Question
Gramps,
I’ve always wanted you to answer one of my questions. I go on your website every single day and I love that you exist for this kinda stuff.
Anyway, baptism by immersion is symbolic, which logically makes me think it’s possible there could be other ways to baptize as well that the Lord would be fine with. Question is, was it the Lord who commanded John to baptize by immersion, or did John use immersion as his method to baptize Jesus and everyone else he did, which is now passed on to today?
Clay
Answer
Dear Clay,
Thank you for the kind words and for your dedication in supporting our page. Gramps is always excited to answer questions and provide feedback that uplifts and enlightens the mind of the many readers such as yourself.
Yes, you are correct in stating that baptism by immersion is not only symbolic, but, the only way Jesus Christ taught his disciples through out the dispensations of time beginning with Adam and Eve.
We read about Adam’s baptism in Moses 6:64-66 (emphasis added)
64 And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water.
65 And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.
66 And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever;
So, Adam taught the gospel to his children and those teachings had been passed down from generation through generation. Now, the priesthood of God has always been on the earth ever since Adam, however, the level of authority has changed due to disobedience and unworthiness from Adam up-to John The Baptist (note: after John The Baptist, the priesthood was laid dormant throughout the Great Apostasy until it was restored to The Prophet Joseph Smith) . Here is a link where you can read the remarkable history of John The Baptist and learn how he got the Proper Priesthood Authority to, not only, perform Jesus’ baptism, but also confer such authority to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
In addition to that, we also read that even in the Americas, baptisms by immersion were being performed long before John The Baptist had this calling.
in 2 Nephi 31:6–7 we read (this took place About 559–545 B.C.):
And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?
Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
I hope this explanation was to your satisfaction. Please do continue supporting Gramps with more questions.
Regards,
Gramps
