2Ne Ch31

In this chapter we find out why Christ was baptized, and why we should follow his example to be baptized. There is a five step process explained on how to receive eternal life.

1. Have faith

2. Repent

3. Be baptized

4. Recieve the Holy Ghost

5. Endure to the end

Nephi wishes he could write more than what he has written but he writes what he finds most important plainly because it is pleasing to The Lord (v1-3). These words of The Lord say that all men should be baptized because even the Lamb of God who was perfect was baptized (v4-5). He did so to fulfill all righteousness and obey the Father's commandments to receive the Holy Ghost (v6-8).

His example shows us the path to follow and we were even told by Him, "Follow thou me" by repenting and being baptized in the name of the Beloved Son (v9-11). Our Savour has promised us the gift of the Holy Ghost and other blessings if we do this (v12-13). It is important that it is a full commitment to The Lord because once you take upon His name in baptism there is heavy penalty for denying Him, it is a witness of the Father (v14-15). 

These are the first steps of being saved because it gets you in the gate and on the path; the last is to endure to the end and follow that narrow path of righteousness (v16-19). My favorite verse (one of many) is v20 when it describes our attitude as we love God and press forward feasting on His word and enduring to the end which is eternal life. This is the only way to get that eternal life of happiness (v21). It is told to us simply and given to us to follow.