24 Now I would have you to remember also, that there were none who were brought unto repentance who were not baptized with water.
25 Therefore, there were ordained of Nephi, men unto this ministry, that all such as should come unto them should be baptized with water, and this as a witness and a testimony before God, and unto the people, that they had repented and received a remission of their sins.
(3 Nephi 7:24-25)
It is important to be “brought unto repentance.” It is also important to stay there: in a state of consistent repentance and growth. When we stop acknowledging our mistakes and shortcomings and seeking to overcome them, we stop progressing. So once we have arrived at this repentant state, how do we keep ourselves from drifting? Put a stake in the ground; declare publicly and solemnly that we are on the path and that we are committed to stay on the path forever.
That is why “the first fruits of repentance is baptism.” (Moroni 8:25) That is why Nephi ordained men to the priesthood: so that those who were converted and had arrived at a state of humility and repentance could “lock in” those gains by making a visible covenant with the Lord.
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