"My baptism into this church was one of the highlights of my life." Even though I was only 8, the words of the baptismal prayer "penetrated deeply into my soul." Since then, more than 11 million people have been baptized into the church in a similar manner. They have been baptized in the ocean, in frozen lakes and in ponds.
The Savior taught us that we need to be born again. We all need to be born spiritually — from 8 to 80, or even 90. Our first birth takes place when we are born into mortality. Our second birth begins when we are baptized by water and confirmed.
"The full benefit of forgiveness of sin through the Savior's Atonement begins with repentance and baptism and then expands upon receiving the Holy Ghost." Those who have the gift of the Holy Ghost can receive more light and testimony.
The doctrine of baptism of the living for the dead was practiced in the early Christian church. Doing something for those who cannot do it for themselves is truly Christ-like. The prophet Malachi referenced this concept
No other church does more to fulfill Malachi's promise than the church. At great expense and effort, the church is now the custodian of the greatest treasure of family records in the world. These records are freely shared with anyone who wishes to research them.
"I witness that we cannot be fully converted until we 'walk in newness of life' and are at heart a new person, 'purged of our old sins.' This can only come about by being born again of the water and of the Spirit."