No Coincidences

Tag: restoration

Sidney Rigdon Miracle

21 August, 1842.

Apparently, it had been thought that Sidney Rigdon meant “to renounce his faith in Mormonism” when he took the stand on 21 August 1842. Instead, he “appeared to bear his testimony of its truth, and add another to the many miraculous evidences of the power of God.”

I stumbled upon this story while reading a commentary on Doctrine and Covenants section 124 verses 103-110. In these verses Sidney Rigdon is admonished to continue to stand by the Prophet Joseph Smith, along with other commandments, and “if he will hearken unto my voice, it shall be well with him” (verse 110).

Smith and Sjodahl remark that, “Sidney Rigdon, according to a generally prevailing impression, was more or less under the influence of a spirit of apostasy. It is related that, in Liberty jail, he declared to his fellow-prisoners that the sufferings of the Lord were nothing compared with his, and while the faithful Saints were straining every nerve to complete the Nauvoo Temple, he had no word of encouragement to them. As a consequence of his disposition, he did not have good health. Like the Corinthians who partook unworthily of the Sacrament (1 Cor. 11:30), he was ‘weak and sickly.’ The Lord, therefore, points out to him the cause of his ailments and promises to heal him, if he will do his duty and stand by the Prophet as a true counselor.”

The admonition from the Lord in section 124 was given on January 19, 1841 so it was 19 months later that he took the stand to detail the miracle he had experienced to those gathered.

As mentioned, given Sidney’s recent state of apostasy, I’m sure the gathered congregation was expecting to see some potential fireworks. They got fireworks, but not the apostasy-themed ones they were expecting.

Sidney told the congregation that his daughter Eliza died. She was pronounced dead by a physician. I will quote the story from the Joseph Smith Papers. “after a considerable length of time she rose up in the bed and spoke in a very powerful tone to the following effect in a supernatural manner: she said to the family that she was going to leave them (being impressed with the idea herself that she had only come back to deliver her message and then depart again,) saying the Lord had said to her the very words she should relate; and so particular was she in her relation, that she would not suffer any person to leave out a word or add one. She called the family around her and bade them all farewell with a composure and calmness that defies all description, still impressed with the idea that she was to go back. Up to the time of her death she expressed a great unwillingness to die, but after her return she expressed equally as strong a desire to go back. She said to her elder Sister, Nancy, ‘it is in your heart to deny this work, and if you do, the Lord says it will be the damnation of your soul.’ In speaking to her sister Sarah she said, ‘Sarah, we have but once to die, and I would rather die now than wait for another time.’ She said to her Sisters that the Lord had great blessings in store for them if they continued in the faith, and after delivering her message she swooned, but recovered again.”

It goes on to say that she continued in a near death fashion for 36 hours before she called her father, Sidney to her. Continuing from the Joseph Smith Papers: “the Lord had said to her, if he (Sidney) would cease weeping for his sick daughter, and dry up his tears that he should have all the desires of his heart; and that if he would go to bed and rest, he should be comforted over his sick daughter, for in the morning she should be getting better and should get well.” Sidney had wept and prayed for his daughter’s life. His daughter told him the Lord had commanded her to stay for Sidney’s prayers.

The account continues, (Sidney speaking), “It has also been rumored that I believe that Joseph Smith is a fallen prophet. In regard to this, I unequivocally state that I never thought so, but declare that I know he is a prophet of the Lord, called and chosen in this last dispensation, to roll on the kingdom of God for the last time. He closed by saying as it regards his religion he had no controversy with the world, having incontrovertible evidence, that through obedience to the ordinances of the religion he now believes, the Lord had actually given back his daughter from the dead.”

There is so much to unpack here. A few things that caught my attention –

Sydney being weak due to taking the sacrament unworthily.

The statement potentially made by Sidney Rigdon to the effect that the Lord’s sufferings were nothing in comparison to his, blasphemous indeed.

Interesting that Eliza was commanded to give the precise words of the Lord. Shows the importance of the Lord’s words, when He speaks, we listen and when we relay His message it must be precise.

Also, interesting that Eliza at first didn’t want to die, but once she had met the Lord, she didn’t want to come back to life. Why did she ultimately come back? Because the Lord commanded her. I believe this not to be out of duty to Him (though of course it was) but out of love. The Lord doesn’t force.

My concluding thought is on the cunningness of the devil. I haven’t studied the life of Sidney Rigdon much after he officially left the church. After reading this story I looked a little more into Sidney Rigdon. Apparently, after Joseph Smith’s martyrdom Sidney went on missions to the East to preach and gather followers to his new church. Sidney called it, “the most successful mission he had ever undertaken.” Where is this church today?

What I thought about the cunningness of Satan is this: Sidney Rigdon appears to never have denied the faith. Maybe that source exists and I haven’t seen it. What Sidney did instead was claim the authority as his own. He was misguided and pride took over. He believed the authority rested with him and so, instead of denouncing the faith, he tried to promote it in his own way. God had chosen his prophet. Sidney Rigdon couldn’t upheave that.

I believe there is a lot to be learned from this story from Church history. I noted just a couple of the interesting points that could result in their own post. Ultimately I settled on this important point –

I’m not sure where Sidney Rigdon’s church is today. I know where the Church of Jesus Christ is today.

November 25, 2021
Bold Testimonies

Nearly everything I write is a testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today I had a thought that I wanted to write a particular testimony.

As I read church history, which I’m doing a lot of at the moment, I’m often inspired by the testimonies borne by the early adopters of the faith. People like Orson and Parley Pratt, Brigham Young, Sydney Rigdon, Orson F. Whitney, and Heber C. Kimball come to mind. Of course, there are countless others. Early men and women of the church were not only of devout faith, but of great courage in proclaiming the gospel.

Parley P. Pratt

Times have changed. But have they changed so much that we can’t powerfully declare the truth of the restored Gospel to all the world? Missionaries are throughout the world, in every corner. They proclaim the truth of the gospel. Christ’s Church has always been a missionary church.

There are roughly 16 million members across the globe.

Imagine if all 16 million of us were as outspoken about the truth as Parley P. Pratt was. In D&C 49 we see an example of the boldness of Parley P. Pratt. He was sent, by revelation, to the Shaker faith to give them a message. Parley P. Pratt believed, and knew, that this revelation came from Jesus Christ Himself. When he arrived at the Shaker church and learned those that had come ahead of him were passive in their declaring of the message, Parley wasn’t having it. According to Elder Pratt, “they had come with the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the people must hear it.”

Sometimes I think I take for granted, or forget, the veracity of the message I have been sent to this earth to deliver.

Sometimes I’m ashamed of my lack of boldness.

I’ve been meeting with a small group of guys to study the Bible. I have only met with them a couple times but have loved both meetings immensely. These few gentlemen come from different faiths than me. Mostly non-denominational Christianity.

In these discussions so much light, knowledge, and truth is exchanged. I know we are all edified by the discussion. I know that I benefit greatly from the faith and example of these men. Especially as the youngest in the group, I can look to these family men as examples of raising faithful families, striving for truth, and striving to be better. In the couple meetings I’ve had, I’ve come to admire these guys.

I had a thought today that struck me.

So much goodness is happening in these meetings, no doubt. Studying the Bible will seldom lead anyone astray.

My thought recently was this – I’m basically a secret agent in the group. The person who invited me knows I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But does he know what that means? Have I shared with him my testimony that I have what he’s been searching for: the message of his Lord and Savior, the message of Jesus Christ’s restored Church.

Maybe this friend that has invited me has let the others know my faith background. It’s no secret. The “secret agent” part comes from my demeanor. Throughout the discussions I’ll drop things here and there that show I’m peculiar. I have learned different things in my faith journey. I understand different things. Why? Because of revealed truths that prophets in THIS dispensation have revealed. Because a prophet in the 1800s saw Christ on the right hand of the Father and restored Jesus Christ’s Church.

It occurred to me recently what I should do.

At the end of one of these meetings I should thank these men for all they teach me and how I grow by learning from them.

Then I should share what Jesus Christ has commissioned me to share.

Here is the testimony I imagined giving:

“Thank you, guys, for another great meeting. I always learn so much from you. I have something I need to share. What you’re seeking, what you’re studying in the Bible, what we’re studying in the Bible in each of these meetings, the truth you’re seeking, it is here. Christ’s Church, as it was in the meridian of time, has been restored. The principles taught by Christ are here on the earth today: faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists. The Church of Jesus Christ exists today. It is led by a prophet, just as Christ left the Church in the hands of his prophet, Peter, before he ascended to heaven. A man saw God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ’s kingdom exists today, and it is growing. All the ordinances of the gospel are restored. The second coming is upon us, and the long-prophesied gathering of Israel is taking place. Today thousands gain the testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored church and unite themselves with the Saints of the Lord. The gathering is happening as tribulation in the world continues to increase and come upon us. As a member of this church, fully aware of this truth I have been blessed with, I would be a selfish, abominable person, if I didn’t share with truth-seekers like yourselves this great and important message. Christ lives! And He leads His church. The heavens are not sealed and blocked. God has not forsaken us. He is our Father, and He loves us. The time is coming that we all must unite and gather under one banner. The strength of Zion is increasing. It’s my responsibility to share this with you.

You don’t need to take my word for it. A book exists that will testify of this truth. The Book of Mormon is a book inspired of God just as the books of Moses, the Book of Acts, the Book of Revelations, the Book of Isaiah, all the books that were written by men of God and brought forth to help us, these many books are all from the old world, Jerusalem. What of America? History now tells us God had millions of His children on the American continent. Are we to believe Christ was only sent to the old world? Are we to believe that the word of God was never shared with those on another portion of the earth? God loves all His children; how could it be?

Read the book. Please. Don’t take my word for it. Read it. If it doesn’t touch your heart and scream of the power of the spirit of God that you have spent your lives cultivating the ability to hear and feel, if it doesn’t spur your spirit to know that it is true, then set it aside and continue in your faith. But read it. Please. Determine for yourselves.”

Do I have the boldness to say these words?…

I don’t know.

I’ve written them.

Maybe I’ll share it with these men.

For I am on this earth with the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the people must hear it.

July 8, 2021
Blessing Ivy
I recently had the special opportunity to bless Ivy. Leading up to the blessing, I did some research on the history of blessing children in the Church of Jesus Christ and its significance. For Ivy’s blessing, Beth put together an event and a description of what a baby blessing is. Here is that description:

What is a baby blessing?

In summary, the naming and blessing of children is a commandment of God. It is proper for a worthy father to name and bless his children. Blessing of children was done during the time of Christ, and it occurred in the early years of the restored Church. The ordinance has become a regular practice followed by Church members ever since.

Who has the authority to bless a baby?

A worthy priesthood holder under the direction of the local bishop. It is usually the father or a close family member.

What is the priesthood?

The word priesthood has two meanings. First, priesthood is the power and authority of God. It has always existed and will continue to exist without end. Through the priesthood, God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power, He exalts His obedient children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man.”

Second, in mortality, priesthood is the power and authority that God gives to man to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God’s children. The blessings of the priesthood are available to all who receive the gospel.

What is the format of a baby blessing?

When blessing a baby, priesthood holders gather in a circle and place their hands under the baby. When blessing an older child, brethren place their hands lightly on the child’s head. The person who gives the blessing:

1. Addresses Heavenly Father.

2. States that the blessing is performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.

3. Gives the child a name.

4. Gives words of blessing as the Spirit directs.

5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

Ivy and Aunt Cambria

Reading up on the baby blessing beforehand taught me some interesting things about this sacred practice that I would like to share.

The below points were taken from this link:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1979/12/i-have-a-question/in-blessing-an-infant-should-both-the-naming-and-blessing-be-addressed-to-our-heavenly-father?lang=eng
1. Unique to giving a blessing to an older child or adult, the naming and blessing of a child is directed to Heavenly Father like prayers are.
  - This could be because the baby is too young to understand the words directed to him or her.
2. It appears that Melchizedek Priesthood holders are authorized to more than ask for a blessing but are able to pronounce a blessing upon the child directly, as the spirit directs.
  - See D&C 20:70
  - Sometimes inspiration (or confidence) to pronounce/give a blessing does not come. In this case it is of course acceptable to ask Heavenly Father for these blessings. I believe this is how I felt in giving Ivy her blessing. It was enough to ask Heavenly Father to bless her with my requests.
3. It is a commandment to name and bless infants.
  - See again D&C 20:70
  - It is important to remember the naming and blessing of children is not a saving ordinance. It is still an important and sacred moment seen in heaven.
4. “It is an awesome responsibility to be a priesthood agent of the Lord, to act in his behalf, and to approximate in one’s words and doings what the Lord would do if he were here. A father, especially, who is to bless his child, has the delight and responsibility to prepare himself beforehand by pondering and by fasting and prayer, that he may be sensitive to the suggestions of the Spirit when giving the blessing.”
  - “How blessed we are to be able to present our little ones before the Lord, our families and the Church, and then consecrate them to the Lord. How blessed we are to be able to name them, plead over, pray for, and, yes, to bless them directly and personally in harmony with our finest desires for them, by the authorization and wisdom of heaven.”
The below points were taken from this link:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1988/12/i-have-a-question/why-is-the-naming-and-blessing-of-a-child-important?lang=eng
1. An interesting account from Joseph Smith on March 13, 1843 says, “Twenty-seven children were blessed, nineteen of whom I blessed myself, with great fervency. Virtue went out of me, and my strength left me…”
  - “[The next day] Elder Jedediah M. Grant enquired of me the cause of my turning pale and losing strength last night while blessing children. I told him that I saw that Lucifer would exert his influence to destroy the children that I was blessing, and I strove with all the faith and spirit that I had to seal upon them a blessing that would secure their lives upon the earth; and so much virtue went out of me into the children, that I became weak, from which I have not yet recovered; and I referred to the case of the woman touching the hem of the garment of Jesus. (Luke 8).” (History of the Church, 5:303.)
  - Elder John Taylor said the Savior’s example of blessing children “should be studiously complied with without hesitancy or objection” (by priesthood holders).
  - We see that Joseph Smith followed the example of the Savior who blessed children in both Israel and the American continent. (Mark 10:14-16 and 3 Nephi 17). What an amazing and marvelous thought: our virtue can be passed to our children. Our blessings are a force Satan must reckon with. It makes me want to bless my daughter daily. It also adds insight to a scripture that has always been a bit puzzling in Luke 8:46. Virtue can literally leave us to help others.
2. The new name:
  - A new name is often involved when a covenant relationship is formed.
  - When Adam and Eve were given dominion over the earth, Adam named all the animals (Genesis 2:19-20).
  - Adam named Eve (Genesis 3:20).
  - God blessed them and named Adam after giving him a body (Genesis 5:2).
  - Abram renamed to Abraham (Genesis 17:5).
  - Jacob renamed to Israel (Genesis 35:10).
  - When we get baptized we follow a similar pattern, taking upon us a new name, the name of Christ.
  - Temple covenants also involve the giving and receiving of names.
3. The responsibility of blessing a child is bestowed, ideally, on he who helped create that child’s body, and who Heavenly Father entrusted His child with in mortality.
  - Joseph F. Smith – “The patriarchal order is of divine origin and will continue throughout time and eternity. There is, then, a particular reason why men, women, and children should understand this order and authority in the households of the people of God and seek to make it what God intended it to be, a qualification and preparation for the highest exaltation of his children. In the home, the presiding authority is always vested in the father, and in all home affairs and family matters there is no other authority paramount…This authority carries with it a responsibility, and a grave one, as well as its rights and privileges, and men cannot be too exemplary in their lives, nor fit themselves too carefully to live in harmony with this important and God-ordained rule of conduct in the family organization.”
It is my experience that giving blessings is often the closest I ever feel to Heavenly Father. I can feel him speaking through me and it is always a powerful, emotional, and memorable experience. The opportunity to bless my daughter will be one of the greatest moments of my life. I have immense gratitude to my Heavenly Father for entrusting Ivy into my care, allowing me to name her, and trusting me to watch over and protect her in this life and through eternity.
April 15, 2021
The Rock Christ would Build His Church Upon
In a book called The Forerunners by Mark E. Petersen, I was introduced to an interpretation of a scripture that I’d read and heard quoted a thousand times. The truth of the interpretation was so clear I couldn’t believe I’d lived so long with such a clear misunderstanding of the meaning of that important scripture.

The verse is Matthew 16:18 which reads:

¹⁸And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Let’s give some context to this important passage.

Jesus was with His apostles and He asked a simple question: Who do the people say I am? (verse 13)

They responded with some of the rumors out there – Some thought Jesus was the returned John the Baptist, some thought Elias, others thought Jeremias or another of the prophets. (verse 14)

Jesus asked, who do you say I am? (verse 15)

Peter, Jesus’s first apostle responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (verse 16)

Christ responds, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona (Peter): for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

Which leads us to our important verse and the part I always misunderstood.

Christ says to Peter, “thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”

One more quick review to make the point clear:
1. Christ says who am I?
2. Peter answers – you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
3. Christ responds – blessed are you, for flesh and blood (man) has not revealed this but my Father who is in heaven has revealed this to you.
4. Christ, in responding to Peter stating properly that He is the Christ, says “thou art Peter.”
5. Then, adding to what Jesus said about the truth being revealed to Peter by God, Jesus says, “and upon this rock I will build my church.”
Christ wasn’t saying the church would be built on Peter. Christ’s Church couldn’t be built on anyone’s shoulders but His own. Additionally, Christ is adding that the testimony of Him could only be received by man from Heavenly Father, more specifically the Holy Spirit. The rock of Christ’s Church would be Christ Himself, and the testimony of Christ only comes by revelation from the Holy Spirit. Not by flesh or blood, but by Heavenly Father and personal revelation. Thus, the rock of Christ’s Church would be personal revelation that Jesus is the Christ.

I was always so confused by this scripture. Why would the rock, the sure foundation of Christ’s Church be on anyone but Christ? How could Peter be the foundation? He is not. There is only one foundation. There is only one name by which we can receive salvation, there is only one person who can save us. That is Jesus Christ. The Son of the living God. Our Savior and King.

This scripture, when properly read, emphasizes the importance of coming to a personal testimony that Jesus is the Christ. We’re reminded that the testimony of Christ does not come from man. It comes from personal revelation. It is unfortunate that personal revelation has been removed from much of modern Christianity. Modern Christian churches say the heavens are closed and God speaks to us no longer. He only speaks to us through His ancient word. But what of today? How do we come to a testimony of Jesus Christ but through revelation from heaven and the Holy Spirit?

If God no longer speaks to man then man can no longer receive testimony of Jesus Christ. But men receive testimony of Jesus Christ daily. Every day millions worship Jesus Christ. Every day thousands come to the realization that only through Christ can they be saved.

Revelation is alive. The Holy Spirit talks to us daily. He reveals the testimony of Christ to the hearts of man. God speaks to us; through scripture, through prophets, and most importantly through the Holy Ghost.

A quote from William Barclay of the Church of Scotland:

“The rock is the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. To Peter that great truth had been divinely revealed. It was God Himself who had opened Peter’s eyes to that great discovery. The fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is indeed the foundation stone of the Church’s faith and belief. On that great truth the Church is founded for ever and ever. This explanation holds that the divinely revealed truth that Jesus is the Son of God is the only foundation on which the Church is founded.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.

It was restored to point men to Christ. His name is in the name of His Church.

Jesus Christ still is actively interested and engaged in the affairs of man. Under the direction of His Father, our Father, He sent an angel named Moroni to reveal an ancient record to his modern-day prophet. He, through the Holy Spirit, directed and guided Joseph Smith through the translation of a record that would make clear His doctrine and the saving ordinances of His gospel. Not to replace the Bible, but to add a second testimony to it.

The testimony of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and my testimony is this: Jesus Christ lives. He directs His church. He loves all and wants us all to return to Him.

This is the foundation of His Church.
October 15, 2020
Truths Removed from the Bible: What does the Book of Mormon tell us about Baptism?

I like to think about what critics would say as proof against the Book of Mormon. I think it helps to have responses to honest concerns about its validity. I always hope something I read, know, or especially my testimony can one day help someone to see what I see, the truth of this ancient record.

The Book of Mormon makes a very important claim. The claim is that many plain and precious truths have been removed from the Bible over time. When Joseph Smith first translated the Book of Mormon this was an outlandish and inflammatory statement. Even more so than today. Christianity in the early to mid-1800s had a firm belief that the Bible was infallible.

From a website (https://stepbystep.alancminer.com/) I’ve loved using to study alongside the Book of Mormon, I read this:

“Richardson, Richardson and Bentley write that while the Book of Mormon testifies to the authenticity of the Bible, it does not claim that the Bible is without error. It specifically states that there were many “plain and precious things” that were deleted from its pages through the evil works of men. (See 1 Nephi 13:20-32; 19:10-12; 20:1-3; 2 Nephi 3:5-22; Alma 33:3, 13, 15; 34:7; 46:23-27; Helaman 8:19-20; 15:11; 3 Nephi 10:14-17; 12:13, 17-19, 22, 29-30; 14:1.)

Scholars of the Bible have found indisputable evidence that the Bible has indeed suffered many deletions. Non Mormon scholarship has concluded that the gospels found in the New Testament have also been manipulated.”

Critics may ask for specific examples of any “plain and precious truths” found in the Book of Mormon that are not also found in the Bible.

The website I mentioned above goes on to list 24 plain and precious truths removed from the Bible and where they are laid forth in the Book of Mormon. I’d like to go over an extremely important one.

Baptism is only for those who are accountable (Moroni 8:5-23).

I know of nowhere in the Bible that lays forth the age of accountability. Should children be baptized? We know baptism is of the utmost importance:

John 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

What does the Book of Mormon teach us on the subject of baptism? Moroni chapter 8 is full of profound truths found nowhere in the Bible. I will quote portions of the chapter here but encourage everyone to read the chapter and ponder its truthfulness.

8 “the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me (Jesus Christ), that it hath no power over them”

9 “I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.”

10 “repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.”

11 “And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism.”

12 “But little children are alive in Christ…if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respector of persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!”

15 “For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism.”

19 “Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of mercy.”

20 “And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption.”

Who can read this and deny the truth that speaks to your heart and soul? It is so clearly laid out. So perfectly explained.

What about how to baptize? There is so much confusion in the world on not only when but how. Does the Book of Mormon provide an answer? Of course! 3 Nephi 11:24-28.

24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:

25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.

28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.

How lucky we are to live in the dispensation of the fullness of times. I’m grateful for the Book of Mormon. I’m grateful that it clarifies what has been a point of contention within Christianity for centuries.

Christ was our ultimate example.

2 Nephi 31:5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized yea, even by water!

Click below to learn more about baptism as it has been perfectly restored through the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/true-to-the-faith/baptism?lang=eng

October 1, 2020