Baptism and Rainbows

Many Latter-day Saints grew up singing the song, "When I am Baptized," more commonly known as "I Like to look for Rainbows." Recently two beautiful girls sang this at Elena's baptism.

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain

And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,

And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

Elena with Ellie and Hannah at her baptism

Mormons' beliefs about baptism come from the Bible: "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." (John 3:5). The Savior was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. The Book of Mormon clarifies this phrase:

       "And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfill all righteousness in being baptized by water?
      "Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments." (2 Nephi 31:6-7)

Baptism is a commandment and an ordinance where we make a COVENANT, or a two-way promise, with Heavenly Father.

What do we commit to when we're baptized?

• To Remember our Savior, Jesus Christ
• Take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ
• Keep His commandments

A church magazine for children explains simply that to take upon yourself the name of Christ means "to put His work first in your life and do what He wants instead of what the world wants." 

What does Heavenly Father promise us in return?

• A remission of our sins
• Being born again
• The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, which we receive by the laying on of hands shortly after baptism. 

What a deal! We are definitely receiving so many more blessings for baptism than we are committing to. I'm grateful for my Savior and that I can be clean every time I repent and take the Sacrament. I, too, "want to be the best I can and live with God again." 

See also: 

Children's Songbook, Hymn #103