Friday, February 27, 2015

Alma 7:1-9

The words of Alma which he delivered to the people in Gideon, according to his own record.

Comprising chapter 7.

Chapter 7

Christ shall be born of Mary—He shall loose the bands of death and bear the sins of his people—Those who repent, are baptized, and keep the commandments shall have eternal life—Filthiness cannot inherit the kingdom of God—Humility, faith, hope, and charity are required. About 83 B.C.

1 BEHOLD my beloved brethren, seeing that I have been permitted to come unto you, therefore I attempt to address you in my language; yea, by my own mouth, seeing that it is the first time that I have spoken unto you by the words of my mouth, I having been wholly confined to the judgment–seat, having had much business that I could not come unto you.
2 And even I could not have come now at this time were it not that the judgment–seat hath been given to another, to reign in my stead; and the Lord in much mercy hath granted that I should come unto you.
3 And behold, I have come having great hopes and much desire that I should find that ye had humbled yourselves before God, and that ye had continued in the supplicating of his grace, that I should find that ye were blameless before him, that I should find that ye were not in the awful dilemma that our brethren were in at Zarahemla.
4 But blessed be the name of God, that he hath given me to know, yea, hath given unto me the exceedingly great joy of knowing that they are established again in the way of his righteousness.
5 And I trust, according to the Spirit of God which is in me, that I shall also have joy over you; nevertheless I do not desire that my joy over you should come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have had for the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold, my joy cometh over them after wading through much affliction and sorrow.
6 But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much unbelief as were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts upon riches and the vain things of the world; yea, I trust that you do not worship idols, but that ye do worship the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for the remission of your sins, with an everlasting faith, which is to come.
7 For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come; and behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they all—for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people.
8 Behold, I do not say that he will come among us at the time of his dwelling in his mortal tabernacle; for behold, the Spirit hath not said unto me that this should be the case.  Now as to this thing I do not know; but this much I do know, that the Lord God hath power to do all things which are according to his word.
9 But behold, the Spirit hath said this much unto me, saying: Cry unto this people, saying—Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth.
Alma 7:1-9

Alma left Zarahemla and began preaching to the people.  His first stop is in Gideon.  This is the first time Alma’s been able to preach directly to the people because of his service as chief judge.  He realized he could not do both, so he resigned the chief judgeship.[1] 

Alma came with great hopes that they had continued in their faithfulness.  He was concerned he would find them “in the awful dilemma that our brethren were in at Zarahemla.”[2]

The address Alma gives to the righteous people of Gideon—the city named after a martyred hero—is strikingly different from the one he gave to the worldly people of Zarahemla. It is a low-key, loving, and sensitive sermon … The structure is effective in its simplicity. Alma begins with his hope and expectation that he will find the Gideonites faithful and not "in the awful dilemma that our brethren were in at Zarahemla" (Alma 7:3). The key word in his expression is trust, spoken five times in such phrases as, "I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your hearts" (Alma 7:6). Better than hope, trust emphasizes the confidence Alma has in this expectation.[3]

Alma expresses his trust in the church in Gideon.  He trusts they are not lifted up in pride, they have not set their hearts upon wealth and fame, and they do not worship idols.

Idol worship was a problem in Nephite history.  Jacob addressed this problem.  “Yea, wo unto those that worship idols, for the devil of all devils delighteth in them” (2 Nephi 9:37). Because of their worship of idols, Mormon tells us the problems faced by the Nephites just before the birth of Christ.  “And now behold, [Satan] had got great hold upon the hearts of the Nephites; yea, insomuch that they had become exceedingly wicked; yea, the more part of them had turned out of the way of righteousness, and did trample under their feet the commandments of God, and did turn unto their own ways, and did build up unto themselves idols of their gold and their silver” (Helaman 6:31).

From where did these idols come?  John Tvedtnes explores that question.

A look at Book of Mormon passages that mention idols and idolatry is also helpful in determining whether there were other peoples in the land. We read, for example, of unnamed people in Jacob's time who worshipped idols (2 Nephi 9:37). The Lamanites to whom the sons of Ammon went as missionaries are said to have worshipped idols (Alma 17:15), while others in Alma's day worshipped idols (Alma 7:6).[4]

He expresses the joy he experiences because of the faith of the church.  This is contrasted with the sadness felt because of the church in Zarahemla.

Many things are to come, but one is of more importance than anything else.  The “time is not far distant” when Christ will come.[5]

As [Alma] expressed his pleasure at the privilege of teaching and testifying to the people of Gideon, he was forthright, clear, and direct in his witness of the Lord Jesus Christ, who was yet to come in His earthly ministry. He expressed his delight at the general faith and faithfulness of this group of good people and promised them that they would be the recipients of “many things to come” (Alma 7:7). In the midst of his discourse, describing things yet to come, he said, “There is one thing which is of more importance than they all— … the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people” (Alma 7:7).[6]

Alma makes it clear when Christ comes, during His mortal life, He will not dwell among the Nephites.[7]  Nephi had seen Christ’s visit to the Nephites during his great vision.

4 And it came to pass that I saw a mist of darkness on the face of the land of promise; and I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises; and I saw the earth and the rocks, that they rent; and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces; and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up; and I saw many cities that they were sunk; and I saw many that they were burned with fire; and I saw many that did tumble to the earth, because of the quaking thereof.
5 And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of darkness, that it passed from off the face of the earth; and behold, I saw multitudes who had not fallen because of the great and terrible judgments of the Lord.
6 And I saw the heavens open, and the Lamb of God descending out of heaven; and he came down and showed himself unto them.
7 And I also saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon twelve others; and they were ordained of God, and chosen.
1 Nephi 12:4-7

Alma had heard the Spirit tell him the cry would go out to the people, calling them to repent.[8]  “[T]he kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth.”




[1] “And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them” (Alma 4:19).
[2] “I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth? Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you?” (Alma 5:16-17).
[3] Feasting on the Word – "Know the Covenants of the Lord" – Sermons, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 27, 2015.
[4] Reinventing the Book of Mormon, reviewed by John A. Tvedtnes, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 27, 2015.
[5] “And not many days hence the Son of God shall come in his glory; and his glory shall be the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, equity, and truth, full of patience, mercy, and long-suffering, quick to hear the cries of his people and to answer their prayers” (Alma 9:26).
[6] Perilous Times, Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr, October 2004 General Conference.
[7] “And many of the people did inquire concerning the place where the Son of God should come; and they were taught that he would appear unto them after his resurrection; and this the people did hear with great joy and gladness” (Alma 16:20).
[8] “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, And saying, Repent [The Greek word denotes "a change of heart or mind," i.e., ‘a conversion.’] ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare [GR has come] ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Matthew 3:1-3).

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Alma 6:1-8

Chapter 6

The Church in Zarahemla is cleansed and set in order—Alma goes to Gideon to preach. About 83 B.C.

1 AND now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church.
2 And it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church who repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, and were received into the church.
3 And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the church that did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves before God—I mean those who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts—the same were rejected, and their names were blotted out, that their names were not numbered among those of the righteous.
4 And thus they began to establish the order of the church in the city of Zarahemla.
5 Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God.
6 Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.
7 And now it came to pass that when Alma had made these regulations he departed from them, yea, from the church which was in the city of Zarahemla, and went over upon the east of the river Sidon, into the valley of Gideon, there having been a city built, which was called the city of Gideon, which was in the valley that was called Gideon, being called after the man who was slain by the hand of Nehor with the sword.
8 And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by his fathers, and according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who should come to redeem his people from their sins, and the holy order by which he was called.  And thus it is written.  Amen.
Alma 6:1-8

Alma has finished the sermon he gave to the people of Zarahemla.  He ordained priests and elders to preside and watch over the truth.  The Lord spoke about the responsibility of the elders. “Let the residue of the elders watch over -the churches, and declare the word in the regions round about them; and let them labor with their own hands that there be no idolatry nor wickedness practiced” (D&C 52:39).

There were those who weren’t members of the church.  They took Alma’s message to heart and repented and were baptized. 

There were members of the church who were hung up on the pride of the world.  “And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:2).  Those were the people who rejected Alma’s message.  They were excommunicated and were no longer members of the church.

The Lord has constantly warned of the consequences to members of the church who refuse to repent and return to Him.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book” (Exodus 32:33).

“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” (Mosiah 26:36).

“For 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).

Order was established in the church located in Zarahemla.  All had the opportunity to hear the word of God.  If they desired to assemble to hear the word of God there was nothing standing in their way. 

The members of the church were commanded to meet often.  They also fasted and prayed for “the souls of those who knew not God.”

Having set the church in order, Alma left Zarahemla.  He went to the valley of Gideon (named after Limhi’s general).  “After speaking in Zarahemla (see Alma 5:2), he went to the city of Gideon (see Alma 6:7). Because the town was named after the general who served King Limhi, we may not be amiss in suggesting that immigrants from the land of Nephi settled it.”[1]

In Gideon, Alma preached to the church in Gideon.  He was guided by revelation and words of truth.  He did so based on his testimony of Jesus Christ.  “And I fell at his feet to worship him.  And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).


[1] Warfare in the Book of Mormon – Book of Mormon Tribal Affiliation and Military Castes, John A. Tvedtnes,  Maxwell Institute, accessed February 25, 2015.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Alma 5:58-62

58 For the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life, and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand.  And now, my brethren, what have ye to say against this?  I say unto you, if ye speak against it, it matters not, for the word of God must be fulfilled.
59 For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep doth not watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock?  And behold, if a wolf enter his flock doth he not drive him out?  Yea, and at the last, if he can, he will destroy him.
60 And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed.
61 And now I, Alma, do command you in the language of him who hath commanded me, that ye observe to do the words which I have spoken unto you.
62 I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the church; and unto those who do not belong to the church I speak by way of invitation, saying: Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life.
Alma 5:58-62

Alma is finishing his sermon to the people of Zarahemla. 

The righteous will find their names written in the book of life.  The Savior told the Nephites, “And behold, all things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged” (3 Nephi 27:26).  The Lord has also said, “Verily thus saith the Lord unto you who have assembled yourselves together to receive his will concerning you: Behold, this is pleasing unto your Lord, and the angels rejoice over you; the balms of your prayers have come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth [the hosts of Heaven], and are recorded in the book of the names of the sanctified, even them of the celestial world” (D&C 88:1-2).

“The Book of Mormon emphasizes the need to have and keep sacred records (such as the plates of brass) and to preserve them … A ‘book of remembrance is mentioned in the Book of Mormon (see 3 Nephi 24:16), as well as a ‘book of life’ that records the names of the righteous (see Alma 5:58; compare 2 Nephi 29:11; 3 Nephi 27:26).”[1] 

These people will find themselves on Christ’s right hand.  Then Alma asks a critical question, “[W]hat have ye to say against this … the word of God must be fulfilled.”

Alma turns to a very common metaphor in the scriptures, the shepherd and his sheep.  The shepherd watches over his flock, making sure to protect them.  Should a wolf enter the flock, the shepherd will chase him off.  This is the same with the church.  We must be constantly aware.  We need to watchful and recognize when evil enters our “fold.”  Should evil enter, we must do all we can to rid ourselves of the evil presence.  “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds” (Proverbs 27:23)

The Shepherd calls for His sheep.  If we listen, we will be brought into His fold.  Again, we must always be wary about the wolf.  If we aren’t we will be destroyed.


Alma made clear that his words were from the Lord.  The words were a commandment from the Lord for the church members.  He restated his previous words, “For I am called to speak after this manner, according to the holy order of God, which is in Christ Jesus; yea, I am commanded to stand and testify unto this people the things which have been spoken by our fathers concerning the things which are to come” (Alma 5:44).

To those who were not, he spoke “by way of invitation.”  Come, repent and be baptized and partake “of the fruit of the tree of life.”

Alma later used the tree of life motif in his sermons, inviting the people to "be baptized unto repentance, that [they] also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life." (Alma 5:62; see also 32:40.) Although the story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden tree of life in the Garden of Eden was well known among the Book of Mormon writers, the New World prophets, like those in the Old World, looked to another tree of life with fruit they could eat. (See 2 Ne. 2:15.)[2]



[1] “To Remember and Keep”: On the Book of Mormon as an Ancient Book, Louis Midgley, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 23, 2015.
[2] The Tree of Life in Ancient Cultures, C. Wilfred Griggs, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 23, 2015.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Alma 5:53-57

53 And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand these sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample the Holy One under your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches?
54 Yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another; yea, will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into this church, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and they do bring forth works which are meet for repentance—
55 Yea, and will you persist in turning your backs upon the poor, and the needy, and in withholding your substance from them?
56 And finally, all ye that will persist in your wickedness, I say unto you that these are they who shall be hewn down and cast into the fire except they speedily repent.
57 And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate, and touch not their unclean things; and behold, their names shall be blotted out, that the names of the wicked shall not be numbered among the names of the righteous, that the word of God may be fulfilled, which saith: The names of the wicked shall not be mingled with the names of my people;
Alma 5:53-57

Once again, Alma has to warn the Nephites about the Nephite Disease – riches, pride, and costly apparel.  The Nephites are so full of pride, they “trample the Holy One under [their] feet.”  Nephi warned us this would happen.  “For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet.  Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels” (1 Nephi 19:7).

Warning the people against a wicked king, Mosiah said, “For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him; and he trampleth under his feet the commandments of God” (Mosiah 29:22).

Costly apparel is always a concern among the Nephite prophets and teachers. It is always a sign of Nephite apostasy.  Nephi was also aware his people, in the future, would face this challenge.

“Yea, they have all gone out of the away; they have become corrupted.  Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up. They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up. They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men” (2 Nephi 28:11-14).

After Mormon’s death, Moroni finished his record.  He sent us a very important warning. 

“And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.  For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God?  Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ?  Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?  Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?” (Mormon 8:36-39).

Rather than set their eyes on the Lord, they have set their eyes on the riches of the world.  “Trust not in oppression [OR extortion], and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them” (Psalms 62:10).

In this generation, the Lord warned:

Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved! Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands! But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs” (D&C 56:16-18).

If they continue to persecute their brethren, thinking they are better than those who are humble and live a life of obeying the Lord, will “bring forth works which are meet for repentance.” 

“There can be no real repentance without personal suffering and the passage of sufficient time for the needed cleansing and turning … Misery, like adversity, can have its special uses …Real remorse quickly brings forth positive indicators, ‘fruits meet for repentance’ (Matt. 3:8; see also Acts 26:20Alma 5:54.) ‘In process of time,’ these fruits bud, blossom, and ripen.[1]

“The Book of Mormon promises that all who receive and act upon the Lord’s invitation to ‘repent and believe in his Son’ become ‘the covenant people of the Lord’ (2 Ne. 30:2). This is a potent reminder that neither riches nor lineage nor any other privileges of birth should cause us to believe that we are ‘better one than another (Alma 5:54; see also Jacob 3:9). Indeed, the Book of Mormon commands, ‘Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another’ (Mosiah 23:7).”[2]

The rich are withholding their wealth from the poor.  Throughout the scriptures, the Lord has made this clear this is not acceptable. 

“Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth. Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart” (Psalms 109:15-16).

“O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination.  And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls! Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you” (Jacob 2:16-17).

“And thus they did obtain the sole management of the government, insomuch that they did trample under their feet and smite and rend and turn their backs upon the poor and the meek, and the humble followers of God. And thus we see that they were in an awful state, and ripening for an everlasting destruction” (Helaman 6:39-40).

“Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!” (D&C 56:16).

Should the wicked persist, they will be “hewn down and cast into the fire.”

To follow Christ, the wicked must turn away from the wicked and separate themselves from them.  If they return, their names will be blotted out.  Paul warned, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us” (2 Thessalonians 3:6).  The Lord warned, “Go ye out from Babylon.  Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord … Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon” (D&C 133:5, 14).

They will no longer be numbered with the Lord’s people.  The children of Israel, who broke the covenant, were told, “The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven” (Deuteronomy 29:20).

To the wicked, David wrote, “Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out” (Psalms 109:13).


[1] Repentance, Elder Neal A. Maxwell, October 1991 General Conference, accessed February 21, 2015.
[2] All Men Everywhere, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, April 2006 General Conference, accessed February 21, 2015.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Alma 5:46-52

47 And moreover, I say unto you that it has thus been revealed unto me, that the words which have been spoken by our fathers are true, even so according to the spirit of prophecy which is in me, which is also by the manifestation of the Spirit of God.
48 I say unto you, that I know of myself that whatsoever I shall say unto you, concerning that which is to come, is true; and I say unto you, that I know that Jesus Christ shall come, yea, the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, and mercy, and truth.  And behold, it is he that cometh to take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly believeth on his name.
49 And now I say unto you that this is the order after which I am called, yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren, yea, and every one that dwelleth in the land; yea, to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond and free; yea, I say unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again.
50 Yea, thus saith the Spirit: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand; yea, the Son of God cometh in his glory, in his might, majesty, power, and dominion.  Yea, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, that the Spirit saith: Behold the glory of the King of all the earth; and also the King of heaven shall very soon shine forth among all the children of men.
51 And also the Spirit saith unto me, yea, crieth unto me with a mighty voice, saying: Go forth and say unto this people—Repent, for except ye repent ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of heaven.
52 And again I say unto you, the Spirit saith: Behold, the ax is laid at the root of the tree; therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire, yea, a fire which cannot be consumed, even an unquenchable fire.  Behold, and remember, the Holy One hath spoken it.
Alma 5:46-52

Alma continues explaining how he knows what he preaches is true.  He has fasted and prayed and received witness that what he teaches is the word of God. This was done through “the manifestation of the Spirit of God.”

Whatever Alma teaches about what is to come is true.  He knows Christ shall come and be full of grace, mercy, and truth.  He is the Only Begotten son of the Father.  He will “take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly believeth on his name.”

Alma preaches through the order which he was called to preach.

Alma … uses the term "order" to refer to a specific commission to preach repentance (Alma 5:49) and to teach certain commandments leading into God's rest (Alma 13:6). Indeed, one of the great messages of Melchizedek for Alma (and he is the only commentator to draw such a conclusion) was the success of Melchizedek as a teacher of righteousness. For Alma, such teaching was the paramount responsibility and calling of the priesthood (Alma 5:49; cf. Mosiah 6:3).[1]

He will preach to all in the land.  Every person must repent and be born again.

Alma speaks with authority, telling the people, “thus saith the Spirit.”  “Toward the end of the sermon as he continues to use this phrase, Alma cleverly expands it from ‘I say unto you’ to ‘thus saith the Spirit’ (Alma 5:50), ‘the Spirit saith unto me’ (v. 51), and ‘the Spirit saith’ (v. 52), extending the authority of his words to that of the Holy Spirit and ultimately to Christ…”[2]

The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.  Christ will come in glory, in power, majesty, and dominion.  David spoke of this day. “Who is this King of glory?  The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Psalms 24:8). “And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen” (Psalms 72:19).

Again telling the people “the Spirit saith,” he tells them to behold the King of Earth and Heaven and His glory.  Again, David spoke of this day.  “For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth” (Psalms 74:12).  “Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King” (Psalms 149:2).

The Lord told the members of the Church, “But, verily I say unto you that in time ye shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your king and watch over you. Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your lawgiver, and what can stay my hand?” (D&C 38:21-22).

“Alma expands his reference to the tree by alluding to ancient tree imagery, including the central tree at the heart of Eden and Jesus's parable of the tree, as recounted in Matthew 3:10. Thus he includes two contrasting tree images: the tree of life from Genesis (which alludes to the primal gift of agency) and the tree of death…”[3]

If a tree does not bring forth good fruit, it will be cut down and burned, being consumed.  The Savior taught, “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Luke 3:9).  The Lord told Joseph Smith, “The ax is laid at the root of the trees; and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire.  I, the Lord, have spoken it” (D&C 97:7).

Jacob warned the Nephites, “For behold, after ye have been nourished by the good word of God all the day long, will ye bring forth evil fruit, that ye must be hewn down and cast into the fire?” (Jacob 6:7).  And the Savior taught the Nephites, “But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return. For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you” (3 Nephi 27:11-12).

“Like Alma of old, each of us, members and sincere investigators alike, can know with surety that these things are true. It is our great privilege to know. It is more than a privilege; it is our responsibility to know. It is our enormous loss to not know when such a privilege is given.”[4]


[1] The Melchizedek Material in Alma 13:13—19, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 18, 2015.
[2] Alma the Younger's Seminal Sermon at Zarahemla, Robert A. Rees, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 18, 2015.
[4] A Still, Small Voice and a Throbbing Heart, Bishop Richard C. Edgley, April 2005 General Conference.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Alma 5:41-45


`41 Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works he hearkeneth unto the voice of the good shepherd, and he doth follow him; but whosoever bringeth forth evil works, the same becometh a child of the devil, for he hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow him.
42 And whosoever doeth this must receive his wages of him; therefore, for his wages he receiveth death, as to things pertaining unto righteousness, being dead unto all good works.
43 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should hear me, for I speak in the energy of my soul; for behold, I have spoken unto you plainly that ye cannot err, or have spoken according to the commandments of God.
44 For I am called to speak after this manner, according to the holy order of God, which is in Christ Jesus; yea, I am commanded to stand and testify unto this people the things which have been spoken by our fathers concerning the things which are to come.
45 And this is not all.  Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself?  Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true.  And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?
Alma 5:40-45

Alma continues preaching, using the example of good and evil works.

If a person does good works, he is listening to the Spirit of the Lord and is His disciple. 

The Savior taught the Nephites, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them” (3 Nephi 14:16-20).

But the person who follows and becomes a child of the devil hardens his heart against the Lord and follows his father, the devil. 

Abinadi told Noah and his priests, “For they are carnal and devilish, and the devil has power over them; yea, even that old serpent that did beguile our first parents, which was the cause of their fall; which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal, sensual, devilish, knowing evil from good, subjecting themselves to the devil. Thus all mankind were lost; and behold, they would have been endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state. But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him.  Therefore, he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God” (Mosiah 16:3-5).

In his confrontation with Zeezrom, Amulek was offered money to deny the existence of God.  Amulek quickly responded to Zeezrom, “Now Amulek said: O thou child of hell, why tempt ye me?  Knowest thou that the righteous yieldeth to no such temptations?” (Alma 11:23).  Zeezrom was a great example of a child of the devil.

Whomever a person serves, receives their wages from the one they serve.  Alma earlier said, “For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth.” (Alma 3:27).  The Lord emphasize Alma’s words.  “For they love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey” (D&C 29:45).  He who serves the devil receives wages of death. Paul told the Romans, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

They are dead to both the things of righteousness and good works. Alma ensures those present know he speaks with authority.  “…I speak in the energy of my soul … according to the commandments of God.”  He will make this same point to the people of Gideon.  “And I trust, according to the Spirit of God which is in me, that I shall also have joy over you; nevertheless I do not desire that my joy over you should come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have had for the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold, my joy cometh over them after wading through much affliction and sorrow” (Alma 7:5).

Alma speaks according to the holy order of God.  He received his authority from his father.  “And it came to pass that Alma was appointed to be the first chief judge, he being also the high priest, his father having conferred the office upon him, and having given him the charge concerning all the affairs of the church” (Mosiah 29:42).

Alma speaks to the people because he has been commanded to testify to the people “concerning the things which are to come.” 

Alma asks, don’t you think I know these things myself?  He knows his words are true.  Speaking to Helaman, he said, “And I would not that ye think that I know of myself—not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God” (Alma 36:4).

How do the people think he knows this to be true? 

To know this, he fasted and prayed to know these things.  This was a common practice on Alma’s part.  When he was going to preach in the land of Ammonihah, the Lord knew he would need assistance.  “As I was journeying to see a very near kindred, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto me and said: Amulek, return to thine own house, for thou shalt feed a prophet of the Lord; yea, a holy man, who is a chosen man of God; for he has fasted many days because of the sins of this people, and he is an hungered, and thou shalt receive him into thy house and feed him, and he shall bless thee and thy house; and the blessing of the Lord shall rest upon thee and thy house” (Alma 10:7).

The Lord testified through the Holy Spirit these things were true. John would explain the spirit of prophecy.  “And I fell at his feet to worship him.  And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Alma 5:38-40

35 Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire—
36 For behold, the time is at hand that whosoever bringeth forth not good fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works of righteousness, the same have cause to wail and mourn.
37 O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things of the world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice!
38 Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd.
39 And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye?  Behold, I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his fold; and now, who can deny this?  Behold, I say unto you, whosoever denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil.
40 For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.
Alma 5:35-40

Alma continues discussing the fruits of the life the people lead.

Remember back to the Allegory of the Olive Trees.  People who lived the gospel were represented by the olive trees that brought forth good fruits.  The wicked were represented by the wild olive trees and branches.  Eventually, the master of the vineyard removed the wild branches and trees and burned them.  There was no use for them. 

Alma may well be referring to this in his sermon to the people of Zarahemla.  The righteous will not be “hewn down and cast into the fire.”  Like the useless wild branches, the wicked will suffer the consequences of the sin.  They will “have cause to wail and mourn.”  During His mortal ministry, the savior warned the Jews, “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 3:10).

“Alma's language continues to be strong, undoubtedly motivated by what he must sense is the reluctance of some of his hearers to respond to his message.”[1]  He called those who were proud and into worldly things “workers of iniquity.”  Nephi would describe these people.  “They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men” (2 Nephi 28:14).

The problem with the wicked is they claimed to be a part of Christ’s fold, but they have gone astray.  They are sheep without a shepherd.  “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted [GR they were harassed], and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

Even so, the shepherd still calls their names but they ignore his voice.  “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you” (Proverbs 1:24-27).

When Lehi’s party was in the wilderness, the Lord promised he would light their way.  “And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led” (1 Nephi 17:13).
He is also our light, constantly there.  If we don’t see it, it is our fault because we have become blind with wickedness and refuse.

So, the shepherd constantly calls, but the wicked ignore his voice.  “Nevertheless, after all this, I never have known much of the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power.  I said I never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries and his marvelous power; yea, even in the preservation of the lives of this people.  Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart, even until the fourth day of this seventh month, which is in the tenth year of the reign of the judges” (Alma 10:5 - 6).

Alma, like Abinadi, teaches that the essential feature of the way of life is to "hearken to the voice of the good shepherd" (Alma 5:37–39). Alma also insists that those who do not follow the voice of the good shepherd follow the voice of the devil. The fold of Christ, the good shepherd, consists of those who are following his voice, which leads them to life. Thus membership in the fold of the good shepherd is not necessarily equivalent to nominal membership in the church. The fold of the devil consists of those who are following the voice of the devil, which leads to everlasting destruction or death. All those who do not belong to the fold of Christ belong to the fold of the devil (see Alma 5:37–39).[2]

Christ, the Good Shepherd, is constantly calling us to follow him.  If we don’t listen to Him, and follow Him, we are not His sheep.

The Lord told the Saints in Kirtland their sufferings were because the stopped listening to the Lord.  “They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble” (D&C 101:7).

When ministering to the Nephites, the Savior told them, “But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me” (3 Nephi 15:24).  “But if he repent not he shall not be numbered among my people, that he may not destroy my people, for behold I know my sheep, and they are numbered” (3 Nephi 18:31).

We are to return to the Good Shepherd, by which name we are called.  King Benjamin said, “And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free.  There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives” (Mosiah 5:8)

Amulek would tell the Ammonites, “…[C]ontend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you” (Alma 34:38).

We either serve Christ or the adversary. 

If you’re not part of the good shepherd’s flock, to which flock do you belong?  “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

There are only two we can serve.  The first is Christ.  Should we reject Him, we serve the devil.  “And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some other name; therefore, he findeth himself on the left hand of God” (Mosiah 5:10).

You can’t deny this.  If you try to claim you follow Christ, while not following Him, you’re a liar. “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?  He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22).

Jacob told the Nephites, “And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness” (2 Nephi 9:9).

“[I]f we are not deliberately and consciously cultivating the Holy Ghost as our constant shepherd, we may know for a surety that we are unwittingly taking signals from the adversary and reaping the wages of service to him.”[3]

Alma teaches a simple, essential principal.  “[W]hatsoever is good cometh from God.”  The scriptures make this very clear.  David wrote, “Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase” (Psalms 85:12).

After informing us he was commanded to seal the record of the brother of Jared, Moroni wrote, “And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me.  I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me.  For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world” (Ether 4:12).

The second part of this essential principle states, “whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.”  Mormon reminded Moroni, “Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually” (Moroni 7:12).

Man can only obtain goodness from God by hearkening to the voice of God. Therefore, good works are produced by an interaction of our efforts with God's grace. On his own, man cannot bring forth the works of righteousness, the good fruit we must produce to avoid being hewn down and cast into the fire (see Alma 5:33–35). A mighty change of heart must be wrought by the power of God, which empowers men to work righteousness. Thus the very existence of the way of life is a gift of God, and likewise the power to proceed in the way of life. The first gift is given to all men, the second only to those who strive to hear and heed the voice of God (see Alma 5:33–41, 57) (emphasis in original).[4]


[1] Alma the Younger's Seminal Sermon at Zarahemla, Robert A. Rees, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 14, 2015.
[2] The Way of Life and the Way of Death in the Book of Mormon, Mack C. Stirling, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 14, 2015.
[3] Alma the Younger (Part 2) Man's Descent, M. Catherine Thomas, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 14, 2015.
[4] The Way of Life and the Way of Death in the Book of Mormon, Mack C. Stirling, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 14, 2015

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Alma 5:34-37

34 Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;
35 Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire—
36 For behold, the time is at hand that whosoever bringeth forth not good fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works of righteousness, the same have cause to wail and mourn.
37  O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things of the world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice!
Alma 5:34-47

Continuing to preach to the people of Zarahemla, Alma tells them the Lord tells them to come to Him and partake of the fruit of the tree of life.  Lehi described the fruit, “And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted.  Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen” (1 Nephi 8:11).  Speaking to Laman and Lemuel, Nephi told them, “Wherefore, the wicked are rejected from the righteous, and also from that tree of life, whose fruit is most precious and most desirable above all other fruits; yea, and it is the greatest of all the gifts of God. And thus I spake unto my brethren” (1 Nephi 15:36).
Referring to his father’s dream, Nephi wrote:

He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw call men unto him.  Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.  Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me?  Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye bends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price. Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship?  Behold, I say unto you, Nay.  Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation?  Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance. Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness?  Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden. (2 Nephi 26:24-28).

Alma also invokes the first fathers of the Book of Mormon, Lehi and Nephi, by using the central image of their remarkable shared vision—the tree of life … By invoking this central Book of Mormon story, Alma is reminding his hearers of the dramatically contrasting choices made by Lehi's sons—those who chose righteousness and those who chose wickedness—and of the unfolding of their respective histories from these seminal decisions. Alma's hearers have just suffered the consequences of the kinds of choices made by Lehi's sons Laman and Lemuel.[1]

The Savior, speaking to the Nephites who survived the cataclysm told the people, “O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.  Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me” (3 Nephi 9:13-14)

He tells them the Lord wants them to “eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely.”  Jacob would tell the Nephites, “Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy.  Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness” (2 Nephi 9:50-51).

Alma would refer again to the water of life when he counsels his son, Corianton.  “Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds” (Alma 42:27).

Those that are righteous will bring forth good fruit.  Those who do evil will bring forth “not good fruit.”  When Christ went to John to be baptized, he told the sadducees and Pharisees, “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 3:10).

During the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior warned against false prophets.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know [GR recognize, detect] them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit [The Greek wording carries the meaning of beautiful, precious fruit without blemish]; but a corrupt [GR decayed, rotten, stale] tree bringeth forth evil fruit [GR bad, spoiled, degenerate]. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:15-20

“Alma's language continues to be strong, undoubtedly motivated by what he must sense is the reluctance of some of his hearers to respond to his message.”[2] He calls down the wicked, pointing out their sins.  They are proud and vain because of the things they have.  They are more interested in the world then God.  Those that at one time had been a part of the church have been led astray.  Nephi described these people. “They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men” (2 Nephi 28:14).

They are like sheep without a shepherd.   “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh” (Proverbs 1:24-26).  Nephi reminds us that the Lord will not let them go astray.  “And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led” (1 Nephi 17:13).

The people refuse to hear and respond to the voice of the Shepherd.  Amulek would tell the Amonites:

Nevertheless, after all this, I never have known much of the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power.  I said I never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries and his marvelous power; yea, even in the preservation of the lives of this people.  Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart, even until the fourth day of this seventh month, which is in the tenth year of the reign of the judges.  (Alma 10:5-6).


[1] Bountiful Harvest – Alma the Younger's Seminal Sermon at Zarahemla, Robert A. Rees, Maxwell Institute, accessed February 11, 2015.