Baptism and Beliefs

I haven't blogged for way too long, and for that I apologize. I have been super busy with other writing projects and my family.

But, today was a special day for our family, and especially for my 8-year-old daughter.

In our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when a child reaches the age of 8, they can choose to be baptized, just as our Savior Jesus Christ was baptized in the New Testament. This is done by immersion, by proper priesthood authority.  Afterward, the are confirmed and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. The Holy Ghost helps teach us and confirm to us truth, helps us know right from wrong, comforts us and can be a warning voice to keep us safe.

Today, my daughter was baptized. We had a white dress for her to wear that was made by one of our close friends. She looked like an angel. For the baptism, she and my husband, who holds the priesthood, dress in a white suit that they change out of afterward.

As I was helping her get re-dressed in her dry clothes after she was baptized, I asked her how she felt. "So clean," she said.

Baptism is for the remission of our sins. Obviously, it doesn't stop there as we will inevitably make many mistakes in our life, but through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can repent and be clean again. Equally important, being baptized means that we make covenants, or 2-way promises, with God.

My Baptismal Covenants (as found on www.lds.org)

(Renewed Each Time I Partake of the Sacrament) 

At Baptism I Covenant with the Lord to: 

1. Come into the fold of God (become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ).
2. Be called his son or daughter (take upon me the name of Christ).
3. Bear others’ burdens, that they may be light; mourn with those that mourn; and comfort those in need of comfort (help others).
4. Stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places (testify of Christ and set a good example at all times).
5. Serve God and keep his commandments.

When I Keep My Baptismal Covenants the Lord Covenants to: 

1. Forgive my sins.
2. Pour his Spirit more abundantly upon me (give me the companionship of the Holy Ghost).
3. Redeem me that I might be numbered with those of the first resurrection and have eternal life (permit me to enter the celestial kingdom to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ)

This video doesn't really have to do specifically with baptism, but I loved the overview of what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe.

Here's another inspirational post from Dreaming About Someday.

© Wendy 2015