Not only has Christ repeatedly sought in the past to gather his flock; he will continue to seek to gather the children of men to him through the covenants of the restored gospel. Although he may seek to gather us home, we cannot be compelled into his protective arms of mercy.
The promised spiritual blessings that attend such gathering are only realized on conditions of individual faith, repentance, submission to gospel ordinances, and continued obedience and endurance- all of which are required in order for us to “return to [him] with full purpose of heart.”
This work of gathering is the fundamental mission of the Church and kingdom of God in the last days. To the Prophet Joseph Smith the Lord declared: “For, behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts; yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely” (D&C 10:65-66).
Later the Lord more explicitly explained what it means to be gathered to him: “And this is my gospel- repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter … . And he that receiveth these things receiveth me; and they shall be gathered unto me in time and in eternity.” (D&C 39:6, 22.)
“Power and Authority to Baptize”
An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize; and to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons“ (D&C 20:38-39; see also D&C 18:29).”