This is a continuation of part one. If you have not first studied through that, I would recommend doing that first. In these posts we will unveil the remainder of Alma’s and Amulek’s witnessed in the land of Ammonihah (Alma chapters 11-16). In these particular chapters there is an abundance of things to comment on. It can be really hard sometimes to not comment on everything. I will try to always keep my comments related to the doctrine of Christ and personal ascension.

I will always invite you to first read it on your own and use the spirit of the Lord to help you see the doctrine of Christ with new eyes. Then feel free to supplement your own reading with mine if you would like. Use the spirit to discern any of my personal messages. My comments are only there to help clarify the simplicity and beauty of Christ’s true saving doctrine.

As you study through the witness of Alma & Amulek, I encourage you to remember the doctrine of Nehor that was prevalent in Ammonihah (discussed in part one) and ponder the following:

• Do you subscribe to the teachings and doctrines of the order of Nehor to any degree?
• Why would Mormon include these select details in the Book of Mormon?
• Do you really believe that the Book of Mormon was divinely restored for the last days?

Continuing the Teaching of the Doctrine of Christ in Ammonihah

11:34 And Zeezrom said again: Shall he save his people in their sins? And Amulek answered and said unto him: I say unto you he shall not, for it is impossible for him to deny his word.

35 Now Zeezrom said unto the people: See that ye remember these things [trying to catch them in their words with witnesses]; for he said there is but one God; yet he saith that the Son of God shall come, but he shall not save his people—as though he had authority to command God.

36 Now Amulek saith again unto him: Behold thou hast lied, for thou sayest that I spake as though I had authority to command God because I said he shall not save his people in their sins.

37 And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins.

[This is such an important truth contained in the doctrine of Christ—please understand this very important distinction between the use of “in” and “from.” A person that has not had their baptism of fire and Holy Ghost is “in their sins” and thus this person is “not saved in their sins.” However, a person that has received their baptism of fire and Holy Ghost (which is salvation, personal redemption and remission of sins) has had the the Lord redeem them “from” their sins. It is so because the baptism of fire and Holy Ghost is a baptism of blood and Spirit—sanctified by the atoning blood of Christ and justified by the Holy Spirit (Moses 6:59-60). Again, this is to be “saved from your sins.” More on this sanctification and justification is explained in The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide. The contrast to this is a person that is first, “in Christ.” “In Christ” is present tense or to be present in His personal revelation, guidance, teaching, mentoring, and more. Many are called to be “in Christ” but few are chosen which is to be redeemed “through Christ” and His redeeming blood (Moses 6:59-60). And why are they not chosen because they repent not (don’t seek God to their Prophet, Priest, and King), “their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men,” (121:34-35) and they even seek to make the arm-of-flesh their God (2 Nephi 4:34).]

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

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

40 And he shall come into the world to redeem his people [do you believe this?]; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name [a very important condition]; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else [do you really believe the scriptures when it says this?].

[To not take too much away from the task at hand, in the future I will share more about the power of “his name” as it is used in the scriptures. Notice the use of it in scripture—to “believe on his name” (hope), to have “faith on his name”, to be “baptized in His name,” to be “redeemed in his name” and even that the scriptures declare “that there is no other name by which a person can be saved.” It is so amazing.]

41 Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made [because they remain “in their sins”], except it be the loosing of the bands of death [the possibility of personal redemption]; for behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead [one of several types of resurrections] and stand before God, and be judged according to their works [The works of a person are “their works of salvation.” Always remember that the Lord has declared that each person must “work out their own salvation” (Mormon 9:27; Alma 34:37). Often people will think of “works” as good deeds and service which can be true but the better way to understand this is that “your works” are the things you are doing within your personal relationship with the Lord to work out your own salvation with the Lord.]

42 Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death [simply being part of this earth and mortality]; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death [Christ’s resurrection makes it now possible for a person to be redeemed and overcome the effects (or bands, or bonds) that tie a person to this mortal (telestial) world.]

43 The spirit [eternal spirit; the “eternal you”] and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form [this is the restoration of the “eternal you”]; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.

44 Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame [again, this is the restoration of the “eternal you”], as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works [again, your works of salvation that took place within your relationship with the Lord], whether they be good [spiritually fruitful unto your salvation] or whether they be evil [or not fruitful unto your salvation].

45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.

46 Now, when Amulek had finished these words the people began again to be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble. And thus ended the words of Amulek, or this is all that I have written.

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12:8 And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he might know more concerning the kingdom of God. And he said unto Alma: What does this mean which Amulek hath spoken concerning the resurrection of the dead, that all shall rise from the dead, both the just and the unjust, and are brought to stand before God to be judged according to their works?

14 Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption which is made for you is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead. 15 And the spirit and the body are the soul of man. 16 And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul.

Doctrine & Covenants 88

9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God [one? two? a few?—no, many!]; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. [according to what is necessary for that person(s) or best at that time based on where a person is in their knowledge of the Lord, their preparation to understand (think “line upon line”) and the things of heavenly realms]

10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart [prideful; has no need for more learning than what he/she has; believes all has been restored], the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full [do you believe this? do you really believe the scriptures when it says this?].

11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.

12 And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works [our own works unto personal salvation or not].

13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word [this is the Lord calling unto you through personal revelation to awake and arise], insomuch that it [redemption] has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.

14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless [personally redeemed; salvation; saved; remission of sins]; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. [This is very real. This truly is an “awful state.” Imagine a person filled with telestial confidence from believing that life was just about doing good deeds, service for others, or even religious checklists to try and prove their righteousness not only to others but to the Lord… only to discover in the presence of the Lord after mortality that it was really about seeking personal redemption in and through a personal relationship with the Lord the whole time. Think law of Moses vs. the doctrine of Christ.]

15 But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name [there is that key phrase again] and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance [know what this means].

[Again, this teaching challenges each person to ask themself whether they really believe the scriptures and the prophets of the Book of Mormon when it says that Jesus Christ “has all power to save?”—that it is Him and only Him who saves. And do you believe He has power to do it (not in and through any other person or institution) or do you deny the power of God (2 Nephi 28; Moroni 10:7,32-33;) Pause for a moment and ponder the boldness and plea of Jacob and Mormon:]

“Behold, will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye reject all the words which have been spoken concerning Christ, after so many have spoken concerning him; and deny the good word of Christ, and the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit, and make a mock of the great plan of redemption, which hath been laid for you? 9 Know ye not that if ye will do these things, that the power of the redemption and the resurrection, which is in Christ, will bring you to stand with shame and awful guilt before the bar of God? 10 And according to the power of justice, for justice cannot be denied, ye must go away into that lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever, which lake of fire and brimstone is endless torment. 11 O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life. 12 O be wise; what can I say more? 13 Finally, I bid you farewell, until I shall meet you before the pleasing bar of God, which bar striketh the wicked with awful dread and fear. Amen.”

Jacob 6

“But it is mockery before God, denying the mercies of Christ, and the power of his Holy Spirit, and putting trust in dead works.”

Moroni 8:23

20 But there was one Antionah, who was a chief ruler among them, came forth and said unto him: What is this that thou hast said, that man should rise from the dead and be changed from this mortal to an immortal state, that the soul can never die? [Keep in mind earlier in this post (from chapter 1 of Alma) what their Nehor beliefs and doctrines were]

21 What does the scripture mean, which saith that God placed cherubim and a flaming sword on the east of the garden of Eden, lest our first parents should enter and partake of the fruit of the tree of life, and live forever? And thus we see that there was no possible chance that they should live forever.

22 Now Alma said unto him: This is the thing which I was about to explain. Now we see that Adam did fall by the partaking of the forbidden fruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by his fall, all mankind became a lost and fallen people [Experienced the first death which was spiritual death in which Adam and Eve were separated from the presence of God. In this event they were bound (bond created) to this telestial earth. The Savior’s spiritual and physical resurrection is what lifted this permanant bond to the telestial earth and created the opportunity for each of mankind to be spiritually redeemed.]

23 And now behold, I say unto you that if it had been possible for Adam to have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life at that time, there would have been no death [would not have been separated from God], and the word [commandments] would have been void, making God a liar, for he said: If thou eat thou shalt surely die.

24 And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death [telestial mortality]; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state [endless/eternal life] which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead [this resurrection of the dead is the spiritual resurrection called “personal salvation” (redemption; remission of sins) that takes place when a person receives their baptism of fire and Holy Ghost. Amulek makes this so plain here. I invite you to remove any unbelief and see Mormon’s repeated and consistent plainness of the Book of Mormon. Ask yourself, “What really is the purpose of this mortality?”].

25 Now, if it had not been for the plan of redemption, which was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been no resurrection of the dead [spiritual resurrection also called “personal salvation”]; but there was a plan of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead [spiritual resurrection also called “personal salvation”], of which has been spoken.

26 And now behold, if it were possible that our first parents could have gone forth and partaken of the tree of life they would have been forever miserable, having no preparatory state; and thus the plan of redemption would have been frustrated, and the word [commandments] of God would have been void, taking none effect.

27 But behold, it was not so; but it was appointed unto men that they must die [leave the presence of God and be bound to a telestial earth]; and after death [separation], they must come to judgment, even that same judgment of which we have spoken, which is the end.

28 And after God had appointed that these things should come unto man, behold, then he saw that it was expedient that man should know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto them; [Knowledge is always the first step. A just and merciful God offers knowledge first to Adam & Eve (for them and their posterity; first dispensation) about how Christ would break the bond they have with the telestial earth (via His atonement and resurrection glory] and then also offer them knowledge of how to receive personal redemption and be able to return to the presence of the Lord.]

29 Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory.

30 And they began from that time forth to call on his name [seeking, knocking, and asking]; therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption, which had been prepared from the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto them according to their [own] faith [to do, to act, to obey personal revelation] and repentance [turning to the Lord with an eye single to His glory] and their holy works. [not the works of their own will or directions from arm-of-flesh but actions in response to personal revelation—these are the only “holy works.” Very important point—no where in scripture does it say that a person will redeemed by any other means than to obey God—no one else. This is the reason for a very personal relationship with the Lord and is a major obstacle for some that seek for personal redemption from the Lord. Some may reason that the exception is to obey a prophet. This can only be true if the prophet’s counsel is to point a person completely to the Lord to receive all things of glory from Him. This is the fruit of a true prophet. This is exactly what Alma and Amulek are teaching/counseling. You will see that the people of Ammonihah subscribing to the doctrine of the Order of Nehor do not take kindly to this teaching/counsel. Why not? The people of Ammonihah believe that salvation (“plan of redemption” as mentioned) is fulfilled because Christ will surely fulfill His mission. This would absolve them from needing a personal relationship with the Lord. It would absolve them from personal accountability to exercise principles of righteousness like sufficient hope, faith in the Lord by seeking, knocking, and asking.]

31 Wherefore, he gave commandments unto men, they having first transgressed the first commandments as to things which were temporal, and becoming as gods, knowing good from evil, placing themselves in a state to act [faith in the Lord or the personal revelations of the Lord], or being placed in a state to act according to their wills and pleasures, whether to do evil or to do good— [Notice that anything other than to do the will of the Lord (good) is considered evil including the will of other arm-of-flesh.]

32 Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil [remember, what is “evil” (previous verse)?], the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God. [Does any person think they can circumvent the ways of God?]

33 But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through [keyword] mine Only Begotten Son;

34 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 and Amulek continue to be plain.]

35 And whosoever will harden his heart and will do iniquity, behold, I swear in my wrath that he shall not enter into my rest. [More plainness]

36 And now, my brethren, behold I say unto you, that if ye will harden your hearts ye shall not enter into the rest of the Lord; therefore your iniquity [yes, “iniquity”] provoketh him that he sendeth down his wrath upon you as in the first provocation, yea, according to his word in the last provocation as well as the first, to the everlasting destruction of your souls; therefore, according to his word, unto the last death, as well as the first.

[A great example of provocation is the children of Israel that “provoked the Lord” by choosing not to become sanctified and ascend Mount Sinai to enter the rest of the Lord. This is known in the scriptures as “the days of provocation” (Hebrews 3, Jacob 1:7). It was to reject the Lord as their Prophet, Priest, King and Judge. It was the “wrath” and condemnation associated with rejecting His presence, His eternal glory and more in favor of making Moses their prophet (intermediary) and sending him to the mount on their behalf (D&C 84:17-27). If you have studied The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide you will understand what it means to “enter into the rest of the Lord.”]

37 And now, my brethren [with love], seeing we know these things, and they are true, let us repent, and harden not our hearts, that we provoke not the Lord our God to pull down his wrath upon us in these his second commandments which he has given unto us; but let us enter into the rest of God, which is prepared according to his word [never faltering promise or true of His commandments].

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13:1 And again, my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the time when the Lord God gave these commandments unto his children; and I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people. [The holy order is something that is received as one ascends in the doctrine of Christ. More to ponder on that here.]

2 And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. [The role of one in the holy order is to personally witness of redemption and teach it to others so they know how “to look forward to His Son for redemption” (the Doctrine of Christ)].

3 And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works [in this order each had a preordained mission here on earth]; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such [a mystery].

4 And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren.

5 Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren [mystery]; thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the atonement of the Only Begotten Son [“in and through” is used intentionally—take note], who was prepared—

6 And thus being called by this holy calling [not the calling of man], and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest— [there is so much plainness here and yet so deep]

7 This high priesthood being after the order of his Son, which order was from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things—[this is deep stuff; mysteries]

8 Now they were ordained after this manner—being called with a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance [not an ordinance of man (arm-of-flesh); mystery], and taking upon them the high priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and high priesthood, is without beginning or end—

9 Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen.

10 Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness [become a servant; layers to this] rather than to perish [die without being redeemed]; [hope, faith, repentance will always be principles to follow that will help a person ascend even to this holy order.]

11 Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb. [the minimum requirement to be part of this holy order is to receive personal redemption.]

12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost (Moses 6:59-60), having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God. [More plainness]

13 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance [start your journey in and through the Lord], that ye may also enter into that rest. [More plainness]

14 Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek, who was also a high priest after this same order [might not be the priesthood you think it is] which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood forever. [As a man, woman, or child, it is less important to worry about which priesthood you have. Focus on seeking for personal redemption in and through the Savior by way of a personal relationship.]

15 And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed.

16 Now these ordinances [baptism in the name of the Son and further ordinances received from the Lord through the ascension process] were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God [no one or nothing else], it being a type of his order, or it being his order, and this that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord [Sooooo much plainness].

17 Now this Melchizedek was a king over the land of Salem; and his people had waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness;

18 But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God [received these ordinances; no temple required], did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father.

19 Now, there were many before him, and also there were many afterwards, but none were greater; therefore, of him they have more particularly made mention.

20 Now I need not rehearse the matter; what I have said may suffice. Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction.

[this is a bold warning from Alma & Amulek directed at all readers]

21 And now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words unto them, he stretched forth his hand unto them and cried with a mighty voice, saying: Now is the time to repent, for the day of salvation draweth nigh;

22 Yea, and the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it unto all nations; yea, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of great joy [great joy because of the opportunity available to each person but only if they desire and seek]; yea, and he doth sound these glad tidings among all his people, yea, even to them that are scattered abroad upon the face of the earth; wherefore they have come unto us.

23 And they are made known unto us in plain terms, that we may understand, that we cannot err [plainness]; and this because of our being wanderers in a strange land; therefore, we are thus highly favored, for we have these glad tidings declared unto us in all parts of our vineyard.

[The doctrine of Christ in the Book of Mormon is made so plain over and over again.]

24 For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.

[The Lord is awakening through angels to those that have ears to hear and eyes to see. To have ears to hear and eyes to see is to have your sight set on the Lord and no other which is why a person will awaken. The call to awaken is not, and should never be, a secret or a cryptic message as some have supposed. The gospel message (good news) to receive personal redemption and enter into the rest of the Lord while in mortality is a public declaration and should be shouted from the rooftops. The sign of a true servant speaking by way of the gift of prophecy is that they will speak in plainness and offer this message to all—from the least to the greatest of the world and the church. Alma & Amulek are examples of this. Notice the reason why “angels are declaring it unto many”—to prepare for His coming in His glory. How can a person have doubts or unbelief to any degree about the purpose of the restoration of knowledge of the Everlasting Covenant through Joseph Smith and this powerful book—the Book of Mormon?!?]

25 And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.

26 And it shall be made known unto just and holy men [think of the holy order], by the mouth of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers may be fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken concerning him, which was according to the spirit [gift] of prophecy which was in them.

27 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; [can you tell he is pleading?]

28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;

29 Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.

[v28-29: This is a very simplistic formula for developing and working in and through your personal relationship with the Lord to receive all—even to becoming part of this holy order.]

30 And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye may not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down by the chains of hell, that ye may not suffer the second death.

31 And Alma spake many more words unto the people, which are not written in this book. [This is such a simple statement by Mormon. However, it highlights once again that out of all the records that Mormon had from Alma & Amulek, he intentionally selected these messages. Ponder, “Why?”]

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14:2 But the more part of them were desirous that they might destroy Alma and Amulek; for they were angry with Alma, because of the plainness of his words unto Zeezrom; and they also said that Amulek had lied unto them, and had reviled against their law and also against their lawyers and judges. [The claim was that they spoke lies and evil contrary to that of their anointed leaders. However, the truth is that the people of Ammonihah were simply hearing an unfamiliar teaching from someone other than their anointed leaders. Remember that they were not discerning using the gifts of the spirit. Instead, they were demonstrating their undying loyalty to their culture and their order—the doctrines and teaching of the order of Nehor.]

3 And they were also angry with Alma and Amulek; and because they had testified so plainly against their wickedness, they sought to put them away privily [publicly discredit them and then privately remove them and their voice from among the people].

4 But it came to pass that they did not; but they took them and bound them with strong cords, and took them before the chief judge of the land [loyal to the order of Nehor].

5 And the people went forth and witnessed against them—testifying that they had reviled against the law, and their lawyers and judges of the land, and also of all the people that were in the land; and also testified that there was but one God, and that he should send his Son among the people, but he should not save them; and many such things did the people testify against Alma and Amulek. Now this was done before the chief judge of the land.

6 And it came to pass that Zeezrom was astonished at the words which had been spoken; and he also knew concerning the blindness of the minds, which he had caused among the people by his lying words; and his soul began to be harrowed up under a consciousness of his own guilt; yea, he began to be encircled about by the pains of hell. [Similar to Alma in King Noah’s court after the witness of Abinadi. He was using discernment and the witness of truth had profound effect upon him. Zeezrom was brave considering the circumstances to support Alma & Amulek.]

7 And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the people, saying: Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless before God [Zeezrom understood the doctrine that Alma & Amulek had taught and personally witnessed of]. And he began to plead for them from that time forth; but they reviled him, saying: Art thou also possessed with the devil? And they spit upon him, and cast him out from among them, and also all those who believed in the words which had been spoken by Alma and Amulek; and they cast them out, and sent men to cast stones at them.

…15 Behold, ye see that ye had not power to save those who had been cast into the fire; neither has God saved them because they were of thy faith. And the judge smote them again upon their cheeks, and asked: What say ye for yourselves?

16 Now this judge was after the order and faith of Nehor, who slew Gideon.

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15:6 And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation? [a question of hope]

7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast taught. [gift of the spirit to believe on another’s words when confirmed by the word of the Lord through the Holy Spirit.]

8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed.

9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.

10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord [with permission/authority], saying: O Lord our God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ.

11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and began to walk; and this was done to the great astonishment of all the people; and the knowledge of this went forth throughout all the land of Sidom. [Zeezrom’s faith (action) was exhibited in the many ways including the fact that Zeezrom called for Alma and Amulek to come and minister unto him—believing He was a true servant of the Lord able to exercise the Lord’s power in situations where the Lord gave permission/authority to do so. For clarity, this is not Alma’s power. It has and always will be the Lord’s power which is why Alma has to have permission/authority to use it in each situation which also comes with knowing how to specifically use it. For a true servant, all things are done according to the will of the Lord—step by step and even microstep by microstep sometimes. The will of the Lord can be revealed in a variety of ways including words of pure intelligence in the mind or even visions in your mind and more.]

12 And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that time forth to preach unto the people. [Starting his own personal journey in and through the Lord.]

13 And Alma established a church in the land of Sidom, and consecrated priests and teachers in the land, to baptize unto the Lord whosoever were desirous to be baptized. [There is a very limited role of the church because salvation and all things are received through a very personal relationship with the Lord. The role is to facilitate individual experiences as it relates to the law of Moses but also to continually teach the correct doctrine of Christ. Without this correct teaching, people will not know the proper way to receive personal redemption including being left to assume that it is the law that saves. This is what Abinadi taught against.]

14 And it came to pass that they were many; for they did flock in from all the region round about Sidom, and were baptized. [Starting their own personal journey in and through the Lord.]

15 But as to the people that were in the land of Ammonihah, they yet remained a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people; and they repented not of their sins, ascribing all the power of Alma and Amulek to the devil; for they were of the profession of Nehor, and did not believe in the repentance of their sins. [This validates what we reviewed in part one. Why would they think they do not have to repent? Because the doctrine of Nehor taught that Christ already offered salvation and that there is no need for a personal relationship with the Lord. Do not easily dismiss this as “crazy” that people don’t think they have to repent. This is manifested in numerous ways in and out of the church today. We are not as far removed from this as you might think.]

16 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek, Amulek having forsaken all his gold, and silver, and his precious things, which were in the land of Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred; [There are philosophies among some today that believe they have to be temporally wealthy or significantly financially stable in order to be able to go and serve the Lord. There is a high level of unbelief associated with this.]

17 Therefore, after Alma having established the church at Sidom, seeing a great check, yea, seeing that the people were checked as to the pride of their hearts, and began to humble themselves before God, and began to assemble themselves together at their sanctuaries to worship God before the altar, watching and praying continually, that they might be delivered from Satan, and from death, and from destruction—[Having formally begun their personal journey beginning at their baptism of repentance (water), now they were seeking for the consummate baptism—baptism of fire and Holy Ghost—which is personal salvation, redemption and remission of sins. Gathering in groups to worship is an extension of personal daily worship. In groups, people can also offer encouragement and support to one another’s personal journeys through prayer, blessings to one another, and witnessing of the hand of the Lord in their lives to one another.]

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9 And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges, the Lamanites having been driven out of the land, and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great city, which they said God could not destroy, because of its greatness.

10 But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcasses were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness.

11 Nevertheless, after many days their dead bodies were heaped up upon the face of the earth, and they were covered with a shallow covering. And now so great was the scent thereof that the people did not go in to possess the land of Ammonihah for many years. And it was called Desolation of Nehors; for they were of the profession of Nehor, who were slain; and their lands remained desolate.

[9-11: This destruction was prophesied and warned by Alma & Amulek. Some will see this as strange and merciless for an omnibenevolent God to do. However, this is intentionally recorded by Mormon to demonstrate, not just one, but all the divine characteristics of God including that a person can trust in all of God’s words and keeps His promises/covenants even in cases where it results in the destruction of people. How can any person learn these divine characteristics if they are not demonstrated. This is one purpose of the Book of Mormon—for people to learn more about the God they worship:

I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness. For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.

D&C 93:19-20

Mormon includes this because it is a parallel to our day. This destruction will occur again for those that subscribe to the same doctrine of Nehor and choose not to repent, who choose not to seek out a personal relationship with the Lord and therefore never receive what the Lord desires to bestow upon them. Reminds me of some other words from the Lord:]

And also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

And they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.

For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.

D&C 88:31-33

12 And the Lamanites did not come again to war against the Nephites until the fourteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. And thus for three years did the people of Nephi have continual peace in all the land.

13 And Alma and Amulek went forth preaching repentance to the people in their temples, and in their sanctuaries, and also in their synagogues, which were built after the manner of the Jews. [Sign of a true servant is to teach repentance continually—with repentance being to turn to the Lord with an eye single to Him to receive all things from Him and no other. To build a loyalty to the Lord and not to Alma, Amulek or some other arm of flesh (2 Nephi 4).]

14 And as many as would hear their words, unto them they did impart the word of God, without any respect of persons, continually. [This is important to note that the doctrine of Christ was taught plainly and openly to all people. In other words, all people with no respect to title, status, position, assignment, or the like have equal opportunity to have a personal relationship with the Lord and receive ALL things from Him equally. It was not a secret or even a cryptic message. Rather, it was plain—also a sign of a true servant.]

15 And thus did Alma and Amulek go forth, and also many more who had been chosen for the work, to preach the word throughout all the land. And the establishment of the church became general throughout the land, in all the region round about, among all the people of the Nephites.

16 And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time of his coming—

17 That they might not be hardened against the word [personal revelation], that they might not be unbelieving [a primary message of the Book of Mormon], and go on to destruction [not receive salvation], but that they might receive the word with joy, and as a branch be grafted into the true vine [salvation], that they might enter into the rest of the Lord their God. [so so so plain]

18 Now those priests who did go forth among the people did preach against all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and malice, and revilings, and stealing, robbing, plundering, murdering, committing adultery, and all manner of lasciviousness, crying that these things ought not so to be—

19 Holding forth things which must shortly come; yea, holding forth the coming of the Son of God [always the single and central figure], his sufferings and death, and also the resurrection of the dead.

20 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.

21 And now after the church had been established throughout all the land—having got the victory over the devil, and the word of God being preached in its purity in all the land [in plainness, to all people, no respecter of persons], and the Lord pouring out his blessings upon the people [This was not a singular blessing or a general blessing bestowed upon a people because they are part of some special group membership. No, this is the Lord sharing and bestowing portions of His glory upon individual souls in their personal spiritual development.] —thus ended the fourteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

Conclusion

I approach the conclusion in each of the posts in this series and am continually humbled by the Lord and His greatness, His mercy, and His omniscience in knowing exactly what would be needed in our day. Mormon knew these records would be revealed to Jew, Gentile and the seed of his brethren.  Therefore, Mormon intentionally captured the personal witness of Alma and Amulek of the true covenant path.

I addition, each time, I approach the conclusion of these posts in absolute astonishment when I think of anyone that does not yet understand the purpose of the Book of Mormon—to testify over and over and over again of how any person can engage in a unique personal relationship with the Lord and Savior to literally receive all things from Him.

For more understanding of this covenant path and its milestones taught throughout the scriptures, you are welcome to begin your personal study and your own journey in and through the doctrine of Christ through The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide. Also, to help you increase your confidence in personal revelation and develop your own gift of discernment, I invite you to study The 3 Voices of Personal Revelation Study Guide.

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JourneyDoctrineOfChrist.org is based on free, online study guides to help you learn, believe, live and teach the Doctrine of Christ. The Study Guides invite any and all to see and know this truth for themselves that the Savior, Jesus Christ, has, in fact, introduced His doctrine and He personally invites all to receive personal redemption and to even literally receive Him while in the flesh (mortality).

Blog posts are only intended to supplement the Study Guides.  Per all blog posts, seek the understanding and confirmations from the Lord in your own personal revelation.  Study guides are intended to point you to both the Lord’s written word and His voice (personal revelation). These study guides will help you uncover what the Doctrine of Christ is and other essential topics that will help you in your journey to literally “come unto Christ” while in mortality. All study guides are available at JourneyDoctrineOfChrist.org.