What Good Have I Done?

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist

by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood is a foundational event in Latter-day Saint history. On May 15, 1829, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery sought divine guidance regarding the ordinance of baptism. In response to their prayer, John the Baptist appeared to them as a heavenly messenger. He laid his hands upon their heads and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, addressing them as “my fellow servants.” This priesthood authority included the keys to the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. John the Baptist also instructed them that this authority did not encompass the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, which would be conferred upon them later. Following this visitation, Joseph and Oliver baptized each other in the nearby Susquehanna River. This event is detailed in Joseph Smith–History 1:68–72, found in the Pearl of Great Price.

The promises made by John the Baptist during this visitation emphasized the enduring nature of the Aaronic Priesthood. He declared that this priesthood “shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.” This statement underscores the belief in the perpetual presence of this priesthood authority on the earth. Additionally, the conferred keys encompass the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, as outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 13:1.

The location of this significant event, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, exemplifies how the Lord often selects humble settings for pivotal moments in His kingdom. In this secluded area, the foundation for essential ordinances and priesthood authority was established, highlighting that divine work is centered on service rather than recognition. This principle is further emphasized in Doctrine and Covenants 14:7, which speaks of the “great and marvelous work” of the Lord.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:

   •   Joseph Smith–History 1:68–72: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.68-72

   •   Doctrine and Covenants 13:1: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/13.1

   •   Doctrine and Covenants 14:7: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/14.7

   •   Priesthood Restoration Site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priesthood_Restoration_Site

   •   Aaronic Priesthood (Latter Day Saints): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaronic_priesthood_(Latter_Day_Saints)

Labels: Aaronic Priesthood Restoration, baptism, John the Baptist, Joseph Smith, ministering of angels, repentance

Question

This Saturday I get to give a talk on Baptism at the baptism of a friend. Do you have any suggestions of something I could say for her?
Thanks, Heather


Answer

This is my favorite scripture about baptism. The story is good, but more importantly it explains the commitments we make at baptism and renew when we take the sacrament. It also describes the Lord's promises to us.


See Mosiah 18:8-10 (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/18)

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?


Baptism serves as a witness before Christ that
1. we desire to come into the fold of God (v. 8)
2. we want to be called his people (v. 8)
3. we are willing to bear each other's burdens (v. 8)
4. we are willing to mourn with those that mourn (v. 9)
5. we will comfort those who need comfort (v. 9)
6. we will stand as witnesses to God at all times in all things and places all our lives (v. 9)
7. we will serve him and (v. 10)
8. we will keep his commandments (v. 10)


In return God promises
1. that we will be redeemed (v. 9)
2. rise in the first resurrection (v. 9)
3. receive eternal life (v. 9)
4. and he will pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon us (v. 10)

Labels: Alma, baptism, commitment, covenant