Alma 40:1-6

Chapter 40

Christ brings to pass the resurrection of all men—The righteous dead go to paradise and the wicked to outer darkness to await the day of their resurrection—All things will be restored to their proper and perfect frame in the Resurrection. About 74 B.C.

1 Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead.

2 Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection—or, I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality, this corruption does not put on incorruption—until after the

3 Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now, I unfold unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know—that is concerning the resurrection.

4 Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed.

5 Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case—that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead.

6 Now there must needs be a space betwixt the time of death and the time of the resurrection. (Alma 40:1-7)

Alma next discusses the resurrection with Corianton. “Alma₂ employs resurrection more than any other speaker, his uses cluster in just three passages. He uses it three times while preaching in Ammonihah (Alma 12), once while preaching to the Zoramites, and thirty times while talking to Corianton (twenty-seven times in Alma 40 alone). This concentrated usage in Alma 40 is explained by the fact that Corianton’s ‘mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead’ (Alma 40:1), and Alma₂ seeks to resolve this concern.”[1]

Alma tells Corianton there will be no resurrection until after the coming of Christ. Only at that time will “that this mortal does not put on immortality [and] this corruption does not put on incorruption” (Alma 49:2).

“Even this mortal shall put on immortality, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and shall be brought to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him according to their works whether they be good or whether they be evil—

“If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation, being delivered up to the devil, who hath subjected them, which is damnation” (Mosiah 16:10-13).

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep [GR die, sleep in death], but we shall all be changed,

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits [GR firstlings] of them that slept.

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

“But every man in his own order [GR rank]: Christ the firstfruits [GR firstlings]; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

Christ will bring to pass the resurrection, but it is not yet. He will explain some mysteries, but many will be kept, but only God knows which are which.

“For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round” (1 Nephi 10:19).

“Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God” (Jacob 4:8).

“Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come” (D&C 25:4).

“For I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fulness of times” (D&C 25:4).

Alma had diligently asked the Lord to know about the resurrection. There is a time appointed for the resurrection; however, only God knows when this will happen.

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

“And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29).[2]

If there be one, two, or three times men will rise from the dead doesn’t matter. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout [GR a cry of command, a cheer], with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

“For behold, in my name are they called; and if they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand.

“And it shall come to pass that when the second trump shall sound then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before me” (Mosiah 26:24-25).

“For the day cometh that the Lord shall utter his voice out of heaven; the heavens shall shake and the earth shall tremble, and the trump of God shall sound both long and loud, and shall say to the sleeping nations: Ye saints arise and live; ye sinners stay and sleep until I shall call again” (D&C 43:18).

God knows all things. “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5).

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out” (Romans 11:33).

Alma is satisfied to know God knows there is a time for all to rise from the dead. There must be a space between death and the resurrection.

“When mortals complete their sojourn on earth and pass through the portal called death, they enter the postmortal spirit world. As part of the plan of salvation, the Lord set a time between death and the resurrection when men and women can continue their progression and further learn principles of perfection before they are brought to the final judgment.”[3]

---

[1] Who Uses the Word Resurrection in the Book of Mormon and How Is It Used?, John Hilton III and Jana Johnson, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 21/2 (2012): 35.

[2] “And shall come forth; they who have done good, in the resurrection of the just; and they who have done evil, in the resurrection of the unjust” (JST John 5:29).

[3] Plan of Salvation, Plan of Redemption, Gerald N. Lund, Maxwell Institute website.

Alma 39:7-19

7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good.

8 But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day.

9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things.

10 And I command you to take it upon you to counsel with your elder brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy youth, and ye stand in need to be nourished by your brothers. And give heed to their counsel.

11 Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots. Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words.

12 And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;

13 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.

14 Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.

15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.

16 And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that they may prepare the minds of their children to hear the word at the time of his coming.

17 And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject. Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?

18 Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should be made known unto this people as well as unto their children?

19 Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming? (Alma 39:7-19)

Alma begins to talk to Corianton about his sexual sin with the harlot Isabel.

He wishes he had not committed “so great a crime.” He is dwelling on this for his own good.

He can’t hide his “crimes” from God. “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity” (Psalm 94:11).

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

“Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning” (Alma 18:32).

Unless he repents, his sins will be a testimony against him at the last day.

He told him he must repent and forsake his sins. Avoid going after his lusts. “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

“And now I, Jacob, spake many more things unto the people of Nephi, warning them against fornication and lasciviousness, and every kind of sin, telling them the awful consequences of them” (Jacob 3:12).

If he doesn’t, he will not inherit the kingdom of God. Take it upon him “and cross yourself in these things” (Alma 39:9). “For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell” (3 Nephi 12:30).

“The disciples of Christ receive a call to not only forsake the pursuit of worldly things but to carry the cross daily. To carry the cross means to follow His commandments and to build up His Church on the earth. It also means self-mastery. As Jesus of Nazareth instructed us, ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ ‘And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.’”[1]

He is to counsel with his brothers about his responsibilities. He is young and needs support from his brothers. Pay attention to their counsel.  

Alma told him not to allow himself to be led away by vain and foolish things. His conduct caused the Zoramites to reject his message.

“Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

“Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege [GR rob shrines, temples]?

“Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God” (Romans 2:21-23).

“And it came to pass in the commencement of the ninth year, Alma saw the wickedness of the church, and he saw also that the example of the church began to lead those who were unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people” (Alma 4:11).

“But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them” (D&C 103:8).

“[W]hat we now are as a people is clearly not enough, for ‘Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness’  (D&C 82:14). As in the time of Alma, the bad conduct of a few members slows the work. Indeed, Zion will not be fully redeemed until after we have been first chastened. Let us, therefore, not be too long-suffering with our own shortcomings. And when we are given thorns in the flesh, let us not demand to see the rose garden.”[2]

The Lord’s Spirit told Alma to command his children do good. If they don’t, they could lead many people to destructions.

So, Alma told Corianton, “refrain from your iniquities.”

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication [GR immorality]” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

“Abstain from all appearance [GR kinds] of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims [GR resident aliens, sojourners], abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

“Do you remember that many of the most powerful teachings in the Book of Mormon are from fathers directly to their beloved sons? Lehi, Jacob, Benjamin, Alma, Helaman, Mormon, and others all taught wonderful lessons to their own sons.

“Do you recall Alma’s son Corianton and the sad mistake he made? He was proud, stubborn, willing to excuse himself because many others had also sinned. Alma plainly identified the seriousness of his son’s actions, called him to repentance, taught him the meaning of Christ’s atonement, gave him a path to follow, and spoke the message of his heart.”[3]

Corianton was told to turn “the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength” (Alma 39:13). Acknowledge his faults and the wrongs he did. Alma could well have been referring to himself and the sons of Mosiah. “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” (Mosiah 27:35).

Don’t seek after riches and the vain things of the world. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).[4]

“Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich” (D&C 6:7).

He can’t take them with him.

Alma now talks to Corianton about the coming of Christ. He will come and take away the sins of the world. He will declare salvation to His people.

He was called to declare the coming of Christ and His atonement. He was to prepare them for salvation. He wanted them to teach their children to hear the word.

We learn Corianton is amazed that these things would be known. Alma asks, “is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming” (Alma 39:17).

“The cynical attitude of Korihor and of Nehor’s followers concerning prophecy may have influenced Alma’s son Corianton. In one of a series of questions that Corianton discussed with his father, he asked why the coming of Christ should be known so long beforehand (see Alma 39:15–17). A careful reading of Alma 39:12–15 suggests that Corianton was not fully committed to the idea of Christ’s coming and the redemptive doctrines associated with it. More to the point, he questioned the relevance of an event that would occur so far in the future. Alma subtly shifted the focus from the coming of Christ, as important as it is, to the plan of redemption, which would have been just as relevant to Corianton’s contemporaries as it would be to the souls of those living at the time of Christ’s coming (see Alma 39:17–18).”[5]

“For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.

“Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.

“Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea” (Jacob 4:4-6).

It is necessary this people, and their children, learn about the plan of salvation. “Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming” (Alma 39:19).

“And the things which I shall tell you are made known unto me by an angel from God. And he said unto me: Awake; and I awoke, and behold he stood before me.

“And he said unto me: Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy” (Mosiah 3:2-3).

---

[1] Discipleship, President James E. Faust, October 2006 General Conference.

[2] The Net Gathers of Every Kind, Elder Neal A. Maxwell, October 1980 General Conference.

[3] Boys Need Men, Elder Marion D. Hanks, April 1974 General Conference.

[4] “Wherefore, seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (JST Matthew 6:33).

[5] Painting Out the Messiah: The Theologies of Dissidents, John L. Clark, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 11/1 (2002): 24.

Alma 39:1-6

The commandments of Alma to his son Corianton.

Comprising chapters 39 through 42.

Chapter 39

Sexual sin is an abomination—Corianton’s sins kept the Zoramites from receiving the word—Christ’s redemption is retroactive in saving the faithful who preceded it. About 74 B.C.

1 And now, my son, I have somewhat more to say unto thee than what I said unto thy brother; for behold, have ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God? Behold, has he not set a good example for thee?

2 For thou didst not give so much heed unto my words as did thy brother, among the people of the Zoramites. Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom.

3 And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel.

4 Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.

5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?

6 For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness. (Alma 39:1-6)

Alma now speaks to his son, Corianton.

He has more to say to him than he did his brother. He asked him if he had “ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God” (Alma 39:1).

This implies he was referring to Shiblon. Why did Alma not include Helaman in his comments. We have seen Helaman was not taken along on the mission to the Zoramites. We learn Alma offered the plates to the chief judge, Nephihah, before giving Helaman the plates (Alma 50:38).

Here we see another implication that, at this time, Helaman had not been as dedicated to the work as had Shiblon.

Unlike Shiblon, who was humble, and desired to serve the Lord, Corianton “didst go on unto boasting in [his]strength and [his] wisdom” (Alma 39:2).

But, he caused Alma’s missionary efforts real problems. While preaching to the Zoramites, he left and visited the “harlot Isabel.” This caused real problems for the missionary effort.

“For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

“But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

“Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell” (Proverbs 5:3-5).

There may be more to Alma’s concern than just Corianton’s sexual sin.

Hugh Nibley suggest “the Isabel of Alma 39:3-4, rather than being a simple prostitute, was a priestess. Nibley observes that ‘Isabel [is] the name of the Patroness of Harlots in the religion of the Phoenicians,’ that she had many followers, and that, to go to her, Corianton had to ‘forsake the ministry, and .. , go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites’ (Alma 39:3). Corianton’s participation there is described as ‘an abomination’ (Alma 39:5), precisely the same term that the Old World prophets used to denounce the Canaanite practices. which often included ritual prostitution and human sacrifice. It is reasonable to assume that some forms of goddess worship were being practiced. Daniel Peterson’s suggestion that the name Isabel corresponds to the name of Jezebel in I Kings may also be significant here, because of the ties between Jezebel and some of these same practices … [F]or whatever reason, Alma took a dim view of the particular form of expression popular in Siron at the time.”[1]

Many went to her, but this was not an acceptable excuse for his actions. He should have concentrated his efforts to fulfilling his ministry.

He reminded him in the sight of the Lord, the seriousness of this sin is the third most serious sin, only behind denial of the Holy Ghost and murder.

“When it comes to morality, some adults believe that adherence to a single, overriding humanitarian project or principle nullifies the need to comply with the Savior’s teachings. They say to themselves that sexual misconduct is ‘a small thing … [if I am] a kind and charitable person.’ Such thinking is a gross self-deception. Some young people inform me that in our current culture it is not ‘cool’ to try too hard in many areas, including living strictly in accordance with righteous principles. Please do not fall into this trap.”[2]

Alma warns him about the consequences of denying the Holy Ghost, telling him it is the unpardonable sin.

“Concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come—

“Having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves and put him to an open shame” (D&C 76:34-35).

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men” (Matthew 12:31).[3]

---

[1] Nephite Feminism Revisited: Thoughts on Carol Lynn Pearson’s View of Women in the Book of Mormon, Kevin and Shauna Christensen, FARMS Review of Books 10/2 (1998): 33.

[2] “Can Ye Feel So Now,” Elder Quentin L. Cook, October 2012 General Conference.

[3] “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men who receive me and repent; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men” (JST Matthew 12:31).

Alma 38:10-15

10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things.

11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.

12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.

13 Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom.

14 Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy—yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times.

15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell

(Alma 38:10-15)

Alma continues talking with Shiblon.

As he had already been teaching the word, he told him to continue. He should be diligent and temperate in all things.

“Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work…

Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence” (D&C 4:3, 6).

“What is temperance, and why would the Lord want us to be temperate … In a spiritual sense, temperance is a divine attribute of Jesus Christ. He desires for each of us to develop this attribute. Learning to be temperate in all things is a spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost … Being temperate means to carefully examine our expectations and desires, to be diligent and patient in seeking righteous goals.”[1]

Alma advised him to avoid pride nor boast of his own wisdom.  “Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain” (Proverbs 25:14).

“But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil” (James 4:16).

He was to be bold, but not arrogant. He should control his passions so he could be filled with love. “Significantly, disciplining the natural man in each of us makes possible a richer, a deeper, and a more enduring love of God and of His children. Love increases through righteous restraint and decreases through impulsive indulgence.”[2]

He was to avoid idleness.

He was warned against praying as did the Zoramites.

“For they had a place built up in the center of their synagogue, a place for standing, which was high above the head; and the top thereof would only admit one person.

“Therefore, whosoever desired to worship must go forth and stand upon the top thereof, and stretch forth his hands towards heaven, and cry with a loud voice…” (Alma 31:13-14).

“[A]fter Alma and his brethren and his sons had heard these prayers, they were astonished beyond all measure.

“For behold, every man did go forth and offer up these same prayers” (Alma 31:19-20).

“[Y]e have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom” (Alma 38:15).

Don’t pray thanking God for being better than others as did the Zoramites. “Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren, which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers; but we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children” (Alma 31:16).

Instead, humbly pray and ask the Lord to forgive your unworthiness at all times.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

“I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess [GR acquire, gain, or possess].

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:10-14).

“[M]ay the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell” (Alma 38:15).

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

---

[1] Being Temperate in All Things, Elder Kent D. Watson, October 2009 General Conference.

[2] We Believe in Being Chaste, Elder David A. Bednar, April 2013 General Conference.

Alma 38:6-9

6 Now, my son, I would not that ye should think that I know these things of myself, but it is the Spirit of God which is in me which maketh these things known unto me; for if I had not been born of God I should not have known these things.

7 But behold, the Lord in his great mercy sent his angel to declare unto me that I must stop the work of destruction among his people; yea, and I have seen an angel face to face, and he spake with me, and his voice was as thunder, and it shook the whole earth.

8 And it came to pass that I was three days and three nights in the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a remission of my sins. But behold, I did cry unto him and I did find peace to my soul.

9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness. (Alma 38:6-15)

Alma continues speaking to Shiblon.

He told Shiblon not to think he knows these things of himself. The Spirit of God testified to him the truthfulness of his words. Had he not been born of God, he would not know these things.

“But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God…

“For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God” (Alma 36:23, 26).

“And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit” (D&C 5:16).

“Alma’s life changed when an angel of the Lord appeared to him and spoke with a voice of thunder. For three days and three nights, Alma ‘was racked with eternal torment, … even with the pains of a damned soul.’

“When Alma emerged from this experience, he was a changed man. From that moment on, he devoted his life to undoing the damage he had caused. He is a powerful example of repentance, forgiveness, and enduring faithfulness.”[1]

The Lord, in His great mercy, sent him an angel. “[The angel] cried … 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” (Mosiah 27:13).

He was commanded to stop trying to destroy the church and the people. His voice was like thunder and it shook the whole earth.

For three days and nights, Alma suffered “the most bitter pain and anguish of soul” (Alma 38:8).

“[I]f that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever” (Mosiah 2:38).

“And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance” (Alma 13:27).

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked” (Psalm 32:10).

“[B]y sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13).

He cried out to the Lord for mercy, and he received forgiveness for his sins “[A]s ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls” (Mosiah 4:11).

“Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest”

(Alma 12:34).

Even so, he continued to cry to the Lord until he found peace.

“Of all the necessary steps to repentance, I testify that the most critically important is for you to have a conviction that forgiveness comes because of the Redeemer. It is essential to know that only on His terms can you be forgiven. Witness Alma’s declaration: ‘I was … in the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a remission of my sins. But … I did cry unto him and I did find peace to my soul.’ You will be helped as you exercise faith in Jesus Christ. That means you trust Him and you trust His teachings. Satan would have you believe that serious transgression cannot be entirely overcome. The Savior gave His life so that the effects of all transgression can be put behind us, save the shedding of innocent blood and the denial of the Holy Ghost.”[2] (emphasis in original)

Alma told Shiblon these things that he may learn it is only through Christ whereby we can find salvation. “Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood” (Alma 21:9).

Christ is the light and life of the world. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid” (Psalm 27:1).

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life” (3 Nephi 15:9).

“[H]e is the word of truth and righteousness” (Alma 38:9).

“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).

“Light symbolism masterfully presents the gospel as essential in the process of leading toward eternal life. Grateful for gospel light, Joseph Smith declared: ‘Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to Almighty God, that rays of light begin to burst forth upon us even now.’ The first principle of the gospel, faith, is portrayed in the opening sections of the Book of Mormon as going through mists of darkness (temptations) to reach the tree of life whose fruit is ‘white above all that is white’ (Alma 32:42). Partaking of the fruit is described by Alma as tasting light (Alma 32:35). Tasting the light is not sufficient, though. Alma teaches that this tree of life, or tree of light, must be nourished until it becomes ‘a tree springing up unto everlasting life’ (Alma 32:41).”[3]

---

[1] Learn from Alma and Amulek, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2016 General Conference.

[2] Finding Forgiveness, Elder Richard G. Scott, April 1995 General Conference.

[3] Light: A Masterful Symbol, Richard Dilworth Rust, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 20/1 (2011):59-60.

Alma 38:1-5

The commandments of Alma to his son Shiblon.

Comprising chapter 38.

Chapter 38

Shiblon was persecuted for righteousness’ sake—Salvation is in Christ, who is the life and the light of the world—Bridle all your passions. About 74 B.C.

1 My son, give ear to my words, for I say unto you, even as I said unto Helaman, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence.

2 And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.

3 I say unto you, my son, that I have had great joy in thee already, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, and thy patience and thy long-suffering among the people of the Zoramites.

4 For I know that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I also know that thou wast stoned for the word’s sake; and thou didst bear all these things with patience because the Lord was with thee; and now thou knowest that the Lord did deliver thee.

5 And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day. (Alma 38:1-s5)

This chapter contains Alma’s words to his son, Shiblon.

As he said to Helaman, if he keeps God’s commandments, he will prosper in the land. “[F]or ye ought to know as I do know, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land; and ye ought to know also, that inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence. Now this is according to his word” (Alma 36:30).

If he doesn’t, he will be cut off from the presence of the Lord.

“Behold, do ye not remember the words which [the Lord] spake unto Lehi, saying that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land? And again it is said that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.

“Now I would that ye should remember, that inasmuch as the Lamanites have not kept the commandments of God, they have been cut off from the presence of the Lord. Now we see that the word of the Lord has been verified in this thing, and the Lamanites have been cut off from his presence, from the beginning of their transgressions in the land” (Alma 9:13-14).

“God also gave us moral agency—the ability and privilege of choosing and acting for ourselves. To help us choose well, Heavenly Father gave us commandments. Each day, as we keep His commandments, we show God that we love Him, and He blesses our lives.”[1]

Alma is pleased he has been faithful to the Lord, which he began in his youth. He hopes he will continue his faithfulness and endure to the end.

“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him” (Psalm 37:5).

“And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved” (2 Nephi 31:16).

“Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life” (3 Nephi 15:9).

“And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:6).

“And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God” (D&C 20:29).

“And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end” (D&C 53:7).

Alma’s words to Shiblon are only 15 verses long. His words to Helaman filled two chapters. He was given the plates only after the chief judge, Nephihah, refused to take them. He did not go on the mission to the Zoramites. We don’t know why Alma had so much to say to Helaman.

We can imply Shiblon was more faithful than either of his brothers.

Shiblon suffered during the mission to the Zoramites. He was put in bonds. He was stoned because of what he preached. Yet, he endured all these things with patience. He knew the Lord was with him.

“And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life” (D&C 101:38).

“Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days” (D&C 24:8).

Shiblon was told to remember to put his trust in God. “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Psalm 50:15).

 “Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them” (Psalm 22:4).

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8).

“And all that call upon the name of the Lord, and keep his commandments, shall be saved” (D&C 100:17).

By putting his trust in God, he will be delivered from trials, troubles and afflictions.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek [GR gentle and humble] and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

---

[1] Our Father’s Glorious Plan, Elder Weatherford T. Clayton, April 2017 General Conference.

Alma 37:38-47

38 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball, or director—or our fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it.

39 And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness.

40 And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.

41 Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;

42 Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions.

43 And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.

44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.

45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.

46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.

47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell. (Alma 37:38-47)

Alma tells Helaman about the “ball or director.” “And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness” (1 Nephi 16:10).

We learn from Alma the is called the “Liahona.” Liahona means “compass.” It was prepared by the Lord.

“The Book of Mormon record associates the word Liahona with deliverance and survival, tying its meaning directly to a physical object—a ball— and to its essential function—a director (see Mosiah 1:16; Alma 37:38, 45). The elements forming the term Liahona become clear when they are analyzed in light of the customs and the rules of the Hebrew grammar in existence at the time of Lehi in 600 BC. The skillful formation of this word also sheds light on the linguistic world of the Nephite civilization, mainly a descendant of Hebrew. It also demonstrates that Joseph Smith, with his extremely limited language skills, could not have dreamed up such a name. The explanation of the etymology of the name Liahona adds another link to the pieces of evidence from other past explanations of names that Joseph Smith could not have known from just reading the Bible.”[1]

“[I]t is important to note Nephi’s observation that it was only through the faith, diligence, and heed they gave to the compass that it worked…

“Nephi’s conclusion was not lost on Alma 500 years later when he reminded his own son about the importance of the Liahona. He explained to Helaman that the Lord prepared this compass to show their fathers the course they should travel in the wilderness, but because that miraculous device worked by small means, their fathers were slothful and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence. As a result, this marvelous device ceased to work, and they did not progress in their journey or travel a straight course but tarried in the wilderness and were afflicted because of their negligence.”[2]

The workmanship was so curious, no one could have made it. It was prepared, by the Lord, to guide Lehi’s party as they journeyed through the wilderness.

It worked for Lehi’s party based on their faith. “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them” (1 Nephi 16:28).

Their faith caused the pointers to show they the way they should go.

The Lord used small means to work miracles. “And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (1 Nephi 16:29).

This led Lehi’s party to become slothful and failed to exercise their faith. “Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you” (D&C 90:18).

“He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand” (D&C 107:100).

The result was the Liahona ceased to work and they didn’t make any progress in the wilderness.

They lingered in the wilderness. They could not travel a direct course. The experience hunger and thirst because of their lack of faith.

“[T]he words of Christ can be a personal Liahona for each of us, showing us the way. Let us not be slothful because of the easiness of the way. Let us in faith take the words of Christ into our minds and into our hearts as they are recorded in sacred scripture and as they are uttered by living prophets, seers, and revelators. Let us with faith and diligence feast upon the words of Christ, for the words of Christ will be our spiritual Liahona telling us all things what we should do.”[3]

It is easy to give heed to Christ’s words. They will point us in a straight course to eternal life. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

As the Liahona worked when they were faithful, so shall the words of Christ carry us on to a land of promise.

“The Book of Mormon is our testimonial Liahona. This voice from the dust guides us to know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that his Church has been restored.”[4]

Because the way is easy, Alma tells Helaman he should not be slothful. “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46).

“And he loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and he remembered the covenants which he had made; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of Egypt.

“And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished” (1 Nephi 17:40-41).

“O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name” (2 Nephi 9:41).

“For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me…

“Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many there are that go in thereat, because they receive me not, neither do they abide in my law” (D&C 132:22, 25).

Alma refers to the brazen serpent lifted up by Moses. The Lord prepared a way for them. If they would look, they would live.

“And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived” (Numbers 21:9).

“And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished” (1 Nephi 17:41).

“But, behold, ye not only deny my words, but ye also deny all the words which have been spoken by our fathers, and also the words which were spoken by this man, Moses, who had such great power given unto him, yea, the words which he hath spoken concerning the coming of the Messiah.

“Yea, did he not bear record that the Son of God should come? And as he lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness, even so shall he be lifted up who should come.

“And as many as should look upon that serpent should live, even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal” (Helaman 8:13-15).

A way is also prepared for us. If we look, we will live forever.

Alma ends his words, charging Helaman to take care of the sacred things. He is to look to God and live.

He was told to go declare the word to this people.

---

[1] Liahona: “The Direction of the Lord”: An Etymological Explanation, Jonathan Curci, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 16/2 (2007): 61.

[2] Compass of the Lord, Elder Lowell M. Snow, October 2005 General Conference.

[3] The Words of Christ—Our Spiritual Liahona, Elder W. Rolfe Kerr, April 2004 General Conference.

[4] Hour of Conversion, Elder Robert K. Dellenbach, October 1990 General Conference.