Eight is Great: 8 Things to Teach Your Child Before Baptism

The following article was originally written by Breanna Olaveson for Utah Valley 360. Below is an excerpt. 

Baptism is the first ordinance in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Children of record are eligible for baptism when they turn 8 years old, but parents and Church leaders should help them prepare for this important milestone before the child is baptized.

Here are eight things to teach your child before he or she turns 8 years old.

1. The baptismal covenant

Children should understand the covenant associated with the ordinance of baptism. That covenant is defined in the sacrament prayers, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 20:77-79. Simply stated, people who make the baptismal covenant promise to remember Jesus Christ, keep His commandments and take upon them His name. God promises that, if they keep the covenant, they will always have the Spirit with them, and they will be forgiven of sins.

2. Promises associated with baptism

Though not expressly outlined in the covenant, other promises commonly associated with baptism are recorded in Mosiah 18:8-10. These include bearing other’s burdens, mourning with and comforting others, and standing as witnesses of God. This scripture states that if Church members do these things, they will be “redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, [and] … have eternal life.”

Read Olaveson’s full article at UtahValley360.com