Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, VER. 1-9
Book of Mormon Commentary
Moroni Chapter 6
Moroni 6:3 And none were received unto baptism, save they took upon them the name of Christ,
having a determination to serve him to the end.
Moroni mentions that the elders, priests, and teachers were baptized only after they had
demonstrated that they were ready or worthy to enter into the covenant of a new or changed life.
They were to witness their worthiness by coming "forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit,"
and witness unto the church that they had truly repented of all their sins (2). There were no
allowances for a reservation of secret sins or for a trial run. They must be determined to give their
whole lives to the service of Christ (3). (See Mn. 4:95.)
Two results of baptism were evidenced: (1) They "were wrought upon and cleansed by the power
of the Holy Ghost," and (2) "were numbered among the people of the church of Christ" (4).
Moroni 6:6 And the church did met together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another
concerning the welfare of their souls: and they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in
remembrance of the Lord Jesus;
This quality of life should produce a righteous, prosperous, and happy people in any age, and
throughout a lifetime. Too many Saints get "weary in well-doing." Support and safety lie in
frequent fellowship with the Christ's children. Fasting is neither easy nor pleasant, but it is one
way of keeping our bodies under control of the Spirit of God. Our conversation should dwell
continually on the things having to do with the welfare of our souls. They "did meet together oft to
partake of bread and wine." How frequently this sacrament was observed is not told. The Lord
spoke to the church in A.D. 1887 and said, "Whether it be upon the first Lord's day of every
month, or upon the Lord's day of every week . . . with sincerity of heart and in purity of purpose in
remembrance of Jesus Christ . . . it is acceptable to God" (D. and C. 119:5 b).
"They were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them" (7). Those who were
condemned by three witnesses, who did not confess and repent, were no longer numbered among
the people of Christ. However, sincere repentance, with real intent, should be forgiven times
without limit (8).
Moroni is here relating some of the conditions which produced the ideal community known by us
as "the Golden Age of the Nephites," following Christ's visits here in America.
"And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, .
. . whether to preach or exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done" (9).
Herein lies the secret of their success. Similar instruction has been given to the latter-day church:
"The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the
commandments and revelations of God" (D. and C. 17:9). No one can claim to be so led if what he
says or does is not in harmony with the laws and revelations of God. "To the law and to the
testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa.
8:20). This is "the consistency test" to be applied to all our teachings and doings.