Alma 5 Review (con't)

Verses 14-20 contain questions Alma(2) asked his audience.  He asks:

• Have you been spiritually born of God?
• Have you received his image in your countenance?
• Have you experienced a mighty change in your hearts?
• Do you exercise faith in the redemption “of him who created you?”
• Do you look forward to the day your body is resurrected, and when you will stand before God to be judged based on your works during your life?
• Can you imagine hearing the voice of the Lord calling you to “Come unto me?”

This is quite a list.  How would we answer this if we were in Alma(2)’s audience?  Can we answer “yes?”  If not, why?  What do we need to do to prepare to hear the voice of the Lord say “Come unto me?” 

Then he continues:

• Do you think you can lie to the Lord and be saved?
• Can you imagine standing before God, soul filled with guilt and remorse, remembering all the evil you have done in your life?
• Can you look at God with a pure heart and clean hands?
• Would he see His image on your countenance?
• Do you think you will be saved when you have become a subject of the devil?

How can you be saved?  The only way is if your “garments are washed white; yea, [your] garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain” (verse 21).  The only one way this can happen, and that is through the atonement of Christ. 

What if your garments are stained and filthy? Alma(2) tells them their filthiness will testify again them at that time.  They will testify of the sins that the person has committed.  It will show they are guilty of “all manner of wickedness.” 

If you have filthy garments, do you think you can have a seat in the kingdom of God?  Can you sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy prophets whose garments are white?  No!

If you sat with them, that would mean God was a liar from the beginning and His words mean nothing.  God is not a liar, so they will be cast out because they are children of the devil.

The concept of a change of heart and singing a song of redeeming love is important.  These are signs that follow the true believer, one who has faith in God and Christ.

What would happen if we died today and had to stand before God?  Could you stand blameless before Him?  Would our garments be white?  If you can’t then you need to begin to prepare.  The time is “soon at hand.” 

We have a responsibility to our brother.  You cannot mock him and persecute him.  If you do, you must repent or you can’t be saved.

Looking at the possible sins the people could commit, he commands “all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it” (verse 32). 

The invitation to repent and to “partake of the fruit of the tree of life” is extended to all men.  If you repent, He will accept you.  He doesn’t want us cast off, becoming subject to the devil.  He wants us all to return to Him.  He is there for us and He will do all he can to help us repent.

The day will come when those who bring “forth not good fruit” will be hewn down and cast into the fire.  The day will come the wicked will “have cause to wail and mourn.” 

Remember, the Good Shepherd is calling to the people, righteous or wicked.  He wants the ship to return to the master, who is Christ.  If you don’t listen to the voice of Christ, you will not be the “sheep of the good shepherd.”

But, if you’re not a sheep of Christ, to which fold do you belong?  There is only one option.  You belong the flock of the devil.  He is your shepherd.  Whatever is good comes from God; whatever is evil comes from the devil.