Mosiah 29:1-12

Chapter 29

Mosiah proposes that judges be chosen in place of a king—Unrighteous kings lead their people into sin—Alma the younger is chosen chief judge by the voice of the people—He is also the high priest over the Church—Alma the elder and Mosiah die. About 92–91 B.C.

1 NOW when Mosiah had done this he sent out throughout all the land, among all the people, desiring to know their will concerning who should be their king.

2 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came, saying: We are desirous that Aaron thy son should be our king and our ruler.

3 Now Aaron had gone up to the land of Nephi, therefore the king could not confer the kingdom upon him; neither would Aaron take upon him the kingdom; neither were any of the sons of Mosiah willing to take upon them the kingdom.

4 Therefore king Mosiah sent again among the people; yea, even a written word sent he among the people.  And these were the words that were written, saying:

5 Behold, O ye my people, or my brethren, for I esteem you as such, I desire that ye should consider the cause which ye are called to consider—for ye are desirous to have a king.

6 Now I declare unto you that he to whom the kingdom doth rightly belong has declined, and will not take upon him the kingdom.

7 And now if there should be another appointed in his stead, behold I fear there would rise contentions among you.  And who knoweth but what my son, to whom the kingdom doth belong, should turn to be angry and draw away a part of this people after him, which would cause wars and contentions among you, which would be the cause of shedding much blood and perverting the way of the Lord, yea, and destroy the souls of many people.

8 Now I say unto you let us be wise and consider these things, for we have no right to destroy my son, neither should we have any right to destroy another if he should be appointed in his stead.

9 And if my son should turn again to his pride and vain things he would recall the things which he had said, and claim his right to the kingdom, which would cause him and also this people to commit much sin.

10 And now let us be wise and look forward to these things, and do that which will make for the peace of this people.

11 Therefore I will be your king the remainder of my days; nevertheless, let us appoint judges, to judge this people according to our law; and we will newly arrange the affairs of this people, for we will appoint wise men to be judges, that will judge this people according to the commandments of God.

12 Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just.

Mosiah 29:1-12

Mosiah offered the kingdom to each of his four sons.  They all turned him down to go on a mission to the Lamanites.  Who, the people wondered, would become king.  The people’s choice was Aaron, and they made this known to Mosiah.

One problem.  Aaron was now in the land of Nephi with his brothers and their group.  Mosiah sent a written proclamation to the people.

Mosiah began acknowledge the people wanted a king.  Further, he acknowledged their choice.  Here’s the problem.  He doesn’t want the kingdom.  And here is where the potential for problems rears its ugly head.

Mosiah could appoint another to the kingship; however, what if Aaron changed his mind and returned to claim the kingship?  This would divide the people, causing a civil war.  Many would die and this was not acceptable.  This would also pervert the ways of the Lord and destroy many souls.

Should there were war, it could destroy the soul of his son as well as he who was appointed king.  There was always the possibility he could return to his unrighteous ways, causing the people to become wicked and turn away from the Lord.  Mosiah’s purpose was to keep the peace.

While Mosiah would remain king throughout his life, he proposed a government of judges.  The judge will judge according to the law and “arrange the affairs of this people.”  He hoped wise men would be appointed as judge and keep God’s commandments.

But it is in the New World that we see the old institutions revived in full force. When King Mosiah suggested an improvement on the monarchical system (by which a king, no matter how unrighteous, had to remain in office until his death), the one alternative that presented itself was rule by judges. "Let us appoint judges," he says (Mosiah 29:11), and everyone seems to know exactly what he means … he does not have to explain the system to his hearers at all, and they adopt his suggestions quite readily and without any of the confusion and jamming that always goes with a shift from one type of government to a wholly different one.[1]

It is better to be judged by God.  His judgments are always just contrary to human judgments which were prone to error.

---

[1] An Approach to the Book of Mormon – Politics in Jerusalem, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 30, 2014.

Mosiah 28:11-20

11 Therefore he took the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, and also the plates of Nephi, and all the things which he had kept and preserved according to the commandments of God, after having translated and caused to be written the records which were on the plates of gold which had been found by the people of Limhi, which were delivered to him by the hand of Limhi;

12 And this he did because of the great anxiety of his people; for they were desirous beyond measure to know concerning those people who had been destroyed.

13 And now he translated them by the means of those two stones which were fastened into the two rims of a bow.

14 Now these things were prepared from the beginning, and were handed down from generation to generation, for the purpose of interpreting languages;

15 And they have been kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord, that he should discover to every creature who should possess the land the iniquities and abominations of his people;

16 And whosoever has these things is called seer, after the manner of old times.

17 Now after Mosiah had finished translating these records, behold, it gave an account of the people who were destroyed, from the time that they were destroyed back to the building of the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people and they were scattered abroad upon the face of all the earth, yea, and even from that time back until the creation of Adam.

18 Now this account did cause the people of Mosiah to mourn exceedingly, yea, they were filled with sorrow; nevertheless it gave them much knowledge, in the which they did rejoice.

19 And this account shall be written hereafter; for behold, it is expedient that all people should know the things which are written in this account.

20 And now, as I said unto you, that after king Mosiah had done these things, he took the plates of brass, and all the things which he had kept, and conferred them upon Alma, who was the son of Alma; yea, all the records, and also the interpreters, and conferred them upon him, and commanded him that he should keep and preserve them, and also keep a record of the people, handing them down from one generation to another, even as they had been handed down from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem.

Mosiah 28:11-20

King Mosiah₂ takes the brass plates and the plates of Nephi.  He preserved these according to God’s commandments.  These were the plates Amaleki gave King Mosiah₁.  “Wherefore, it came to pass that after Amaleki had delivered up these plates into the hands of king Benjamin, he took them and put them with the other plates, which contained records which had been handed down by the kings, from generation to generation until the days of king Benjamin.” (Words of Mormon 1:10).

He turns to the twenty-four plates which had been found by Limhi’s people. 

26 Nevertheless, they did find a land which had been peopled; yea, a land which was covered with dry bones; yea, a land which had been peopled and which had been destroyed; and they, having supposed it to be the land of Zarahemla, returned to the land of Nephi, having arrived in the borders of the land not many days before the coming of Ammon.

27 And they brought a record with them, even a record of the people whose bones they had found; and it was engraven on plates of ore.

Mosiah 21:26-27

His people wanted to know what the records contained about this society which had been destroyed.  Using the Urim and Thummim, he translated the plates. 

Mormon describes the Urim and Thummim as two stones. 

Incidentally, the particular wording of the passage in Mosiah is especially interesting, pointedly referring to "those two stones" as though the reader should already know about them, yet there is no previous mention in the Book of Mormon to any such "two stones." This anomaly may be the consequence of the Book of Mormon being an abridgment or perhaps of the lost 116 pages of manuscript, which may have mentioned the stones.^[1]

The interpreters had been prepared “from the beginning” and were passed on from one generation to the next.  These are referred to in Exodus.  “And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim [HEB Light and Perfection]; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually” (Exodus 28:30).

We learn what it means to be called a seer.  “[W]hosoever has [the Urim and Thummim] is called a seer.”

The record translated by Mosiah contained an account of people whose history goes back to the tower of Babel.  The Lord confounded their language and people were scattered throughout the Earth.  The record went back to the beginning, the creation of Adam.

The reading of the record cause the people to mourn.  Still, they rejoiced because of the knowledge they had received.

While no specific mention is made of an assembly in the final chapters of Mosiah, conferring the sacred symbols of leadership on a successor would only have taken place at a public ceremony. The ritualized responses of the people to the reading of the book of Ether, described in Mosiah 28:18, also suggest some kind of formal gathering in 92 or 91 BC.[2]

Mormon tells us he will give us the account of the Jaredites at a later time.  “[A]ll people should know the things which are written in this account.”

Writing in Mosiah 28:11-19, Mormon said that he would later give the story of the Jaredites. He made this statement at the point where he mentioned that King Mosiah had translated the record of that people. Apparently the problems he faced in his role as commander of the Nephite armies in his people's battles against the Lamanites kept him from abridging the Jaredite record. But his son, Moroni, fulfilled the promise by giving us the Book of Ether. So Moroni preserved the Book of Mormon editorial pattern of not failing to cover what was promised, even though it took a generation.[3]

As Mosiah had no heir to whom he could pass the records, he gave them to Alma₂. This included all the records (brass plates, small and large plates of Nephi, and the Jaredite record), the interpreters, and, we assume, the Liahona and the sword of Laban.

---

[1] Joseph Smith and the Text of the Book of Mormon, Robert J. Matthews, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 28, 2014.

[2] The Book of Mosiah: Thoughts about Its Structure, Purposes, Themes, and Authorship, Gary L. Sturgess, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 28, 2014.

[3] Mormon's Editorial Promises, John A. Tvedtnes, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 28, 2014.

Mosiah 28:1-10

Chapter 28

The sons of Mosiah shall have eternal life—They go to preach to the Lamanites—Mosiah translates the Jaredite plates with the two seer stones. About 92 B.C.

1 NOW it came to pass that after the sons of Mosiah had done all these things, they took a small number with them and returned to their father, the king, and desired of him that he would grant unto them that they might, with these whom they had selected, go up to the land of Nephi that they might preach the things which they had heard, and that they might impart the word of God to their brethren, the Lamanites—

2 That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, that they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God, that they might become friendly to one another, and that there should be no more contentions in all the land which the Lord their God had given them.

3 Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.

4 And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them, for they were the very vilest of sinners.  And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever.

5 And it came to pass that they did plead with their father many days that they might go up to the land of Nephi.

6 And king Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord if he should let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word.

7 And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites.

8 And it came to pass that Mosiah granted that they might go and do according to their request.

9 And they took their journey into the wilderness to go up to preach the word among the Lamanites; and I shall give an account of their proceedings hereafter.

10 Now king Mosiah had no one to confer the kingdom upon, for there was not any of his sons who would accept of the kingdom.

Mosiah 28:1-10

After going about attempting to undo the damage they did, the sons of Mosiah approached their father.  They informed him they desired to go among the Lamanites and preach the gospel.  They wanted them to learn about the iniquity of their fathers.  King Benjamin had told his sons about the Lamanites.  “I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct” (Mosiah 1:5). 

They desired to “impart the word of God to their brethren, the Lamanites.”  “Therefore, this was the cause for which the sons of Mosiah had undertaken the work, that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance; that perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of redemption” (Alma 17:16).

They wanted to “cure … their hatred towards the Nephites.”  Preaching the gospel was not all.  “There is, however, another aspect to the mission that is generally overlooked. It is that the Nephite princes were seeking a means whereby their nation could be relieved of the burden of war with their Lamanite neighbors.”^[1]  “It was a long shot, but by 92 B.C., after five hundred years of warfare, it may have been apparent to the king's sons that Lamanite warfare could only be halted by attacking its foundation, the tradition of their fathers.”^[2]

The sons of Mosiah “could not bear that any human soul should perish.”  That thought caused them mental anguish.  Nephi wanted to do all he could to help Laman and Lemuel. 

“And now I, Nephi, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, therefore I spake unto them, saying, yea, even unto Laman and unto Lemuel: Behold ye are mine elder brethren, and how is it that ye are so hard in your hearts, and so blind in your minds, that ye have need that I, your younger brother, should speak unto you, yea, and set an example for you?” (1 Nephi 7:8).

Alma₂ would experience the same pain when preaching to the Zoramites.  “For it was the cause of great sorrow to Alma to know of iniquity among his people; therefore his heart was exceedingly sorrowful because of the separation of the Zoramites from the Nephites” (Alma 31:2)

And, we read wickedness troubles the Savior. “And it came to pass that when they had knelt upon the ground, Jesus groaned within himself, and said: Father, I am troubled because of the wickedness of the people of the house of Israel” (3 Nephi 17:14).”

We learn that no matter how much sin we commit, we can always repent and return to the fold.  Mormon tells us in verse 4 that Alma₂ and the sons of Mosiah were “the very vilest of sinner.”  Yet, they were able to obtain mercy and were spared the torments the wicked would face.  Jacob described that torment.  “And according to the power of justice, for justice cannot be denied, ye must go away into that lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever, which lake of fire and brimstone is endless torment” (Jacob 6:10).

Even though they had received forgiveness for their sins, it still pained them.  “[T]hey [suffered] much because of their iniquities.” 

It’s not surprising Mosiah was less than enthused that his sons wanted to go among the enemy.  He feared for their safety and lives.  He did the only thing he could.  He inquired of the Lord.  Nephi emphasized the importance of asking the Lord.  Speaking to his two wayward brothers,

8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

11 … [if ye] ask [him] in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping [his] commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.

1 Nephi 15:8, 11

King Mosiah received an answer.  “Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words … and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites.” 

This was promise was fulfilled.  When the gang of Lamanites attempted to steal the king’s flocks, Mormon tells us, “Therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed that one of their men could slay him according to their pleasure, for they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out of their hands; neither did they know anything concerning the Lord; therefore they delighted in the destruction of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king” (Alma 17:35).  In later incident, a brother of one the gang saw Ammon and desired revenge.

22 Now, one of them, whose brother had been slain with the sword of Ammon, being exceedingly angry with Ammon, drew his sword and went forth that he might let it fall upon Ammon, to slay him; and as he lifted the sword to smite him, behold, he fell dead.

23 Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith—therefore, Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord.

Alma 19:22-23

Having received the Lord’s promise, he sent his sons on their mission to the Lamanites (see Alma 17-26).  But, this caused a problem.  His sons would not accept the kingdom.  He had no successor.

Listen to Pres. Henry Eyring discuss the Characteristics of Those Who Faithfully Share the Gospel. 

---

[1] The Sons of Mosiah: Emissaries of Peace, John A. Tvedtnes, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 26, 2014.

[2] The Lamanite View of Book of Mormon History, Richard L. Bushman, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 26, 2014.

Mosiah 27:31-37

32 And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel appeared unto them, traveling round about through all the land, publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of them.

33 But notwithstanding all this, they did impart much consolation to the church, confirming their faith, and exhorting them with long-suffering and much travail to keep the commandments of God.

34 And four of them were the sons of Mosiah; and their names were Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni; these were the names of the sons of Mosiah.

35 And they traveled throughout all the land of Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of king Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them.

36 And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer.

37 And how blessed are they!  For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.

Mosiah 27:32-37

After explaining his conversion to the multitude, he began an effort to teach the people the gospel, undoing the damage he had done.  The sons of Mosiah, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni, also went through out the land preaching the gospel.

As we have read the story of Alma₁, as well as the conversion story of Alma₂ as well as the sons of Mosiah, we must keep in mind we have read or will read the stories about the efforts of, arguably, the six most important figures in the Book of Mormon church (excluding Christ’s ministry among the Nephites, of course).  Alma₁ established and organized it.  Alma₂ became a missionary, the first chief judge, the leader of the Nephite church, and continue his missionary efforts.  Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni will preach the gospel among the Lamanites, bring thousands of Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth. “Had these dissenters not been reclaimed, the Nephites, Lamanites, and modern church would have been without some of the greatest leaders and teachers of faith of whom we have any record (Alma 4–43).”[1]

“The passage in Mosiah 27:32–28:1 tells of a little-known mission to the Nephites by Alma and Mosiah's sons, seemingly between one and eight years in duration…”^[2]  I would think that they were quite popular among the sinners before their conversion.  Now, the sinners turn on them.   The preached “the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those were unbelievers, being smitten by many of them.” 

What about the authority of Alma₂? 

After his spectacular angelic conversion, it has been claimed, "Alma does not wait for an ordination by any human authority."³⁷ Even here, it is possible that Alma the Younger, son of a priest, had already been ordained to some office in the priesthood by the time of his conversion. But it requires no ordination to report a spiritual experience, and this is all that Mosiah 27:32 tells us that he was doing.^[3]

It is not unreasonable to assume both Alma₂ and the sons of Mosiah had been ordained earlier in life.  Alma₁ was head of the church; Mosiah was a seer (see Mosiah 8:13-17).  They may have been ordained priests earlier in life, or they may have been ordained by their fathers before they began their mission.  Based on the fact the church had an organizational structure, it seems virtually impossible for them to have began their missionary efforts without the proper authority.

Even though the five suffered at the hands of the non-believers, the members of the church appreciated their efforts.  “[T]hey did impart much consolation to the church.”  Their example of faithfulness in the face of persecution is one we should all follow.

As they travelled, they went throughout Mosiah’s kingdom.  They “zealously” worked to undo the damage and “injuries which they had done to the church.”  They publicly confessed all their sins.  Alma2 understood the importance of confessing sins.  He would tell Corianton, his wayward son, “That ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done” (Alma 39:13).  They published all they had done as well as their experiences, “explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them.”   

Mormon tells us they were “instruments in the hands of God.” David Rolph Seely explains,  

The image of an instrument in the hand of the Lord. This phrase occurs twelve times in the Book of Mormon but not at all in the Old Testament. It refers to servants of the Lord who help bring souls to Christ, often through missionary work. Among these are Nephi, who brought his people across the sea to the promised land (see 2 Nephi 1:24), Joseph Smith in the last days (see 2 Nephi 3:24), and Alma the elder and his converts (see Mosiah 23:10). The phrase appears several times for the younger Alma and the sons of Mosiah (see Mosiah 27:36; Alma 2:30; 17:9, 11; 26:3, 15; 29:9; 35:14).^[4] 

They brought many to the truth, “to the knowledge of their Redeemer.”  “In Mosiah 27:36, the knowledge of the truth is equated with the knowledge of Christ.”[5]

For their efforts, they were blessed.  They published peace and tidings of good.  They left their testimony that the Lord reigns.

---

[1] Dissent: Perspectives from the Book of Mormon, Lynn D. Wardle, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 23, 2014.

[2] Alma's Enemies: The Case of the Lamanites, Amlicites, and Mysterious Amalekites, J. Christopher Conkling, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 23, 2014.

[3] Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 23, 2014.

[4] The Image of the Hand of God in the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament, David Rolph Seely, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 23, 2014.

[5] Notes and Communications: Faith and Truth, John A. Tvedtnes, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 23, 2014.

Mosiah 27:20-31

21 And he caused that a multitude should be gathered together that they might witness what the Lord had done for his son, and also for those that were with him.

22 And he caused that the priests should assemble themselves together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.

23 And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort:

24 For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.

25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;

26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

27 I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off.

28 Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.

29 My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity.  I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God.  My soul was ^cracked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.

30 I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all.

31 Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him.  Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all–searching eye.

Mosiah 27:21-31

Alma₂ is unconscious after the angel’s visit.  The sons of Mosiah, having quickly recovered from the experience, carried his body to his home.  You would think Alma₁ would be concerned with Alma₂’s state, but he rejoiced.  He had a multitude assemble to “witness what the Lord had done for his son.” 

Alma would tell Helaman, “… it was for the space of three days and three nights that I could not open my mouth, neither had I the use of my limbs” (Alma 36:10).  After showing the multitude, Alma₁ called the priests together and had them fast and pray that “God … would open the mouth of Alma_[2].” 

After Alma's helpless body was carried back to his home by his friends … Alma's father rejoiced, acknowledging the Lord's hand in what had transpired. What his father did next is significant: "He caused that the priests should assemble themselves together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength" (Mosiah 27:22).[1] 

At the end of the two day fast, Alma₂ is restored to full health. 

Latter-day Saints believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit an individual who has accepted Christ through faith and obedience is "born again" and becomes a "new creature" in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:24—32; Mosiah 27:23—26). This spiritual transformation brings with it charity—the "pure love of Christ" (Moroni 7:47)—a love for Christ and also a love for others as Christ loves. The fruit of this spiritual rebirth includes goodness and righteousness, love, joy, peace, gentleness, and meekness (see Ephesians 5:9; Galatians 5:22—26). The newness of life that comes to one through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ affects not only what one does outwardly but also what one is inwardly.[2]

He began speaking to the multitude.  He announced he had repented of his “sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.”  He experience the joy that David experienced when he wrote, “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me” (Psalms 49:15). 

The Lord told Alma₂ not to be surprised we all must be born again.  We must be born of God.  King Benjamin taught this to his people. “And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters” (Mosiah 5:7).

We are currently in a fallen, carnal state.  We must be change from our fallen, carnal state to being redeemed and becoming the sons of daughters of God.  Alma₂ would teach the people of Zarahemla, “And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God?  Have ye received his image in your countenances?  Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts” (Alma 5:14).

Moroni would quote from an epistle his father wrote.  “Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ” (Moroni 7:19).

When we a born of God, we become new creatures.  This is the only way we can inherit the kingdom of God.  During his mortal ministry, Christ would teach, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

Corbin Volluz explains what we learn from these scriptures.

From this key passage, we learn a number of things relevant to our discussion of the plan of redemption:

·         "All mankind" must be "changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness" in order to "inherit the kingdom of God."

·         Several synonyms for this change from the carnal and fallen state to a state of righteousness are introduced:

1.     "Redeemed of God";

2.     "Born of the Spirit";

3.     "Born of God";

4.     "Born again";

5.     "Becoming [God's] sons and daughters"; and,

6.     "Becom(ing) new creatures."[3]

If we are not born of God, we will be castoff.  How does Alma₂ know this?  He was about to be cast off!  “[A]fter wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord … hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning.”  This burning was referred to by Jacob.  “And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end” (2 Nephi 9:16).

Of course, Alma's hearers would know the spiritual trajectory of his life. As the notorious son of a famous father, his story would be familiar to everyone in the culture. His life is a dramatic example of someone who sank to the lowest depths and rose through the mercy of Christ to the preeminent position in his society. They likely would have heard him testify on previous occasions that "after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy saw fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God. . . . I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God" (Mosiah 27:28–29).[4]

He had rejected his Redeemer; he had denied the words spoken about Him.  He knows they did forsee He will come.  He remembers every creature and “will make himself manifest unto all.”

45 For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

46 And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.

D&C 84:45-46

The day will come that every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ.  Paul told the Philippians,

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

Abinadi taught,

1 AND now, it came to pass that after Abinadi had spoken these words he stretched forth his hand and said: The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgments are just.

2 And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not.

Mosiah 16:1-2

The Lord revealed, “And this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth—for every ear shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, saying: Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and ever; for the hour of his judgment is come” (D&C 88:104).

At the last day, all will be judged by Him and will confess He is God. Even those who lived without God will make the confession.  Zeezrom asked Amulek,

38 Now Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father?

39 And Amulek said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; he is the beginning and the end, the first and the last;

Alma 11:38-39

Their judgment will be everlasting punishment.

Click here to hear comments Elder Bednar made on being born again.

---

[1] "According to Their Language, unto Their Understanding": The Cultural Context of Hierophanies and Theophanies in Latter-day Saint Canon, Mark Alan Wright, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 21, 2014.

[2] How do Latter-day Saints believe they should live their lives? Robert L. Millet & Noel B. Reynolds, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 21, 2014.

[3] Cry Redemption: The Plan of Redemption as Taught in the Book of Mormon, Corbin T. Volluz, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 21, 2014.

[4] Alma the Younger's Seminal Sermon at Zarahemla, Robert A. Rees, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 21, 2014.

Mosiah 27:11-19

11 And as I said unto you, as they were going about rebelling against God, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood;

12 And so great was their astonishment, that they fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto them.

13 Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God?  For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.

14 And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.

15 And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God?  For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth?  And can ye not also behold me before you?  And I am sent from God.

16 Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them.  And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.

17 And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the angel spake unto Alma, and he departed.

18 And now Alma and those that were with him fell again to the earth, for great was their astonishment; for with their own eyes they had beheld an angel of the Lord; and his voice was as thunder, which shook the earth; and they knew that there was nothing save the power of God that could shake the earth and cause it to tremble as though it would part asunder.

19 And now the astonishment of Alma was so great that he became dumb, that he could not open his mouth; yea, and he became weak, even that he could not move his hands; therefore he was taken by those that were with him, and carried helpless, even until he was laid before his father.

Mosiah 27:11-19

The church is facing those who wish to overthrow the church.  Among those we see the son of Alma₁, Alma₂, and the four sons of Mosiah.  They are very effective in their efforts to destroy the church.  This group of five are about to find a new calling and purpose in life.

One day, as they were doing their dirty work, an angel appeared.  He descended “and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder.”

Needless to say, they were shocked.  They were so surprised they fell to the earth.  When he spoke, they could not understand him.  So, he commanded, “Alma, arise and stand forth.”  He wasted no time in letting Alma₂ know why he was there. 

He commanded Alma₂ to stand.  He then asked, why he was trying to destroy the church?  “[T]he Lord hath said, This is my church, and I will establish it, and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.” 

The people, as well as his father, have been praying “with much faith concerning thee.”  The angel is here to convince Alma2 “of the power and authority of God.”  The prayers offered by His servants were answered “according to their faith.” 

How can Alma₂ dispute God’s power?  The voice of the angel causes the earth to shake.  He sees an angel and reminds him, “I am sent from God.”

The angel commands him to go.  He reminds him of all the great things God has done for the Nephites.  He tells Alma₂ to remember Alma₁ and his people were delivered from bondage through the power of God.  Also, those in the land of Nephi were also delivered from bondage through God’s power. 

He commands Alma₂ to go.  Cease to attempt to destroy God’s church.  If he doesn’t, he will be cast off.  With his message delivered, the angel departed.

All fell to the ground as the angel departed.  It comes as no surprise they were astonished about what had happen.  They saw an angel.  They heard his voice.  The angel’s voice caused the earth to quake, “as though it would part asunder.”  Obviously, the shaking of the earth they experienced was great.

Alma₂, speaking to his son Helaman, would recall this experience.  “And behold, he spake unto us, as it were the voice of thunder, and the whole earth did tremble beneath our feet; and we all fell to the earth, for the fear of the Lord came upon us” (Alma 36:7).

The vision ended.  Not only had he fell to the ground, but he was dumb; he was so weak, he couldn’t move.  He had to be carried to his father by the sons of Mosiah, “who had also fallen to the earth but were not the focus of the angel's rebuke and therefore quickly recovered…”[1]

Being struck dumb after a powerful vision is not an uncommon occurrence.  When Daniel saw his glorious vision, he wrote, “And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb” (Daniel 10:15).  When he doubted the angel’s words about his wife getting pregnant at her advanced age, he also was struck dumb.

20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

Luke 1:20-22

---

[1] Studies in the Bible and Antiquity 3 (2011) – "According to Their Language, unto Their Understanding": The Cultural Context of Hierophanies and Theophanies in Latter-day Saint Canon, Mark Alan Wright, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 19, 2014.

Mosiah 27:1-10

Chapter 27

Mosiah forbids persecution and enjoins equality—Alma the younger and the four sons of Mosiah seek to destroy the Church—An angel appears and commands them to cease their evil course—Alma is struck dumb—All mankind must be born again to gain salvation—Alma and the sons of Mosiah declare glad tidings. About 100–92 B.C.

1 AND now it came to pass that the persecutions which were inflicted on the church by the unbelievers became so great that the church began to murmur, and complain to their leaders concerning the matter; and they did complain to Alma.  And Alma laid the case before their king, Mosiah.  And Mosiah consulted with his priests.

2 And it came to pass that king Mosiah sent a proclamation throughout the land round about that there should not any unbeliever persecute any of those who belonged to the church of God.

3 And there was a strict command throughout all the churches that there should be no persecutions among them, that there should be an equality among all men;

4 That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace; that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, laboring with their own hands for their support.

5 Yea, and all their priests and teachers should labor with their own hands for their support, in all cases save it were in sickness, or in much want; and doing these things, they did abound in the grace of God.

6 And there began to be much peace again in the land; and the people began to be very numerous, and began to scatter abroad upon the face of the earth, yea, on the north and on the south, on the east and on the west, building large cities and villages in all quarters of the land.

7 And the Lord did visit them and prosper them, and they became a large and wealthy people.

8 Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man.  And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.

9 And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them.

10 And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king—

The persecution faced by the members of the church continued, becoming even more intense.  Not surprisingly the people complained to their leaders about what they faced.  The leaders turned to Alma.

Alma meet with Mosiah, presenting his case.  Mosiah turned to his priests and consulted with them.  Who were these priests of Mosiah?  John Sorenson explains:

They would have been the priests in charge of the (in effect, the king's) temple and who saw that its rituals were carried out on schedule. (The need for scheduling naturally would have placed responsibility for keeping up the calendar in priestly hands, as had been the case at Jerusalem; compare 3 Nephi 8:1—2.) The refusal by Mosiah's priests to enter into the particular issue of moral and political behavior ("persecution") that Alma₁had raised is consistent with the definition of their role as largely ceremonial, focused on what went on at the temple itself rather than dealing much with ethical issues among the public at large.[1]

To deal with the problem, Mosiah proclaimed religious freedom throughout the land.  Unbelievers were not to persecute believers.  Believers were not to persecute unbelievers.  All would stand equal among each other.

The priests and teachers who served in the church worked for their own support.  This is a continuation of Alma’s practice in the wilderness (see Mosiah 18:24).  By doing so, “they did abound in the grace of God.”

Peace spread throughout the land.  Population increased and they filled the land around Zarahemla.  They did prosper and become a wealthy people.

Things were not all well for Alma.  While Alma was trying to build the church, his son was going about attempting to destroy the church.  Alma₂ is described as being an idolatrous man.  Apparently he was charismatic as well.  He was an effective speaker.  He was successful in his efforts.  Aiding him in his efforts were four of Mosiah’s sons. 

We see how the behavior of the children of leaders are used against the church.  We have all seen a son or daughter of a Bishop or Stake President go astray.  People see the unrighteous behavior and criticize the leader because of their child’s choice, ignoring that we all have our free agency.  No matter what our children are taught, they still have the free agency to choose the path of righteousness or wander from that path.  I have no doubt Church leaders in this situation empathize with Alma and Mosiah.

We see this in the Bible with the sons of Eli.  “For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not” (1 Samuel 3:13).  Lehi had to deal with his two eldest sons. “And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father.  And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them” (1 Nephi 2:12). 

John Sorenson gives us insight into the actions of Alma₂. 

The source of this idolatrous cult is suggested by the fact that Alma₂ named two of his sons, who were born before his conversion (judging by their probable ages and the chronology of their father's career) with Jaredite names—Corianton and Shiblon. It is a reasonable presumption that those names for his sons were derived and conferred when Alma₂ maintained an avid connection with the idolatrous cult of his younger days.^[2]

Sadly, their efforts were successful.  They led many people into a life of sin.  The growth of the church was also hindered by their efforts. 

Despite the variety of forms of dissent, some mild and seemingly innocuous, dissent is never described or linked with anything good or positive in the Book of Mormon. Every reference to dissent portrays it as a problem, an evil condition, and a harbinger of even greater problems and evils. For example, Alma₂ was "a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God" because he "[caused] much dissension among the people" (Mosiah 27:9)…[3]

---

[1] Religious Groups and Movements among the Nephites, 200-1 B.C., John L. Sorenson, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 17, 2014.

[2] Ibid. 

[3] Dissent: Perspectives from the Book of Mormon, Lynn D. Wardle, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 17, 2014.

Mosiah 26:31-30

31 And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation.

32 Now I say unto you, Go; and whosoever will not repent of his sins the same shall not be numbered among my people; and this shall be observed from this time forward.

33 And it came to pass when Alma had heard these words he wrote them down that he might have them, and that he might judge the people of that church according to the commandments of God.

34 And it came to pass that Alma went and judged those that had been taken in iniquity, according to the word of the Lord.

35 And whosoever repented of their sins and did confess them, them he did number among the people of the church;

36 And those that would not confess their sins and repent of their iniquity, the same were not numbered among the people of the church, and their names were blotted out.

37 And it came to pass that Alma did regulate all the affairs of the church; and they began again to have peace and to prosper exceedingly in the affairs of the church, walking circumspectly before God, receiving many, and baptizing many.

38 And now all these things did Alma and his fellow laborers do who were over the church, walking in all diligence, teaching the word of God in all things, suffering all manner of afflictions, being persecuted by all those who did not belong to the church of God.

39 And they did admonish their brethren; and they were also admonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins, or to the sins which he had committed, being commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things.

Mosiah 26:31-39

The Lord continued to give instruction to Alma.

We are to “forgive one another your trespasses.”  Failure to do so when the person is sincere in his repentance, will bring condemnation to ourselves.  The Savior taught the Nephites,

14 For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you;

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

3 Nephi 13:14-15

The Lord has given us the same command. 

9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

D&C 64:9-10

Paul counseled the Colossians,

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:12-14

Those who refuse to repent of their sins “will not be numbered among my people.”  This is the Lord’s policy from now on.  Alma₂ faced the same problem.  It is recorded, “the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God.  And also many withdrew themselves from among them” (Alma 1:24).

We see this in the Church today.  There are those that harden their hearts and refuse to listen to the Lord’s anointed leaders.  They decide they know better.  They don’t get answers they want.  They oppose the leaders and doctrines.  Many times, these people voluntarily cut themselves off from the Church.  They will then suffer the results of their choices.  “[W]hen the second trump shall sound then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before me.  And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.” (Mosiah 26:25-26).

Having heard the word of the Lord, Alma first recorded the Lord’s message.  Using the Lord’s directions, he judged those in the church who refused to repent of their sins and keep the Lord’s commandments.  The message Alma gave them might well have been Nephi’s final words.

13 And now, my beloved brethren, all those who are of the house of Israel, and all ye ends of the earth, I speak unto you as the voice of one crying from the dust: Farewell until that great day shall come.

14 And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last day.

15 For what I seal on earth, shall be brought against you at the judgment bar; for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey.  Amen.

2 Nephi 33:13-15

Those who confessed their sins were forgiven and remained members of the church.  Confession of one’s sins is an important part of the plan of salvation.  Here are a few examples.

And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:

Leviticus 5:5

For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

Psalms 38:18

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Proverbs 28:13

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Those who refused to confess their sins and repent were excommunicated from the church. 

While the necessity of confession as part of repentance was not emphasized by all the Book of Mormon prophets, it was clearly in place. Again, it is Alma the Elder who develops the idea at length. Alma teaches the members of the church to forgive all who confessed their sins (see Mosiah 26:29). Confession of sins and repentance of iniquity were necessary requirements for gaining and retaining membership in the church (see Mosiah 26:35–36).^[1]

Alma guided the church and ran its affairs.  They began to have peace and prosper.  Many were baptized.

Daniel C. Peterson gives us more insight into Alma’s actions.

The earthly king, who, in earlier Nephite tradition, had been the fount of religious authority and the last resort for religious questions, had definitively given up such a role. Only the heavenly king was left. In answer to Alma's earnest entreaties, the Lord revealed the idea of excommunication, whereby "whosoever will not repent of his sins the same shall not be numbered among my people" (Mosiah 26:32).⁶⁸Put into practice, this idea resulted in the "blotting out" of the names of a number of erstwhile adherents of the gospel. "And it came to pass that Alma did regulate all the affairs of the church" (Mosiah 26:37). This idea of excommunication was obviously wholly new to Alma, who had grown up under the old ideology where one's birth "numbered" one among the people of the Lord—the Nephites—in such a way that one could not be "blotted out," and where one's primary social identity was national or genealogical rather than, as we might express it, "intentional" or "voluntary."[2]

Alma, his teachers and priests, taught diligently the word of God to the people.  They did this in spite of persecutions by those who weren’t members of the church.  Again, we see this in the world today.  In their way, those who opposed the word of God challenge us with all sorts of fine sounding words, teaching their lies in ways that would cause someone who does not have a strong faith to fall away.  This is why we need to be sure our members are taught and, most importantly, understand the word of God.

The righteous remained separate from and probably refrained from social and perhaps business dealings with those whose names had been blotted out. Such harsh treatment of apostates would be consistent with later Jewish practices, and it may well account for the resentment and persecution of church members by those who were expelled. In fact, persecutions occurred immediately after the main instances of expulsion during this era (e.g., Mosiah 26:38; Alma 1:25).[3]

Nephi’s words would have been appropriate in this situation.

8 And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing.  For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.

9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.

2 Nephi 32:8-9

They ignored the persecution and continued to admonish all, teaching the word of God, calling on them to cease sinning, to repent of their sins, to constantly pray, and to give thanks in all things.

---

[1] The True Points of My Doctrine, Noel B. Reynolds, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 15, 2014.

[2] Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 15, 2014.

[3] The Legal Cases in the Book of Mormon – Judicial Punishments: Types and Rationales, Maxwell Institute, accessed December 15, 2014.