Why all three?

Why are we baptized in the name of all three members of the Godhead?

One possible answer relates to how we are to become like them:

Because we are to become one as they are one--we are to join them in their divine nature. In John 17:11, 21-24, the Father and Son's oneness is given as a model for us, their intention being that we participate with them in some way.

(John 17:11.)
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

(John 17:21-24)
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.



I find that the closer you read the Book of Mormon, the more you will be rewarded. I see a progression of ideas from the baptismal prayer, to the oneness of the Godhead, to our need to be one, in the Savior's instructions in 3rd Nephi. Consider the progression of ideas laid out in 3 Nephi 11: [For the sake of saving space here I have not pasted in all the scriptures involved, but it is worthwhile to look at all these verses carefully.]

11:25 the baptismal prayer, mentioning all the members of the Godhead

11:27 "after this manner shall ye baptize . . . for behold . . ." (Jesus is going to explain why): Then follows a discussion of oneness of the Godhead, in the context of explaining why people are to be baptized in the name of all three. So there is a direct link between the baptismal prayer and the fact that the Godhead is one. Then the train of thought continues:

11:28-30 warning not to contend (not to destroy oneness among people).

11:29 the devil is the "father" of contention, contrasting the Father who enables our becoming one.

11:32, 35-36 more about the oneness of the Godhead.

11:37-38 repent, be baptized and become as a little child: the process is to begin.


If this line of thinking is right, then a major purpose of this life is that we learn to become one (which also relates to being full of charity). How, then, would a constant remembrance of one's baptismal covenant, and whose name it was done in, affect how seriously we work at becoming one at home (and in other applicable situations) and finding a way to overcome contention?

What do you think?

I Confess

I thought I'd recommend this movie. We watched it last weekend (checked out from the library) and enjoyed it. It's not the typical Hitchcock thriller-- it's more thoughtful than suspenseful. You should watch it if you've never seen it!