Comments on: Churches of anticipation: Alma and John http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/ Correcting the incorrigible Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:02:08 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Adventures in Mormonism » Blog Archive » Baptism and restoration in the Book of Mormon (part 3) http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/comment-page-1/#comment-105 Adventures in Mormonism » Blog Archive » Baptism and restoration in the Book of Mormon (part 3) Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:33:53 +0000 http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/#comment-105 [...] Doctrine, MainI have written previously here about the practice of baptism among the Lehites (see here and here). To briefly [...] [...] Doctrine, MainI have written previously here about the practice of baptism among the Lehites (see here and here). To briefly [...]

]]> By: Adventures in Mormonism » Blog Archive » Spelunking: Alma 4:16-17 http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/comment-page-1/#comment-104 Adventures in Mormonism » Blog Archive » Spelunking: Alma 4:16-17 Mon, 19 May 2008 00:15:24 +0000 http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/#comment-104 [...] also happens to be head of what the Book of Mormon calls the “Church of God” (the church of anticipation founded by Alma1) and the son of the previous head of the Church of God (Alma1). And while [...] [...] also happens to be head of what the Book of Mormon calls the “Church of God” (the church of anticipation founded by Alma1) and the son of the previous head of the Church of God (Alma1). And while [...]

]]> By: Adventures in Mormonism » Blog Archive » Churches of anticipation (pt. 2): baptism http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/comment-page-1/#comment-103 Adventures in Mormonism » Blog Archive » Churches of anticipation (pt. 2): baptism Sun, 16 Mar 2008 01:08:13 +0000 http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/#comment-103 [...] (pt. 2): baptism Posted by bfwebster on March 15, 2008 Posted under Book of Mormon, MainIn my earlier posting on “churches of anticipation”, I pointed out some parallels between Alma1 and John the Baptist, noting in particular that while [...] [...] (pt. 2): baptism Posted by bfwebster on March 15, 2008 Posted under Book of Mormon, MainIn my earlier posting on “churches of anticipation”, I pointed out some parallels between Alma1 and John the Baptist, noting in particular that while [...]

]]> By: bfwebster http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/comment-page-1/#comment-102 bfwebster Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:45:39 +0000 http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/#comment-102 Actually, that's exactly my point (go back and read the first paragraph): in spite of Nephi's clear statements, there is no mention whatsoever in the Book of Mormon of baptism being practiced until Alma<sub>1</sub> introduces it over 400 years later. One would expect Jacob or King Benjamin to cite it in their respective discourses calling the Nephites to repent and covenant with God, but they do not. It is particularly telling in Benjamin's discourse; he preaches Christ and puts the people under a covenant to take upon themselves Christ's name, but there is no mention of baptism. My personal theory is that the Nephites, like the Israelites in the Old World, were living under the law of Moses -- and under that law, they did not practice baptism unto repentance. Instead, covenant status and repentance was established via circumcision and Mosaic temple ordinances, respectively. But in both the Old and New Worlds, God called a forerunner prophet to (re)establish baptism unto repentance as a precursor to the Savior's mortal ministry. In the Old World, that was John the Baptist; in the New World, it was Alma<sub>1</sub>. As I note above, there are some differences between Alma's and John's ministries (particularly regarding the presence of the Holy Ghost), but there are striking similarities as well. ..bruce.. Actually, that’s exactly my point (go back and read the first paragraph): in spite of Nephi’s clear statements, there is no mention whatsoever in the Book of Mormon of baptism being practiced until Alma1 introduces it over 400 years later. One would expect Jacob or King Benjamin to cite it in their respective discourses calling the Nephites to repent and covenant with God, but they do not. It is particularly telling in Benjamin’s discourse; he preaches Christ and puts the people under a covenant to take upon themselves Christ’s name, but there is no mention of baptism.

My personal theory is that the Nephites, like the Israelites in the Old World, were living under the law of Moses — and under that law, they did not practice baptism unto repentance. Instead, covenant status and repentance was established via circumcision and Mosaic temple ordinances, respectively. But in both the Old and New Worlds, God called a forerunner prophet to (re)establish baptism unto repentance as a precursor to the Savior’s mortal ministry. In the Old World, that was John the Baptist; in the New World, it was Alma1. As I note above, there are some differences between Alma’s and John’s ministries (particularly regarding the presence of the Holy Ghost), but there are striking similarities as well. ..bruce..

]]> By: cougartex http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/comment-page-1/#comment-101 cougartex Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:21:05 +0000 http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2008/02/26/churches-of-anticipation-alma-and-john/#comment-101 What about all of Nephi's talk of baptism in 2 Nephi 9:23 and 2 Nephi 31:11-17? Despite the nitpick, I agree that Alma (especially) preaches with a strong sense of anticipation. He is always telling his audience to look forward to Christ (Alma 4:14; 5:15; 7:6; 13:2,16; 25:15; 32:40-41). I think there is a great lesson for modern Saints in the power of anticipation. What about all of Nephi’s talk of baptism in 2 Nephi 9:23 and 2 Nephi 31:11-17? Despite the nitpick, I agree that Alma (especially) preaches with a strong sense of anticipation. He is always telling his audience to look forward to Christ (Alma 4:14; 5:15; 7:6; 13:2,16; 25:15; 32:40-41). I think there is a great lesson for modern Saints in the power of anticipation.

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