Alma 30:35-42

35  Then why sayest thou that we preach unto this people to get gain, when thou, of thyself, knowest that we receive no gain?  And now, believest thou that we deceive this people, that causes such joy in their hearts?

36  And Korihor answered him, Yea.

37  And then Alma said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?

38  And he answered, Nay.

39  Now Alma said unto him: Will ye deny again that there is a God, and also deny the Christ?  For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come.

40  And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not?  I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.

41  But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them?  Believest thou that these things are true?

42  Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God.

Alma 30:35-42 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) continues to question Korihor.  He first asks if he still believes that “we” deceive the people.  You know, he tells him, we aren’t paid for this, yet you continue to lie about this.  Is this what you believe?

Korihor continues to dig himself into a deeper hole by stating that yes, that’s what he believes.

15  ¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16  Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Matthew 7:15-20 (Emphasis mine)

He is then challenged to provide evidence there is no God or Christ.  We only have your word, Alma(2) points out.  I have a testimony and know these things are true. 

Alma(2) then shows Korihor that he’s on to him.  He says that he knows he believes, but that he had a lying spirit and allowed the devil have power over him.  Will he deny these things.  “He showed that Korihor was deliberately misinterpreting everything, being ‘possessed with a lying spirit’ (Alma 30:42). He answered him patiently, point by point, but it was his exemplary restraint that gave Korihor the lie.” [1] (Emphasis mine)

1  THE fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.  They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalms 14:1 (Emphasis mine)

Hugh Nibley adds:

“And in verse 40 Alma said, ‘And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not?’ See, you can never prove a negative. You can't prove to me absolutely now as we are standing and sitting here that there is not a kangaroo behind that desk. There could very well be. I don't know, but there could be. You can't prove that there isn't, as you go down there. You can't prove a negative, in other words, but you can prove a positive. On the other hand we ‘have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them? . . . Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you.’ “ [2] (Emphasis mine)

---

[1] Freemen and King-men in the Book of Mormon, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed November 18, 2011.

[2] Lecture 54: Alma 30-31, Hugh W. Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed November 18, 2011.