Fourth Article of Faith

4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For some reason this is the easiest Article of Faith for me to remember.  Perhaps it's because I memorized it when I was eight, before I was baptized.  Whatever the reason, this is an Article of Faith that has stuck with me through the years.

This Article of Faith mentions the first two principles of the Gospel which are: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and Repentance.

The very core of our beliefs and testimony should be based on our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Everything else should be built on that.

Repentance is the second principle of the Gospel.  Since none of us are perfect and are always making mistakes, we are constantly needing to repent.  Faith and repentance should both come before baptism.

Baptism is the first ordinance of the Gospel.  Joseph Smith clarified that baptism must be done by immersion.  He further clarified that with baptism, we receive a remission of our sins.  Jesus taught the Nephites in the Book of Mormon about the proper manner of baptism.

3 Nephi 11:23-26

23 Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them.

24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:

25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

 When we are baptized our sins are washed away and we begin anew.  When we are baptized we covenant to keep the Lord's commandments and to take upon us His name.  We renew these baptismal covenants every week when we take the sacrament.

After we are baptized we received the second ordinance of the Gospel, the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Hands are laid on our head by priesthood holders who have the authority to perform the ordinance.  During this ordinance we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost.  This is a gift that the Holy Ghost will be with us always to comfort, guide, and bless our lives as long as we are worthy to receive that gift.  We must always be striving to do what's right and keep the commandments in order to be worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.  To have a member of the Godhead as a constant companion is truly a remarkable and unspeakable gift.