Chapter 9: BaptismImmersion, Accountability, and Entering into Christ

In brief

Why baptism, and why by immersion? Following Albert Schweitzer, Seaich argues that faith saves only by leading to baptism, which unites the believer with Christ in the “being-in-Christ.” The Greek baptizō means “to immerse.” Baptism remits sin and binds the believer by covenant to serve others. It requires accountability, so little children need no baptism, and it must be performed by proper priesthood authority.

This page summarizes Chapter 9 of Understanding Mormonism: The Restored Gospel of Christ and Its Biblical Foundations in Latter-day Saint Belief by Eugene Seaich (2026 Annotated Edition, edited by Eric Hendrickson). The summary is quoted from the book’s “In brief” and is editorial material, not the author’s words. The full chapter, with its notes and argument, is in the book.

Independent scholarship by Eugene Seaich. Not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.