The Commandment to Be Baptized

A gospel principle is a true belief or a teaching. An ordinance is a rite or a ceremony. 

We Must Be Baptized to Enter the Celestial Kingdom
Jesus said, "Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized . . . shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned" (3 Nephi 11:33-34). Baptism is the gateway through which we enter the celestial kingdom (see 2 Nephi 31:17-18).

The Correct Mode of Baptism

Immersion is necessary. The Apostle Paul taught that being immersed in water and coming out again is symbolic of death, burial, and resurrection. Our sins are washed away when we are baptized.