The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Christ’s baptism was one of the most pivotal moments in his lifetime. If we read in the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31:6-11, we learn why Jesus Christ was baptized.

1. He was keeping the commandments of God
2. He was setting an example for all men
3. To show this was a necessary step. Christ was perfect in all ways, and for him to be baptized, makes it that much more important for us to be baptized.

There are a total of three people, not including Christ, who play an important role in the baptism of Jesus. John the Baptist, was one of them—who we know of course baptized Jesus. However, he was hesitant at first when Jesus asked him because he didn’t feel worthy of it, and thought that Jesus should’ve baptized him. However, as discussed before, Christ needed to set the example for all men to be baptized by emersion.

Heavenly Father was there in attendance at Jesus’ baptism, and if we read in Matthew 3:16-17, we learn that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead. We know that Christ is already on the earth, and as soon as Christ came up out of the water, the voice from heaven came and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

As for the Holy Ghost, we read in the New Testament that the Holy Ghost descended ‘like a dove.’ The dove is more a symbolism to show that the Holy Ghost was present at Jesus’ baptism. There did appear to be a dove at the baptism, but it was not the Holy Ghost. “The sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence,” as quoted in the The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles.

I’m grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and am grateful to learn and know of the truthfulness of the gospel. I have a testimony that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings, and am grateful to know that. I am so grateful for Christ’s example and his sacrifice for us, so that we may have the opportunity to come to earth and live, and have that chance to repent of our sins and return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again one day.