Tuesday, April 15

Teachings About Repentance and Baptism

“I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved” (3 Nephi 11:32–33).

During His visit to the Americas, Jesus Christ taught Nephi and other disciples about baptism, saying, “I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven” (3 Nephi 11:21). Jesus taught that baptism should be performed by immersion and with the proper authority. As He taught the disciples His doctrine, He also spoke of the importance of repentance: “Ye must repent … and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God” (3 Nephi 11:38).

In the April 2019 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson taught that repentance is the way to change and become better:

When Jesus asks you and me to “repent,” He is inviting us to change our mind, our knowledge, our spirit—even the way we breathe. He is asking us to change the way we love, think, serve, spend our time, treat our [spouses], teach our children, and even care for our bodies.

Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. (“We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 67)

Scriptures and Question

• 3 Nephi 11:18–41

• 3 Nephi 12:1–2

President Nelson has taught that repentance “is the key to happiness and peace of mind.” How has repentance brought these blessings into your life?

Video

Song

“Teach Me to Walk in the Light,” Hymns, no. 304

Activity for Children

Repentance is one of the most wonderful gifts Heavenly Father has given us! When we make a wrong choice, we can be forgiven by saying sorry, doing what we can to make it right, and praying for forgiveness. Because of Jesus Christ, we can always repent and try again. Read this story to find out how Carolina repented after making a wrong choice.