Born of Water

For the last few weeks, perhaps months I've had the Born of Water button along my sidebar. I think now is a good time to talk a little about it.

Like in John the Baptist's time, there is a need now for authoritative baptisms. The Jewish church then didn't recognize him or his authority to do so, though it hailed from a sure authority. As you recall, he was ordained by an angel of God when "he was eight days old unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power." (D&C 84:28) The Jews, though in appearances a very devout people, had ceased to follow or recognize the word of God. They began to follow the philosophies of man mingled with scripture (Satan's favorite brand of religion). "Authority" was a very important thing to them. John the baptist was a descendent of Aaron, and therefore had the right lineage to administrate in the priesthood, but he was not recognized by the Jews of his time as possessing it. Moreover he possessed true authority, when they claimed it and had only the appearance of it. In truth this had become lost to them. You cannot mess with the ordinances of God, reject His voice, and then retain His authority to administer in His name.

Baptism did not begin with John the baptist. Adam was baptized (Moses 6:64-65). At the end of 2 Nephi, Nephi teaches about the importance of the Doctrine of Christ and of baptism. It was known to his family as well. But there was a reason it and the authority to perform it was restored in John the Baptist. Perhaps it was a plain and precious truth that had been lost or twisted into something it wasn't intended to be.

With recent news headlines, and certain policy changes in the church becoming public, it has become obvious that the difference between the Doctrine of Christ as laid out by Christ, and what the church requires for baptism is growing. It should be a wake up call. It should be becoming more and more apparent that the voice requiring the things the church does for it is not God's voice. It is not our Heavenly Father that denies little children, even if their parents do not meet the criteria and they give their permission for their child, the opportunity for a saving ordinance. There are and will be many excuses and explanations for why this is the "right way," explaining away everyone's concerns, luring them back into a carnal sense of security (2 Nephi 28:21-21). But to one that is familiar with the scriptures, it will become clear, this is not God's way.

Because the church has added to the Doctrine of Christ, something we are all warned from doing (3 Nephi 11:40), because their creeds and policies on it are an abomination to God, there is a need for authoritative baptism again. There is a need for ordained priesthood holders who don't count themselves authorized until, like Alma the elder (Mosiah 18:12-13), they have received it from heaven, and know for themselves that they are. Baptism is needed that doesn't require testimony of or obedience to a man, or devotion to an organization. It is an ordinance between the individual and God.

For this and other reasons, I chose to get rebaptized just over a year ago, as I've written about before. I did not join another organization or quit the church when I did, I simply made a witness to God of the change in my heart. I had prayed about the person I ended up asking to baptize me. I had prayed about whether he was authorized, and was assured by the Spirit that he was worthy before the Lord to do so.

God does not deny baptism to those who qualify for it. You can read God's qualifications for baptism as they are given in scripture here: Born of Water, and here: 

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so these qualifications have not changed.

For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile. 2 Nephi 26:33

Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance. Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden. 2 Nephi 26:27-28

You don't have to believe what I say on the matter, but you should look into your scriptures. You should ask God for the truth of the matter, for yourself, who giveth to all men liberally.