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JAMIE - We read in D&C 84:28 John the Baptist was baptized when he was 8 days old.In Book of Mormon, Moroni Chapter 8 We read The baptism of little children is an evil abomination.Can you explain both the scriptures, which one is correct.
JOEL - Both scriptures are correct. Here is the D&C scripture:
"For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power." (D&C 84:28)
The scripture actually says he was baptized while "yet in his childhood", probably by his father Zacharias, which could have been when he was 8 years old or older. Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:
"We do know that "he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood [meaning, when he was eight years of age], and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power" (Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, vol. 1)
The problem is events are mentioned out of order in this scripture, which makes it a little confusing. If you read the scripture carefully it does not say he was baptized at 8 days old, it says he was ordained with power to overthrow the Jews when he was 8 days old. Naming of children and circumcision of male members of the house of Israel took place on the 8th day after their birth.It is presumed that at this solemn eighth day ceremony, an angel, presumably Gabriel, gave the Lord's Elias the power and commission to serve as the forerunner of all time.
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