Alma 61

I believe Pahoran is be a great example of commitment and humility that we should seek to be our governmental representatives and leadership. I say humility in that most arrogant leaders would have been highly offended by the letter sent by Moroni. But Pahoran showed no sign of offense but more a great desire for the freedom of liberty of those he served telling Moroni -

"...in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free." (Book of Mormon | Alma 61:9)

I wish there were more men like Pahoran. In Pahoran day, just as is seen in our day (as if this is a warning) -

"...there are those who do joy in your afflictions, yea, insomuch that they have risen up in rebellion against me, and also those of my people who are freemen, yea, and those who have risen up are exceedingly numerous.
4 And it is those who have sought to take away the judgment-seat from me that have been the cause of this great iniquity; for they have used great flattery, and they have led away the hearts of many people, which will be the cause of sore affliction among us..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 61:3 - 4)

Then Pahoran provides a principle of spiritual leadership writing -

"We would subject ourselves to the yoke of bondage if it were requisite with the justice of God, or if he should command us so to do.
13 But behold he doth not command us that we shall subject ourselves to our enemies, but that we should put our trust in him, and he will deliver us.
14 Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God." (Book of Mormon | Alma 61:12 - 14)

He even declares that leadership must be -

"...according to the Spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 61:15)

Therefore -

"...fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also all those who stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free." (Book of Mormon | Alma 61:21)

As the wars ended we learn an important lesson on its consequences as -

"...many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility." (Book of Mormon | Alma 62:41)

Isn't it interesting that for some, affliction will harden their hearts, while in others, affliction will soften their hearts to humility and repentance.

I want to mention that of those the were softened and repented, we read that -

"...they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they did wax strong and prosper in the land." (Book of Mormon | Alma 62:51)

Again, the Lord promises those that keep His commandments that they will prosper in the land, He will deliver and support them.

Alma 60

In modern revelation we learn -

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:41 - 43)

It is in a letter to Pahoran that Moroni demonstrates the righteous "reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost". It is in the reproving that Moroni begins -

"...behold, we desire to know the cause of this exceedingly great neglect; yea, we desire to know the cause of your thoughtless state." (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:6)

Note: I used this scripture once when my son failed to be diligent in sending home regular weekly letters while on his mission>

In his reproving, Moroni questions -

"Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor, while your enemies are spreading the work of death around you?..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:7)

The "work of death" would include spiritual death in our day -

"...for ye ought to be beloved; yea, and ye ought to have stirred yourselves more diligently for the welfare and the freedom of this people..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:10)

"Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain." (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:11)

Again, Moroni reproves much like that taught by Alma -

"Have ye forgotten the commandments of the Lord your God? Yea, have ye forgotten the captivity of our fathers? Have ye forgotten the many times we have been delivered out of the hands of our enemies?
21 Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:20 - 21)

In our day, "means" could also mean the technology provided in our day. He continues -

"...will ye sit in idleness..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:22)

"Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things? " (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:23)

With thise questions, Moroni teaches some very important doctrine. One being -

"...the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; but behold, they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God." (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:13)

And -

"...Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also." (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:23)

And finally as a warning to all citizens of this and all nations -

"...the Lord will not suffer that ye shall live and wax strong in your iniquities to destroy his righteous people." (Book of Mormon | Alma 60:31)

Alma 58

After having been miraculously preserved in battle, the Lord does not seem fit to provide an easy course for these young men. I find it interesting that the Lord still provides opportunity for testing and growth to even his more valiant and faithful followers for Helaman writes -

"...we did wait in these difficult circumstances for the space of many months, even until we were about to perish for the want of food." (Book of Mormon | Alma 58:7)

Where many might murmur, may I highlight the attitudes of the faithful -

"...we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 58:10)

And thus -

"...the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.
12 And we did take courage..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 58:11 - 12)

"...behold, we trust in our God who has given us victory..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 58:33)

"...behold, it mattereth not—we trust God will deliver us..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 58:37)

We see this faithful attitude as Helaman "sons" did demonstrate as they did -

"...stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come." (Book of Mormon | Alma 58:40)

Alma 57

In follow up to my blog yesterday, we again see the miraculous preservation of the faithful and obedient sons of Helaman. Not withstanding the fact -

"...that after the Lamanites had fled, I immediately gave orders that my men who had been wounded should be taken from among the dead, and caused that their wounds should be dressed.
25 And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds.
26 And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power." (Book of Mormon | Alma 57:24 - 26)

The this was because -

"...the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually." (Book of Mormon | Alma 57:27)

But I also note that this was still a terrible and horrific event for there was not "one soul among them who had not received many wounds". We must recognize that even though there was a tender mercy extended to these young men, it was still a great cause of affliction for them. But even in these difficult and trying times, instead of murmuring, Helaman comments -

"...we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies. And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered us; yea, that has done this great thing for us." (Book of Mormon | Alma 57:35)

What a great attitude of Helaman as he expresses gratitude to the Lord for his tender mercies.

Alma 56

I just wanted to comment this morning that even though the Lord allows agency and thereby wickedness, He still provides small miracles or tender acts of mercy through trials and afflictions. Because that evil and wickedness is and will continue to persist, good people will be the victims of such allowed agency. But we must remember -

"...For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Old Testament | Isaiah 55:9)

This past week we witnessed a horrific event in Denver with a so called "movie massacre". Though everything that surround this event was terrible and painful, I still noticed a small tender mercy. The murderer gun jambed which appears to have limited the carnage and death. The Lord may allow such events but there may be a limiting divine hand to the depth of it.

I noticed that this morning as the Nephites were defending their liberty, as the "sons of Helaman" joined the forces of Antipus -

"...that when the Lamanites saw that Antipus had received a greater strength to his army, they were compelled by the orders of Ammoron to not come against the city of Judea, or against us, to battle.
19 And thus were we favored of the Lord; for had they come upon us in this our weakness they might have perhaps destroyed our little army; but thus were we preserved." (Book of Mormon | Alma 56:18 - 19)

Even in all this affliction and war that Helaman was able to recognize a tender mercy of the LOrd and testify -

"...thus were we favored of the Lord..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 56:19)

Even in death, in great faith, Helaman comments that the Lamanaites had -

"...slain a vast number of our men, for which cause we have to mourn.
11 Nevertheless, we may console ourselves in this point, that they have died in the cause of their country and of their God, yea, and they are happy." (Book of Mormon | Alma 56:10 - 11)

This is an attitude of "higher ways" than how we generally perceive things.

Alma 54

As I was reading the epistles, back and forth, between Moroni and Ammoron, two excerpts seem to catch my attention this morning. The first continues to be the lying, deceiving, and fraudelous philosophy for power of Ammoron as he writes -

"...your fathers did wrong their brethren, insomuch that they did rob them of their right to the government when it rightly belonged unto them.
18 And now behold, if ye will lay down your arms, and subject yourselves to be governed by those to whom the government doth rightly belong, then will I cause that my people shall lay down their weapons and shall be at war no more." (Book of Mormon | Alma 54:17 - 18)

What a lie! This has been Satan's cry from the beginning -

"Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down..." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:3)

The second excerpt seemed to suggest the humble nature of Moroni where he concludes his epistle -

"...I am Moroni; I am a leader of the people of the Nephites." (Book of Mormon | Alma 54:14)

Moroni recognized that he was just one of many leaders in the defence of God and liberty.

Alma 53

Some may think it is foolish, but I beleive the scriptures provide a great deal of insight that many administrators fail in. For example, Mormon records that after a great battle that the Nephites -

"...set guards over the prisoners of the Lamanites, and did compel them to go forth and bury their dead, yea, and also the dead of the Nephites who were slain; and Moroni placed men over them to guard them while they should perform their labors." (Book of Mormon | Alma 53:1)

And -

"...after the Lamanites had finished burying their dead and also the dead of the Nephites, they were marched back into the land Bountiful; and Teancum, by the orders of Moroni, caused that they should commence laboring in digging a ditch round about the land, or the city, Bountiful.
4 And he caused that they should build a breastwork of timbers upon the inner bank of the ditch; and they cast up dirt out of the ditch against the breastwork of timbers; and thus they did cause the Lamanites to labor until they had encircled the city of Bountiful round about with a strong wall of timbers and earth, to an exceeding height.
5 And this city became an exceeding stronghold ever after; and in this city they did guard the prisoners of the Lamanites; yea, even within a wall which they had caused them to build with their own hands..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 53:3 - 5)

Then Mormon comments -

"...Now Moroni was compelled to cause the Lamanites to labor, because it was easy to guard them while at their labor..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 53:5)

As practical and wise as that may sound, we surely don't seem to follow that practice today...it is so inhumane.

Alma 51

Again, it seem Mormon shares some political events of the Nephites, as they continue to defend their new found democracy, in hopes to warn us in our day for we learn that -

"...there began to be a contention among the people concerning the chief judge Pahoran; for behold, there were a part of the people who desired that a few particular points of the law should be altered." (Book of Mormon | Alma 51:2)

Pahoran, as the chief judged, was much like the President of the country. The desire of these people to alter the law was not insignificant for -

"...those who were desirous that Pahoran should be dethroned from the judgment-seat were called king-men, for they were desirous that the law should be altered in a manner to overthrow the free government and to establish a king over the land." (Book of Mormon | Alma 51:5)

And in opposition to these king-men, there were -

"...those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them, for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free government." (Book of Mormon | Alma 51:6)

As we liken the scriptures to ourselves, there will always be those that want freedom, liberty, and free markets, while their will always be those that want power and control where they think they know whats best for us for there were -

"...those who were in favor of kings were those of high birth, and they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those who sought power and authority over the people." (Book of Mormon | Alma 51:8)

In Pahoran's day, we learn -

"...that this matter of their contention was settled by the voice of the people. And it came to pass that the voice of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained the judgment-seat, which caused much rejoicing among the brethren of Pahoran and also many of the people of liberty, who also put the king-men to silence, that they durst not oppose but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom." (Book of Mormon | Alma 51:7)

In their day, the voice of the people was for liberty. But it is apparent that if the day would come that the voice of the people was for less liberty and more dependence, the voice would change the core law of the land and so calle "king-men" would reign.

Sadly we learn that these king-men were so disappointed and angry that they would not support the cause of freedom for -

"...when the men who were called king-men had heard that the Lamanites were coming down to battle against them, they were glad in their hearts; and they refused to take up arms, for they were so wroth with the chief judge, and also with the people of liberty, that they would not take up arms to defend their country." (Book of Mormon | Alma 51:13)

Again, this is a warning to us in our day if a minority of the people refuse to defend the cause of freedom.

Alma 50

As discussed previously, we begin to understand that the meaning of "prosper" suggests deliverance and divine support, we see this in the words of Alma to his son Helaman -

"...inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land...and he surely did deliver them in their afflictions...for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day." (Book of Mormon | Alma 36:1 - 3)

As we read of the wars, trials, troubles, and afflictions of the Nephites in the days of Moroni that -

"...they did prosper exceedingly, and they became exceedingly rich; yea, and they did multiply and wax strong in the land.
19 And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:
20 Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments they shall prosper in the land..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 50:18 - 20)

"...we see that these promises have been verified to the people of Nephi..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 50:21)

For -

"...those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 50:22)

But when the Nephites were failed to keep the commandments -

"...for it has been their quarrelings and their contentions, yea, their murderings, and their plunderings, their idolatry, their whoredoms, and their abominations, which were among themselves, which brought upon them their wars and their destructions." (Book of Mormon | Alma 50:21)

For -

"...thousands of their wicked brethren have been consigned to bondage, or to perish by the sword, or to dwindle in unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites." (Book of Mormon | Alma 50:22)

When we fail to keep his commandments we do not prosper, we are not delivered not do we receive divine support.

Included in keeping the commandments is the doctrine or responsibility of self-reliance and to be prepared to protect our God given liberty for -

"...Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend his people..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 50:1)

"Thus Moroni, with his armies, which did increase daily because of the assurance of protection which his works did bring forth unto them..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 50:12)

It seems and we keep and commandments and prepare as instructed by prophets and priesthood leaders, great assurance and peace follows. That brings prosperity and confidence of deliverance and support. It is in this condition, Mormon comments -

"...behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 50:23)

Alma 48

There are some that believe that having a military defense and weapons leads to conflict more than peace. But Mormon teaches that the adversary and evil purposes will always be present. As Amalickiah was going about working his evil purposes through propaganda and deceit -

"...Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God.
8 Yea, he had been strengthening the armies of the Nephites, and erecting small forts, or places of resort; throwing up banks of earth round about to enclose his armies, and also building walls of stone to encircle them about, round about their cities and the borders of their lands; yea, all round about the land." (Book of Mormon | Alma 48:7 - 8)

"...thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians." (Book of Mormon | Alma 48:10)

For -

"...the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives.
15 And this was their faith, that by so doing God would prosper them in the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land; yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war, according to their danger;

(Book of Mormon | Alma 48:14 - 15)

Mormon seemed to be inspired to warn and instruct us in our day. This would also apply to those the we choose to lead us for -

"...Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood." (Book of Mormon | Alma 48:11 - 13)

You can sense Mormon's feelings of Moroni as he states -

"Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
18 Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God." (Book of Mormon | Alma 48:17 - 18)

There will always be men like Amalickiah. We always need prophets and men like Moroni to lead the faithful.

Alma 47

I've blogged much on what Nephi taught was "priestcraft" where the Lord -

"...commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, 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)

When Nehor was about preaching to the Nephites, Alma commented -

"...this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword; and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction." (Book of Mormon | Alma 1:12)

But even after Nehor was executed for murder, we learn that -

"...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)

The individuals and practice of priestcraft began to be called -

"...the order of the Nehors." (Book of Mormon | Alma 21:4)

We see evidence that the order of Nehors only only interested in power, gain, and honor of the world. As Noah and Amulon were about to be overpowered by the Lamanites -

"...the king commanded them that all the men should leave their wives and their children, and flee before the Lamanites." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 19:11)

Again as I read the of the wickedness and priestcraft of Amalickiah as all his followers were about to be overpowered by Moroni, again -

"...Amalickiah fled with a small number of his men, and the remainder were delivered up into the hands of Moroni..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 46:33)

We begin to see a pattern where those of the order of Nehors much like Satan, are only interested in their own interests and never provide support to others. In the 27th chapter, we witness the works and trickery of the order of Nehors. In many ways, we see much of this in the politics of our day.

Alma 46

As we again, liken the scriptures in our day we learn a a growing political group in the days of Helaman and Moroni that -

"...Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those people who were wroth were also desirous that he should be their king; and they were the greater part of them the lower judges of the land, and they were seeking for power." (Book of Mormon | Alma 46:4)

We see this much today as politicians are not as interested in their oath to the constitution and the interests of the people but of their own and party gain. Kind of like the order of Nehors (and I suggest this of both parties). And with that we read that -

"...there were many in the church who believed in the flattering words of Amalickiah..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 46:7)

Thus we see of men of such flattering words -

"...the great wickedness one very wicked man can cause to take place among the children of men." (Book of Mormon | Alma 46:9)

Now we see what a righteous man (Moroni) would do committed to the constitution, liberty, freedom, and welfare of the people -

"...when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—" (Book of Mormon | Alma 46:11 - 13)

Even -

"...at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored." (Book of Mormon | Alma 46:16)

There is no question as Moroni prayed, he was interested in the Lord's and righteous peoples interest, not in personal gain.

It is this type of individual that we should vote into political offices.

From Moroni, we also learn and interesting historical truth that is missing from the Old Testament. He said -

"...we are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; yea, we are a remnant of the seed of Joseph, whose coat was rent by his brethren into many pieces..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 46:23)

And then he references -

"...let us remember the words of Jacob, before his death, for behold, he saw that a part of the remnant of the coat of Joseph was preserved and had not decayed. And he said—Even as this remnant of garment of my son hath been preserved, so shall a remnant of the seed of my son be preserved by the hand of God, and be taken unto himself, while the remainder of the seed of Joseph shall perish, even as the remnant of his garment.
25 Now behold, this giveth my soul sorrow; nevertheless, my soul hath joy in my son, because of that part of his seed which shall be taken unto God." (Book of Mormon | Alma 46:24 - 25)

It seems, just as a remant of Joseph's coat has been preserved so also will a remnant of his seed. I find it interesting that a remnant of his coat has not decayed. I wonder of it still exists today and his remnant does.

Alma 45

I believe that Mormon's abridgment was written especially for our use in our day. As we liken the scriptures unto ourselves, as counseled by Nephi, we should carefully listen to the last words of Alma to his son, Helaman -

"...Thus saith the Lord God—Cursed shall be the land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, unto destruction, which do wickedly, when they are fully ripe; and as I have said so shall it be; for this is the cursing and the blessing of God upon the land, for the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance." (Book of Mormon | Alma 45:16)

This statement was for all nations that would live on this land. Then looking at his own people, Alma prophecies -

"Behold, I perceive that this very people, the Nephites, according to the spirit of revelation which is in me, in four hundred years from the time that Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto them, shall dwindle in unbelief." (Book of Mormon | Alma 45:10)

Because of his people's wickedness and disbelief, that the -

"...great day cometh, behold, the time very soon cometh that those who are now, or the seed of those who are now numbered among the people of Nephi, shall no more be numbered among the people of Nephi.
14 But whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that great and dreadful day, shall be numbered among the Lamanites, and shall become like unto them, all, save it be a few who shall be called the disciples of the Lord; and them shall the Lamanites pursue even until they shall become extinct. And now, because of iniquity, this prophecy shall be fulfilled." (Book of Mormon | Alma 45:13 - 14)

That prophecy was fulfilled. And so shall it be to this generation when we are fully ripe with no righteous saints among us that that same prophecy will be fulfilled in our day.

Alma 44

As Moroni lead the Nephites in battle, we again learn more of his character and righteousness. First, we learn his submissiveness to the Lord and his priesthood leaders for -

"...Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites." (Book of Mormon | Alma 43:23)

The word of the Lord did come to Alma. Moroni did not question that word but followed the words of the prophet.

After having the army of Zerahemnah basically surrounded, where the Nephites could easily destroy them, when Moroni -

"...saw their terror, commanded his men that they should stop shedding their blood." (Book of Mormon | Alma 43:54)

After his army stepped back a pace -

"...Moroni said unto Zerahemnah: Behold, Zerahemnah, that we do not desire to be men of blood. Ye know that ye are in our hands, yet we do not desire to slay you.
2 Behold, we have not come out to battle against you that we might shed your blood for power; neither do we desire to bring any one to the yoke of bondage. But this is the very cause for which ye have come against us; yea, and ye are angry with us because of our religion." (Book of Mormon | Alma 44:1 - 2)

...acknowledging -

"...that the Lord is with us..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 44:3)

Moroni testifies -

"...now ye see that ye cannot destroy this our faith.
4 Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith." (Book of Mormon | Alma 44:3 - 4)

And then in righteous toughness, Moroni tells Zerahemnah -

"...I command you, in the name of that all-powerful God, who has strengthened our arms that we have gained power over you, by our faith, by our religion, and by our rites of worship, and by our church, and by the sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children, by that liberty which binds us to our lands and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance of the sacred word of God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by all that is most dear unto us—
6 Yea, and this is not all; I command you by all the desires which ye have for life, that ye deliver up your weapons of war unto us, and we will seek not your blood, but we will spare your lives, if ye will go your way and come not again to war against us.
7 And now, if ye do not this, behold, ye are in our hands, and I will command my men that they shall fall upon you, and inflict the wounds of death in your bodies, that ye may become extinct..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 44:5 - 7)

Zerahemnah, in the nature of Satan or the wicked tries to twist this command -

"...we are not of your faith; we do not believe that it is God that has delivered us into your hands; but we believe that it is your cunning that has preserved you from our swords. Behold, it is your breastplates and your shields that have preserved you." (Book of Mormon | Alma 44:9)

And -

"...we will not suffer ourselves to take an oath unto you, which we know that we shall break, and also our children; but take our weapons of war, and suffer that we may depart into the wilderness; otherwise we will retain our swords, and we will perish or conquer." (Book of Mormon | Alma 44:8)

Where many politicians in our day would seem to fold but not Moroni -

"...I cannot recall the words which I have spoken, therefore as the Lord liveth, ye shall not depart except ye depart with an oath that ye will not return again against us to war. Now as ye are in our hands we will spill your blood upon the ground, or ye shall submit to the conditions which I have proposed." (Book of Mormon | Alma 44:11)

Not that is righteous toughness, not bending to the wicked appeal or rhetoric. As a result, the righteous prevailed as the Lamanites eventually met his righteous demands. What a great leader Moroni was.

Alma 43

I wonder if, as Mormon abridged the records, that he fully understood that in latter days...our day, that there would be "wars and rumor of wars". Even though there were many wars and conflicts throughout the Nephite records, it seems apparent that he thought the history regarding the wars in the days of Captain Moroni would be of greatest benefit for us.

It is during this period we learn that there were wicked individuals whose -

"...designs were to stir up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites; this he did that he might usurp great power over them, and also that he might gain power over the Nephites by bringing them into bondage." (Book of Mormon | Alma 43:8)

For the purpose -

"...that he might preserve their hatred towards the Nephites, that he might bring them into subjection to the accomplishment of his designs."
(Book of Mormon | Alma 43:7)

In opposition -

"...the design of the Nephites was to support their lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their children, that they might preserve them from the hands of their enemies; and also that they might preserve their rights and their privileges, yea, and also their liberty, that they might worship God according to their desires.
10 For they knew that if they should fall into the hands of the Lamanites, that whosoever should worship God in spirit and in truth, the true and the living God, the Lamanites would destroy." (Book of Mormon | Alma 43:9 - 10)

In there day -

"...the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had been appointed to be the chief captain over the Nephites—now the chief captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites—and his name was Moroni;
17 And Moroni took all the command, and the government of their wars." (Book of Mormon | Alma 43:16 - 17)

Moroni wasn't just any military leader. Mormon would later say of Captain Moroni and war that -

"...his heart did glory in it; not in the shedding of blood but in doing good, in preserving his people, yea, in keeping the commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity.
17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." (Book of Mormon | Alma 48:16 - 17)

I believe Mormon is telling us that we need a "Captain Moroni" in our day, not a man after the order of Nehors...or those that desire personal gain.

Alma 42

We learn another matter that Corianton seemed to be struggling with as Alma discerns -

"...I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand—which is concerning the justice of God in the punishment of the sinner; for ye do try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:1)

I believe that this same belief is held generally through much of the world. Mankind cannot understand that a loving God would confine any "son or daughter" to eternal misery. That is, no loving God would do that. But the consequence of this belief then leads to a carnal nature with no obligations or responsibilities. This cannot be happiness for -

"...wickedness never was happiness." (Book of Mormon | Alma 41:10)

And for a loving God to accept eternity living with wickedness also doesn't make sense. It is herein that Alma provides the greatest lesson or doctrine on justice, mercy, and agency. With the fall of Adam -

"...thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own will."
(Book of Mormon | Alma 42:7)

We all have been given our agency to choose good or evil...and bear the consequences of our will therefore -

"...all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:14)

...according to their desires and will. Alma says more that once that without justice -

"...God would cease to be God." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:13)

"...Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:13)

With the demands of justice -

"...the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:15)

It has to be this way that justice and mercy are opposites for -

"...repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul.
17 Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment?
18 Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
19 Now, if there was no law given—if a man murdered he should die—would he be afraid he would die if he should murder?
20 And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin.
21 And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?
22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:16 - 22)

It then becomes clear and of necessity that -

"...justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.
25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:24 - 25)

Therefore -

"...Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:30)

In regards to this matter, I also had thought this morning in connection with justice and its relationship with the Tree of Life, which represents the Savior and the fruit of the tree that represents the blessings of the atonement. One of the blessing of the atonement is the resurrection or eternal immortality. Alma taught the Lord -

"...placed at the east end of the garden of Eden, cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the tree of life—
3 Now, we see that the man had become as God, knowing good and evil; and lest he should put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat and live forever, the Lord God placed cherubim and the flaming sword, that he should not partake of the fruit—" (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:2 - 3)

Which means there was no time to repent. Therefore, the fruit of the tree must also represent righteous judgement suggesting that without a period of repentance, Adam would have lived forever in his sins.

Alma 40

Recently, I heard that a national news company was interviewing a member of the Church concerning what we thought of "heaven". In answer to that, as Alma was teaching his son, Corianton, concerning the resurrection and restoration, he said of death or -

"...concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
13 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil—for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house—and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil." (Book of Mormon | Alma 40:11 - 13)

Where "outer darkness" in the case in reference to "spirit prison" or "hell". This is much the same doctrine believed by many Christian churches. It is in this period that we exist as spirits.

But the teachings of the gospel all teach of a resurrection for -

"...this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection." (Book of Mormon | Alma 40:14)

So this punishment is not forever but yet it is Eternal punishment or God's punishment for He is Eternal. The resurrection is then forth for all mankind -

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:22)

Resurrection means -

"The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame." (Book of Mormon | Alma 40:23)

And at this point, all shall -

"...be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works.
22 Yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets." (Book of Mormon | Alma 40:21 - 22)

Restoration is just that for -

"...the plan of restoration is requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things should be restored to their proper order. Behold, it is requisite and just, according to the power and resurrection of Christ, that the soul of man should be restored to its body, and that every part of the body should be restored to itself.
3 And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.
4 And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them for evil. Therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 41:2 - 4)

Restoration means exactly that, in the resurrection, we are restored to what we are...our righteouness and the desires of our hearts. You can't restore or make someone that which they are not. For in the resurrection -

"There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead..." (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:40 - 42)

It is the atonement of Jesus Christ that allow repentance and forgiveness that allows us to become or be restored to Celestial bodies or -

"...one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh.
6 And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
7 These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil." (Book of Mormon | Alma 41:5 - 7)

Eventually, in regards to "heaven", there will be varying degress of rewards and restorations. The greatest being Eternal Life. This is what the Savior meants saying -

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (New Testament | John 17:3)

Alma 39

Alma teaches his son, Corianton, some of the principles associated with repentance in that he should -

"...my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:9)

To truly repent, one must forsake that sin, turn from it, and never commit it again. And then -

"...turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:13)

That is a difficult thing to do to return and acknowledge ones faults and wrongs committed, even when those of whom you have committed some form of sin to no consider it to be so. We see an example as the sons of Mosiah -

"...traveled throughout all the land of Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of king Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 27:35)

This restitution is an essential component of repentance when it is possible. I personally believe the atonement extends to those that were sinned against.

Alma 39

Due to many failures or misdeeds on his mission to the Zoramites, Alma counsels his son, Corianton, on the matter. First he said to Corianton -

"....Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:2)

In my mind, "boasting in thy strength" suggests very little humility and reliance on the Lord. This was not his work but it is the Lord's work and we should always remember we are nothing more than instruments in His hands. Which also leads to "thy wisdom". Our wisdom is nothing to the Lord's wisdom -

"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 4:10)

Humility and seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost is the means to being an instrument in His hands. Alma also said he had against Corianton -

"...Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:3)

And then Alma taught an important doctrine -

"Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:5)

Corianton seemed to follow the philosophies of the world...that it doesn't really matter what God commands but more if it is a natural thing and everyone is doing it. It is the counsel that Alma follows with that is true doctrine -

"...I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:9)

And -

"...turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done." (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:13)

We are commanded to repent! The prophet Joseph Smith taught that cross thyself means as taught in the footnote for Matthew 16:24 -

"JST Matt. 16:26 And now for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments." (New Testament:Matthew 16:24)

Alma 38

As I read the counsel of Alma to his son, Shiblon, I felt he was speaking directly to me -

"...as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 38:10)

"...be diligent and temperate in all things..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 38:10)

Temperate being moderate without extremes or excessiveness.

"See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength." (Book of Mormon | Alma 38:11)

Alma added -

"Use boldness, but not overbearance..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 38:12)

"...see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 38:12)

And also -

"...see that ye refrain from idleness." (Book of Mormon | Alma 38:12)

And last of all, pray -

"...O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy—yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times." (Book of Mormon | Alma 38:14)