Near the end of Alma’s sermon to the people of Zarahemla, he paused to share his personal testimony:
Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?
Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.
Alma 5:45-46
Years later, as Alma spoke with his sons, he twice used similar language to emphasize that he had learned these truths directly from God:
- To Helaman: “I would not that ye think that I know of myself—not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God” (Alma 36:4).
- To Shiblon: “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” (Alma 38:6).
About fifty years later, Alma’s great grandson Nephi shared his testimony with the people of Zarahemla in a similar way:
I do not say that these things shall be, of myself, because it is not of myself that I know these things; but behold, I know that these things are true because the Lord God has made them known unto me, therefore I testify that they shall be.
Helaman 7:29
Both Alma and Nephi wanted people to know that their knowledge of spiritual things had come directly from God and that they could not have gained this knowledge on their own.
Why was this important? I can think of at least two reasons:
- Recognizing the source of their knowledge helped them remain humble.
- Their example encouraged their listeners to open their hearts to God and receive the knowledge which only He can give.
Today, I will be grateful for the knowledge I have received by revelation from God. I will strive to be receptive to additional knowledge which I can receive only from Him.
Alma is a great prophet, his words are delightful, full of the spirit that will bring a man down to his knees when in need of something of the spirit that touches reality.
I love Alma’s words too. Thanks for sharing how meaningful they are to you.