Why was the power to baptize one of the first things the Savior gave to the Nephites?

Thomas R. Valletta

Joseph Smith solemnly declared: “Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins. … Then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost” ( Joseph Smith [manual], 91).

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

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