“Therefore, come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.” -Alma 5:25 RAV, 7:14b RAV

When Nicodemus came to Jesus to learn about salvation, he was told he would need to be born again (John 3:1-8). Baptism is a Sacrament required by the Savior for admission into God’s Kingdom. When we were born again, we were washed clean and made members of God’s one true Heavenly church. Likewise, when moved by the Holy Spirit, we will wish to be baptized into one of God’s earthly churches. As above, so below; as below, so above. 

In the Latter Day Saint movement, also known as Mormonism, one must be at least 8 years of age to be baptized (Article of Faith 4). Baptism must be performed by immersion, by one ordained to the priesthood. Being baptized in any Latter Day Saint/Mormon denomination would be perfectly acceptable for anyone moved by the Holy Spirit to join the Fellowship. Within the Fellowship, only those within the Office of the Priesthood and Sisterhood with keys to the office of Priest/Priestess, Elder or High Priest/Priestess may baptize.

Before baptism, the following questions should be asked:

  • “Do you desire to come into the fold of God, and to be called a member of His Fellowship?”
  • “Have you confessed your sins to the Lord, and repented of them?”
  • “Are you obedient to the laws of the land?”
  • “Are you willing to bear another’s burdens, that they may be light?”
  •  Are you willing to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort?”
  • “Are you willing to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that you may be in, even until death, that you may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that you may have eternal life?”

By answering these questions in the affirmative, and the Spirit testifying to the questioner that the individual is ready to commit to baptism, they may be baptized. They should ask two individuals to officially witness the baptism for Fellowship records. Witnesses for Fellowship baptisms may belong to either the Offices of the Priesthood/Sisterhood as a deacon or higher. If none are available, members may stand as witnesses as well. Members of other Latter Day Saint/ Mormon denominations are also welcome to be invited to stand as witnesses.

Once the person has been baptized, they should privately dry, change their clothing and return to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. While these are not mandatory as a part of teshuvah, the majority of those that have been born again are moved by the Holy Spirit to crave baptism by water and fire. This is because while our works will not save us, they are a sign that we are saved. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone… For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” -James 2:17, 26

Those already baptized, and in good standing with the Fellowship, may be re-baptized as often as they like, provided the timing permits. It is recommended that re-baptisms be done when new members are being baptized or that a day be set aside once a month for all baptisms, adding more dates as needed. The Sacrament of Communion replaces baptism for members. Yet, it is understood that there are times when some wish to be re-baptized for personal reasons.

If you feel the Spirit of God moving you to be baptized, please contact us: info@cjccf.org