We believe that the first principles and aordinances of the
Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second,
Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission
of sins; fourth, Laying on of ghands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
There is an age old debate about whether babies should be baptized. Thanks to the Book of Mormon, the answer is clear.
8 Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of fAdam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me.
9 And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn amockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.
10 Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are aaccountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.
11 And their little achildren need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.
12 But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!
13 Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell.
14 Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.
15 For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism.
16 Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this manner, for they shall perish except they repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having aauthority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.
Lucie is sweet and every bit as innocent as most 8 year olds, but now she has reached that stage in life where she, and all the rest of us over the age of 8, are now accountable for our actions.
I was 17 when I chose to be baptized. And I was anything but sweet and innocent before I was converted. (It causes one to shudder to realize how much trouble a teenager can get in to in no amount of time or effort. Succumbing to peer pressure is so much easier than it is to tow the right line.) At 17 I gave up my ill-begotten behaviors and repented. I confessed to my bishop and I was then baptized....and my sins were washed away...to be remembered no more.
I will always remember that day. And though I am forever and always in some state of repenting ever since...I am so grateful for the restorative powers of the sacrament each Sunday. When I entered in and became a member of the Lords kingdom, through repentance, baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost, I made a covenant (a two way promise) with God. I promised to obey Him and keep his commandment. In return we receive blessings too numerous to count.
8....now, as ye are adesirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are awilling 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 that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
Mosiah 18: 8-10
Lucie is now old enough to understand and remember this day and the covenants she's making. We know there is nothing magical about the water. This is a symbolic gesture...being washed cleaned. Being fully "immersed" shows our commitment to Gods will and that we are completely "involved." We need reminding that we must love God with our whole heart, mind, might and strength.
It is good for the soul to participate/witness the baptisms of others. Its a great reminder of the covenants and commitments we make. Its good to have the Holy Ghost witness again that what we believe and hold sacred is true. It fills ones cup...which is sorely depleated in this tough world in which we live.
Thank you Lucie...for choosing the right. And for being such a good example for those who will come after you!!
Love you girlie!! We are so proud of you!!! Welcome to the Kingdom!!
1 comment:
It looks like a rural setting, but where did the baptism take place? Logan? Nephi? Congratulations to Lucy, a beautiful new member of the Church!
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