“And Alma Baptized Zeezrom Unto the Lord”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Faith and repentance, although prerequisite to Zeezrom's rebirth, were, by themselves, insufficient. Baptism, in the prescribed manner, had to follow. Even Paul, who received one of the greatest evidences of divine favor ever vouchsafed unto man, was not exempt from the requisite of Baptism. 7 Through Baptism, God's seal of approval was placed on Zeezrom's repentance. From thenceforth he could face the world of men, unencumbered and unclouded by the memories of his wicked past. The torturing fever had now left his body, and his mind was clear. He was free, and, probably for the first time in his life, truly happy. As a preacher of righteousness, his path would undoubtedly be overrun with tribulation. Alma, his exemplar, had been required to endure unspeakable horror. There is a fundamental difference, however, between the righteous sorrow of goodness, and the wretched, soul-destroying misery of evil.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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