Moroni 6
People in this chapter
Moroni now describes the Church itself: who was baptized, how new members were cared for, how often the Church met and why, how it handled sin, and how its meetings were led.
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Moroni 6:1-4Received unto Baptism
1And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it. 2Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins. 3And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.
People were baptized when they showed by their lives that they were ready: they came with a broken heart and contrite spirit, had repented, and were determined to serve Christ to the end.
4And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.
After baptism, new members' names were recorded so the Church could remember them and keep feeding them with the word of God.
Moroni 6:5-6The Church Did Meet Together Oft
5And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. 6And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.
The Church met often to fast, pray, talk with each other about their spiritual welfare, and take the sacrament in remembrance of Jesus.
Moroni 6:7-9As Oft as They Repented
7And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses of the church did condemn them before the elders, and if they repented not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not numbered among the people of Christ. 8But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.
The Church took sin seriously. When a member committed serious sin and would not repent, they were no longer counted as a member. The aim was always repentance.
9And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.
Church meetings were led by the Holy Ghost, whether that meant preaching, praying, or singing.
Research trail
Sources & further study
These references support the historical, linguistic, manuscript, and contextual notes in this chapter. Scripture remains the primary text; external sources are provided so readers can inspect the research directly.
- Baptism, BaptizeScriptures on the requirements and covenant of baptism described in verses 1-3.
- Fast, FastingBackground for the Church meeting together to fast and to pray in verse 5.
- 32. Repentance and Church Membership CouncilsHow the Church today helps members repent of serious sin, and why membership restrictions are not intended to punish.
- ForgiveScriptures on the Lord's forgiveness promised in verse 8.
Where this echoes in Scripture
Received unto Baptism
- D&C 20:37Come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits... having a determination to serve him to the end.The same requirements, revealed to the restored Church.
- Matthew 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.
- Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
- 2 Nephi 31:19Relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
- John 21:17Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
The Church Did Meet Together Oft
- 3 Nephi 18:22And behold, ye shall meet together oft.
- 4 Nephi 1:12Continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord.
- Acts 2:42They continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
- D&C 59:9Thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day.
As Oft as They Repented
- Mosiah 26:30Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.
- 3 Nephi 18:31-32Ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister.
- Matthew 18:21-22I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
- D&C 58:42Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
- D&C 20:45To conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost.