The covenants of baptism include demonstrating a willingness to (1) come into the fold of God, (2) be called his people, (3) bear one another’s burdens, (4) mourn with those that mourn, (5) comfort those who stand in need of comfort, (6) stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places, and (7) serve God and keep his commandments.
The promises of baptism include (1) being redeemed of God, (2) being numbered with those of the first resurrection, (3) having eternal life, and (4) having his Spirit poured out more abundantly upon you.
Now Alma asks his perfect question: If all of the above is the sincere desire of your heart, “what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord”? That simple rite is the logical manifestation of your real intent to obey God. The ordinance is very brief in time but eternal in significance.
Embedded in Alma’s description of our responsibilities regarding the baptismal covenant is the essence of the Atonement—to suffer vicariously the pains of others and provide them comfort. We do what the Savior does for us: help others and try to relieve their distress (Alma 7:10–14). This is also the essence of charity (Moroni 7:45–47).