The Book of Mormon

Moroni 8:23

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~AD 401–421

1830 Edition

But it is mockery before God, denying the mercies of Christ, and the power of his holy spirit, and putting trust in dead works.

Influences

Hebrews 6:1 (KJV)
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Changes

But it is mockery before God, denying the mercies of Christ, and the power of his hHoly sSpirit, and putting trust in dead works.

Simple English

But it makes fun of God. It rejects Christ’s mercy and the power of his Holy Spirit. It means trusting in dead works.

Paraphrase

'Baptizing them is mockery before God. It denies Christ’s mercy and the Holy Spirit’s power. It puts trust in empty rituals.'

Notes

8:22-23

Moroni 8:22-23 seems to teach that those who have never heard the gospel are saved without baptism (see also 2 Nephi 9:25-26; Mosiah 15:24-27). Contrast with Doctrine and Covenants which teaches the need to do proxy baptism for the dead (D&C 128:1-5, 17-18).