Note how thoroughly Paul develops the imagery of Christ’s death and resurrection. From at least Paul’s time, therefore, one of the symbols attached to baptism has been burial and resurrection. When one enters the water, it is not only the water of cleansing but also the grave of the former self, from which a resurrected/renewed soul arises. Significantly, this symbol absolutely requires that the death and resurrection of Christ be already accomplished. In the Book of Mormon, this symbolic connection is absent. Obviously, because Abinadi/Alma’s teachings occurred so long before Christ’s earthly mission, the emphasis on the Atoning Messiah rather than Paul’s dying Savior formed a more coherent message.