When Paul came to Ephesus, he found some who had been baptized but knew nothing of the Holy Ghost. Paul reasoned that if they had never heard of the Holy Ghost, they must not have been baptized by a true representative of Christ so he baptized them again.

On May 15, 1829 the Prophet Joseph Smith and his scribe, Oliver Cowdery were in Harmony, Pennsylvania finishing the translation of The Book of Mormon. They came across a passage in the records about baptism and began to ask the same question you have. They decided to go to the banks of the Susquehanna River (probably quite near to where you live) and prayed. As they did so, a heavenly vision opened up before them. The resurrected John the Baptist appeared and ordained them. He said, "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins;" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 13:1)

The reason the Priesthood (the authority to baptized) was restored by John the Baptist was because it had been taken from the earth. Frankly, this means that the individuals who did the baptizing did not have this priesthood authority. I think that you need to pray and find out for yourself if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has that authority and is Christ's church restored under his direction. If you pray with real intent, the Lord will inspire you with the assurance of its truth. Not only can you then be baptized by one having authority, but you can also receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of Hands (see Acts 8:15-17).

I suggest you read 2 Nephi 31st chapter in The Book of Mormon which includes these verses,

17"Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.
18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:17 - 21)

Let me know what you decide.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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