Alma spoke of the image of God as a gift which we must choose to receive. Just as his father was saved by trusting God and being changed by Him, we can think of our discipleship as a process of creation, a journey of gradually receiving the image of God promised in Genesis 1:27.
Mahaleel and Our Times of Awakening
Doctrine and Covenants 107 reveals that Adam's posterity received the priesthood at widely different ages. We are all on different spiritual timelines. There is no prescribed time to find God. Some find Him early, some later. We can all afford to be patient and hopeful, supporting one another through every phase of our journey.
Born to Know
Alma told Helaman and Shiblon that he could not have understood the gospel without being changed, born of God. God can not only give us knowledge, but He can also transform us and elevate our consciousness, so that we can understand what He is teaching us
Converted
Many Lamanites were converted after being taught by the sons of Mosiah. Elder David A. Bednar taught that, for most of us, conversion is a gradual change. We must be patient as our natures become aligned with the will of God over time.
Preserving Our Changed Hearts
Alma asked if we have retained the changed heart we have previously received. Elder Dale G. Renlund compared a new spiritual heart to a new physical heart. He pointed out the importance of caring for our new heart, even when we think we're doing well.
“Changed into the Same Image”
As we focus on the Savior, trust in His grace, and strive to emulate Him, we gradually become more and more like Him. We may not notice the change from day to day, but little by little, we receive His image in our countenances.
Brother Saul
When the Lord told Ananias to visit Saul, he was understandably concerned. But the Lord knew that Saul had changed. People change all the time. We need to be careful not to let our prior experiences interfere with our pereception of who they are now.
My Road to Damascus
Paul and Alma had remarkable spiritual experiences while they were moving. The Lord was able to redirect their energy in a more positive direction. Sometimes we are hesitant to move forward. But if we can overcome that hesitance, the Lord will direct us.
Alma and Saul
Both Alma and Paul experienced sudden and miraculous conversions to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although our own conversion experience is likely to be more gradual, we can learn a lot about the conversion process by understanding their experiences.
“A New Heaven and a New Earth” – Ether 13:9
Near the end of the Book of Isaiah, the prophet describes a future time of happiness for the Lord's covenant people. Speaking on behalf of God, Isaiah expresses surprise that people who had rebelled and rejected God so many times were now seeking after Him and willingly following Him: I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am... Continue Reading →