Alma 15

As I contemplated what the Lord would have me understand in my reading this morning the first impression I had was the impact of the word of God or "doctrine" has on an individual and their behavior -

"...as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 31:5)

President Boyd K. Packer taught -

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." (Do Not Fear, April Conference, 2004)

Zeezrom having been taught doctrine by Alma and Amulek, hearing, and then understanding -

"...lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat."
(Book of Mormon | Alma 15:3)

This substantiates that repentance is not a painless process. It is obvious that Zeezrom is experiencing "Godly sorrow" as taught by Paul. But repentance is not all that is required. True repentance is conditional upon "faith in Jesus Christ". As Zeezrom hears that Alma and Amulek are in the land he send for them and they find Zeezrom -

"...they found him upon his bed, sick, being very low with a burning fever; and his mind also was exceedingly sore because of his iniquities; and when he saw them he stretched forth his hand, and besought them that they would heal him." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:5)

Now this is the part that Zeezrom had not quite understood for -

"...Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:6)

In other words, do you have faith in Jesus Christ and his power to redeem and to sanctify. In faith, Zeezrom answers -

"...I believe all the words that thou hast taught." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:7)

Once Alma had previously asked the people -

"...what conditions are they saved?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:10)

Faith in Jesus Christ is one the conditions. Zeezrom again responds -

"...I believe according to thy words." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:9)

The scriptures do not necessarily say so, but I believe that Alma by his priesthood authority pronounced -

"...O Lord our God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:10)

I note that Zeezrom was to be healed according to his faith in Jesus Christ. It is evident that Zeezrom had sufficient faith in the Savior in that -

"...when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and began to walk; and this was done to the great astonishment of all the people..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:11)

According to the Doctrine of Christ, faith in Jesus Christ and repentance in not all conditions that must be satified, therefore -

"...Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that time forth to preach unto the people." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:12)

Though it does not say, I believe that Zeezrom was given the Gift of the Holy Ghost and was ordained to go forth to preach to the people.