KnoWhy #97 - What Do We Covenant to Do at Baptism? (Mosiah 18:10)

From ancient times, covenants have been understood as mutual or bilateral promises. If baptism, in the Book of Mormon, is understood as a sign that one has made a covenant with God to do certain things, what are those things? What is God, for His part, promising to do? The narrative of Alma (the elder) baptizing believers at the waters of Mormon in Mosiah 18 is one of the most informative accounts of what was expected of newly baptized saints.

The renewal of our covenants that takes place when we partake of the Sacrament also gives us the opportunity to remember what the atoning sacrifice of Christ has done for us. The account of Alma baptizing believers in Mosiah 18 draws us into the underlying theme of the atonement and asks us to imitate Christ’s infinite charity.