Alma 6-7

Alma 6

This short chapter broadly describes the work Alma does to get the church in order in Zarahemla. In the coming chapters he will travel from city to city, trying to do the same. While this chapter is brief, there are a few important principles it touches on that are practiced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today:

• He ordained priests and elders to preside and watch over the church, by laying on his hands according to the order of God. (v1)
• Whosoever did not belong to the church who repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, and were received into the church. (v2)
• And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the church that did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves before God—I mean those who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts—the same were rejected, and their names were blotted out, that their names were not numbered among those of the righteous. (v3)
• Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God. (v5)

Alma 7

Alma finishes his work in Zarahemla, having put a lot of time and strain into calling the people to repentance and getting the church in order. Now he goes on tour, starting in the city of Gideon. This chapter is full of beautiful and inspiring teachings, because the people of Gideon are more righteous and humble than the people of Zarahemla, so Alma doesn’t have to spend his time calling them all to repentance.

Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane

He spends time speaking about the most important thing of all—the coming of a Savior. These verses are rich in truths about why Jesus Christ needed to come, and what He would do that was so important. Is there anything new you learn from these verses?

7 For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come; and behold, 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.

 10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

 11 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.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind 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.

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless 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; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

These verses are so incredible to me. I think many people know that Jesus suffered for our sins, and they know he loosed the bands of death, but did you know Jesus also suffered all of your pains, afflictions, temptations, and sicknesses? So basically everything difficult you go through, He chose to go through it, too. Why? So he would know “how to succor” you—or provide help, relief, aid, or assistance—from first-hand experience. There is no greater love than that.

So what will you do as a result of that knowledge? And what do we need to do to have full access to that help?

 14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.

 15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.

 23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

I feel that these requests are a small price to pay for all the Lord gives in return, especially when you realize that you are happier living this way in the first place, not even considering the rewards and blessings the Lord gives you on top of this lifestyle.