In his October 1986 general conference address, Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Council of the Twelve commented on the false doctrine that little children need to be baptized.

Elder Packer said: " `If I have learned the truth,' Mormon wrote, `there have been disputations among you concerning the baptism of your little children. (Moro. 8:5.)"He called their disputation `gross error' and wrote: `Immediately after I had learned these things of you I inquired of the Lord concerning the matter. And the word of the Lord came to me by the power of the Holy Ghost, saying:

" `Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick, wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; . . .

" `And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.' " (Moro. 8:7-9.)

Elder Packer continued: "Mormon told Moroni to teach repentance and baptism to `those who are accountable and capable of committing sin.' (Moro. 8:10.)

Eight years old is established by revelation as the age of accountability. (See D&C 68:27.)

"Then, in sternness unsurpassed in scripture, Mormon warned:

" `He that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.

"For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism.

"Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this manner, for they shall perish except they repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God.' (Moro. 8:14-16.)

"Read this entire epistle," Elder Packer counseled. "It is true doctrine. It will inspire a reverence for little children."

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.

Information compiled by Gerry Avant

Sources: Studies in Scripture, Vol. 8: Alma 30 to Moroni, edited by Kent P. Jackson; April 1982 and October 1986 general conference reports.