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"Thus They Became the Children of God," Mosiah 18:18-22

Mosiah 18:18-22

The topic of becoming the children of God is addressed in these verses. These verses contain a string of commandments that are given to the group that was baptized at the waters of Mormon. Then half way through there is this insightful observation about the reason behind the commandments, "And thus they became the children of God."

This has to all be taken in the context that this was initiated by the covenant of baptism. These commandments were the means by which God was blessing his children to help them become the children of God. Additionally, Alma organized priests, now that the covenant was in place, "to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (vs. 18)

It is interesting to note that the set of commandments that are listed in verses 19 to 21 are directed towards the priests who were commanded to preach unto the people. Those commandments included to teach only the words of the holy prophets, to preach only repentance and faith on the Lord, and then this set of instructions:
...There should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.
This was the commandment given to the priests to be given to the people. The priests were given the responsibility or the duty to see to the fulfillment of this commandment. It strikes me that we can't look forward with one eye, having our hearts knit together in unity unless we are taught the principles of truth.

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