In Mormonism, baptism is a covenant of personal commitment rather than an act of God’s saving grace. It marks a promise to obey, serve, and follow Jesus Christ rather than an assurance of forgiveness.
“When you were baptized, you entered into a covenant with God. You promised to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end. You renew this covenant each time you partake of the sacrament” (True to the Faith, p. 23).
Baptism by immersion is performed at the age of eight or upon conversion. It is only considered valid if done by one who holds the LDS priesthood. Though it is performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Doctrine and Covenants 20:73), LDS baptism is not a Christian baptism because it rests on a fundamentally different understanding of God, grace, and the gospel.
Biblical Christianity teaches that baptism points to what God does, not what we do. It is rooted in Christ’s finished work, not in human promises. Through baptism, God connects us to Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4), grants forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and assures believers of belonging fully to him (Galatians 3:26-27).
