45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.
46 Now, when Amulek had finished these words the people began again to be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble. And thus ended the words of Amulek, or this is all that I have written.
Alma 11:44-46 (Emphasis mine)
Amulek sums up the resurrection. When we are raised in the resurrection, we will have an immortal body. We can no longer die. We will no longer see corruption.
The people were astonished by Amulek’s words. Even more surprising was how the arrogant Zeezrom began to tremble.
Then, Alma tells us this is all the words of Amulek he recorded.
We learn from Amulek that resurrection is a free gift from God. We do nothing to earn this wonderful gift.
“Resurrection is as universal as death. All must die and all must be resurrected. It is a free gift to everyone. It is not the result of the exercise of faith or accumulated good works. The Book of Mormon prophet Amulek declares, ‘Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous.’ “ [1] (Emphasis mine)
Chapter 12
Alma contends with Zeezrom—The mysteries of God can be given only to the faithful—Men are judged by their thoughts, beliefs, words, and works—The wicked shall suffer a spiritual death—This mortal life is a probationary state—The plan of redemption brings to pass the resurrection and, through faith, a remission of sins—The repentant have a claim on mercy through the Only Begotten Son. About 82 B.C.
1 NOW Alma, seeing that the words of Amulek had silenced Zeezrom, for he beheld that Amulek had caught him in his lying and deceiving to destroy him, and seeing that he began to tremble under a consciousness of his guilt, he opened his mouth and began to speak unto him, and to establish the words of Amulek, and to explain things beyond, or to unfold the scriptures beyond that which Amulek had done.
2 Now the words that Alma spake unto Zeezrom were heard by the people round about; for the multitude was great, and he spake on this wise:
3 Now Zeezrom, seeing that thou hast been taken in thy lying and craftiness, for thou hast not lied unto men only but thou hast lied unto God; for behold, he knows all thy thoughts, and thou seest that thy thoughts are made known unto us by his Spirit;
4 And thou seest that we know that thy plan was a very subtle plan, as to the subtlety of the devil, for to lie and to deceive this people that thou mightest set them against us, to revile us and to cast us out—
5 Now this was a plan of thine adversary, and he hath exercised his power in thee. Now I would that ye should remember that what I say unto thee I say unto all.
6 And behold I say unto you all that this was a snare of the adversary, which he has laid to catch this people, that he might bring you into subjection unto him, that he might encircle you about with his chains, that he might chain you down to everlasting destruction, according to the power of his captivity.
Alma 12:1-6 (Emphasis mine)
We learn why Zeezrom was trembling. He realized he had been caught in his lies. And the guilt of what he did was so strong he began to tremble.
Alma(2) continues chastising Zeezrom. He said he didn’t just lie to men, he also lied to God. He was serving the devil; he was caught in a snare the devil had laid out to catch people. He wants to bring all to the chains of everlasting destruction.
“Alma gets into the picture now and goes to the heart of the matter, which Zeezrom had been avoiding. He wouldn't touch that. ‘He began to tremble under a consciousness of his guilt.’ It had all come back to him. The resurrection stops everybody cold after going through all the expository stuff…” [2] (Emphasis mine)
7 Now when Alma had spoken these words, Zeezrom began to tremble more exceedingly, for he was convinced more and more of the power of God; and he was also convinced that Alma and Amulek had a knowledge of him, for he was convinced that they knew the thoughts and intents of his heart; for power was given unto them that they might know of these things according to the spirit of prophecy.
8 And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he might know more concerning the kingdom of God. And he said unto Alma: What does this mean which Amulek hath spoken concerning the resurrection of the dead, that all shall rise from the dead, both the just and the unjust, and are brought to stand before God to be judged according to their works?
Alma 12:7-8 (Emphasis mine)
Zeezrom fully realizes he has made a serious mistake in trying to confound Amulek and Alma(2). He realized that they did know of God and his power.
We see a mighty change. Zeezrom changes from prosecutor to one who desires truth and knowledge. He wants to know more about the resurrection and what it means.
Hugh Nibley described this event.
“Then Zeezrom began to tremble when Alma spoke, ‘for power was given unto them that they might know of these things according to the spirit of prophecy. And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he might know more concerning the kingdom of God.’ Well, now there's been a turning point; he has changed his mind. They could see through him and he knew it. So now he is going to ask some interesting questions, and he becomes a different man. It's very interesting that this top man, this most depraved person, is going to become a zealous missionary. It's surprising what goes on, you see.” [3] (Emphasis mine)
[1] Resurrection, Douglas L. Callister, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed October 26, 2011.
[2] Lecture 48: Alma 10-12, Hugh W. Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed October 26, 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment