| Response |
Let me explain the detail and significance of baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and you can determine for yourself what, if
any, differences there are between that and what you have just experienced with your Church of England confirmation. First, in the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints, when an individual reaches the age of eight or older, they are eligible to be baptized. Before that time they are not held
accountable for their mistakes and, therefore, baptism
is not necessary. The individual to be baptized goes down into the
water where he or she is to be baptized by one who holds the priesthood. The one doing the baptism raises his right hand to the square and says, "Having
been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost." He then lays the individual back into the
water until they are fully immersed under the water and then brings them back out again. As you know, this is how Jesus Christ himself was baptized by
John the Baptist (see Matt. 3:16, Mark 1:5,10).
There are several significant meanings to all of this. The first is that baptism itself is symbolic of the death of our Savior (going down into the water)
and the resurrection of the Savior (coming up out of the water). Second, the individual being baptized covenants with the Lord to take upon themselves the
name of Jesus Christ and always remember him and keep his commandments so that they may always have His spirit to be with them. Following the baptism, the
individual then receives a blessing from the priesthood holder as hands are laid upon their head and this individual is confirmed a member of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the words "receive the Holy Ghost" are pronounced upon them and then additional blessings of strength and direction
are given according to inspiration.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
See related multimedia presentations
|
