Baptism Talk

Today is a very special day.  Each of one of us has come here because we are so delighted with the choice that you have made to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Being baptized and confirmed is essential for returning to live with Heavenly Father.  Every single person that will live with Heavenly Father again someday must be baptized.

I remember when I was baptized that I giggled and giggled with delight.  The Holy Ghost was so strong and I knew I was doing just what Heavenly Father wanted me to do.  I knew I was following Jesus’ example.  He was baptized even though he had never sinned. 

Just as Jesus went into the Jordan River with John the Baptist who had the authority, today each of you will enter the baptismal font with someone that holds the priesthood. 

Just as Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist saying the baptismal prayer and then being immersed or covered completely in the water, the baptismal prayer will be given and then you will be immersed in the water. 

After Jesus was baptized the heavens opened and the Holy Ghost came to Him.  After you are baptized you will be given the Holy Ghost to guide your life.

Today you will be following in Jesus’ path and joining His church.  

As you are baptized you will make promises to Heavenly Father, and in return Heavenly Father makes promises back to you.  These promises are called covenants. 

Today you will promise:
1. To take upon you the name of Christ (D&C 18:21-25)
2. To bear one another’s burdens that they might be light (Mosiah 18:8)
3. To stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places even until death. (Mosiah 18:9)
4. To obey the commandments of God and to serve him (Mosiah 18:10)

In return God promises:
1. To accept you as a member of his Church
2. To forgive your sins if you repent
3. To give you the gift of the Holy Ghost
4. To bring you into the kingdom of God in heaven if you remain obedient for all your earthly life

Heavenly Father will never break His promises to us because He is perfect.  We are not perfect, so even though we must TRY to never break our promises sometimes we make mistakes, BUT if we repent Heavenly Father will forgive us. 

Every Sunday you will have the chance to partake of the Sacrament.  Now that you are baptized you will have a lot more to think about during that time.  You will have the chance to remember the promises that you made and that Heavenly Father has made to you today, how you have been over the past week and if you have been obedient, and what you can do better the following week.  Most importantly you will have the chance to remember Jesus.  That he died and was resurrected so that you might live again someday.  That he suffered in Gethesmane to atone for your sins and made it possible for you to live with Him and your family forever if you are willing to choose the right, read your scriptures, say your prayers and obey the commandments. 

Today is the first day of the rest of your life; you will participate in your first ordinance by being baptized in the church.  After you are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost you will be completely clean.  I hope that each of you will continue to live your lives that you will be worthy to participate on the rest of the ordinances that will help you return to Heavenly Father.  I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.