The first fruits of repentance for a broken law is baptism (vv. 24–25). Baptism is for a remission of sins. However, the forgiveness does not come from the ordinance itself. Baptism is symbolic of the death of Jesus Christ and his being raised up from the grave unto newness of life (see Romans 6:3–6). Through our faith in his Atonement’s power to pay for our sins, we enter the waters of baptism because it is a commandment. We surrender our pride unto our Redeemer which prepares us to receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost cleanses us of our sins or gives us a baptism of fire (see Mormon 6:4; 2 Nephi 31:17). Thus, fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins (Moroni 8:25). The remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart. To be meek is to be teachable and of a contrite spirit. To be lowly of heart is synonymous with being broken-hearted over our sins. In this condition, we are prepared to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Thus, we are immersed by the Spirit, or the first Comforter, which fills us with hope and perfect love (v. 26). Therefore, we have newness of life and are born again. Through maintaining the Holy Ghost until the end of our mortal probation (v. 26), we become sanctified. Sanctification is a process, a purification. Through fasting and prayer, humility and continued faith in Christ, having yielded our hearts unto him (see Helaman 3:35), we prepare ourselves to dwell with God (Moroni 8:26).
The plan of redemption is to help all of us to become—like Christ—full of charity, a perfect and pure love. Those who have hope and bring forth works unto repentance will receive a remission of their sins through their faith in accepting the ordinances. Through the ordinances they will receive the Holy Ghost that will fill them with hope to do more and more good works in and through the love of Christ, which is charity. This charity will enable them to endure to the end.