Mormons—members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—are baptized by immersion: fully submerged in water by a person holding God’s priesthood authority. Baptism is the first ordinance of the Savior's gospel necessary for salvation and exaltation. It is required to enter the kingdom of God and essential for the remission of sins—marking repentance, a covenant with God, and entry into His Church (John 3:5; Acts 2:38).
Immersion is the biblical pattern—the Greek word behind “baptize,” baptizo, literally means “to immerse or dip.” Going down into the water and rising again mirrors the Savior’s death, burial, and Resurrection, and the rebirth of the person being baptized:
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
This is also how Jesus Himself was baptized—He “went up straightway out of the water” after John baptized Him in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:16). He has invited all people to follow His example by entering into the covenant of baptism. Latter-day Saints follow Jesus Christ’s example in being baptized by immersion, by one holding God’s priesthood authority.
Children in the Church are baptized at age 8, which the Lord has designated the age of accountability. As recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants:
“And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of hands.” (Doctrine and Covenants 68:27)
Latter-day Saints do not baptize infants. The Book of Mormon teaches that “little children are alive in Christ” (Moroni 8:12; see verses 10–15)—babies are innocent before God and need no baptism. Converts may also be baptized beginning at age 8 after learning the gospel, exercising faith in Jesus Christ, and preparing to make the baptismal covenant.
A Mormon baptism—that is, a baptism performed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—is performed by a man holding God’s priesthood authority—at minimum a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. Standing in the water with the person, he raises his right arm to the square and speaks the exact words the Lord revealed:
“Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:73)
The person is then briefly and gently lowered completely under the water. Two appointed witnesses make sure the baptism is performed properly. If a hand or foot stays above the surface, the ordinance is simply repeated. LDS baptism ceremonies are usually performed in a baptismal font at a meetinghouse. If a font is not available, a safe body of water may be used.
If you attend a Latter-day Saint baptism—and visitors are always welcome—you will see participants in the baptismal ordinance dressed in white, with family, friends, and members of the congregation gathered to show love and support.
An LDS baptism is completed by confirmation, a separate ordinance in which one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands on the person’s head, confirm them a member of the Church, and confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost—the right to the constant companionship of God’s Spirit. Together, the two ordinances fulfill the Savior’s teaching to Nicodemus:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
Elder David A. Bednar taught that this spiritual rebirth is a process, not a single event (“Ye Must Be Born Again,” general conference, Apr. 2007)—baptism opens the gate to the covenant path, and continuing to follow Jesus Christ is how we walk that path throughout our lives. Baptism is an essential covenant step in God’s plan of salvation for each of us (see What Do Mormons Believe About the Plan of Salvation?).
When people are baptized, they make a covenant—a sacred promise—with God. Elder Dale G. Renlund taught:
“The baptismal covenant is a public witness to Heavenly Father of three specific commitments: to serve God, to keep His commandments, and to be willing to take on the name of Jesus Christ” (“Stronger and Closer Connection to God Through Multiple Covenants,” Liahona, Feb. 2025 [digital only]; see also 2 Nephi 31:7, 13–14; Mosiah 18:10; 21:32, 35; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; General Handbook 3.5.3.1).
Baptism is also an essential step in receiving a remission of sins. Peter’s instruction at Pentecost still stands:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” (Acts 2:38; see also Alma 7:14; 3 Nephi 12:2; 30:2; Doctrine and Covenants 33:11)
And baptism must be preceded by repentance. Anciently, as today, no one was received unto baptism “save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (Moroni 6:2; see also Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 71).
In return, God promises forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost to those who accept baptism and confirmation.
The Lord has invited all who desire to follow Him to be baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:11–13). You can attend a baptism, talk with missionaries, or simply begin by asking God if being baptized is what He wants for you.
Latter-day Saints testify that entering the waters of baptism is an essential step in following Jesus Christ on the path back to God.