“Questions and Answers about Baptism,” Friend, Aug. 2008, 24–25

Questions and Answers about Baptism

Do I make a promise when I am baptized?

Yes. You promise to keep Heavenly Father’s commandments. He promises that you can live with Him in His kingdom. These promises are called covenants.

Where will I be baptized?

Where possible, you will be baptized in a font in a stake center. If you cannot be baptized in a font, you may be baptized anywhere approved by your bishop or branch president, such as a pond or ocean. There has to be enough water to cover you completely. That’s what baptism by immersion means.

Why is baptism important?

It’s more than important—it is necessary. Jesus Christ said that people must be baptized to belong to His Church and enter the kingdom of God (see John 3:5).

Is baptism scary?

No. The person baptizing you holds onto you the whole time. You are under the water for only a moment.

What do I need to do to prepare to be baptized?

Want to be baptized.

Keep the commandments.

Be willing to live the teachings of Jesus Christ and follow His example.

Be interviewed by your bishop or branch president.

Why aren’t babies baptized in our Church?

Children are born innocent. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ give parents eight years to teach their children the gospel so their children can learn right from wrong before they become accountable for their sins. (See D&C 68:25.)

Who can baptize me?

A priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or a man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood.

When can I be baptized?

You need to be at least eight years old (see D&C 68:27).

What will the person baptizing me say?

“Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen” (D&C 20:73).

What happens after baptism?

After you are baptized, you are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. You are then accountable for your sins, and you need to repent when you do something wrong. Before you take the sacrament each week, you should repent of whatever you did wrong that week and ask for forgiveness. Then when you take the sacrament, you covenant to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ, which means you will always try to remember Him, follow His example, and obey Him. When you do this, you are promised that His Spirit will be with you.