Mosiah 18:32-35; Mosiah 19:1-12

32  But behold, it came to pass that the king, having discovered a movement among the people, sent his servants to watch them.  Therefore on the day that they were assembling themselves together to hear the word of the Lord they were discovered unto the king.
33  And now the king said that Alma was stirring up the people to rebellion against him; therefore he sent his army to destroy them.
34  And it came to pass that Alma and the people of the Lord were apprised of the coming of the king's army; therefore they took their tents and their families and departed into the wilderness.
35  And they were in number about four hundred and fifty souls.

Mosiah 18:32-35 (Emphasis mine)

Things were going well for Alma(1) and his followers.  Then, they were discovered by the King.

After everything that happened, Noah knew he had to get rid of Alma(1) and his followers.  They were converted either by Abinadi or his teachings through Alma(1).  Having felt the words of Abinadi were a major threat to him, he knew he had to get rid of these people to be secure.  His response was to send an army and have the army remove the problem.

Somehow, they were warned the King's army was coming.  As a result, they departed and went into the wilderness to escape the King. 

Chapter 19

Gideon seeks to slay King Noah—The Lamanites invade the land—King Noah suffers death by fire—Limhi rules as a tributary monarch. About 145–121 B.C.

1  AND it came to pass that the army of the king returned, having searched in vain for the people of the Lord.
2  And now behold, the forces of the king were small, having been reduced, and there began to be a division among the remainder of the people.
3  And the lesser part began to breathe out threatenings against the king, and there began to be a great contention among them.

Mosiah 19:1-3 (Emphasis mine) 

We return to the kingdom of Noah in Chapter 19.  The (small) army returned having failed to find Alma(1)'s group.  The forces of Noah were diminished.  Mormon doesn't tells us why it's smaller.  Could it have been the loss of people to Alma(1)?  I would think it didn't help Noah's situation.

After the return of the army, we are told the people are unhappy.  It's getting so bad, that Noah's status as king is being threatened.  Things are not going very well. 

4  And now there was a man among them whose name was Gideon, and he being a strong man and an enemy to the king, therefore he drew his sword, and swore in his wrath that he would slay the king.
5  And it came to pass that he fought with the king; and when the king saw that he was about to overpower him, he fled and ran and got upon the tower which was near the temple.

6  And Gideon pursued after him and was about to get upon the tower to slay the king, and the king cast his eyes round about towards the land of Shemlon, and behold, the army of the Lamanites were within the borders of the land.
7  And now the king cried out in the anguish of his soul, saying: Gideon, spare me, for the Lamanites are upon us, and they will destroy us; yea, they will destroy my people.
8  And now the king was not so much concerned about his people as he was about his own life; nevertheless, Gideon did spare his life.

Mosiah 19:4-8 (Emphasis mine) 

Things were so bad, Gideon decided the king must die.  He fights with the king, begins to win, and Noah ran to a tower to save his life.  Gideon followed and was about to kill him, when Noah saw a Lamanite army had entered the land of his kingdom.

Noah pleaded for his life and the lives of his people.  Gideon spared him.

We see exactly what type of person Noah was.  When he was sitting safely on his throne, surrounded by his court and supporters, he was a very brave man.  But, when he stood alone, Noah was a coward.  He didn't care about anything but saving himself. 

25  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16:25-26 (Emphasis mine)

9  And the king commanded the people that they should flee before the Lamanites, and he himself did go before them, and they did flee into the wilderness, with their women and their children.
10  And it came to pass that the Lamanites did pursue them, and did overtake them, and began to slay them.
11  Now it came to pass that the king commanded them that all the men should leave their wives and their children, and flee before the Lamanites.
12  Now there were many that would not leave them, but had rather stay and perish with them.  And the rest left their wives and their children and fled.

Mosiah 19:9-12 (Emphasis mine)

We read earlier that Noah didn't have much of an army (19:2). A weak army, faced with an overwhelming Lamanite army, would be of little use to protect the people.  So, Noah told his people to run, and he was gone before them.  

There were actually men who ran and left their families behind to face whatever fate awaited them.  I can't even imagine what manner of man would do this.  

Hugh Nibley talks about Noah and the type of man he was.

"Here's a comment on the character of [Noah] (sic) in verse 8. The king wasn't really interested in his people—it was his own life he wanted to save. That reflects on his character. You notice [Noah's] (sic) greatest sin was not lechery or luxury; it was his meanness. He was a mean, petty person. He had no feelings for anybody else but a great deal for himself. It's characteristic here of people with great power ... These are interesting human relationships that go on in the Book of Mormon. And then what did he do? He said the king was concerned about his own life; that was what really concerned him. He had no appetite for fighting, notice. He had lost his nerve along with most of the army. He panicked and said, we'll clear out of town. He ordered a general evacuation—a silly thing to do. It shows again that he's not really a strong character at all. He did it again when they go a little further on. He ordered his soldiers with himself to leave the women and children and hightail it to save themselves. Then when he got out with them, he fled with just a company of priests to get away from them. This is the kind of man he was, and we're going to see this all through here. Nice reflection on King Noah ... He went out with his court, and especially with his priests, his immediate accomplices. They accompanied him deeper and deeper into the woods while he left more and more of the others farther and farther behind." (Emphasis mine)

Lecture 37: Mosiah 19-20, Hugh W. Nibley, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 31, 2011.

There were many who stayed with their families and ignored the king.  They were ready to face the Lamanites and whatever would happen to them.

Mosiah 18:23-31

23  And he commanded them that they should observe the sabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God.

24  And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had ordained should labor with their own hands for their support.
25  And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together.
26  And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God.

Mosiah 18:23-26 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(1) continues with his instructions.  These include:

• Observe the sabbath day and keep it holy.
• Give thanks daily to God.
• Meet once a week to worship and teach the people.
• To assemble themselves together as often as they could.
• Priests support themselves.  The people do not.  

Alma(1) gives the priests a promise that, by supporting themselves, they will:

• Receive the grace of God.
• Wax strong in the Spirit.
• Have the knowledge of God.
• Teach with power and authority from God.

The people are learning that much is expected from them a disciples of Christ.  They have very specific commandments to keep.  But they don't have to do it alone.  They have the other members to support them.  This is why the needed to gather as often as possible.

The priests receive some very powerful promises if they support themselves.  As with the people, much is expected of the priests. 

33  I [Paul] have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
34  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:33-35 (Emphasis mine) 

3  Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

Leviticus 23:3 (Emphasis mine)

And when [Barnabas] had found [Saul], he brought him unto Antioch.  And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.  And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Acts 11:26 (Emphasis mine)

7  And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Acts 20:7 (Emphasis mine)

14  ¶ Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,

Joel 1:14 (Emphasis mine)

20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20 (Emphasis mine)

3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

 John 17:3 (Emphasis mine)

27  And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.
28  And thus they should impart of their substance of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul.
29  And this he said unto them, having been commanded of God; and they did walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants.
30  And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon, 

           yea, by the waters of Mormon, 

           in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon; 

     yea, the place of Mormon, 

           the waters of Mormon, 

           the forest of Mormon, 

     how beautiful are they to the eyes of them

           who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; 

     yea, and how blessed are they, 

           for they shall sing to his praise forever.
31  And these things were done in the borders of the land, that they might not come to the knowledge of the king.

Mosiah 18:27-31 (Emphasis mine)

(Note:  Poetic form in verse 30 taken from The Book of Mormon, A Reader's Guide, Grant Hardy, pgs. 220-221)

The people are charged to support the poor and needy, based on their ability to provide the support.  If a person was wealthy, they were expected to be more generous in their support of the poor; if a person was well-off, but not wealthy, he should give accordingly; someone who had little little is required. And, they should give willingly. 

9  He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Psalms 112:9 (Emphasis mine)

17  He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD

Proverbs 19:17 (Emphasis mine)

1  TAKE heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men.  Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3  But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4  That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:1-4 (Emphasis mine)

35  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee?  or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?  or naked, and clothed thee?
39  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 25:35-40 (Emphasis mine)

10  And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
11  He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Luke 3:10-11 (Emphasis mine)

35  I [Paul] have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:35 (Emphasis mine)

6  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (Emphasis mine)

These teachings of Alma(1) are very reminiscent of the great sermon of King Benjamin.
  

16  ... ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
17  Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—
18  But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.
19  For behold, are we not all beggars?  Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?
20  And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins.  And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain?  Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.
21  And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.
26  And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.

Mosiah 4:16-21, 26 (Emphasis mine)

From the words of both King Benjamin and Alma(1), it is obvious that the Lord has set a very high standard for us to meet when we deal with the poor.

The people of Alma(1) followed his teachings and were a happy and righteous people.  They moved to an area on the borders of the land, hoping to stay away from the King.

As we read verses 29-30, we see that Mormon is very moved by these people.  He was so moved that he waxed poetically in verse 30, praising the righteousness of the people.  I can't help but believe that, as moved as Mormon was, he had to be a little sad.  Here was a people true to the Lord.  He read about them and rejoiced in their faithfulness at the time his civilization was being destroyed by war. 

It's very important for us to remember that the teachings of Alma(1) and the commandments given the people to us today.  We have the same opportunity to become a righteous people, like the followers of Alma(1) were.

Mosiah 18:17-22

17  And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward.  And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church.
18  And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
19  And he commanded them that they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets.

Mosiah 18:17-19 (Emphasis mine)

After the baptism of his followers, we learn that Alma(1) formally called his church the Church of Christ.  This name would continue among the Nephites and the Church.  At the time of Christ's visitation to the Nephites (some 90 years after Alma(1)), baptism continued.  Mormon than recorded that "21  And they who were baptized in the name of Jesus were called the church of Christ." 3 Nephi 26:21.

Why was the Church named after Christ?  We don't have a detailed explanation here, but we see this issue arising again during Christ's visitation.  Robert Millett discusses this issue in detail.

"There is something terribly significant about the name of Christ. I wish I knew all that was going on here. But do you notice the number of times in scripture it says, 'Do this in the name . . .'? Consider that among the earliest things communicated from heaven to earth was a message from an angel to Adam. What did he say? 'Thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore' (Moses 5:8). So, there is this emphasis on the name. You see the Savior trying to answer the question and saying, 'What is it you are to do? You are to do things in my name. So, if you are going to name this church, what are you going to name it?'

"... At this point we could stop and interrupt ourselves and say that all a church needs to be Christ's church is to have his name. But you and I know there is more to it than that, and he's not going to let us get off with just calling it after him. There is something else it must have. He says, 'But if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel' (3 Nephi 27:8). It must be built upon his gospel. 

"... If it is Christ's church, if it is named after him, and if it is built upon his gospel, it will evidence that it is the work of the Father ..." (Emphasis mine)

The Doctrine of the Risen Christ, Part 3, Robert L. Millet, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 27, 2011.

Alma(1) began organizing the Church.  He could do this because of his priesthood authority.  He had been ordained a priest by Noah; Noah had been ordained by his father Limhi.  So, Alma(1) received his authority through those who had authority.

Just a side note about Alma(1) organizing a church.  It appears that this is the first formally organized church among the Nephites.   Daniel Peterson writes: 

"... among the early Nephites, there was no church ... Only with Alma do we encounter a separate 'church' in the true sense of the Greek word ekklesía. (That term, it will be recalled, originally referred, in classical Greece, to an assembly of the citizens called out by a kind of crier. It is related to the verb ekkaléo, "to call forth." The notion of 'separation' is inherent, unavoidable, in it.)

I realize that I am working here on the basis of an argument from silence ... One way of testing it will be by the plausibility, or lack thereof, of my overall position, in which this particular argument has a specific place. But I must say that the lack of references to an early Nephite church—consistent over many pages and the space of many years, but only in a particular portion of the record—seems to me more likely to be indicative of something significant than is the occasional failure, in a book nowhere prone to give biographical details, to mention personal ordinations to the priesthood." (Emphasis mine) 

Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 27, 2011.

But what about King Noah?  Could he ordain priests?  Did he still have priesthood authority?  Remember, Noah was quite a wicked person.

This question can be asked today.  Let's look at a "What if..."  What if your great grandfather was ordained to the office of an Elder.  At the time your grandfather was baptized and confirmed, by your great grandfather, you grandfather was not following all the commandments as he should.  Your great grandfather ordains your grandfather to all priesthood offices, up to an elder.  He was still living a "colorful" life (being a good man at heart, he later repents and becomes an exemplary priesthood holder).

Your grandfather baptizes and confirms your father.  He later ordains him to all priesthood offices, including an elder.  He has always led an excellent life.

Yes, Alma(1) was ordained by one with authority (Noah), in spite of his wickedness.  Daniel Peterson writes: 

"... [Alma(1)] was ordained validly by Noah, who was ordained validly by his father ... The fact that Noah was not righteous and that Alma himself seems to have violated the laws of God during his early ministry has nothing to do with Alma's priesthood authority. Unless and until superior priesthood authority withdraws permission to exercise priestly functions, a legitimately ordained holder of the priesthood may continue to perform valid priesthood ordinances—however unrighteous he may personally be, however dead to spiritual promptings, and however unlikely it may be that he will ever actually exercise his priesthood ..." (Emphasis mine)

Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 27, 2011. 

This response "... [u]nless and until superior priesthood authority withdraws permission to exercise priestly functions, a legitimately ordained holder of the priesthood may continue to perform valid priesthood ordinances ..." explains why ordinances are valid as long as the priesthood holder still has the authority to perform the ordinances.  If this weren't true, things would be very confused, as the situation mentioned above shows.  No one would have any confidence in any ordinances that are performed.  

Alma(1) gives his church a formal organization.  He ordained one priest to serve fifty people.  They were given the charge to preach only the words of the "holy prophets."  (v19).

His charge to his priests continued.

20  Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people.
21  And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.
22  And thus he commanded them to preach.  And thus they became the children of God.

Mosiah 18:20-22 (Emphasis mine)

The priests are to preach repentance a faith on the Lord.  These are the first two principles of the gospel.  Contention has no part among members of the church; they should be one and unified.  They  have one faith and one baptism.  As a unified people, they become the children of God. 

There are scriptures that warn about the consequences of contention. 

12  Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Proverbs 10:12 (Emphasis mine) 

10  Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 (Emphasis mine) 

18  A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 15:18 (Emphasis mine)

6  A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7  A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 18:6-8 (Emphasis mine) 

10  Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Proverbs 22:10 (Emphasis mine) 

21  As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Proverbs 26:21 (Emphasis mine) 

8  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Romans 2:8-9 (Emphasis mine)

14  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

James 3:14-16 (Emphasis mine) 

 

Alma(1)'s leadership is essential while organizing the church.  L. Gary Lambert explains in more detail. 

 

"Alma's leadership included ordaining lay priests—one for every fifty members—whom he instructed to labor for their own support, and to limit their sermons to his teachings and the doctrine 'spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets . . . nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord' (Mosiah 18:19—20). Alma also required that there be faithful observance of the Sabbath, daily expressions of gratitude to God, and no contention, 'having their hearts knit together in unity and in love' (18:21—23). The priests assembled with and taught the people in a worship meeting at least once weekly (18:25). Through generous donations, everyone cared for one another 'according to that which he had' (18:27—28)" (Emphasis mine)

Alma(1), L. Gary Lambert, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 27, 2011.

Mosiah 18:12-16

12  And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he being one of the first, and went and stood forth in the water, and cried, saying: O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart.
13  And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world.
14  And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit.

Mosiah 18:12-14 (Emphasis mine)

After the people indicated their desire to be baptized, Alma(1) took Helam  into the water.   He offered a prayer asking the Lord to pour his spirit upon him as he does this work.  Then, after a baptismal prayer, Alma and Helam were "buried in the water" (v14). 

We don't know anything about Helam nor why he was the first.  The  only other reference to a Helam is the land of Helam.  This land was named by Alma(1)'s group sometime after the baptisms.  Was the land named in honor of Helam?  We don't know.  All we know of Helam is that he was a faithful follower of Alma(1) and was the first baptized.

I've discussed the importance of baptism in a prior post.  Still, it is important to remember that this was and still is an essential ordinance.  Christ was baptized, and as Nephi(1) said:  "...  if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!" (2 Nephi 31:5, emphasis mine).  Here are a few thoughts about the importance of baptism that I would like to share.

Noel Reynolds writes: 

"The Book of Mormon accounts make clear that  ... At the waters of Mormon, Alma includes in the baptismal prayer itself the characterization of baptism 'as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him [the Almighty God] (sic) until you are dead as to the mortal body' (Mosiah 18:13, cf. 18:10) ... In baptizing Helam, Alma includes in the ritual prayer the statement that the covenant witnessed through baptism includes serving God 'until you are dead as to the mortal body' (Mosiah 18:13). Referring back to these events, Alma the Younger affirms that his father's converts had remained 'faithful until the end,' and that consequently 'they were saved' (Alma 5:13)." (Emphasis mine)

The True Points of My Doctrine, Noel B. Reynolds, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 25, 2011. 

Richard Lloyd Anderson writes: 

"In the Book of Mormon, the baptismal contract is best outlined when Alma reestablished the Church near the wilderness waters. He explained baptism as a 'testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him' throughout life (Mosiah 18:13). These inspired doctrines were well known when Jesus later came to the New World." (Emphasis mine)

Religious Validity: The Sacrament Covenant in Third Nephi, Richard Lloyd Anderson, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 25, 2011.

Daniel Peterson writes:

"[Alma1] was ordained validly by Noah, who was ordained validly by his father ... The fact that Noah was not righteous and that Alma himself seems to have violated the laws of God during his early ministry has nothing to do with Alma's priesthood authority. Unless and until superior priesthood authority withdraws permission to exercise priestly functions, a legitimately ordained holder of the priesthood may continue to perform valid priesthood ordinances—however unrighteous he may personally be, however dead to spiritual promptings, and however unlikely it may be that he will ever actually exercise his priesthood  ... Alma, in fact, claimed to have authority from God (Mosiah 18:13), a claim that the later editor implicitly acknowledges as valid (Mosiah 18:18; Alma 5:3) ... It was Alma who ordained priests and teachers for his outcast people, among whom he was in fact the sole human source of authority (Mosiah 18:18; 23:17) ..."

"The baptisms that Alma performed required power and authority from God (Mosiah 18:17) ..."

Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 25, 2011.

15  And again, Alma took another, and went forth a second time into the water, and baptized him according to the first, only he did not bury himself again in the water.
16  And after this manner he did baptize every one that went forth to the place of Mormon; and they were in number about two hundred and four souls; yea, and they were baptized in the waters of Mormon, and were filled with the grace of God.

Mosiah 18:15-16 (Emphasis mine)

 

Alma then went about baptizing all of his followers.  When he was finished, he had baptized 204 people.  This is the amount of people that consisted of his followers.

In the October 2000 session of General Conference, Elder Robert D. Hales talked about the importance of baptism.

". We are reminded from the Book of Mormon that our baptism is a covenant to 'stand as witnesses of God [and His kingdom] at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life' (Mosiah 18:9; emphasis added) ... Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us." (Emphasis mine)

In the April 2007 session of General Conference, Elder David A. Bednar said this about the importance of baptism.

"We begin the process of being born again through exercising faith in Christ, repenting of our sins, and being baptized by immersion for the remission of sins by one having priesthood authority. 'Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life' (Romans 6:4).  And after we come out of the waters of baptism, our souls need to be continuously immersed in and saturated with the truth and the light of the Savior’s gospel. Sporadic and shallow dipping in the doctrine of Christ and partial participation in His restored Church cannot produce the spiritual transformation that enables us to walk in a newness of life. Rather, fidelity to covenants, constancy of commitment, and offering our whole soul unto God are required if we are to receive the blessings of eternity."  (Emphasis mine)

The Book of Mormon contains many great and wonderful truths.  We have this great example set for us by Alma(1) and the members of the church he has organized.  The people made great and powerful commitments when they decided to be baptized.  Much would be expected of them.  This is a great and powerful example for us to follow.  The spirit and faith of these people are powerful and strong.  They offer us a great example we should follow.

For Alma(1), the work was just beginning!

Mosiah 18:7-11

8  And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, 

    as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, 

           and to be called his people, 

    and are willing to bear one another's burdens, 

          that they may be light;
9  Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; 

          yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, 

     and to stand as witnesses of God at all times 

         and in all things, 

         and in all places that ye may be in, 

              even until death, 

     that ye may be redeemed of God, 

              and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, 

     that ye may have eternal life—
10  Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
11  And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.

Mosiah 18:8-11 (Emphasis mine)

(Note - poetic form in verses 8-9 found in The Book of Mormon - A Reader's Edition by Grant Hardy, pg. 219)

 

After Alma(1)'s preaching, he had quite a congregation.  They met at the Waters of Mormon to hear the gospel preached.  In one sermon, Alma(1) challenged them to be baptized.

There are many who believe they have the right to determine who is a true Christian.  (Christ, not man, is the Shepherd.  

11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13  The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:11-15 (Emphasis mine)

27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:27 (Emphasis mine)

Christ knows his sheep; no man has the right say in who is and who isn't a follower of Christ.)

I've asked some of these people to show me anywhere in the Bible where it gives a list of what a Christian could be.  They come up with some examples, but also fall back on extra-Biblical beliefs to support them.  Here, Alma gives us the best set of qualifications to be a follower of Christ.  They are clear, simple, and straightforward.

Here's what Alma(1) tells us is the requirement for baptism.

• Desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people.
• Willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light.
  Willing to mourn with those that mourn.
• Comfort those that stand in need of comfort.
• Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death.

Alma(1) makes clear the requirements to be a believer.  As you can see from this list, more than just a belief in Christ is expected.  As disciples, much is expected of us.

But Alma(1) doesn't leave it there.  He tells us that we will receive great and precious gifts as disciples.

• Ye may be redeemed of God.
• Be numbered with those of the first resurrection.
• Ye may have eternal life.

These are some very powerful promises we are given in return for being baptized and following Christ.  

Then Alma(1) asks, "If this is your desire, then what do you have against being baptized?"  (v11)

The people promptly replied "This is our desire!" (v12).

James Faulconer writes about the importance of baptism in the Book of Mormon.

"Only in the Book of Mormon do we have a clear presentation of the obligations that come to us through the covenant of baptism. Alma says to be baptized is to witness that

ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life. (Mosiah 18:8–9)

"To read the Book of Mormon is to learn that to be baptized and to renew that covenant at the sacrament table is to covenant that we will imitate Christ in bearing the burdens of and comforting our brothers and sisters and in being witnesses of God—which are probably two ways of saying the same thing: On the one hand, to bear the burdens of others and comfort them is to imitate, though in a very small way, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ; so it is to bear witness of God. On the other hand, It is to comfort in the sense suggested by the Latin roots of that word: 'to strengthen.' That both giving comfort and bearing witness are required of those who enter the covenant of baptism can be inferred from the New Testament, but only the Book of Mormon makes them explicit." (Emphasis mine)

With Real Intent, James E. Faulconer, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 20, 2011.  

John Welch discusses the background of the teaching and practices of the Nephites.  Here's what he specifically says of baptism. 

"Most of the Book of Mormon is about a group of Israelites who were guided by prophets, had the doctrines and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but lived the law of Moses until the coming of Christ ... Many details about the religious teachings and practices of these people are found in the Book of Mormon.

"During the centuries before Christ, Nephite prophets had taught the fullness of the gospel and prepared the people for the coming of Jesus Christ ... some [of these teachings] can be traced back into ancient Israel; others were introduced at various times through inspiration or revelation:

"... 2.  Covenantal baptisms were performed from the beginning of the record, notably by Alma(1) at the waters of Mormon (Mosiah 18). His baptismal prayer sought sanctification of the heart as the covenantor promised to serve God 'even until death' so that he or she might be granted eternal life through the redemption of Christ (Mosiah 18:12—13). Alma(1)'s group remained intact even after they took up residence among other Nephites, and those Nephites who submitted to baptism 'after the manner he [had baptized] (sic) his brethren in the waters of Mormon' belonged to this church (Mosiah 25:18)." (Emphasis mine)

Religious Teachings and Practices in the Book of Mormon. John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 22, 2011.

So, through revelation, the principle of baptism was practiced among the Nephites.

As to the tradition of baptism, Hugh Nibley writes about an ancient practice practiced by the Arabs today.

"Their records are full. They keep their records on lead plates, because lead plates are preserved in the water. The water won't destroy them. The Mandaeans at the mouth of the Euphrates and the Tigris down there are the marsh Arabs today. They have a great thing about lots of baptizing and purification. They have the same garments we do, etc. They go through all that, and they have these records there. They say they came originally from the Jordan, and their baptisms are continued from the Jordan there. That goes back to the time of Christ. So you find these people all over the place, and this is the pattern that's being followed in the Book of Mormon. It's a very old one. You can parallel it many places. And it's in such detail. It's so interesting the way it comes out in the case of Alma, because he had been tipped off. Abinadi knew the record and all this sort of thing." (Emphasis mine)

Lecture 36: Mosiah 16-18, Hugh W. Nibley, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 22, 2011.

16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Mark 16:16 (Emphasis mine)

37  ¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:37-38 (Emphasis mine)

37  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.  And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 8:37-39 (Emphasis mine)

2  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?  And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized?  And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:2-5 (Emphasis mine)

And so we learn about the importance of baptism and the qualifications of someone to be baptised. 

Mosiah 18:1-6

 Chapter 18

Alma preaches in private—He sets forth the covenant of baptism and baptizes at the waters of Mormon—He organizes the Church of Christ and ordains priests—They support themselves and teach the people—Alma and his people flee from King Noah into the wilderness. About 147–145 B.C.

1  AND now, it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants of king Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi—
2  Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.
3  And as many as would hear his word he did teach.  And he taught them privately, that it might not come to the knowledge of the king.  And many did believe his words.

Mosiah 18:1-3 (Emphasis mine)

Abinadi has died.  He taught the word of the Lord to the people, ignoring the consequences.  Mormon records that Abinadi failed at bringing the people to repentance and following the proper gospel.  There is only one recorded convert - Alma(1), the former priest of King Noah; but, oh what a convert he was.  As we will learn, through Alma(1)'s faithfulness, many people are brought to the truth.  The seed was planted and grew.  Alma would continue to plant seeds and they would grow; his converts would continue planting seeds and they would grow; and so.  

Who was Alma(1)?  What do we know of him?  L. Gary Lambert wrote about Alma.

"Alma(1) (c. 174—92 B.C.) was the first of two Almas in the Book of Mormon. He was a descendant of Nephi(1), son of Lehi, and was the young priest in the court of king Noah who attempted a peaceful release of the prophet Abinadi. For that action, Alma incurred royal vengeance, banishment, and threats upon his life. He had been impressed by Abinadi's accusations of immorality and abuses within the government and society and by his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mosiah 17:2). Subsequently forced underground, Alma wrote out Abinadi's teachings, then shared them with others, attracting sufficient adherents—450—to organize a society of believers, or a church." (Emphasis mine)

Alma(1), L. Gary Lambert, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 20, 2011.

Hugh Nibley wrote about what he taught (see verse 2). 

"Now what happened? Alma fled from the servants of King Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and then went about privately among the people and began to teach ... And this is what he taught—the absolute basics of the gospel. These are the big questions, these are the essentials. Without them you have no gospel; with them, you have everything. The first is resurrection of the dead. Is there any more [after this life] (sic)? That's a terrible question, you see. Is this all there is? The answer is no, as we saw the last time. There's much more, and it's the resurrection of the dead. The second is that you're not only resurrected to make life possible but to make it endurable and enjoyable. I don't want to live forever, if I've got to suffer forever. No that's not it, but to make life desirable for eternal life—to make it possible and then to make it desirable. And that's the same thing. Redemption of the people. That is atonement, bringing them back to the presence of God, and that happens through power. Things are done through power. It's a physical, real thing that happens. The suffering and death of Christ and his resurrection and ascension—now that's the atonement. What he's preaching here is resurrection, redemption, atonement, buying back again, bringing together again where you were. Notice all these words that begin with re. That means again. A re-surrection means 'a rising up again.' That means you were in the flesh before. Of course we're here now, and then we will rise up again. But then after, it is the redemption. You are bought back again. You came down here, you suffered the Fall, you committed all these sins, etc. Then you're freed. Emptio is 'to buy something,' and redemption is 'to buy somebody back again who was with you before.' See, you were in the presence of the Lord before; now he's buying you back into his service again after you've been out of it for a while. You've been serving the devil. That's what he [Alma] (sic) preached." (Emphasis mine)

Lecture 36: Mosiah 16-18, Hugh W. Nibley, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 20, 2011. 

As he secretly taught the words of Abinadi, his church began to grow. 

4  And it came to pass that as many as did believe him did go forth to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name from the king, being in the borders of the land having been infested, by times or at seasons, by wild beasts.
5  Now, there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket of small trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king.
6  And it came to pass that as many as believed him went thither to hear his words.

Mosiah 18:4-6 (Emphasis mine)

Alma hid at a place that will be known as the Waters of Mormon.  It is hear the his followers come to hear his preaching. 

Hugh Nibley

"Alma's hideout at the waters of Mormon was in open country, as we have seen: 'a fountain of pure water, . . . a thicket of small trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime, and where he baptized 'in the forest that was near the waters' (Mosiah 18:5, 30). Streams in arid countries, as we all know, are usually bordered by extensive 'thickets of small trees,' like willows or mesquite, that provide excellent concealment." (Emphasis mine)

The Nature of Book of Mormon Society, Hugh W. Nibley, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 20, 2011.

Gordon Thomasson discussed the etymology of the word Mormon.

"Names can have multiple meanings and functions. The Greek "pre-historic" word Mormo (which is to say it is a loan word into Greek, probably from some other Mediterranean culture) refers to the sound made by wild animals, a growl or a murmur, and is an example of onomatopoeia. If the place name Mormon has the same root as Mormo, it is quite appropriately used, based upon this etymology, to refer to the wilderness area where Alma's young Church began, a place characterized by the text as being 'infested, by times, or at seasons, by wild beasts' (Mosiah 18:4). The word Mormon almost immediately took on other associations, however, linked with the covenants entered into by the members of the new Church. It may also have good Egyptian meanings, including associations with wild animals and even with the concept of 'more good.' "(Emphasis mine)

What's in a Name? Book of Mormon Language, Names, and [Metonymic] Naming, Gordon C. Thomasson, Maxwell Institute, accessed July 20, 2011.

Mosiah 17:14-20

14  And now when the flames began to scorch him, he cried unto them, saying:
15  Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do suffer, even the pains of death by fire; and this because they believe in the salvation of the Lord their God.
16  And it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted with all manner of diseases because of your iniquities.
17  Yea, and ye shall be smitten on every hand, 

           and shall be driven and scattered to and fro, 

           even as a wild flock is driven by wild and ferocious beasts.
18  And in that day ye shall be hunted, 

           and ye shall be taken by the hand of your enemies, 

      and then ye shall suffer, as I suffer, 

           the pains of death by fire.
19  Thus God executeth vengeance upon those that destroy his people.  O God, receive my soul.
20  And now, *when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death.

Mosiah 17:14-20 (Emphasis mine)

*About 148 B.C.

Poetic form in verses 17-18 from The Book of Mormon - A Reader's Edition, Grant Hardy, pgs. 217-218.

As Abinadi is dying, he reminds them one last time the consequences of what is happening.  He says that:

• Their seed shall cause death by fire for other believers.
• They will suffer all manner of disease.
• They will be taken by their enemies.
• They will suffer the pains of death by fire (King Noah specifically).

And with these last reminders, Abinadi dies the death of a martyr.

Robert Matthews wrote about Abinadi's death.

"We usually envision Abinadi being burned at the stake. That may be true. But the scripture does not say he was burned at the stake; what it says is that he 'suffered death by fire.' Mosiah 17:13 says that his executioners 'took him and bound him, and scourged his skin with faggots, yea, even unto death.'

"Several words in the foregoing sentence should be noted. The first is that they bound him. That seems self-explanatory. The second is that they scourged him. To scourge means to whip or flail or beat. The third term is faggots. A faggot is a bundle of sticks or twigs, tied together and used for fuel.

"We can imagine Abinadi being bound. As the 'flames began to scorch him' (Mosiah 17:14), his fiendish executioners, probably the priests, gathered about him, possibly shouting, exulting, and gloating over what they are doing. And during it all, Abinadi is pronouncing prophecies of God’s vengeance upon them. Then, says the record, he falls, 'having suffered death by fire,' having 'sealed the truth of his words by his death.' (Mosiah 17:20.)" (Emphasis mine) 

Abinadi: Prophet and Marty, Robert J. Matthews, Ensign, April 1992. 

Hebrews emphasizes the importance of Abinadi's sacrifice.

16  For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17  For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Hebrews 9:16-17 (Emphasis mine)

What legacy was left by Abinadi? 

"Abinadi was remembered by the Nephites in at least three roles:

1. To Alma, his main convert, Abinadi was a prophet of Christ. Alma taught Abinadi's words concerning the death and resurrection of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the redemption of God's people (Mosiah 18:1—2), and the mighty change of heart through their conversion (Alma 5:12). Through Alma's descendants, Abinadi influenced the Nephites for centuries.
2. To Ammon, who beheld the martyrdom of 1,005 of his own converts (Alma 24:22), Abinadi was recalled as the prime martyr 'because of his belief in God' (Alma 25:11; cf. Mosiah 17:20; see also Mosiah 7:26—28). This was recognized as the real reason for Abinadi's death, since the priests' charge of reviling proved to be a false pretext.
3. To Mormon, who witnessed the decadence and destruction of the Nephites 500 years later, Abinadi was remembered for prophesying that because of wickedness evil would come upon the land and that the wicked would be utterly destroyed (Morm. 1:19; cf. Mosiah 12:7—8."  (Emphasis Mine)

Abinadi, Lew W. Cramer, Maxwell Institute, Accessed July 18, 2011.

What do we really know about Abinadi?  Most members picture Abinadi from the famous Arnold Friberg painting of Abinadi before King Noah.

We know little about Abinadi.  Robert J. Matthews wrote:

"We know nothing of Abinadi’s early life. Arnold Friberg has given us an outstanding painting that depicts the Abinadi we read about as an old man, thin and weather-beaten. It may have been so. But we find nothing in the record to indicate whether he was old or young, large or small. What we do find in his teachings and in his manner when confronting the priests of Noah—baiting them, challenging their knowledge, questioning their behavior—is a man of courage with an agile mind, a profound knowledge of the gospel, and a strong personality." (Emphasis mine) 

Abinadi: Prophet and Marty, Robert J. Matthews, Ensign, April 1992.

Abinadi's concern.  His concern was his message from the Lord.  Nothing would stop him from presenting it.  Even when given the choice of living (recanting his words) or dying (standing by his words), he did not hesitate.  He even went so far as to say it didn't matter.  What mattered was the Lord's will.  What courage and faith!

Robert Matthews lists the major teachings of Abinadi.  I close this post with that list, with my eternal gratitude to Abinadi for having the courage and conviction to complete his mission.  He will stand as an example through the eternities. 

"The law of Moses. Abinadi characterizes the law of Moses as 'a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.' (Mosiah 13:30.) He further said that the things of the law were 'types of things to come' and that the day would come when it would no longer be necessary to obey the law of Moses. He also said that the ancient people 'did not all understand the law' and did not comprehend that the law would be unable to save anyone without the 'atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people.' (Mosiah 13:28, 31, 32.)

"It is not only ancient Israel that has misunderstood the law. There is a great deal of misunderstanding today about what the law was and why it was given. This misunderstanding is found among both Christian and Jewish denominations. It is found even among teachers in the Church. Abinadi’s concise, summarylike statements about the purpose and place of the law are very enlightening in clearing up this confusion.

"The Atonement. A second major point of Abinadi’s teachings is that 'God himself' would make the atonement that will redeem mankind. Abinadi leaves no doubt in his teaching that the God of Israel himself will be the Redeemer who will come to earth as the Son of God. He is not the first in the Book of Mormon to teach this doctrine (see 2 Ne. 9:5; 2 Ne. 10:3; Mosiah 3:5–10), but he gives the topic such intensive and extensive coverage that a reader who had not picked up the concept earlier could scarcely miss it in the teachings of Abinadi.

 

"The Resurrection. A third major contribution Abinadi makes is his clarification about the doctrine of resurrection. Earlier prophets probably knew the details of the resurrection, but in our present Book of Mormon record, Abinadi is the first to speak specifically of the first resurrection and to discuss the general resurrection in detail. His discourse begins in Mosiah 15:20 and extends through Mosiah 16:11.

"Abinadi was an energetic witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and a fierce terror to evildoers. There is a significant lesson to be learned here. If he had not been so blunt, the people might not have thought he meant what he said; nor would they have thought that what he said was important. His testimony, given with fervor and energy, no doubt helped Alma have the strength to repent.

"Abinadi was exactly what the Lord needed. He was the right man for the right situation. As a result, his ministry not only influenced the second half of the Nephite history but has influenced millions in this dispensation who have read the Book of Mormon. It will yet influence billions more." (Emphasis mine) 

Abinadi: Prophet and Marty, Robert J. Matthews, Ensign, April 1992.