In Moroni, we read that "the first fruits of repentance is baptism" (Moroni 8:25). Maybe this has a dual meaning, not only pointing to baptism by water and fire/the Holy Ghost.
In Jacob, we read:
"And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people; and they searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man." (7:23; emphasis added)In Alma, we read:
"And it came to pass after he had made an end of speaking unto the people many of them did believe on his words, and began to repent, and to search the scriptures." (14:1; emphasis added)The baptism which is the first fruits of repentance might be baptism in water, fire and the Holy Ghost as well as a baptism in the word of God itself. I find that interesting.
Think about how it would change the whole authority debate around baptism (one church holding the monopoly on baptism, be it Catholic or mormon) if those scriptures talking about baptism as a requisite for salvation were instead interpreted to mean baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost. If baptism by water was really understood to be only a preparatory ordinance inviting you to come unto the real deal, instead of purporting to be the real deal (as with other ordinances we know of)...
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