Comments on: Baptismal covenant in Mosiah 18

By: Kim Siever

Kim Siever — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:03:40 +0000

The four items you list certainly fall within the general category of "commandments."

No argument from me there. Granted, a lot of things can fall under "keep the commandments". Actually, those four things can fall under "serve Christ" as well.

Speaking of grammar, just try to wrap your hands around Alma 13: 4-9.

Don't get me started on the grammar of the Book of Mormon. I don't think Joseph Smith included grammar when he "told the brethren [it] was the most correct of any book". :)

By: Steven B

Steven B — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:28:22 +0000

Speaking of grammar, just try to wrap your hands around Alma 13: 4-9. :-)

By: Steven B

Steven B — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:10:09 +0000

Kim, you point out that the covenant is to serve the Lord and "keep his commandments" The four items you list certainly fall within the general category of "commandments." Now, there is precedent as part of some of the Old Testament covenant enactments and renewals to enumerate the law, to which the people will be obligated under covenant (Ex. 24:7, Josh. 8:35-35, Deut. 31:9-13).

So, there is a sense in which this short list in Mosiah is consistent with that tradition, with the caveat that the real covenant is to obey "all" the commandments.

But, that said, I cannot think of any of the major religious covenants throughout the scriptures (Abrahamic, Mosaic, or the New Covenant) which are limited to only a few stipulations or performances, such as "mourning with those who mourn." Instead, the terms of the covenants have always been "I will be your God and ye shall be my people" and all inclusive directives such as "walk before me and be thou perfect" (Gen. 17:1).

So, I guess what I am saying is that I agree with your analysis. And mostly because the four items do not seem broad enough to be consistent with God's other major covenants.