BLOKE - I was wondering why it is that we raise our arm to the square when we baptize? Also why do we close our baptismal prayer in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?

JOEL - Branding the palm of one's hand was a popular method of identifying criminals until the 17th century. So originally raising the right hand was done to prove we hadn't been convicted of previous crimes. In the religious world this sign of raising the arm to the square(especially the right arm) has come to signify a solemn pledge that a man is making to God, where he promises to honor and be faithful to a particular covenant he has made with God. Besides the baptism ordinance it also is used often in the temple endowment as we make promises to God. It is also a sign that is used to identify the action of calling upon priesthood power and authority to perform an ordinance, such as baptism. There are numerous passages in the scriptures referring to the significance of the right hand(Gen. 48:13-19, Acts 7:55, Mosiah 5:9-10), indicating that for a long time it has been a symbol of righteousness and was used in the making of covenants.

We baptize in the name of the Father, son and Holy Ghost because that is what we were told to do by Christ Himself:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Matt 28:19)

"And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:
Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one." (3 Nephi 11:24-27, See also D&C 20:73).

Christ seems to be explaining to the Nephites that all three of the Godhead should be mentioned because of the "oneness" of the three in regards to how they work together for the benefit of our eternal progression as members of God's Kingdom on earth(See verses 32-33). He wants to impress upon our minds that the entire Godhead is important in our conversion to the gospel and in the promises we make with them when we are baptized. We promise to worship God the Father and keep His commandments and repent of our sins; we take upon ourselves the name of Christ; and we live by faith with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.(D&C 20:37)

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