Why Just Being Good Isn't Enough

Why Just Being Good Isn't Enough

When The Savior came to the Americas he mentioned baptism at least 100 times.  (3 Nephi, especially ch 11 and 12)  I have been pondering this fact.  Why was he so insistent that these people be baptized?  Why not just encourage them to repent, and that’s the end.  Why not just tell them to be good, to be obedient, to keep the commandments and leave it at that?

Because he wanted to bless them!!!  He loved them.  He craved the opportunity to show his love to them.  He wanted to send the Holy Ghost to be their constant companion, to comfort them, to bring them joy, to illuminate their minds, to bring all things to their remembrance, to strengthen them in hard times, to help them feel His love.

He couldn’t do this unless they agreed to be baptized.  Baptism is a covenant, a contract, a binding agreement.  Our part of the agreement is to be obedient to the commandments, and Christ’s part of the agreement is to bless us with the Holy Ghost.  But he can’t keep his part of the agreement if we don’t have a contract!

Baptism is essential for each one of us who wants to receive blessings from The Savior.  Baptism is an ordinance essential for salvation, and baptism makes it a whole lot easier to keep the commandments because we are then entitled to the gift of the Holy Ghost.