Messenger of the Works - Andrew Allison

At baptism we are given a powerful gift, and one that can not be ignored or denied, it is known as the tongue of angels. This is spoken of in 2 Nephi 31:14 which reads, “then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.”[1] This leads to the question of what an angel is and how are we supposed to act a mouthpiece of them. In Hebrew the word angel is mal’akh, and this is also known as a messenger. The word tongue in Hebrew is l¡shôn which is also translated to be a speaker or a talker. So by being given the gift of the tongue of angels we can be messengers of the words of Christ.

The words of Christ can be also relayed as the works of Christ. This is because Christ taught followers only after example. At the last supper when Christ washed the feet of his disciples He said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”[2] Taking this back to the idea of us having the tongue of angels, we should be the messengers of the word by becoming messengers of the works of Christ. We must act in service as Christ has acted in service for us.

Bringing souls unto the knowledge of the church is as I believe the highest form of service. This is very understandable considering the remarks of President David O. Mckay who said, “Every member is a missionary. He or she has the responsibility of bringing somebody: a mother, a father, a neighbor, a fellow worker, an associate, somebody in touch with the messengers of the gospel.”[3] The responsibility that we are given at our baptism of receiving the tongue of angels, becoming the messengers of the works of Christ is to become missionaries and spread the Gospel.

“When ye are in service of fellow beings, ye are in service of God,” Mosiah 27:31[4]. When we become messengers of the works of Christ we act in service of God, and with this come many blessing that are described in countless scriptures. One of such is 2 Nephi 2:3 which reads, “Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother, Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God.”[5] Blessing will come to those that their gift of the tongues of angels.

Though there are many blessings and rewards that will come with our fulfillment of our baptismal gift of the tongue of angels, a warning for those that disobey comes in 2 Nephi 31:14 which reads, “Ye… have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.”[6] If we do not act as a messenger of the works after we have acknowledged that we would do so at baptism it would be better that we not have the knowledge of the Gospel.


[1] 2 Nephi 31:14
[2] John 13:15
[3] Chapter 6: “Every Member a Missionary”, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay
[4] Mosiah 27:31
[5] 2 Nephi 2:3
[6] 2 Nephi 31:14