Why are we Baptised?

Faith is what persuades us to follow Christ and to become like him. In order to do that we must first repent of our sins which is to seek forgiveness for the things we have done wrong then to follow his example. The first thing Christ did to begin his earthly ministry was to "fulfil all righteousness" (2 Nephi 31:5)

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:" (Matthew 3:13-16)

But wait, to the understanding of most Christians, baptism is for the imperfect and the sinners. So why then was Christ baptised?  The reason being Christ was, and had to be perfect, even the least bit of sin would have made his sacrifice for our sins for nothing. In the Book of Mormon we read, "Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." (3 Nephi 27:20, also see John 3:5) If Jesus Christ had not been baptised he would have no longer be perfect but a sinner breaking the commandment to get baptised. And he did so to prove that he himself is not above any law, or commandment given from God. (see 2 Nephi 31:7)

So if Christ, He being perfect needed to be baptised, how much more have we being imperfect to be baptised? It is a chance we have to wash away our sins and start over. With a new outlook on the world, God, and ourselves. We can lay down our sinful ways and start over, with clean hands and a pure heart. We also "take upon the name of Christ" as we are baptised and it is essential to our salvation. "...this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God..." (2 Nephi 31:21)

Faith and Repentance prepare us for this sacred ordinance. An ordinance is a sacred ceremony that shows that we have made a covenant with God. A covenant is a two way promise between you and God. The promise is that we agree to do what he tells us to and in return he gives us a blessing, and blessings are given based upon the commandment that we keep. Example when we promise to keep the "Word Of Wisdom" God promise that we will have; health, strength, well gain and find knowledge in the scriptures, and protection. (see D&C 89:18-21)

Covenants place us under a commitment to honor what God has asked. "Covenants are usually made by means of sacred ordinances, such as baptism. These ordinances are administered by priesthood authority. Through the ordinance of baptism, for example, we covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments. As we keep our part of the covenant, God

promises the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of our sins, and being born again." (Preach My Gospel pg63)

Through these ordinances we can feel Gods love, and his power to make us better people. It is essential for salvation, which is to return Gods presence and eternal joy. "And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood..." (3 Nephi 27:19)