Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the first ordinance of salvation and exaltation in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is also necessary for an individual to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to receive eternal salvation.

What Is Baptism? Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the first priesthood ordinance of salvation and exaltation. Baptism is necessary for an individual to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and to enter the celestial kingdom (see John 3:5).

Baptism is a sacred ceremony through which a person promises to follow Jesus Christ. In return, God promises to forgive your sins and give you the Holy Spirit. Click to learn more about baptism and how you too can be baptized.

Jesus said, “Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized … shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned” (3 Nephi 11:33–34). Baptism is the gateway through which we enter the path to the celestial kingdom (see 2 Nephi 31:17–18). The Correct Mode of Baptism How should we be baptized?

Baptism is a most sacred ordinance, which a person, having received it, can remember throughout life as a reminder of the personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Its symbolism is beautiful, and its consequences ever so desirable.

Just as Jesus Christ was baptized, we must all be baptized to return to live with God someday. Learn more about the biblical account of Jesus’s baptism and how we can follow His example.

Declare repentance and faith on the Savior and remission of sins by baptism, D&C 19:31. We believe in baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, A of F 1:4.

Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Romans 6:3–5; D&C 128:12–13). Baptism symbolizes a rebirth to a newness of life (see Moses 6:59; John 3:3–5).

A person is confirmed a member of the Church after baptism by a priesthood holder who puts his hands on the head of the person and blesses him or her to “receive the Holy Ghost.”

Ordinances that require priesthood leader authorization are naming and blessing children, performing baptisms and confirmations, conferring the priesthood and ordaining to a priesthood office, blessing and passing the sacrament, and dedicating graves.