Why Do Mormons Wait to Get Baptized?
My son is getting baptized on Tuesday and it has me thinking about how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a little different from other churches. Many churches baptize infants. Why do members of our Church wait until they are eight years old to get baptized?
Well, let me start by saying that we get baptized to follow Jesus Christ’s example when he was baptized in the Jordan River by John, the Baptist. We believe that little children are pure and cannot sin. They are not accountable until they reach the age of accountability. For most people, that is when they are eight years old. Then, they need to be baptized by immersion by one who has the authority and priesthood, and commit to follow the commandments and take upon them the name of Jesus Christ. I love that I remember my baptism. I’m glad I made the choice myself to follow the Savior and be baptized. I felt that I was clean and pure when I was washed clean of all my sins. I wanted to keep myself unspotted from the world. As we all know, that was not possible and I need the atonement every day in my life. I am so grateful for repentance. What a wonderful example the Savior set for us and what a wonderful gift He has given us to be able to return to him.
