l
circumstances justifying the action are apparent. Thus, we read of Paul
baptizing certain disciples at Ephesus, though they had already been
immersed after the manner of John's baptism. But in this case the
apostle was evidently unconvinced that the baptism had been solemnized
by due authority, or that the believers had been properly instructed as
to the import of the ordinance. When he tested the efficacy of their
baptism by asking "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"
they answered him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any
Holy Ghost." Then asked he in seeming surprize, "Unto what then were ye
baptized? and they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John
verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people,
that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on
Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus." (See Acts 19:1-6.)

In the Church today a repetition of the baptismal rite on an individual
is allowable under certain specific conditions. Thus, if one, having
entered the Church by baptism, withdraws from it, or is excommunicated
therefrom, and afterward repents and desires to regain his standing in
the Church, he can do so only through baptism. However, such is a
repetition of the initiatory ordinance as previously administered. There
is no ordinance of "rebaptism" in the Church distinct in nature, form,
or purpose, from other baptism; and, therefore, in administering baptism
to a subject who has been formerly baptized, the form of the ceremony is
exactly the same as in first baptisms.

FOOTNOTES:

[1452] John 10:16; compare B. of M., 3 Nephi 15:17-21; page 416 herein.

[1453] See pages 49, 55 herein.

[1454] Pages 49-52.

[1455] Helaman 14:14-27.

[1456] 3 Nephi 2:1.

[1457] Exo. 10:21-23.

[1458] 3 Nephi 8:5-25; compare Helaman 14:20-27.

[1459] 3 Nephi chap. 9.

[1460] 3 Nephi, chap. 10.

[1461] Helaman 14:25; 3 Nephi 23:7-13; compare Matt. 27:52, 53.

[1462] 3 Nephi, chaps. 11-18 inclusive.

[1463] 3 Nephi 10:18. Bear in mind that Christ's ascension took place
forty days after His resurrection.

[1464] Note 1, end of chapter.

[1465] 3 Nephi 11:7; compare Matt. 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 9:35; P. of
G.P., Joseph Smith 2:17.

[1466] 3 Nephi 11:12; compare 1 Nephi 12:6; 2 Nephi 26:1, 9; Alma 16:20.

[1467] 3 Nephi 11:23-28; compare Doc. and Cov. 20:72-74.

[1468] 3 Nephi 11:31-34