BAPTISM.
Jesus, talking to Nicodemus, likened this transformation which must occur in
the individual to a new birth, a new start, a complete cleansing and washing
from sin, a birth into a life of purity, love, and service. This is beautifully
and forcefully symbolized by baptism—going down into the water and coming up
out of it clean and pure, free from sin. Jesus told Nicodemus that one could
not so much as see the kingdom except he submit to this ordinance. He set the
example by having John baptize him. He told the disciples to baptize their
coverts, which the record shows they did. You will remember that Peter baptized
Cornelius, Ananias baptized Paul, Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch. Paul
baptized the jailer and his family. This ordinance not only produced a
forgiveness of sins, but it also served as the door for entrance into the
Church. (Franklin L. West, The Apostles and the Primitive [Salt Lake
City: Deseret Book Company, 1964], 138, emphasis in bold added)
Elsewhere, West noted that
It
Is interesting to note that although Jesus had given Paul a great manifestation,
he recognized his priesthood on the earth and the ordinances of the Church, and,
therefore, provided for Paul’s baptism and reception of the Holy Ghost. (Ibid.,
56)
