What was going through Alma’s mind as he returned to the city of Ammonihah? The people had made it abundantly clear that he was not welcome, but an angel had sent him back with a message similar to the one which had converted his father to the gospel. Did he worry about his safety, or how he would even gain access to the city? Perhaps, but these worries did not deter him from following the angel’s instructions. “He returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah” (Alma 8:18).
As an immediate confirmation that God was with him, Alma met a man named Amulek who testified that he was a prophet. Together, they taught the people of Ammonihah important gospel principles including repentance, the resurrection, and the Final Judgment.
Here are some things I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
- Alma 8 – Alma is kicked out of Ammonihah, then sent back by an angel. He meets Amulek, who takes him into his house.
- Alma 9 – Alma warns the people of Ammonihah to repent or they will be destroyed.
- Alma 10 – Amulek astonishes his neighbors by speaking on behalf of Alma.
- Alma 11 – Zeezrom asks Amulek a series of tricky questions. Amulek responds with simple answers and pure testimony.
- Alma 12 – Alma explains Amulek’s testimony to Zeezrom and answers a doctrinal question from Antionah, a city leader.
Key Themes
- The Savior is generous, fair and honest.
- Jesus is both responsive to us and patient when we are unresponsive to Him.
- Jesus can save us from our sins, not merely in our sins.
- Because of Jesus Christ, we will all be resurrected—our spirits will be reunited with an immortal, incorruptible version of our current bodies
- When we intentionally disobey God, we separate ourselves from Him.
Connections
- Elijah, Alma, and Jesus each enlisted help of others with some variation of the request, “Give me to drink.”
- King Belshazzar saw a finger writing a message on the wall, which Daniel interpreted (Daniel 5:5). One of Amulek’s ancestors also interpreted text written on a wall by the finger of God (Alma 10:2).
- An angel told Joseph that Mary would bear a child who would “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Amulek explained the importance of the preposition: we are saved from our sins, not in our sins (See Alma 11:34, 37, Helaman 5:10-11.)
Applications
- Don’t give up. Sometimes, you need to keep trying, even when success seems unlikely.
- Don’t try to do it alone. Recruit others to help in the work of salvation.
- Be forgiving of others and mindful of your own obligations.
- Recognize and acknowledge truths, even when those truths compel you to change.
- Be patient with God’s timing. Sometimes, we think we’re ready for something, but we actually need more time to prepare.
Recommended Posts
- What Are the Mysteries of God?
- Why Did God Prevent Adam and Eve from Partaking of the Tree of Life?
- What Is a “Probationary State?”
Blog Posts: June 18-23
“Thou Hast Great Cause to Rejoice”
After Alma was kicked out of Ammonihah, he was weighed down with sorrow. The angel who sent him back told him that he had “great cause to rejoice.” Our confidence and patience can grow when we focus on the reasons we have to be joyful.
Weakness vs. Rebellion
God distinguishes between unintentional errors (sinning in ignorance) and intentional ones (sinning against light and knowledge). He can help us overcome both, but the repentance process may be different when we need to change our desires and motives.
Being an Amulek
It’s relatively easy to discount a testimony from a stranger. When a friend or neighbor shares their personal experience, it can be more impactful. Like Amulek, we can help our friends open their hearts to God by sharing our experiences with the gospel.
Traps and Snares
Amulek explained to the lawyers in Ammonihah that they were laying “traps and snares to catch the holy ones of God.” The devil lays snares for us, preying on our feelings of inadequacy, imperfection, and guilt. We escape those snares by relying on God.
Arraigned
There were many lawyers in Ammonihah, so it’s not surprising that Amulek used legal terminology to describe our future state. When we can visualize ourselves as a defendant in court, we are motivated to seek and receive all the help we need.
Virtuous Cycles
President Russell M. Nelson taught that the gospel of Jesus Christ produces a virtuous cycle in our lives. Alma gave one example: as we open our hearts, God reveals truth to us a little at a time. Repeated actions can bring incremental growth over time.
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