Review of Alma(2)'s Epistle to Corianton

First, the background.

Alma(2) and his sons were on a mission preaching to the Zoramites.  At some point, Corianton left and became involved with a Lamanite prostitute (39:3).  This caused many problems for the missionary efforts of Alma(2) (39:11). 

Corianton was an arrogant, proud man who refused counsel and went his own way (39:2,10).  He was caught up in “vain and foolish things”  (39:11).  He had many questions because he had been caught up in foolish things (40:1, 42:1).  He was sweating the small stuff at the expense of what truly matters.  (40:5).

While Corianton is certainly called to repentance for his sins, the epistle is full of a father’s love for his wayward son.  I can’t help but believe that Alma(2) had a better understanding of Corianton then Corianton had of himself.  He was seeing his son taking the same road he travelled.  He wanted to stop Corianton and get him back on the correct path. 

Alma(2) gives many great and wonderful truths.  The list below highlights some of the important truths we learn...

• All souls are precious to God.  (39:17)
• There would be no resurrection until after Christ. (40:2)
• Afterdeath, the righteous enter a state of paradise. (40:12)
• The evil remain in a fearful state.  (40:13-14)
• “Wickedness never was happiness.” (41:10)
• We are restored to evil for evil, good for good.  (41:13)
• Our lives are the time to prepare to repent and serve God.  (42:4)
• Without the plan of redemption, we would but cut off from God.  (42:11)
• Justice claims those who violate God’s law.  (42:22)
• The atonement establishes the plan of mercy.  (42:15)
• Mercy claims those who repent and obey God through the atonement.  (42:23)

Alma(2) gives Corianton a wonderful promise, one that can apply to us today – ”… see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again…” (41:14)

Alma(2)’s epistle to Corianton is one of the greatest found in the scriptures.  We learn many great and powerful truths about God and how He deals with man.  He is a fair and just God, who provided a way for us to return to His presence someday. 

But, what of Corianton?  After chapter 42, he is mentioned only twice.  The first of the two references state that…

 Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblon, and Corianton, and Ammon and his brethren, yea, and by all those who had been ordained by the holy order of God, being baptized unto repentance, and sent forth to preach among the people.

Alma 49:30 (Emphasis mine)

The heading to chapter 49 tells us that this is around 72 B.C., two years after Alma(2)’s epistle.  It would appear that, over a period of two years, Corianton got his life in order, repented, and became worthy to preach the gospel once again. 

The final reference to Corianton…

And it came to pass in the thirty and ninth year of the reign of the judges, Shiblon died also, and Corianton had gone forth to the land northward in a ship, to carry forth provisions unto the people who had gone forth into that land.

Alma 63:10 (Emphasis mine)

Corianton then becomes lost .to history.

I have learned much as I’ve reviewed these scriptures.  I hope that my comments and observations have been helpful.

I want to express my firm belief and conviction that Alma(2)’s words were inspired of God.  God wanted us to have these great and wonderful truths today.  I know that if we repent and serve God fully, that we will be welcomed into His presence again.  I praise Alma(2) for giving us these powerful words and truths.

I’m not quite sure what I’ll look at next; my next post will be up no later than this weekend.

Alma 41:5-14

5  The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh.
6  And so it is on the other hand.  If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
7  These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil.8  Now, the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the way is prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved.

Alma 41:5-8 (Emphasis mine)

When we are resurrected, we are raised based on our desires.  If we desire good, we will be raised unto happiness.   If we desire evil, we shall have our reward of evil.  Alma(2) tells us that we stand and fall on our own.  We are "[our] own judges..." (v7)  What could be more fair?  We are our own judges.

The words of God are eternal.  They cannot be changed.  So, if we follow the commandments of God and live according to His law, we will have our reward according to our desires of good.  Once again, we're told it's all up to us!

9  And now behold, my son, do not risk one more offense against your God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have hitherto risked to commit sin.
10  Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness.  Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
11  And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.
12  And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?

Alma 41:9-12 (Emphasis mine)

Reading between the lines, it appears that Corianton wants it all.  He wants to be able to live any lifestyle he chooses, but expects to "...be restored from sin to happiness." (v10)  He does not expect to have to pay any price for his choices.  Alma(2) makes it clear that this is not so.  He begins v10 with the words "Do not suppose..."  It's like Alma(2)'s saying, "Corianton, don't take it as a given you will be restored to happiness from sin.  It isn't going to happen!"

Then, we get a classic scriptural statement - "Wickedness never was happiness."  (v10)  These are marvelous and plain words that we should always remember.  We may obtain temporary pleasure that appears to be happiness, but there's always the day after.  There's always a price to pay, and when we do, it is never pleasant.

13  O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.
14  Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy
15  For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.

Alma 41:13-15 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) again defines restoration.  It means "...to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful."  You are restored to what you were in this life.  It is made as clear to us as it possibly can.  Whatever you receive in the resurrection, you earned.  You made the choices that affected your life.  You made the choices that makes you you.  This is the great truth of our life.  We get what we deserve.  It's all up to us.  And God, through  his prophets, has  made this as clear to us as He can.  We can't say he didn't warn us.  The warnings are there.  We only have to listen.

11  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Revelation 22:11-12 (Emphasis mine)

I love the words he gives to his son in v14.  What better advice could we get on how to live our lives?

Alma 41:14

Alma 41:1-4

Alma(2)'s epistle to Corianton continues discussing the resurrection and the restoration of the resurrected being.

1  AND now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration of which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the scriptures, and have gone far astray because of this thing.  And I perceive that thy mind has been worried also concerning this thing.  But behold, I will explain it unto thee.
2  I say unto thee, my son, that the plan of restoration is requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things should be restored to their proper order.  Behold, it is requisite and just, according to the power and resurrection of Christ, that the soul of man should be restored to its body, and that every apart of the body should be restored to itself.
3  And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.
4  And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them for evil.  Therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame—mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption—raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one on one hand, the other on the other—

Alma 41:1-4 (Emphasis mine)

Two themes that have been common to Alma(2)'s epistle are seen in these verses.

First, Corianton has a bad habit of getting caught up in all sorts of things that challenge his faith. Looking at the epistle as a whole, he ignores what he has been taught.  Something comes along that seems to contradict his beliefs and he gets all confused and bothered.  So, his father has to step in and "...explain it unto thee." (I can almost hear Alma(2) sighing "again!"" (v1).

The second theme is that the judgment we obtain is based on our works and the choices we make.  We have choices throughout our lives.  If we choose to follow the commandments and teachings of Christ, we obtain happiness and enter into the presence of God.  If we ignore these things, we choose misery and "...inherit the kingdom of the devil..." (v4)

Alma(2) reminds Corianton that the things that are causing him problems were teachings that had been twisted by those who were teaching the concepts that contradicted truth.  I do wonder what these teachings were that caused Corianton so many problems.  

This has been a constant problem faced by Christians.  Peter wrote:

20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Peter 1:20 - 21 (Emphasis mine)

We learn that there were those who took upon themselves the right to give their own interpretation of scripture.  Both Peter and Alma(2) emphasize that the prophets speak the will of God as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.  It is only through the Holy Ghost we can understand the teachings and prophesies of God.

He reminds us that the restoration of all things is a necessary (requisite) part of the resurrection.  "...all things must be restored to their proper order."  (v2)  We will be restored based on the choices we make.  Those that choose right will be restored to "...unto that which is good."  (v3)  Those the choose evil will be restored "...to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the 

devil (v4)

Paul also taught that "...all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame—mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption..." (v4)

 50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all asleep, but we shall all be changed,
52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:50 - 52 (Emphasis mine)

We are fortunate to have guides and inspiration to help us understand the words of God.  We need to use good and proper sources.

We also need to follow Alma(2)'s counsel to avoid getting caught up in the things of men.  When we allow the philosophies of man to shape or beliefs, it just takes us farther away from truth.

I am grateful to Mormon(2) that he included this epistle of Alma(2).  We are able to gain many great and wonderful truths.

Alma 40:15-26

15  Now, there are some that have understood that this state of happiness and this state of misery of the soul, before the resurrection, was a first resurrection.  Yea, I admit it may be termed a resurrection, the raising of the spirit or the soul and their consignation to happiness or misery, according to the words which have been spoken.
16  And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a first resurrection, a resurrection of all those who have been, or who are, or who shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
17  Now, we do not suppose that this first resurrection, which is spoken of in this manner, can be the resurrection of the souls and their consignation to happiness or misery.  Ye cannot suppose that this is what it meaneth.
18  Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but it meaneth the reuniting of the soul with the body, of those from the days of Adam down to the resurrection of Christ.
19  Now, whether the souls and the bodies of those of whom has been spoken shall all be reunited at once, the wicked as well as the righteous, I do not say; let it suffice, that I say that they all come forth; or in other words, their resurrection cometh to pass before the resurrection of those who die after the resurrection of Christ.

Alma 40:15-19 (Emphasis mine)

In my last post, I pointed out that Corianton was overly concerned about the number of resurrections.  Alma(2) said that it doesn't matter.  What matters is that he knew Christ was going to be resurrected and that all would eventually have their body  and spirit reunited.

In verses 15-16, he does admit that the first resurrection could be thought of as the spirits being handed over (note:  according to dictionary.com, the definition of consignation is to hand over or deliver formally or officially; commit ) to a state of misery or state of happiness.  But,  he finally makes it clear what is meant by the first resurrection - "it meaneth the reuniting of the soul with the body, of those from the days of Adam down to the resurrection of Christ." (v18)  He makes it absolutely clear that the first resurrection is not being consigned to a state of happiness or state of misery.  It is the first time the body  and spirit or the dead reunite and the person is raised from the dead.  

Again Alma(2) emphasize what matters.  What matters is that "...they all come forth..." (v19) Once again, I can almost hear Alma(2) telling Corianton "Don't sweat the small stuff!" 

We are told that, after Christ's resurrection...

52  And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

Matthew 27:52-53 (Emphasis mine)

So we see that the first resurrection did not begin until after Christ's resurrection; it consisted of "...the reuniting of the soul with the body, of those from the days of Adam down to the resurrection of Christ..." (v18)

20  Now, my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven.
21  But whether it be at his resurrection or after, I do not say; but this much I say, that there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works.
22  Yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets.

Alma 40:20-22 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) reminds Corianton that, regardless of when the resurrection occurs, the spirits of the dead will, for a period of time, reside in a state of happiness or misery.

While on the Cross, Christ was placed between two thieves.   

39.  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Luke 23:39-43 (Emphasis mine)

Christ told the thief who confessed his guilt that he would be with Him in paradise, the state of happiness described by Alma(2).

23  The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.
24  And now, my son, this is the restoration of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets—
25  And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God.
26  But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked;they are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of God; but they are cast out, and consigned to partake of the fruits of their labors or their works, which have been evil; and they drink the dregs of a bitter cup.

Alma 40:23-26 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) tells Corianton that the body will be restored to a perfect state.  All the infirmities and physical weaknesses from which we suffer will be gone.  All shall be restored to perfection.

Paul wrote:

20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

 Philippians 3:20-21 (Emphasis mine)

Isaiah prophesied:

19  Thy dead men shall alive, together with my dead body shall they arise.  Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

Isaiah 26:19 (Emphasis mine)

The righteous, after the resurrection will enter into the presence of God.  They will receive their promised reward for obeying the  laws and commandments of God.

2  And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3  And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

 Daniel 12:2-3  (Emphasis mine)

The wicked will pay for their choices.  They will be cast out from the presence of God. Their wickedness makes the unclean, and "...no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of God..."  (v26)  Alma(2) tells us that their suffering is the consequences of their actions.  They are punished because they choose wickedness over righteousness.  They will realize that they have lost everything, and they have no one to blame but themselves.  I am convinced that this is the bitter dregs of the cup they drink.

9  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?  Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (Emphasis mine)

5  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

7  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:5-7 (Emphasis mine)

8  For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.

Psalms 75:8 (Emphasis mine)

 What have we learned from chapter 40?

• After death, the righteous go to a state of happiness and the wicked to a state of misery.
• Through Christ, all will be resurrected.
• The resurrection brings the body and spirit together into a perfect state.
• No unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of God.
• That which we receive from God is a consequence of our actions and choices.

Don't  forget Alma(2)'s advice and counsel - "Don't sweat the small stuff.  God is in charge and he knows what he's doing."

Alma 40:6-14

6  Now there must needs be a space betwixt the time of death and the time of the resurrection.
7  And now I would inquire what becometh of the souls of men from this time of death to the time appointed for the resurrection?
8  Now whether there is more than one time appointed for men to rise it mattereth not; for all do not die at once, and this mattereth not; all is as one day with God, and time only is measured unto men.
9  Therefore, there is a time appointed unto men that they shall rise from the dead; and there is a space between the time of death and the resurrection.  And now, concerning this space of time, what becometh of the souls of men is the thing which I have inquired diligently of the Lord to know; and this is the thing of which I do know.
10  And when the time cometh when all shall rise, then shall they know that God knoweth all the times which are appointed unto man.

Alma 40:6-10 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) briefly reviews the time of the resurrection stating that "when the time cometh when all shall rise, then shall they know that God knoweth all the times which are appointed unto man." (V10). 

Then he raises a new issue  -  "...what becometh of the souls of men from this time of death to the time appointed for the resurrection?" (V7)  He tells us that "... there is a space between the time of death and the resurrection..." (V9)  He has inquired of the Lord, and he has received an answer.

11  Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to the God that gave them life.
12  And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
13  And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil—for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house—and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil.
14  Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this estate, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection.

Alma 40:11-14 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) tells Corianton that an angel of the Lord appeared to him and answered his prayers.  We learn:

• All will be taken back to God. (V11)  Whether the person was wicked or righteous doesn't matter.  

 7  Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 

Ecclesiastes 12:7 (Emphasis mine)

• The state of the righteous. The righteous will enter paradise.  This will be a time of rest and peace.  All our worldly cares will no longer trouble us. (V12) 

11  Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Isaiah 51:11 (Emphasis mine)

• Alma(2) tells Corianton about the fate of the wicked.  The key phrase in this set of scriptures is "...they chose evil works rather than good;" (V13)  What happens to them happens because of the choices they made.   I have a sign in my classroom that says "Choices have consequences."  The consequences the wicked face after death are of their own making.  They will be able to blame no one but themselves.  There will be "weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth..."  Why?  The angel told Alma(2) this happens "because of their own iniquity..."  (V13)  They will be left in a state of darkness where they will remain as the righteous remain in paradise until the time of their resurrection.  (V14)  All of these things will come upon them because they chose poorly.

 1  STAND fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:1 (Emphasis mine)

25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Timothy 2:25-26 (Emphasis mine)

Our loving and merciful God wants us to return to him someday.  He has given us His word by which we should live.  We are faced with temptations.  If we put our faith and trust in Him, we will return to His presence.

He also lets us know the consequences of the choices we make. 

The choices are ours.  Through Alma(2) we learn of the consequences of those choices.