Born of Water and of the Spirit - Mormonism Baptism

In the Meridian of time a man named Nicodemus shared an interesting conversation with Christ.  Jesus told the man of the Pharisees that "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  Confused concerning how to be born again he asked, and received the response, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:1-5)

We all know that Christ was not speaking of a second physical birth, as Nicodemus supposed he was, but rather he was speaking of a spiritual birth - baptism and conversion.  Man must be born of water and of the Spirit.  Mormonism, like most other Christian denominations and sects, believe in baptism and conversion.

This birth of water is being baptized by immersion in similitude of Christ.  The water is a representation of the grave and we are to be lowered fully under the water in representation of death and brought back out in representation of Christ's resurrection.

After understanding the purpose of baptism, as a representation of Christ and through it showing our willingness to be like him, and being baptized, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is then confirmed a member by the laying on of hands.  In this confirmation the person is given the "gift of the Holy Ghost." (Articles of Faith 1:4)

This gift of the Holy Ghost allows the person the opportunity to have the companionship of the Spirit, so long as that person lives worthy of that companionship.

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