BAPTISM.
1. History of
P. of G. P. MOSES 6:63, 64.—The baptism of Adam.
I COR. 10:l, 2.—Israel was baptized in the cloud and in the
MARK 1:4, 5.—Baptism was well known among the Jews.
MOSIAH 18:5-17.—Alma baptizes in the waters of Mormon.
2. Necessity and Object of
MATT. 3:15.—In the case of Jesus, "to fulfill all righteousness."
MARK 1:4; LUKE 3:3; ACTS 2:38.—For the remission of sins.
GAL. 3:27.—To "put on Christ."
JOHN 3:3, 5.—To permit a person to enter the kingdom of heaven.
ACTS 2:38; ACTS 19:1-6.—As a prerequisite to receiving the Holy Ghost.
ACTS 10:6, 48.—To obtain salvation: case of Cornelius.
ACTS 22:16.—To wash away sins: case of Paul.
3. Mode of
MATT. 3:16.—The baptism of Jesus: He came up out of the water.
MARK l:5.—John baptizes in the river Jordan.
ACTS 8:38.—Philip and the eunuch went down into the water.
ROM. 6:3-5; COL. 2:12.—We are buried with Christ in baptism. JOHN 3:5.—It is likened to a birth.
III NEPHI 11:22-27.—Christ instructs Nephites on baptism.
DOC. AND COV. 20:72-74.—Words to be used in baptizing.
4. Proper Subjects For; Infant Baptism
MATT. 28:19, 20.—Candidates must be capable of being taught.
ACTS 2:38; ACTS 8:36, 37.—It must be preceded by faith and repentance.
Infant baptism is contrary to the plan of salvation. Those who practice it theoretically annul the atonement of Christ; for
I JOHN 3:4.—"Sin is the transgression of the law."
JOHN 9:41.—Knowledge must come before sin.
ROM. 4:15.—Where there is no law, there is no condemnation.
LUKE 18:16.—"Of such (little children) is the kingdom of heaven."
I COR. 15:22; DOC. AND COV. 29:46.—"As in Adam all die," etc. All persons that are incapable of sinning are unconditionally redeemed in Christ.
MORONI CHAP. 8.—The sinfulness of baptizing little children.
DOC AND COV. 68:27.—Children should be baptized at eight years of age.
Infant baptism has no scriptural authority; it is never mentioned in the Bible. Some supposed cases are:
I COR. 1:16.—Paul baptizes the household of Stephanas; but
I COR. 16:15.—The household contained no infants.
ACTS 16:33.—Paul baptized the household of the jailer; but they were capable of being preached to and of believing.
There is no connection between baptism and circumcision. Baptism is for the remission of sins—circumcision is not; baptism is administered to both sexes—circumcision is not; faith and repentance must precede baptism—unbelievers may be circumcised.