Alma & Alma – from People of God to Church of Christ

Alma led a group of 200 “apostates” (according to King Noah’s corrupted quorum of Twelve) into the wilderness to teach them of Christ and baptize them by water into the preparatory gospel. Alma later received his calling as a true High Priest and led a new dispensation of the Church of Christ (a terrestrial order), which included the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.

Study guide

click links below to read the scriptures while listening. Use the arrow △ to return to the top or read along with the transcript

1. Mosiah 18:17-20 – Baptized by power & authority of Aaronic priesthood w/ gospel of repentance & faith
2. 3 Nephi 7:21,25 – Nephi teaches repentance & remission of sin, while baptizing by water only
3. D&C 84:26-27 – Preparatory gospel is that of repentance & remission of sin
4. Mosiah 25:15-24 – Taught repentance & faith (same baptism as Alma, people of God); Lord’s spirit poured out (prior to baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost)
5. Mosiah 25:19 – Alma ordained to Apostolic order of Melchizedek priesthood?
6. 3 Nephi 7:21 – Visited by power & spirit of God in Jesus Christ (before baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost)
7. Mosiah 26:12-18 – Heavens opened by Faith. People ascend from preparatory gospel & willing to bear Christ’s name to having Christ extend his name to them and they become his, his sons and daughter. Now Church to be called in his name (terrestrial order)
8. Mosiah 26:20 – Alma sealed to the Apostolic order of Melchizedek priesthood?
9. Mosiah 26:21-24 – Terrestrial Church of Christ
10. 3 Nephi 9:17,20 – New & everlasting covenant which marks the terrestrial order
11. Mosiah 5:5,7-15 -Baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost, the name of Christ, children of Christ
12. D&C 84:19-21,23 – Higher Priesthood, ordinances key of knowledge of God, power of Godliness
13. Mosiah 27:23-31 – Heavens now open, Alma the Younger receives the baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost
14. Mosiah 28:7 – Eternal life comes because of the path they choose after baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost
15. Mosiah 27:32-37 – Alma the Younger becomes a preacher of the gospel after baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost
16. Mosiah 28:1-8 – The sons of Mosiah preach to the Lamanites
17. Helaman 5:40-52 – 300 Lamanites became missionaries after baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost

Transcript

Again tonight, we’re covering fundamentals in the doctrine of Christ and specifically, looking, through the experiences of Alma and his son, Alma the younger.

Alma Restores the Preparatory Gospel

In Mosiah 18 verses 17 – 20: “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 and it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests, even one priest to every 50 of their number did he ordain to preach unto them and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And he commanded that they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, which had been spoken by the mouth of the Holy prophets. Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were, repentance and faith on the Lord who had redeemed his people.”

Now, it’s my contention that originally at the Waters of Mormon, what Alma restored was the preparatory gospel or the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, and that the baptismal prayer that we have in Mosiah 18:13, the reason that isn’t the same to 3 Nephi 11 is because it’s a different order of the gospel, the preparatory order. Now, Alma having been ordained to the Aaronic priesthood (by the wicked priests of King Noah) had authority in the Aaronic priesthood because the Aaronic priesthood is durable and it survives apostasy. But it wasn’t until he left the court of wicked King Noah and he repented that he actually received power in that priesthood. And, from beginning at that point, he had preached the words of Abinadi. 

As a cross reference, let’s go to 3 Nephi 7. Now, notice in Mosiah 18 that, those who were baptized by Alma had the Holy Spirit upon them and Alma preached the gospel of repentance and faith. And if we go to 3 Nephi 7, we also see that those to whom Nephi before the coming of Christ minister and taught the gospel to in verse 21, it says: “and he came to pass the 30 and first year did pass away. And there were but few who were converted under the Lord, but as many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been visited by the power and spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ in whom they believed…” (and going to the next page over) “…therefore, there were ordained of Nephi, men onto this ministry that all such who should come unto them should be baptized with water. And this is a witness and a testimony before God, and unto the people that they had repented and received the remission of their sins.” And at the end of verse 23: “and he did preach unto them repentance and remission of sins.” Well, this teaching of repentance and remission of sins is part of the preparatory gospel or dispensation of the gospel of Abraham and is presided over by the Aaronic priesthood. 

If we go to D&C 84:26 and the first part of 27: “and the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel, which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism and of the remission of sins.” So, in the telestial preparatory gospel, the classic doctrine of Christ, the new and everlasting covenant of a broken heart and, contrite spirit, baptism of fire baptism of the Holy ghost, and Second Comforter, those aren’t the doctrines that are preached. In fact, these doctrines are referred to as “keys of knowledge of God” and “the power of godliness” and even “the mysteries of godliness.”  But again, in 3 Nephi 7,  Nephi taught “repentance and remission of sin.” In D&C 84, when the fullness of the gospel and the fulness of the priesthood was taken from the children of Israel, they were left with the preparatory gospel, which was the gospel of repentance and remission of sins.

Alma Baptizes Into Preparatory Gospel at Mormon

Now, in Mosiah 25:18-24- “therefore Alma did go forth into the water and did baptize them, yea, he did baptize them after the manner he did his brethren in the waters of Mormon. Yea, as many as he did baptize did  belong to the church of God and this because of their belief on the words of Alma.” So as Alma is baptizing the Nephites (which includes the Mulekites, and Limhi and all his people) he is baptizing under the authority of the Aaronic priesthood administering the exact same baptism that he did to the people who listened to him from the city of Noah and that he baptized at the waters of Mormon. In verse 19 “and it came to pass that King Mosiah granted unto Alma that he might establish churches throughout all the land of Zarahemla, and gave them power to ordain priests and teachers over every church. Now, this was done because there were so many people that could not all be governed by one teacher. Neither could they all hear the word of God in one assembly. Therefore, they did assemble of themselves together in different bodies being called churches, every church, having their priests and their teachers and every priest preaching the word according as it was delivered to him by the mouth of Alma.“

So, something to make note of up until this point- Alma is teaching the words of Abinadi, and the priests who are called to teach the people are teaching the words of Alma. Notice that they are not receiving revelation by doctrine, by the Holy Ghost, in the preparatory gospel. They are preaching the words of one who was sent by God to call people to repentance. 

Verse 22: “and thus not withstanding there being many churches, they were all one church. And even the church of God for there was nothing preached in all the churches, except it were repentance and faith in God.” Again, we’re not teaching “the key of the knowledge of God” and we’re not teaching “the power of godliness” or “the mysteries of godliness.” We are teaching repentance and faith in God, which are the tenets, which are taught in the preparatory gospel.

“And now there were seven churches in the land of Zarahemla, and it came to pass that whosoever was desirous to take upon them the name of Christ or God they did join the churches of God.” Now this is another important distinction because in the church of Christ, when one receives the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, Christ actually extends his name to that individual. And they then become the sons and daughters of God. In the preparatory gospel and even in the terrestrial church of Christ, up until the reception of the baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost, all that can be done is covenant that we are willing to take upon us the name of Christ, because it isn’t actually extended until the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost.

The People of God & the Preparatory Gospel

And so again, we have this distinction that Alma is baptizing into the preparatory gospel, because the people,  aren’t receiving the name of Christ at that time. Neither is it being extended to them, but they make a covenant. Just like we do at baptism into the LDS church. And when we partake of the sacrament that we are willing to take Christ’s name upon us. And verse 24, “and they were called the people of God and the Lord did pour out his spirit upon them and they were blessed and prospered in the land.” Now, in the preparatory gospel and leading up to the baptism of fire Baptism of the Holy Ghost and when the heavens are closed, God still pours out his spirit upon his people and upon individuals who repent and onto him. But the pouring out of this spirit is eluded to in 2 Nephi 32, and it’s part of the process of coming unto the gate and receiving the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost. 

Again, at the end in verse 19, 2 Nephi 31 “and now my beloved brethren, after you have gotten into the straight and narrow path, I would ask if all is done behold I say unto you nay, for you have not come thus far, save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying, wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.”

People of God & Children of God = Not the Same

So the second half of verse 19 is the process that is required. To receive the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, and this is the process of what we read in verse 24 of Mosiah, 25, when it says, “and they were called the people of God and the Lord had pour out his spirit upon them and they were blessed and prospered in the land.” Now another distinction, which is fairly subtle is that they were the people of God and becoming the people of God is preparatory to becoming the children of God. If we go to Mosiah 5:5. And here is a distinction between being the people of God and being the children of God. Verse 5: “and we were willing to enter into a covenant with our God, to do his will and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves the never ending torment as has been spoken by the angel that we may not drink the cup of the wrath of God.”

So, part of what it means to offer up a broken heart and contrite spirit to receive the baptism of fire baptism of the holy ghost is a willingness to covenant with God to do his will and be obedient to his commandments in all things all the remainder of our lives. And then in verse 7: “and now because of the covenant, which you have made, ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons and his daughters were behold this day, he hath spiritually begotten you, for you say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name. Therefore you’re born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.”

From Preparatory Gospel to Church of Christ

In Mosiah 4-5, we have the Church of Christ to the terrestrial order. King Benjamin is visited by an angel, and it is my suspicion that the angel who visited King Benjamin also ordained him to the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood, and we had the opening of a new dispensation. And with the opening of this new dispensation, it was now possible for the people to enter into the new covenant and receive the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, and we’re going to see a similar pattern with Alma as he transitions from the preparatory gospel to the terrestrial church of Christ.

Now in Mosiah 26, we have the restoration of the Melchizedek priesthood or the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood to Alma, and we have the opening of a new dispensation again, where the church of Christ is restored as the Apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood is again restored. And in Mosiah 26:12-18, “But King Mosiah said unto Alma, behold, I judged them not, therefore I delivered them unto thy hands to be judged.  And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled and he went and inquired of the Lord, what he should do concerning this matter for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.” And may I point out that what we have described here is Alma beginning to exercise faith, so he is seeking after revelation.

And then in verse 14: “and it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to the God, the voice of the Lord came unto him saying…” (so seeking after revelation, and now he’s receiving revelation) “blessed art thou, Alma and blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of Mormon thou art blessed because of thy exceeding faith in the words alone of my servant Abinadi.”

So again, up until this point Alma has been preaching the words of Abinadi and those priests that he has ordained to teach the people are teaching the words that Alma is quoting from Abinadi. “And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the words alone, which thou has spoken unto them and blessed art thou because now has established a church among this people and they shall be established, and they shall be my people.” So now, we see the transition. Alma is being assured that what he has done has been correct, and it was the right thing to do to baptize people into the preparatory gospel and to establish the preparatory church. But now God is going to accept these people as his sons and as his daughters and restore the terrestrial Church of Christ, just as King Benjamin did.

“And blessed art thou, because thou hast established a church among this people and they shall be established and they shall be my people.” Now, this also is an important point: those who are called of God to preach this gospel, it’s not that everything is given to them at first on a silver platter. There is a portion of the word that is given to them, and based on their heed and diligence to the portion of the word, which is given to them, when they prove themselves true and faithful, then they receive more. And it’s a continual process of proving true and faithful and receiving more.

Verse 18: “yea blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name…” (see they have already entered into a covenant that they are willing to bear the name of Christ, and now Christ through the baptism of fire baptism of the Holy Ghost is actually going to extend his name to them) “and because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed.”

Seeking & Obeying Revelation is the Catalyst

So, just like Joseph Smith, usually when he would receive revelation, it was because of a question that he had taken to the Lord. And it was the very act of taking questions to the Lord that literally opened the windows of revelation. And Joseph Smith usually received much more than his original question would entail. And so was it with Alma as he went to the Lord to inquire [paraphrased]: “well, we have these transgressors among the members of the church. We have witnesses against them, King Mosiah doesn’t want to judge them and he’s turned them over to me, but I don’t want to do so in error or unrighteously. I don’t have any direction or commandments to do this. So heavenly father, is it proper for me to do this? And what would they’ll have me do?” Because he asked those questions, not only is he about to receive the answer to that question, but he is about to receive the restoration of the terrestrial order of the gospel, and be ordained to the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood.

Now verses 20-24: “thou art, my servant and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shall gather together my sheep. And he that will hear my voice shall be in my sheep. And him, shall you receive into the church and him will I receive also.” So we’ve had a transition from Alma teaching the words of  Abinadi and the priests teaching his words, which were the words of Abinadi. And now, Alma is going to start preaching the words that Christ will give him through revelation.

Verse 22: “for behold, this is my church, whosoever is baptized shall be baptized unto repentance and whomsoever, you receive shall believe in my name and him will I freely forgive.” So both baptism into the preparatory gospel and baptism into the terrestrial church of Christ by water are both baptisms unto repentance, but at different levels.

Verse 23: “for it is I that take it upon me. The sins of the world for it is I that have created them. And it is I that granted unto him that believeth until the end of place at my right hand for behold in my name are they called. And if they know me, they shall come forth and shall have a place eternally at my right hand.” Again, we have the allusion to those who come unto Christ, through now being able to receive the baptism of fire baptism of the Holy Ghost and Christ extending his name to them, and then taking upon them, the name of Christ. They come to know him in a way that was never possible before. And once they had taken upon them Christ’s name, if they would remain true and faithful, then they shall “have a place eternally at my right hand.”

Now, let’s cross reference 3 Nephi 9: 17-20, “And as many as have received me to them, have I given to become the sons of God and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name for behold by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled. And you shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a  broken heart and contrite spirit, and who shall cometh unto me with a broken heart and contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost.”

So again, in third Nephi we have the announcement of the new covenant, and this is preceding the restoration of the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood. Whereby Nephi and the rest of the 12 disciples are going to be able to go forward and to baptize with water into the terrestrial order. Before this, they had been baptizing with water, into the preparatory gospel, and this time they also have the power and authority to baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost. And right before this restoration Christ is announcing the doctrine that pertains to this restoration.

The Terrestrial Order of the Gospel

Now, if we go to D&C 84:19-21: “and this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest and without the ordinances thereof and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness does not manifest unto men in the flesh.” So, what is this talking about? The power of godliness manifest unto men in the flesh? Well, let’s unpack these verses. “And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel.” So how does this greater priesthood administereth the gospel? Well, it has the power to perform the ordinance of baptism by water into the terrestrial order and the ordinance of baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost.

That is the terrestrial order of the gospel. Those are the primary ordinances of the terrestrial of the gospel or the church of Christ. “And holdeth the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.” Now this stands in sharp distinction to, in the preparatory gospel we’re commanded to teach nothing but repentance and remission of sins and also faith. In the terrestrial order of the gospel, it’s assumed that we have already been taught the principles of repentance and remission of sins and faith, and we continue doing those things (and those aspects are part of the terrestrial order of the gospel), but so are the mysteries of the kingdom, even “the key of knowledge of God.”

The Key to the Knowledge of God

Well, what are these mysteries of the kingdom, the key of the knowledge of God? Well, the new covenant of offering up a broken heart and contrite spirit is a key to unlocking the mysteries of the kingdom. Even the key to the knowledge of God for when one receives the baptism of fire baptism of the Holy ghost one now has access to that revelation, which is what is called in verse 19, “the key of the knowledge of God” or the key of how we are to part the veil ascend to the seventh heaven and come into Christ’s presence and a fullness of his glory and to be taught directly by him. Now, that’s not part of the preparatory gospel and certainly one of the reasons that we never hear about it in the LDS church. 

“Therefore in the ordinances there of the power of godliness is manifest.” So the power of godliness in this context is the reception of the baptism of fire baptism of the Holy ghost being born again and becoming sons and daughters of Christ becoming a son and daughter of Christ is experiencing the power of godliness.

Verse 21: “and without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh.” Or in other words, then without the authority and power of the Apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood and without proper knowledge of the ordinance of baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, and the direction by the Holy Ghost about when to perform this ordinance, “the power of godliness…” (or the ordinance of baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost) “…is not manifest unto men in the flesh.” And so, this is why that before the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood is restored to Alma, there’s no mention of the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, being born again as sons and daughters of Christ from the time that King Benjamin finishes his address until directly after the fullness of the gospel is restored to Alma.

Baptism of Fire & the Holy Ghost Returns

And now for the first time, since King Benjamin’s address in the book of Mormon, now that the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood has been restored to Alma and the terrestrial order is again, restored to Alma, the very next chapter is an account of a man receiving the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Now, also in D&C 84: “now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God.” For Moses held the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood and the patriarchal order of the Melchizedek priesthood. He was able to perform the ordinance of baptism by water, into the  terrestrial order and the ordinance of baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost. For this is the very sanctification that Moses sought diligently for his people, that they might be prepared to enter into the rest of the Lord, which rest is the fullness of his glory. But when the children of Israel reject their opportunity to become sons and daughters of God through the new covenant. God takes this priesthood away. Not from Moses, but from those who were members of the church of Christ and who had been given authority in the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood, who did not fulfill all of the commissions that God had given unto them. The exact same as with the saints under Joseph Smith in mid-1834, when God took the Melchizedek priesthood from the saints, it wasn’t taken from Joseph Smith and it wasn’t taken from those who are true and faithful in the Holy order of God or church of the firstborn. But, it was taken from all else. So 99.8% of those who had received the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood it was taken from them and the exact same way with the children of Israel under Moses.

Now, if we go to Mosiah 27 and let’s start in verse 23: “and it came to pass that after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort.” So, although not the first baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost that occurred after the restoration of the terrestrial order, the gospel or church of Christ to Alma, but the first record of a baptism of fire baptism of the Holy ghost happening,was to the son of Alma (Alma the Younger), one who had gone about working to destroy the Church of Christ.

Verse 24: “for said, yea, I have repented of my sins. And I have been redeemed of the Lord behold. I am born of the spirit. The Lord said unto me marvel not that all mankind yea, men and women and all nations kindreds tongues of people must be born again. Yea born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state to a state of righteousness being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and his daughters. And thus, they became new creatures and unless they do this, they can in no wise inherit the kingdom of God.” So, it is required of every man and every woman who would enter the path of ascension and ultimately become as father and mother are. To receive the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, at which time they were born again as sons and daughters of Christ. There are no shortcuts.

Verse 27: “I say unto you unless this be the case, they must be cast off. And this I know because I was about to be cast off. Nevertheless after waiting through much tribulation repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy has seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning. And I am born of God. My soul have been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss, but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment, but I am snatched and my soul is pained no more. I rejected my Redeemer and denied that, which had been spoken of by our fathers. But now that they may foresee that he will come and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all. Yea and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess before him. Yea even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged, of, him. Then shall they confess that he is God. Then shall they confess who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them. And they shall quake and tremble and shrink beneath the glance of his all searching eye. And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the people and those who were with Alma at the time, the angel appeared unto them traveling round about to all the land publishing to all the people, the things which they had heard and seen and preaching the word of God in much tribulation being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers being smitten by many of them.”

Fruits of Being Born Again

And we see another pattern in Alma the Younger of those who’ve received the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost in that they are filled with a desire to go forward and share exactly what they’ve received.  Now we’ll see this pattern again in Helaman chapter 5. When we have the account of the 300 who were at the prison with Nephi and Lehi at the time when Nephi and Lehi were miraculously saved by pillars of fire, from the guards coming to slay them. And the midst of darkness, encompassed about the 300 who were there and they were overcome by fear and they were paralyzed. And it wasn’t until they cried out unto Jesus Christ that they were delivered.

Verse 40, in Helaman 5: “And it came to pass the Lamanites said unto him, what shall we do that this cloud of darkness, may be removed from overshadowing us and Aminadab said unto to them, ye must repent and cry unto the voice, even until you shall have faith in Christ who was taught unto you by Alma and Amulek and Zeezrom. When you shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you.” So the whole point of the preparatory gospel of preaching repentance and having faith in Christ is all designed that when the heavens are open to bring people unto a broken heart and contrite spirit, that they may receive the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost that they may be instructed, then about the mysteries of godliness, about how to enter Christ’s presence in the fullness of his glory.

Verse 42: “and it came to pass that after they did begin to cry out onto the voice of him who had shaken the earth, yea they did cry even until the cloud of darkness was dispersed and it came to pass that when they cast their eyes roundabout and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them behold, they saw that they were encircled about yea every soul by a pillar of fire. And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them. Yea, they were encircled about. Yea,they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it did harm them not neither did it take hold up on the walls of the prison. And they were filled with that joy, which is unspeakable and full of glory. And behold the Holy spirit of God did come down from heaven and it entered into their hearts and they were filled as if with fire and they could speak forth marvelous words. And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice as if it were a whisper saying peace, peace be unto you because of your faith in my well beloved who is from the foundation of the world. And now when they heard this, they cast their eyes as if to behold from whence the voice came and behold, they saw the heavens open and the angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them. And there were about 300 souls who saw and heard these things and they were bidden to go forth and marvel, not neither should they doubt. And it came to pass they did go forth and administer unto the people declaring throughout all the regions round about all the things which they had heard and seen.”

So the 300, have received the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, therefore they are filled with an overwhelming desire to go forth and cry, repentance and teach the doctrine of Christ that all who will enter into the same covenant may also become sons and daughters of Christ. “And so much that the more part of the Lamanites were convinced of them because of the greatness of the evidences, which they had received. And as many as were convinced did, lay down their weapons of war and also their hatred and their traditions of their fathers. And it came to pass that they did yield up onto the Nephites, the lands of their possession.”

[00:37:54] So this, in verses 51 and 52, we have evidence that those who entered into this covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit also were converted not just to the baptism of water, but also to the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost (as evidenced by the mighty change of heart) of the born again experience that led to their laying down their weapons of war and their hatred and the traditions of their father. This is literally repenting of their iniquity and also their sins.

And it’s interesting that the gentiles of the last days, are also, admonished to repent of our iniquity. And although we have a different iniquity than the Lamanites did, their iniquity or the false traditions of their fathers. And once they had repented of the false traditions of their fathers and also their sins, this was a major part in them entering into the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit. In fact, it’s the fruit of entering into the covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit and receiving that mighty change of being born again, just as Alma the Younger received.

Spiritually Reborn Are Called as Missionaries

Okay, now if we go back to Mosiah 28:7 – “And the Lord said unto Mosiah, let them go up, for many shall belive on their words and they shall have eternal life. And I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites.” So after Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah received the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, they had an overwhelming desire to go forward and to preach the Doctrine of Christ and to reclaim the enemy of the Nephites, being the Lamanites  These these feelings are expressed, starting in Mosiah 27:33 “but not withstanding all this, they did impart much consolation to the church, confirming their faith and exhorting them with long suffering and much travail to keep the commandments of God. And four of them were the sons of Mosiah and their names were Ammon and Aaron and Omner and Himni. These were the names of the sons Mosiah and they traveled throughout the land of Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of King Mosiah, zealously, striving, to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins and publishing all the things which they had seen explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all, to desired to hear them.“

So again, look at the transition of just a few chapters prior when Alma’s father Alma had been going forth and preaching to the people the words which Abinadi had delivered. And after the heavens were opened, after a new dispensation starts and the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost is again possible. Now we have men speaking with the tongue of angels or explaining the prophecies and the scriptures unto all who desired to hear them. So not just reciting them, but being able to explain them. “And thus, they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea to the knowledge of their Redeemer. And how blessed are they for they did publish peace. They did publish good tidings of good, and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.”

And now in Mosiah 28:1 – “and it came to pass it after all the sons of Mosiah had done all these things, they took a small number with them and returned to their father, the King, and deisred of him that he would grant unto them that they might with these whom they had selected, go up to the land of Nephi that they might preach the things which they had heard.  That they might impart the word of God to their brethren and the Lamanites that perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord, their God, and convinced them of the iniquity of their fathers and that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred toward the Nephites that they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord, their God that they might become friendly to one another, that there should be no more contentions in all the land, which the Lord their God had given them.” Now notice that they were inspired with the very desire, which was the result of what happened to the 300 in Helman chapter 5, after they were converted and received the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost. As Alma and the sons of Mosiah and those who went with them went forward to preach the same doctrine, they were inspired that it might have the exact same effect upon the Lamanites.

Verse 3: “and they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature for they could not bear that any human soul should perish. Yea, even the very thought that any soul should perish or any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. And thus did the spirit of the Lord work upon them for, they were the very vilest of sinners and the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them. Nevertheless, they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities suffering much in fearing that they should be cast off forever. And it came to pass that they did plead with their father many days that they might go up to the land of Nephi. And King Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord. If he should let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word. And the Lord sent into Mosiah, let them go up for many shall believe on their words and they shall have eternal life.“

So, Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah didn’t secure eternal life with the baptism of fire and baptim of the Holy Ghost. But, they would secure eternal life with what they did after the baptism of fire, baptism of the Holy Ghost as they feasted upon the words of Christ as they overcame by faith as they were obedient to the words of God until the end of their mortal life. That is how they secured eternal life.

What Alma Did at the Waters of Mormon

Now, let’s take a look at the work that Alma did among the people who would hearken unto him in the city of King Noah, who gathered together at the waters of Mormon, and received the covenant of baptism of water. So in Mosiah 18 starting in verse 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.” So Alma the elder had been ordained to the Aaronic priesthood. Once he repented sufficiently, he had that priesthood sealed upon him.  And then he went forth and he taught among the people the words of Abinadi. “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 through the power and sufferings and the death of Christ and his resurrection and Ascension into heaven. And as many as would hear his words, 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, and it came to pass that as many as we believe him did go forth to a place which is called Mormon, having received its name from the King, being in the borders of the land, having been infested by times or seasons by wild beasts. 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. And it came to pass that as many as believed him went thither to hear his words. And it came to pass, after many days, there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon to hear the words of Alma. They all were gathered together. They believed on his words to hear him, and he did teach them and to preach unto them repentance and redemption and faith on the Lord.”

Again, we have the core elements of the preparatory gospel repentance redemption and faith on the Lord. “And it came to pass that he said unto them, behold, here are the waters of Mormon for thus where they called. And now as your desires to come to 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 who stand in need of comfort,and to stand as a witness of God at all times, and in all things and all places that you may be in, even until the death that you may be redeemed of God and be numbered with those of the first resurrection that ye may have eternal life.”

Alright, so, okay. Alma is administering the preparatory gospel and baptism by water, into the preparatory gospel, but he’s also taking it one step further and is also preparing the people for the day when the heavens would again be open and that through entering into the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit, that they might receive the baptism of fire baptism of the Holy ghost that they might go on to, enter into Christ’s presence of the fullness of his glory and to be ordained and sealed to the patriarchal order of the Melchizedek priesthood and become a King and a priest under the most high God. And how do we know this? Because at the end of verse 9: “that ye may be redeemed of God and be numbered with those of the first resurrection that ye may have eternal life.” So eternal life is what you receive with a lifetime of diligence after the baptism of fire baptism of the Holy Ghost. To be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that process and those requirements are outlined in D&C 76.

Coming Forth in the First Resurrection

So let’s go to D&C 76 and see what is required to come forth on the morning of the first resurrection. Verse 50 in D&C 76: “And again, we bear record for, we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just or on the morning of the first resurrection. They are they who receive the testimony of Jesus and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial being buried in the water, in his name and this, according to the commandment, which he has given that by keeping the commandments, they might be washed in cleansed from all their sins and receive the Holy spirit by the laying on of hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power.”

1. So step 1, for those who wish to come forth on the morning of the first resurrection is to receive baptism by water into the terrestrial Church of Christ.
2. Step 2 in verse 52, receive the ordinance of baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost.
3. Step 3, “and who overcome by faith and are sealed by the Holy spirit of promise, which the father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true. They are they who are the church of the first born.” Or in other words, just as Moses and Nephi did ascend to the high mountain (the seventh heaven) to come into Christ’s presence in the fullness of his glory. Be sealed by the Holy spirit of promise or have Christ make your calling an election made sure. And therefore, you enter into the church of the firstborn.

Okay, now all of these things are required to come forth on the morning of the first resurrection, but we’re not done yet. Verse 55: “they are they into whose hands the father hath given all things. They are, they who are priests and Kings who received of his fullness and of his glory and are priests of the most high after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son, wherefore, as it is written, they are gods even the sons of God.” Or they are gods, little “g” even the sons of God, big “G.”

The Steps of Ascension

So this, these are the ascension steps that are required to come forth on the morning of the first resurrection:

1. Baptism by water into the terrestrial order
2. Baptism by fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost
3. Entering into the rest of the Lord, which rest is the fullness of his glory
4. Receiving one’s “calling and election”
5. Going on from there to be ordained by Father to the patriarchal order of the Melchizedek priesthood, and if you’re a woman having Mother confer, the matriarchal order upon you, then going through all of the testing that is required to have that priesthood and that order sealed upon that man and that woman, then they’re gods little g sons of God, big G.

And in the terms of Isaiah’s ladder of Ascension, this is the Ascension to the “Seraphim level” or to the level where one qualifies that when it comports to one’s mission to have one’s body translated. And the reason it’s called coming forth on the morning of the first resurrection and the reason that this is the requirement to ascend to this level is that 99.9% who do ascend to that level, they don’t actually receive physical translation until the morning of the first resurrection where they’re caught up with Christ and their bodies are changed and they come with him in the fullness of his terrestrial glory to the earth.

General Assembly, Church of Enoch, Church of Firstborn

Verse 62 in D&C 76: “these shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever. These are they whom he shall bring with him when he shall come in the clouds of heaven to reign on the earth, over his people. These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection. These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just, these are they who are to come unto mountain Zion and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place the holiest of all these are they who have come to an innumerable company of angels to the general assembly and church of Enoch and of the Firstborn.”

Well, quick question. What is the difference between the general assembly and church of Enoch and the church of the Firstborn? Well, the church of the Firstborn is a broad category and as we just read in D&C 76:55, when one receives their calling and election made sure by coming to Christ’s presence in the fullness of his glory one has their calling election making sure, and enters into the church for the Firstborn. But one is not yet a member of the Church of Enoch to become a member of the Church of Enoch. That is a subcategory in the church of the Firstborn, and one must ascend to the level of a King and a Priest under the Most High God and become a god little g ,under God, big G. That’s what it means to come unto the Church of Enoch and the Church of the Firstborn, or in other words, the Church of Enoch inside the Church of the Firstborn, or which is part of the Church of the Firstborn, but is a higher ascension level within the Church of the Firstborn. 

Verse 68: “these are they, whose names are written in heaven where God and Christ are the judge of all. These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant who wrought out this perfect atonement to the shedding of his own blood. These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun even the glory of God, even the highest of all whose glory the sun of the firmament is written as of being typical.” So a just man made perfect is an angel or one who has passed over from mortality into the next life who has ascended to the spiritual level. But as with 99% of all others who ascend to this level, are not translated at the time of that ascension, but will be changed in the twinkling of an eye to a translated terrestrial body with all of those who are yet alive (who have ascended that level) when Christ comes in his glory and all they will be caught up or we’ll be brought with Christ when he comes in the fullness of his celestial glory on the morning of the resurrection.

And so this is what Alma has reference to, and so he is baptizing his people into the preparatory gospel, but he’s also preparing their minds and pointing them forward to the time when the fullness will be restored. I don’t know if he yet realizes at this point, but the fullness under dispensation that is later to be restored through him. And he and his son will be the instruments of God in then taking the people from the telestial to the terrestrial order, preparing them to receive the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, second comforter, and then ascending to the level of King and Priest, Queen and Priestess.

So now that we have the context, let me read verse 9 again. “Yea and are willing to mourn with those that more yea and comfort those who stand in need of comfort and to stand as a witness of God at all times and all things and all places that you may be in, even until the death that ye may be redeemed of God and be numbered with those of the first resurrection that ye may have eternal life.“

Okay. So, after this baptism by water into the telestial order, that is when they will be standing “as a witness of God at all times and all things, and in all places they may be in even until death” because this is also part of the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit, which is going to allow them at a future point when the heavens are open to receive the baptism of fire baptism of the Holy Ghost, second comforter, and eventually to ascend to become Kings and Priests, Queens and Priestesses unto the Most High God. 

Alma’s Baptismal Covenant at Waters of Mormon

Verse 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 you will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his spirit more abundantly upon you.” And again, this pouring out of the spirit more abundantly upon them is preparatory to the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost. And it is the very mechanism of how they will be brought to the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost. Having Christ’s spirit poured out upon them in more abundance.

“Now it came to pass it that Alma took Helam, and he being one of the first, he went and stood forth in the water and cried saying, Oh Lord, pour out thy spirit upon thy servant that he may do this work with holiness of heart. And when he had said these words, the spirit of the Lord was upon him. And he said, Helam, I baptized thee having authority from the almighty God as a testimony that you have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the moral 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, he hath prepared from the foundation of the world. 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. 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. And after this manner he did baptize, everyone that went forth to the place of Mormon and they were in number about 204 souls, and they were baptized in the waters of Mormon and were filled with the grace of God. 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 this church. And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests, even one priest to every 50 other number and ordained to preach on to them and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

And also note that with the Aaronic priesthood, he was able to ordain priests and elders don’t begin to be ordained until after the terrestrial order or church of Christ is restored to this people. Verse 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.” So again, the commandment is that they’re going to preach the principles of the telestial order of the gospel, but many might be converted to the preparatory gospel that they might be prepared for the higher gospel.

The Main Tenets of the Preparatory Gospel

So what are the main tenants of the preparatory gospel or repentance and remission of sin and faith? Again, in verse 20: “yea even he commandeth them that they should preach nothing, save it were repentance and faith on the Lord who had redeemed his people.” So, and this is in comparison to D&C 84 with the fullness of the gospel. Verse 19 again (D&C 84): “and this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of knowledge of God.” So that is a step beyond the gospel of repentance and remission of sins and of faith. “Therefore in the ordinances thereof the power of godliness is manifest and without the ordinances thereof and the authority, the priesthood of the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh.“

Well, because the apostolic order of the Melchizedek priesthood was not among these people at the time, neither was the knowledge of the ordinance of the terrestrial order (which includes the terrestrial baptismal prayer), the power of godliness was not manifest unto these people at this time. Or in other words, the process of becoming born again, a son or daughter of Christ through the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Verse 21 in Mosiah 18: “And he commanded that them that there should be no contention, one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye having one faith, one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one toward another. And thus, he commanded them to preach and thus, they became the children of God 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. And he also commanded them that the priest whom he had ordained should labor with their own hands, for their support. 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. 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.“

“And again, Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance. Every one, according to that, which he had. If you have more abundantly, he should impart more abundantly and have him that had the little but little should be required. And to him that had not should be given and thus they should impart of their substance of their own free will and good desires towards God and to those priests who stood in need. Yea, and to every needy naked soul. 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. And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon, yea by the waters of Mormon in a 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. And these things were done in the borders of the land that they might not come to the knowledge of the King. 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. And now the King said Alma was stirring up the people to rebellion against him. Therefore he sent his army to destroy them and it came to pass that Alma and his 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 and they were in number about 450 souls.”

Mighty, Even Unto the Power of Deliverance

So on the eve of destruction, the Lord delivered his people just as he promised that he would, as set forth in 1 Nephi 1:20 – “And when the Jews had heard these things, they were very angry with him even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out and stoned and slain. And they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I Nephi will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen because of their faith to make them mighty, even unto the power of deliverance.“

[01:07:48] So what does this mean for us today? For us today, we should understand that becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ means that we very well may be putting our lives on the line, for in D&C 103 the Lord talks about true disciples are true followers of his true Christians. And in [D&C 103] verse 27-28, he says, “let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake, for whom so layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again. And who so is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple.” But we have the promise of the Lord that, those who exercise faith in him, he will “make mighty, even unto the power of deliverance.”

And so the question is how do we, as those who desire to be God’s people, exercise faith in him, sufficient that he might also make us mighty even under the power of deliverance. For the time is quickly approaching when all men will be in bondage and all men will be in need of deliverance. And I would say that we begin with repentance for remission of sins, and that we seek to exercise faith in him, which is seeking after receiving and acting on revelation. That we might receive a sure witness of Jesus Christ first by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost, which is able to bear an indelible witness to our souls that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the Eternal God. And once we have that witness by the Holy Ghost indelibly impressed upon our soul, we are able to go forth and stand as a witness of Jesus Christ at all times and all things in all places that we may be in, even until the end of our mortal life. And we are willing to enter into a covenant to keep all of God’s commandments to perfectly align our will with his will to the best of our ability.

And as we do these things, we are literally entering into the new covenant of a broken heart and contrite spirit. And the new covenant of broken heart and contrite spirit is to exercise faith sufficient in God that he might make us mighty even unto the power of deliverance. So I would invite everybody, this night to again (or for your very first time) enter into a covenant with God, give him permission to give you whatever experiences you need to come to a broken heart and contrite spirit that you might receive the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost. And, that you are ready for the next experience to start right now, and that you lay everything upon the altar. Everything you have everything. You will be given everything, you will become your will in your life. And if you have already received the baptism of fire and baptism of the Holy Ghost, it is the exact same covenant by entering into it.

The Lord will be able to reveal to you what is required of you, that you might part the veil, ascend to the seventh heaven and enter into Christ’s presence in the fullness of his glory as was outlined in D&C 76, and thereby become a member of the church of the Firstborn and thereby go on from there and continue the path of ascension until you become a King and a Priest or Queen and Priestess unto the most high God, becoming a god little “g” under God, big “G” and thus qualified to come forth with Christ on the morning of the first resurrection. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.