309 Alma Baptizes in the Waters of Mormon

Mosiah 17:24; Mosiah 18:117
Yea, and they were baptized in the waters of Mormon, and were filled with the grace of God. Mosiah 18:16

Alma, one of the priests of wicked King Noah, heard Abinadi preach the word of God to the king. Alma believed Abinadi's teachings and asked King Noah not to harm Abinadi. King Noah became angry and threw Alma out from among his people. Then the king sent servants to kill Alma. Alma hid for many days, and the servants did not find him. While hiding, Alma wrote down everything Abinadi had taught. (See Mosiah 17:24.)

Alma repented of his sins and went around privately teaching the people Abinadi's message. He taught them about Jesus Christ and His mission. Many believed Alma. After a number of days a large group had gathered to Mormon, a place on the border of the land, to hear Alma preach. This place had a fountain of pure water running by a thicket of small trees. In the daytime Alma hid here from the king's servants. Alma taught the people about repentance and faith in the Lord. (See Mosiah 18:17.)

The people believed the things Alma taught, and they desired to be called the people of God. Alma said that if this was their desire, they should be baptized. The people understood and joyfully accepted their responsibility to "bear one another's burdens," "mourn with those that mourn," "comfort those that stand in need of comfort," and "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places ... even until death" (Mosiah 18:89).

Being baptized would show that the people wanted to covenant with God to serve Him and keep His commandments. Then He would pour out His Spirit more fully upon them. (See Mosiah 18:10.)

When the people heard this, "they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts" (Mosiah 18:11).

Alma led a man named Helam into the Waters of Mormon. Alma said the baptismal prayer, and then both he and Helam went entirely under the water. Alma then baptized the others, but he did not go under the water again. About 204 people were baptized. From that time on they were called the Church of Christ. (See Mosiah 18:1217.)

Summary

Alma, one of the priests of King Noah, believed Abinadi. He repented of his sins and began to secretly teach the words of Abinadi to all who would listen. Many gathered at the Waters of Mormon, and Alma taught them of repentance and faith in the Lord. He asked if they wanted to be baptized, which would show their desire to serve God and keep His commandments. Clapping their hands for joy, the people said that this was what they wanted to do. With authority from God, Alma baptized about 204 people. From that time on they were called the Church of Christ.

Artist, Arnold Friberg

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA