The last prophet of the Old Testament, Malachi, prophesied that "the messenger of the covenant" would "suddenly come to his temple." This sounds like a reference to the Savior's Second Coming, especially when Malachi asks, "Who may abide the day of his coming?" He tells us that this messenger will refine and purify the sons... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Baptisms of the Twelve Disciples?
On the first day of the Savior's visit to the American continent, He selected twelve men and gave them authority to baptize (3 Nephi 11:18-22). He told the assembled people that, if they would listen to the words of these men and would choose to be baptized with water, then He would baptize them with... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Words of the Baptismal Ordinance?
When the Savior visited the American continent following His death and resurrection, one of His first actions was to clarify how baptisms ought to be performed. He did this so that there would be no more disputations among the people about how baptisms should be performed. As part of that clarification, the Savior specified the... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be “Baptized with Fire?”
John the Baptist testified of the mission of the Savior by telling the people that he was not worthy to carry the Savior's shoes. He said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" (Matthew 3:11). (See also Luke 3:16, JST John 1:28, Mark... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be “Baptized Unto Repentance?”
Some form of the phrase "baptized unto repentance" appears twelve times in the Book of Mormon (Mosiah 26:22, Alma 5:62, Alma 6:2, Alma 7:14, Alma 9:27, Alma 48:19, Alma 49:30, Helaman 3:24, Helaman 5:17, 19, 3 Nephi 1:23, 3 Nephi 7:26). John the Baptist also used this phrase to describe the baptisms he performed (Matthew 3:11). What does... Continue Reading →
What Is the Relationship Between Baptism and Membership in the Church?
As we discussed yesterday, the earliest references to baptism in the Book of Mormon focus on the baptism of Jesus Christ (which would happen 600 years later). Nephi teaches us that we should be baptized to follow His example (2 Nephi 31). Four hundred and fifty years later, the prophet Alma teaches the people about... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Baptism of Jesus?
In the Bible, the first mention of baptism is in reference to the baptism of Jesus Christ. All four of the Gospel writers tell the story (Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:19-34). In all four cases, they use the word "baptism" or "baptize" without explanation. They take it for granted that their readers... Continue Reading →
Did Alma Baptize Himself?
After the wicked king Noah sentenced the prophet Abinadi to death, one of Noah's priests, Alma, pleaded with the king to spare Abinadi's life. As a result, he was banished, and the king sent servants to kill him. Alma lived in hiding for a while and wrote the words which he had heard Abinadi preach... Continue Reading →
Qualifications for Baptism – Moroni 6:1-3
1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it. 2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the... Continue Reading →
I Give Unto You Power – 3 Nephi 11:18-22
18 And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth. 19 And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet. 20 And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And... Continue Reading →