Section 20: The Question of Rebaptism – The Doctrine and Covenants

Background: At this time the church was emerging amidst the Christian Primitivism movement, and the question of authority was a hot topic, especially in the weeks following the formal organization of the church. This section chiefly deals with the authority to baptize.

Continuing revelation regarding this topic can be found in D&C 164:2.

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A. Behold, I say unto you, that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this is a new and everlasting covenant; even that which was from the beginning.

B. Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times, it availeth him nothing; for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the Law of Moses, neither by your dead works;

C. for it is because of your dead works, that I have caused this last covenant, and this church to be built up unto me; even as in days of old.

D. Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen.