Baptism of water in and of itself does not bring about the remission of sins that comes only through "the fulfilling the commandments; . . . And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost." (Moroni 8:25-26.) Concerning the fact that baptism of water must be followed by the baptism of the Holy Ghost in order to be efficacious, Dr. William E. Berrett has written:
All that man can do is to perform the physical act of baptism which, when performed by one having authority, binds the recipient in a covenant with God, a witness that he will keep God's commandments. But this baptism, in and of itself is valueless if the commandments are not kept and the baptism of the Holy Ghost does not follow. (Teachings of the Book of Mormon [Deseret News Press, 1952], p. 93.)