So, I changed my mind about a thing…

Okay, I changed my mind about something I have thought for a long time, but it will take a minute to establish the backstory so that it makes sense. Jump in – you might already know this stuff…you might not.

Last October, Elder Dale Renlund gave a terrific talk in General Conference. (I recently recorded a podcast with Matthew Watkins about this talk. Link here.) In the notes that I share on this blog, I wrote the following:

—> “It is not the water of baptism that washes away sins, it is the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and when we make and keep sacred covenants, we avail ourselves of the power of that Atonement.”

I got the gist of what he said on the fly, but for accuracy’s sake, here is the exact quote from Elder Renlund: “As an eight-year-old, I had mistakenly presumed that the water of baptism washed away sins. Not so. In the years since my baptism, I have learned that sins are cleansed by the power of Jesus Christ through His atoning sacrifice as we make and keep the baptismal covenant.” (link)

This was not the first time I had heard this idea taught. The idea that water washes away our sins has always bothered me. I have other reliable sources that teach that is the Holy Ghost that cleanses us from sin.

Nephi: “For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Nephi 31:17)

“By the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins.” (Elder Bednar)

“The baptism of repentance by water leads to the baptism of the Spirit. The Spirit brings the atoning grace of Christ, symbolized by His blood, both to justify (or pardon) our sins and to sanctify (or cleanse) us from the effects of sin, making us spotless and holy before God.” (Elder Christofferson)

Last, and best, is from the Savior Himself: “Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.” (3 Nephi 27:20).

It’s not the water, but the Spirit that sanctifies us.

Back to the beginning: When Elder Renlund made the statement about baptism, I countered with the following:

(Can we finally get rid of that Primary song that says “I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away?” That’s false doctrine – especially for 8 year-olds.)

The song I was referring to is a lovely little song called, “When I am Baptized.” However, my problems with it were not new. I did a search on the blog and found I wrote about it all the way back in 2011! (Link)

My two problems with the 2nd verse of the song then, and now, are these:

1. Water does not wash away sin. (See above.)
2. Little children do not have the capacity to sin. (Moroni 8:8) There are no “wrongs to wash away.”

Some of my feelings about this stem from my time serving as bishop. I venture to say that half of the kids coming in for baptismal interviews told me that they wanted to be baptized to wash away their sins and become clean. Doctrinally, that is incorrect on not one, but two counts! Yet, those same kids were singing a song in Primary that taught them those very ideas. No wonder!

Back to last General Conference – Here’s where things got interesting: In response to my wisecrack about doing away with the song, I got this amazing comment on the blog from an unexpected source:

“Nita Milner, my mother-in-law, wrote the song in question. The lyrics in the Primary book are not the original lyrics to her song. The line you dislike was written by Correlation and required of them, because they strongly wanted a song that helped children and others being baptized feel like their sins are forgiven and they are clean. They needed to feel that sense of being forgiven.

 Mom and correlation went the rounds on this change to her original words, but they insisted and in the end with time she gained a testimony of that line in particular.

So, if it’s not your favorite, take it up with correlation. They are not known for their flexibility, though.“

A lot to process, no? I spent a lot of time thinking about this comment. It left me with more questions than answers. For four months I thought about it, and all of it bothered me. Last month, I was preparing an Elder’s Quorum lesson on this same talk by Elder Renlund which caused me to think about this comment again. I went back and reread it, and something new stuck out to me:

 Mom and correlation went the rounds on this change to her original words, but they insisted and in the end with time she gained a testimony of that line in particular.

That gave me pause. She gained a testimony of those lyrics that she disagreed with? Weird. But this time, instead of focusing on the doctrinal issues, I began wondering how she was able to come to a testimony – of what both she and I considered to be wrong? How does that happen?

Then came the epiphany: A simple thought entered my mind, “Milk before meat.” I knew that was from something the Apostle Paul wrote, so I looked it up:

“I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” (1 Corinth. 3:2)

I knew at that moment that my quandary was over. To a child, understanding the complexities of accountability, covenants, the Atonement, the blood of Christ and its relationship to the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost is unfathomable. (As it is to many adult members of the Church.)

But, do you know what a child can understand? Taking a bath.

The Spirit let me know I was on the right track, the proceeded to fill my mind with context and support. The first being that the Children of Israel lived for thousands of years while being taught that the blood of sacrificial animals sanctified them – because they were not ready to understand the complexities of the Atonement. Whether the metaphor is sacrificial blood or the waters of baptism, either one (hopefully) points towards an eventual understanding of the truth that is the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

(Hopefully our eight-year-olds can grow into a more accurate understanding of how salvation comes together without having to find out in the Spirit World.)

There are times in our teachings where doctrine is simplified in order to make it understandable at different levels. Have you ever heard anyone say, “If you’re good, you’ll go to heaven?” Not necessarily accurate, but that’s milk. “Sealing ordinances, three degrees of glory and exaltation?” That’s meat.

I’m sure many of you can come up with examples of teachings that do not necessarily reflect the “full” truth, but rather lead to that fullness. (I don’t think we need to delve into them here – milk/meat, etc.)

The end result is this: I have changed my mind about the song. I still maintain that it does not contain full and accurate truth, but it works as a metaphor for its intended audience, and as a simple starting point.

Because of that, I’m OK with it now, and won’t be criticizing “When I am Baptized” anymore. If I have caused any of you to feel negatively towards that sweet Primary song, I apologize, and invite you to give it some thought, as I did.

I find it hopeful to know that we are capable of making adjustments to long-held thought or beliefs. The refining process never ends. It’s good to know that we can always change our minds.

NOTE: PLEASE read the comment section. In it you will find a comment that contains links to the story of how the song was written, and the original lyrics.

PS: Update: I am out of the wheelchair part of the time and am slowly getting back to full strength. Thanks to those who have checked in on me.

PPS: No word on the raccoon.