Moroni 8-9

*apologies for the wonky formatting in this post - I can't seem to change it! It all is uniform on the back end, but when I publish it, the font sizes and styles and spacing changes in random places. 

Moroni 8

This chapter is an epistle (or letter) from Mormon to his son Moroni. Mormon had heard of disputes among church members about whether it was necessary to baptize infants. In his letter, Mormon clarifies that baptizing infants is not necessary because young children are blameless before God through the atonement and mercy of Christ.

Mormon uses pretty strong and forceful language on this topic and admits as much by saying: “Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do...” (vs. 16). Infant baptism is sacred and important in some faiths and I respect the significance of that and hope not to offend with this chapter or my commentary, but to share the love and mercy of the Savior toward us all and especially toward infants and young children whom the Bible tells us He loves so much.

Here are some excerpts from Mormon’s letter:

I inquired of the Lord concerning the matter. And the word of the Lord came to me by the power of the Holy Ghost, saying: Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them. (vs. 7-8)

Mormon says it is “solemn mockery before God” (vs. 9) to say that little children need baptism. The reason is because little children are not yet accountable for their actions (they don’t even know enough to choose to be baptized or not), and so Jesus Christ does not hold them responsible. To say they need baptism is to deny the mercies of God and Jesus, and it is putting “trust in dead works” (vs. 23), which basically means you believe God will save or not save someone based completely on whether or not they finished a check-list of actions.

My church will give special priesthood blessings
to babies, but children cannot be baptized until
they are at least 8 years old. This photo is our
new baby on her blessing day.

For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism... And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption. (vs. 15, 20)

Mormon says that repentance and baptism are essential for parents, but not for their babies.

Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. (vs 10)

I think this doctrine is incredibly sweet and comforting, and it rings true to me. I know of many people who have lost babies and children (a mother’s worst nightmare!) who have been greatly comforted to know their children are innocent and pure before God, and Jesus Christ has already saved them through His great mercy and love. Jesus Christ loves children – there is no question about that.

Matthew 18 (New Testament) 

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. (vs. 1-5)

Moroni 9

This chapter is another epistle from Mormon to his son, Moroni, and this one is reporting on the state of the Nephite armies. Warning: to say the report is bad is a gross understatement. I find this chapter to be one of the most disturbing in the whole Book of Mormon. You can read the details yourself, if you want. The Nephites have become hateful and gruesome and blood-thirsty, and the Lamanites are just as horrific.

The most tragic part of all is how far these people have fallen, and so fast. They haven’t always been savages. As Mormon says in his letter, “…only a few years have passed away [since] they were a civil and a delightsome people (vs. 12).”

And yet Mormon still loves them and helps them and weeps for them. If there ever was an example of not giving up, it’s Mormon! I am amazed by Mormon in so many ways. Perhaps the greatest lesson he teaches in this depressing situation is that Christ is a source of peace and comfort no matter how awful your circumstances.

25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.