Baptism is a spiritual rebirth, Carol B. Thomas, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, said March 27.
Speaking during the General Young Women Meeting, Sister Thomas added: "It cleanses us from head to toe and allows us the companionship of the Savior through the gift of the Holy Ghost. He will accompany each of us along the road of life."Four things happen when we are baptized and confirmed: one, we become members of Christ's Church and commit to follow Him; two, we have our sins forgiven; three, it allows us entrance to the celestial kingdom; and last, it is the doorway to personal sanctification. We might say we are 'made holy.' "
Continuing, she said: "Tonight, let's focus on the fourth point: becoming holy. Because you have received the Holy Ghost, you are changed. You are a different person. It means you cannot be a part of the world anymore; you can never go back. You are taken out of the dark and into the light of Christ. It is the beginning of a whole new life."
Sister Thomas told her listeners, "By being baptized, you have been promised the blessings of royalty as you sanctify yourselves and become holy."
Speaking of the light of the Savior, she explained: "All of you have difficult situations in your lives, but you know the source of your spiritual strength. Every time you pray or bear testimony or stand for the right, you shut down the powers of evil in your life."
Sister Thomas then counseled young women on modesty. "How can we apply the spiritual power of our baptism to the principle of modesty? We hope one of the things that makes us different from the world is the way we dress."
After sharing portions of a letter from a young woman who chose to discard short shorts and short skirts, Sister Thomas said, "Marcie's great example epitomizes your Young Women Theme. You know, the part that says, 'We stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things' -- and, in all prom dresses," bringing laughter from the congregation.
Sister Thomas also explained that one can renew the spiritual power of baptism each week by worthily partaking of the sacrament.
"I pray that you will tend and take care of your baptismal covenants," Sister Thomas added.