In the time frame of approximately 147 b.c., Alma gathers the faithful around him in seclusion to teach faith, repentance, and redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ. He explains to the eager congregants the commitments required as part of the baptismal covenant—to genuinely love and care for our brothers and sisters as we bear one another’s burdens, to mourn with those that mourn, to comfort those who stand in need of comfort, and to seek their welfare by standing as a willing witness of the truth in all places and circumstances (see also Mosiah 28:3; Alma 36:24). The people believe and desire to be baptized.
We should also be willing and eager to stand as a witness of God and to testify of the truths of the gospel. We are to open our mouths with courage (see D&C 33:8–11) and share the gospel with everyone we meet (see D&C 88:81; Mormon 9:22). We covenant with the Lord to serve Him and keep His commandments (see D&C 20:37, 68–70, 77, 79; Moroni 6:1–4).
The application of these passages to our own lives is this: When we accept and follow Christ through baptism we should remember our duties and obligations with full commitment. To do so is an indication that we are qualified through the Spirit to be Saints in the kingdom of God.