On the surface, the word "law" sounds like something that is imposed upon us, something that we are forced to obey, on pain of punishment. Book of Mormon prophets do in fact emphasize that there are consequences for disobeying the law. Lehi describes "the punishment which is affixed," in contrast with "the happiness which is... Continue Reading →
A Time to Prepare
In a revelation Joseph Smith received in September 1830, the Lord urged everyone who is willing to listen to Him: ...to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.Doctrine and Covenants 29:8 Alma said that, because Adam and Eve were cast out from the Garden... Continue Reading →
Declare Repentance
Both John Whitmer and his brother Peter asked God many times what they could do which would be of the greatest worth. His response to both of them was the same: The thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with... Continue Reading →
“I Will Explain” – Alma 41:1, Alma 42:2
Corianton had done wrong. He had not only committed a serious sin, but had done so while representing the church as a missionary under the leadership of his father, Alma. His actions had embarrassed his father and had weakened the credibility of his fellow missionaries (Alma 39:1-12). As you might expect, Alma reproved his son.... Continue Reading →
“The Least Degree of Allowance” – Alma 45:16
At the end of Alma's life, he held a final interview with his son Helaman. He asked Helaman to reaffirm his belief in Jesus Christ and the words of the scriptures and to recommit to obey the commandments which Alma had taught. He prophesied of dark times ahead, including the complete destruction of the Nephite... Continue Reading →
“No Less Serviceable” – Alma 48:19
As we've studied about Alma's words to Corianton this week, I've wondered about Corianton's subsequent activities. Alma is clearly concerned about him, not only because of his behavior but because of misunderstandings which have thus far held him back from repenting. Were Alma's words effective in helping Corianton to change? We don't hear much more... Continue Reading →
Just and Merciful
God is both just and merciful. Multiple Book of Mormon prophets testify of this, including Lehi (2 Nephi 2:12), Nephi (2 Nephi 11:5), Jacob (Jacob 4:10), King Benjamin (Mosiah 5:15), Alma (Alma 42:15), and Mormon (3 Nephi 26:5, Mormon 6:22). We ought to be just and merciful as well: See that you are merciful unto... Continue Reading →
No Excuse – Alma 39:4
After identifying a major sin his son has committed, Alma preemptively refutes a potential justification: 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 (Alma 39:4). Several chapters later, at the end of Alma's remarks,... Continue Reading →
Justice and Mercy
Today I've been pondering the relationship between two of God's attributes: justice and mercy. Multiple Book of Mormon prophets teach us that God is both just and merciful, including Lehi (2 Nephi 2:12), Nephi (2 Nephi 11:5), Jacob (Jacob 4:10), King Benjamin (Mosiah 5:15), Alma (Alma 42:15), and Mormon (3 Nephi 26:5, Mormon 6:22). It's... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Reveal?
This is the last of six blog posts answering a set of questions recommended by President Russell M. Nelson. So far, I have written about what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, and what it clarifies. Here are some of the truths that the book reveals to... Continue Reading →