What is the next step after baptism? What happens? Is that it? Definitely not. There is so much that must be done. Baptism is a lifetime commitment. Your covenants are permanent. So do we go it alone? How do we stay on the right path?
"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith." (Moroni 6:4)
First, Moroni mentions the Holy Ghost. When we are baptized, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is an invaluable tool to help us navigate the challenges of this life. We must constantly face choices and obstacles, and the Holy Ghost is a powerful ally that we can have constantly, if we are worthy.
Next, the people who are baptized are numbered among the people of the Church of Christ, and their names were taken. It is important that we keep track of this stuff, not just for record-keeping (although this is important as well), but so that we can help take care of each other. Joining the Church is a personal, individual decision, but it requires a lot of change in that person's life. One that becomes much easier with support. There are several important reasons that the names are taken and the people are numbered: 1) That they might be remembered. This is something that everyone needs: to be remembered and loved. The strongest of convictions can be dissuaded by a lack of inclusion and care. 2) That they might be nourished by the good word of God. Testimony and Gospel experience happens like nutrition in our bodies. We constantly need pick-me-ups and strengthening. It is easier for all of us to strengthen each other than it is for me to strengthen myself all on my own. 3) To keep them in the right way. When we all work together, it is easier to see the "right way". The path can get obscured sometimes, and we can help each other find our way back when we stray. 4) To keep them continually watchful unto prayer. We need to pray always. Everything we do should be at least with a prayer in our hearts. When I think of the word "watchful" I think of someone on alert, watching for dangers. This is part of what he's talking about here. Satan is always trying to lead us away carefully, so we don't notice, so we need to be continually watchful. 5) Relying alone on the merits of Christ. I think this is something that we can help each other do also. There is strength in numbers, but we each have to work out our own salvation, making use of the atonement of Christ. We can help each other do this by teaching and loving and ministering to one another.
"5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.
6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus." (Moroni 6:5-6)
There are really two reasons we actually go to church regularly. First, to get together with other members of our faith and talk to one another and strengthen one another, and fast and pray together. Second, to partake of the sacrament. This is right in line with changes we are anticipating to shorten the length of the Sunday meeting block, and bolster the gospel learning in the home. We will still be meeting often, to fast and pray, and speak with each other about the welfare of our souls, and also to partake of the sacrament.
"And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done." (Moroni 6:9)
I think out of all the things about church meetings that I've seen, by far the most effective ones, whether they be classes, or leadership meetings, or one-on-one meetings, when they are led by the Spirit. God knows what we need to be doing and discussing. He will tell us if we are willing to listen.
I have heard a number of people say they were "spiritual, but not religious", or that they didn't need to go to church to feel close to God. Some of this might be true. You certainly can feel close to God in places other than Church, but these points Moroni makes are some pretty persuasive arguments why going to church is important. It's not just about you. It's about everyone around you. Your neighbors and friends. Your family. You work together to help each other and strengthen each other when you hit a low point or something. This is what being a member of the Church of Christ is all about.
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