They recognized the Priesthood of God, and being without the authority it bears-for they knew that without it any observance of its commands was meaningless-they waited for the Spirit of the Lord to open the way that they might avail themselves of the blessings Church membership bestows.
With the new-found faith Ammon's visit had planted in their repentant hearts, Alma's departure into the wilderness, where he and his people could worship God according to their own beliefs, became the ruling incentive of their lives, overpowering all selfish motives. They desired to become even as Alma's people. They thought of little else.
Baptism is not only the gate through which all must pass to enter the Celestial Kingdom, but also, it is a witness to our fellows that we are willing to serve the Lord and keep His commandments. King Limhi and his people were anxious to enter that covenant, and it was not long until the Lord, in His wisdom and loving kindness, made it possible for them to take upon themselves His name. With the Saints in Zarahemla they rejoiced that He did not suffer them to be destroyed.
King Limhi's wish to be baptized soon became a reality for we read:
And he [Alma] did exhort the people of Limhi and his brethren, all those that had been delivered out of bondage, that they should remember that it was the Lord that did deliver them.
And it came to pass that after Alma had taught the people many things, and had made an end of speaking to them, that King Limhi was desirous that he might be baptized; and all his people were desirous that they might be baptized also.
Therefore, Alma did go forth into the water and did baptize them; yea, he did baptize them after the manner he did his brethren in the waters of Mormon; yea, and as many as he did baptize did belong to the church of God; and this because of their belief on the words of Alma. (Mosiah 25:16-18)