him unto repentance, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost through confirmation, and enduring to the end. Keeping the covenant of baptism is the first step in binding ourselves to God so the Holy Ghost can cleanse, strengthen, and change our nature for the better. Experiencing this sanctifying influence is called spiritual rebirth. (See 2 Nephi 31:7, 13–14, 20–21; Mosiah 5:1–7; 18; 27:24; 3 Nephi 27:20; John 3:5.)
Spiritual rebirth begins when we are baptized by water and the Spirit. Baptism is a joyous and hopeful ordinance. When we are baptized with a broken heart and contrite spirit, we start life anew with God’s sustaining power. After we are baptized and confirmed, we can continue to be strengthened by partaking of the sacrament worthily. (See 2 Nephi 31:13; Mosiah 18:7–16; Moroni 6:2; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37.)
Extending the Invitation
As you feel guided by the Spirit, invite people to be baptized and confirmed. This may happen during any lesson.
Teach the doctrine of baptism and help people understand the doctrine of Christ (see lesson 3). Teach about the importance and joy of the baptismal covenant, of receiving a remission of sins, and of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost through confirmation.
Prepare people for the baptismal invitation by making sure they understand what you have taught and the covenant they will make. The covenant of baptism is as follows:
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Be willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ.
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Keep the commandments of God.
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Serve God and others.
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Endure to the end. (See lesson 4.)
You might share the following:
“When we are baptized, we ‘witness before [God] that [we] have entered into a covenant with him, that [we] will serve him and keep his commandments.’ As we make this covenant, He promises that He will ‘pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon [us]’ (Mosiah 18:10).”
Your invitation to be baptized should be specific and direct. You might say:
“Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by someone who has been ordained to perform this ordinance? We will help you prepare for baptism. We believe you can be ready on [date]. Will you prepare to be baptized on that date?”
As with any invitation you extend, promise the great blessings people will receive as they accept the invitation to be baptized and keep the associated covenants. Share your testimony of these blessings.
Teach that baptism and confirmation are not a final destination. Rather, they are a point along the path of conversion that brings hope, joy, and the power of God more fully into a person’s life (see Mosiah 27:25–26). After people are baptized and confirmed, they can look forward to being sanctified by the Spirit as they progress along the covenant path.
If possible, invite those you are teaching to attend a baptismal service and a sacrament meeting during which someone is confirmed.
Ideas for the Invitation to Be Baptized
Consider reading the scriptural account of Jesus being baptized (see Matthew 3:13–17). You could also show the Bible video depicting the Savior’s baptism or the Book of Mormon video of the Savior’s disciples baptizing.
You could also read Nephi’s account of Jesus’s baptism (see 2 Nephi 31:4–12). Reading the accounts of the baptism of Jesus Christ can strengthen those being taught.
Scripture Study
Study the following scriptures:
Write a summary of what you have learned.