Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Section Five (1842-1843) | Baptism

1Upon looking over the sacred pages of the Bible, searching into the prophets and sayings of the apostles, we find no subject so nearly connected with salvation, as that of baptism.

2In the first place, however, let us understand that the word baptize is derived from the Greek verb "baptiso," and means to immerse or overwhelm, and that sprinkle is from the Greek verb "rantiso," and means to scatter on by particles; then we can treat the subject as one inseparably connected with our eternal welfare; and always bear in mind that it is one of the only methods by which we can obtain a remission of sins in this world, and be prepared to enter into the joys of our Lord in the world to come.

3As it is well known that various opinions govern a large portion of the sectarian world as to this important ordinance of the gospel, it may not be amiss to introduce the commissions and commands of Jesus Himself on the subject.--He said to the Twelve, or rather eleven at the time: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: Thus it is recorded by Matthew.

4In Mark we have these important words: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned.

5And to show how the believers are to be known from the unbelievers, he continues and says: And these signs shall follow them that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues: they shall take up serpents: and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.

6And in Luke we find the finishing clause like this,--that it was necessary that Christ should die and rise the third day--that remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.