Relief Society Lesson - 11/21/10

The lesson for November 21, 2010 was given from Chapter 20 "Baptism" of the Gospel Principles manual.

Here is a copy of the handout:
Quote: Today, as in the days of Jesus, there are certain principles and ordinances of the gospel that we must learn and obey. A gospel principle is a true belief or teaching. An ordinance is a rite or a ceremony. The first two principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel. One of the instructions the Lord gave His Apostles was, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28: 19-20)

1. We Must Be Baptized for the Remission of Our Sins
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and are baptized, our sins are forgiven through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

2. We Must Be Baptized to Become Members of the Church of Jesus Christ
“All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized … that … have truly repented of all their sins … shall be received by baptism into his church” (D&C 20:37)

3. We Must Be Baptized before We Can Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost
The Lord said, “If thou wilt turn unto me, and … repent of all thy transgressions [sins], and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, … ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Moses 6:52)

4. We Must Be Baptized to Show Obedience
Jesus Christ was without sin, yet He was baptized. He said His baptism was necessary “to fulfil all righteousness” (Mathew 3:15) The prophet Nephi explained that the Lord told him, “Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do … with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism” (2 Nephi 31:12–13)

5. We Must Be Baptized to Enter the Celestial Kingdom
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)

Mosiah 18: 8-10 And it came to pass that [Alma] said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are to come into the Brotherhood and Sisterhood; of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

Yea, and are to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the resurrection, that ye may have eternal life;

Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being "2 Ne. 31: 17; Alma 4: 4." in the Taking the Name of."name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a "Neh. 10: 29; TG Commitment." with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts. [emphasis added]