I have already been baptized and DO NOT want to be baptized again. I feel if I am baptized again, I will be being baptized unto the Mormon denomination and not unto God. Therefore, with that said, would I be able to become a member of the Mormon church?
5 Responses to “I have already been baptized and DO NOT want to be baptized …”
Mateo Ramos
2011-06-13 04:01:28
Baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints requires full immersion in water by a person who holds the priesthood authority to baptize.
Hi friend. Thanks for your comment. With all due respect, it may be that you don't fully understand the Mormon view of baptism. Mormons believe that the apostolic authority to act in God's name (the "priesthood") was lost after the death of Christ and His apostles. This authority has been restored in our days through angelic ministry. Just as I cannot assume leadership of La Jolla, the city where I live, without the authority of the people, so, too, do men need God's authority to act in His name.
That's not to say that baptisms in other churches are meaningless. Far from it. This ceremony has great spiritual significance in the lives of those who accept it. It symbolizes a decision to follow Christ. However, it is critical to be baptized by one who holds the same authority that Christ gave to Peter, James, and John. It's not just the personal significance that completes a baptism; the priesthood authority is also critically important. If you chose to be baptized in the LDS Church, it wouldn't replace your first baptism, the day you decided to follow Christ. It would complete that baptism by sealing those same spiritual feelings you had on that important day with the proper priesthood authority.
That having been said, you certainly are welcome to continue visiting the Church, even without baptism. Official membership is reserved for those who accept this importance ordinance, but I'm certain the members of your congregation would be very happy to welcome you and make you feel comfortable every Sunday.
Best of luck to you.
Richard
2011-06-06 16:03:50
Joseph Smith Jr.'s father (Joseph Smith Sr. ) had this same problem/feeling! Joseph Jr. Asked God about it, and section 22 of the Doctrine and Covenants was revealed:
SECTION 22
revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 1830. HC 1: 7980. This Revelation was given to the Church in consequence of some who had previously been baptized desiring to unite with the Church without rebaptism.
1, Baptism is a new and everlasting covenant;
24, Authoritative baptism is required.
1 BEHOLD, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.
2 Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works.
3 For it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant and this church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old.
4 Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 22: Heading - 4)
Anonymous
2011-06-07 05:16:50
I've never been a member of the LDS faith, but I feel like I can give you a little bit of insight regardless. When you were originally baptized, were you non-denominationally baptized unto the Lord, or were you baptized as a Catholic or something like that?
My understanding of it (and members, please correct me if I'm wrong on this) is that if you chose not to be baptized there would be nothing stopping you from attending LDS services and worshipping however you feel is right. If you felt strongly that you shouldn't be baptized then no one is going to kick you out of church for it.
From talking to my Mormon friends I get the impression that baptism into the church is a very sacred and beautiful thing for them. If you're feeling strongly about joining the church then maybe you should sit down with a bishop and discuss your concerns. I'm sure he'd have more information on the subject than myself, and a one-on-one conversation can be so much more beneficial than an internet exchange ever could be.
Grandpa Chet
2011-06-06 15:37:06
I had the same feelings. Had to take my concerns to God to be able to solve this quandary. It's basically the same as if someone from State Farm Insurance sold me a policy for Allstate Insurance. The State Farm agent has no authority to sell anything for and about Allstate, and so I wouldn't be covered at all.
Justin
2011-06-16 01:32:05
Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdrey were baptized twice. First on May 15, 1829 for the remission of their sins and again on April 6, 1830 for admission into the Church and kingdom of God on earth.
"The first baptism could not admit them to membership in an organization which did not exist at the time the ordinance was performed." - Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie pg 71.
That's not to say that baptisms in other churches are meaningless. Far from it. This ceremony has great spiritual significance in the lives of those who accept it. It symbolizes a decision to follow Christ. However, it is critical to be baptized by one who holds the same authority that Christ gave to Peter, James, and John. It's not just the personal significance that completes a baptism; the priesthood authority is also critically important. If you chose to be baptized in the LDS Church, it wouldn't replace your first baptism, the day you decided to follow Christ. It would complete that baptism by sealing those same spiritual feelings you had on that important day with the proper priesthood authority.
That having been said, you certainly are welcome to continue visiting the Church, even without baptism. Official membership is reserved for those who accept this importance ordinance, but I'm certain the members of your congregation would be very happy to welcome you and make you feel comfortable every Sunday.
Best of luck to you.
SECTION 22
revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 1830. HC 1: 7980. This Revelation was given to the Church in consequence of some who had previously been baptized desiring to unite with the Church without rebaptism.
1, Baptism is a new and everlasting covenant;
24, Authoritative baptism is required.
1 BEHOLD, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.
2 Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works.
3 For it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant and this church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old.
4 Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 22: Heading - 4)
My understanding of it (and members, please correct me if I'm wrong on this) is that if you chose not to be baptized there would be nothing stopping you from attending LDS services and worshipping however you feel is right. If you felt strongly that you shouldn't be baptized then no one is going to kick you out of church for it.
From talking to my Mormon friends I get the impression that baptism into the church is a very sacred and beautiful thing for them. If you're feeling strongly about joining the church then maybe you should sit down with a bishop and discuss your concerns. I'm sure he'd have more information on the subject than myself, and a one-on-one conversation can be so much more beneficial than an internet exchange ever could be.
"The first baptism could not admit them to membership in an organization which did not exist at the time the ordinance was performed." - Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie pg 71.