Alma 5 - 7

Referring the his father and his people, Alma asks –

“…I ask of you on what conditions are they saved? “ (Book of Mormon Alma 5:10)

And then –

“…what grounds had they to hope for salvation? “ (Book of Mormon Alma 5:10)

…One question regarding that of “faith & works” - the other regarding “grace”. Both are essential components of salvation. Alma asks -

“did not my father Alma believe in the words which were delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? And was he not a holy prophet? Did he not speak the words of God, and my father Alma believe them?
12 And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart.
(Book of Mormon Alma 5:11 - 12)

And as

“…he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end…” (Book of Mormon Alma 5:13)

And as they satisfied the conditions of salvation, states -

“…therefore they were saved…” (Book of Mormon Alma 5:13)

So Alma asks the people of Zarahemla –

“…I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith…” (Book of Mormon Alma 5:14 - 15)

For we must -

“…become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:26)

Which means we –

“…must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;

(Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:25)

“…with a pure heart and clean hands…having the image of God engraven upon your countenances…” (Book of Mormon Alma 5:19)

But withstanding all our faith and works -

“…there is one thing which is of more importance than they all—for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people.” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:7)

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:11 - 12)

“…the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance…” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:13)

Thus requiring faith, works, and of greatest importance, grace.

“…and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:13)