Alma 1 - 3

Speaking of the infinite atonement, the Savior said -

"...Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:25)

And that -

"...he hath given it free for all men..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:27)

And -

" all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:28)

And because of that -

"...and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:27)

And in their persuasion, they -

"...should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.
31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:30 - 31)

"...for if they labor for money they shall perish." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:31)

Nephi describes the "laboring in Zion" for money as priestcraft , saying-

"...priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29)

And of these priestcrafts -

"...the Lord hath forbidden this thing..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:30)

Priestcrafts suddenly seemed to become popular while Alma sat in the judgement seat. He tells us -

"...there was a man...who was large, and was noted for his much strength.
3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people.
4 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life..." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:2 - 4)

And because of the easiness of the way with no responsibility in keeping the commandments -

"...many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:5)

Of his preaching, Alma said -

"...this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:12)

And as if in a spirit of prophecy, Alma said

"...were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:12)

His name was Nehor. And as a result of his success, Nehor -

"...began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:6)

And it was because of his success and great pride that Nehor later committed murder when Gideon challenged his teachings. And because of murder, not priestcraft, that

"...they took him... and they carried him upon the top of the hill Manti, and there he was caused, or rather did acknowledge, between the heavens and the earth, that what he had taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; and there he suffered an ignominious death." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:15)

Sadly, the scriptures continue -

"...this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:16)

Nephi suggested that we -

"...liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 19:23)

As we liken these scriptures to us, it doesn't take much to see the same philosophies, teachings, and priestcraft of Nehor in our day. Let us be warned.