Chapter 17
17:2 -- Alma Descendant of Nephi
Here we learn that Alma the Elder was a descendant of Nephi. Interesting to note is that it appears the only people who recorded the scriptures were those who were direct descendants of Nephi. Later, we learn that after Alma the Elder, Alma the Younger keeps a set of records, which he passes on to his son Helaman, who passes the records on to his son Helaman and so forth.
Thus what this means is that except for the Jaredite nation, our record of the Book of Mormon comprises that of the Nephite descendants. We don't read much about the Mulekites. In Mormon 1, we learn that Mormon himself was Nephite. It's possible then that Mormon, being a Nephite and also responsible for abridging the plates, chose to focus on his heritage. This means that we don't learn much about the Mulekite segment of the Nephite population. This is surprising since the Mulekite population is larger than the Nephites (see Mosiah 25)
17:3 -- Alma Believed the Word of Abinadi
Abinandi serves as a model of a righteous and devout man of the Lord. But Abinandi's experience is also relevant for us. One principle we can extract from Abinandi is that the success of our efforts to teach of Christ may have more of an impact than we think. From the text, it appears that Abinandi's main purpose in preaching to king Noah and his priests was not to convert, necessarily, but to teach correct principles and to testify of their truth.
... I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands. (Mosiah 17:9)
But unbeknownst to Abinadi was the fact that his words impacted one of the priests, Alma. One is not a significant number, but Alma was a perfect convert. Not only did Alma repent, but he was a source of much good. He repented and then taught the people the word of God. We read at the end of Mosiah 18 that his efforts led to 450 individuals hearken to his words and repented.
Chapter 18
Chapter 18 is the quintessential chapter for understanding the significance and gravity of baptism. Much of my comments will focus on the baptismal covenant made by all of us when we are baptized. However, before addressing those points, I would like to address some other parts.
18: 1 -- Sins v. Iniquities
One way to increase understanding and to add depth to you scripture reading is to identify instances where different words are used to describe a similar concept. Verse 1 is an example of this:
1 And now, it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants of king Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi
Here we read that before teaching the words of Abinadi, Alma first repented of his sins and iniquities.
These two words, though seems similar, are actually conveying two different meaning. They both deal with sin, but they differ as to the type of sin.
[NOTE: I REALIZED I NEGLECTED TO COMPLETE THIS SECTION INITIALLY. I'VE NOW ADDED TO THIS SECTION, EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INIQUITY AND SIN]
Drawing from Hebrew, the Hebrew word for sin is khata. When used in the Bible, it refers to making wrong choices due to a lack of knowledge. Sin then can be understood as a veil (darkness) that covers us, causing us to err. We gradually remove the darkness as we expose ourselves to greater light and truth.
The Hebrew word for iniquity is avon. The literal definition of avon is to break, bend, or twist. When used in the scriptures, avon (iniquity) refers to a bending and distortion of God's law and will. Iniquity occurs after a people have sinned or transgressed for a long duration that the sins/transgression have become so embedded in the society.
Iniquity is a serious thing because unlike sin, which can happen both to the righteous and wicked, iniquity refers to a twisting and distortion. It's not just making the wrong choice, but it's twisting God's commands. When we twist God's commands, we then draw further away from God than before because we are obeying (for a lack of a better word) the distorted commands. Iniquity causes us to live in deception before God.
To see why this matters, let's consider the following example. Say that a person thinks that all they need to do to be saved is attend church and go the temple. Having this belief, is the person inclined to perfect him/herself? Is the person inclined to pray for spiritual gifts? It the person inclined develop charity? Faith? Is the person inclined to help others and bear each other's burden? Or to study the scriptures?
The answer is likely not. If a person believed that salvation rested on church and temple attendance, there is nothing pushing the person to do the other things. Therefore the person spends their life neglecting to do the other parts of the gospel because of their belief. This belief is a twisting of God's commands. Nowhere in the scriptures does the Lord say a person is saved by church and temple attendance. In fact, the Lord (and his prophets) are explicit that rituals and outward commands don't led to salvation alone.
Iniquity is further a problem if that person's belief passes onto his/her children. Now, not only is the person twisting God's commands and not drawing closer to God, but his/her children are subject to the same. And if the false belief/twisting of commands is not corrected it can spread to successive generation and so forth.
This example illustrates why iniquity is so destructive. It not only distorts our relationship with God, hedging up he way of salvation, but is can hedge up the way for others.
18:5 -- Fountain of Pure Water
As we read the remainder of the Book of Mormon, which includes Mormon's abridgments, we should realize that Mormon's inclusion of detail is likely intentional. Mormon did not have the luxury of abridging his records via paper and pen or computer. Instead, he went through the laborious work of engraving characters on gold plates. Such a task would have taken time and much effort. Because of this, Mormon would likely not spend time including information that was not important. After all, would you? Thus as we read his descriptions, we should clue in to details he includes.
One detail worth noting is Mormon's mention of the "fountain of pure waters" in the waters of Mormon. Assuming that Mormon included this detail to convey a certain point, which he likely did, why would Mormon include this?
To understand the significance of the phrase requires us to first define what Mormon meant by fountain. And then to turn back to Hebraic/Biblical understanding of water and baptism.
Dictionary Definition
The meaning of fountain can mean a couple of things. It can refer to a small basin of sprinting water; the head source of a river.
The meaning of pure means unmixed, ceremonially clean, unpolluted
We'll come back to these definitions later.
Hebraic and Biblical Understanding of Waters
In Hebraic thought, living waters symbolizes purity and the presence of God. Purity would have been important under the Mosaic law, as the adherent was required to be clean before participating in the ordinances. Various scriptures reference God as the living water.
2 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2)
And
13 O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters. (Jeremiah 17)
Note that the presence of God was symbolized by "living water", not just water. The reason why living water symbolized God was due to nourishing nature. The land of Cannan, where the Israelites lived, was arid and dry. Rain would have been a blessing. And it would be understood as coming from God. Because of this, rain, or any living water was seen as a nourishing agent sent by God.
Moreover, rain and other living water nourishing and gives life to all. It also is necessary for survival. The David liken his desire for God as that of a man athirst in the desert.
Because rain is a blessing and the source of life, the presence of living water is a sign of God's blessing
3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. (Isaiah 44)
And
17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.18 I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. (Isaiah 41)
Living Waters
In addition to representing the presence of God, the Mosaic law required baptism by immersion. The Mosaic law required that a person who became ritually unclean was required to cleanse themselves through the use of a mikvah and offer a sin and burnt offering. The mikvah refers to a collection of natural, living water. Stagnant water was not acceptable (see Leviticus 15:13,16)
If we choose the definition that fountain means a spring, this would mean that the foundation of pure water is a spring of living water, springing forth into the river or lake. Having Israelite heritage and knowing the Mosaic law (at least in some sense) as king Noah's priest, Alma likely would have recognized the significance of a fountain of pure water. He likely would have connected it to God's presence. And he would have found it suitable for baptism, as the waters were ritually clean.
Mormon, as being an Israelite, might have included this detail to indicate that God's presence was near and that the waters were suitable for baptism.
Moreover, the existence of God's presence is made more explicit. After being baptized and living the law of consecration, Mormon notes:
30 And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon, yea, by the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever.
Notice that Mormon says that the people came to a knowledge of their Redeemer, instead of they came to a knowledge about their Redeemer. To come to a knowledge of Christ means that the people knew Christ personally. Moreover, knowledge of it can't mean that the people knew about Christ, as in learning about him, since they were taught by Alma about Christ and his redemption beforehand and they made a covenant to be baptized. Instead, Mormon is saying that they knew Christ personally.
18:8--Baptismal Covenant
All of who have been baptized enter into a covenant with the Lord. This covenant is between us and the Lord to do the following:
1. Willing to bear one another's burden, that they may be light2. Willing to mourn with those that mourn3. Comfort those that stand in need of comfort4. Stand as witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places
Bearing Each Other's Burdens
There are many ways that we can bear the burden of others. However, one way that is often ignored by Christians is the practice of making intercession.
Bearing Burden Through Making Intercession
Christ is the ultimate intercessor. But he doesn't have to be the only one. We can all be mini-Saviors for the people around us. After all, when we covenant to take upon the name of Christ, we covenant to take upon his essence. What could more be Christ-like than making intercession for others just as he did.
The scriptures teach us that holy men made intercession for others. One example is Moses
30 ¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. (Exodus 32)
Because Israel sinned, Moses tells that they he will go to the Lord to atone for their sin.
31 And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. (Exodus 32)
Speaking to the Lord, Moses says that the Lord should forgive their sin and if he doesn't, he wants his name blotted out of the book of life. This is quite a request. Moses loved the Israelites so much that he'd stake his own salvation on their forgiveness. This act is one of bearing another's burdens. By worshipping the golden calf, Israel was burdened with sin, Moses sought for the Lord to remove the burden.
Although the Lord doesn't immediately grant Moses' request to forgive the Israelites, Moses' persistence eventually pays off and he receives the following promise.
17 And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying,18 The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.19 Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.20 And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word: (Numbers 14)
Thus for us, one way we can bear another's burden is through intercession. When we intercede for others, we are willing to experience the consequences of the person's sin. Every violation of divine law is tied to a consequence. The intercessor takes upon the consequence for the person.
Sharing Light and Truth With Others
Another way we can bear each other's burden is by teaching and sharing light and truth with others.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. (Matthew 10:27)No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. (Luke 11:33)...it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. (D&C 88:81)
Many people suffer because they lack truth and light. They make the wrong decision that lead to negative consequences because they don't know any better. Each of us is placed in a position where we can help others. Each of us have unique experiences that we can share. And each of us have experienced trials and challenges that have taught us things. We should share the things we've learned with others.
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. (Matthew 25:22)
The trials, challenges, and life experiences we've had are gift from God to teach us truth about reality of which we can share with others. We have an obligation to share truth.
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (Ezekiel 3:18)
As the Lord explained in Doctrine and Covenants 123 (12-16):
12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—14 These [bearing truth and light] should then be attended to with great earnestness.15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things [bearing light and truth].16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.
18:18 -- Having Authority from God
In the LDS church we teach that authority comes from the laying on of hands. Where did Alma get his authority?
Was is it from King Noah? Can a wicked person give another authority? Did he receive from his father (of which we know nothing about)? Or was it given to him by the Lord through angels?
18:21-29--A Model of Zion
Alma's people provide an excellent example of what Zion is like. Mormon describes Alma's people as united in love toward each others. Alma's people faith was one and their baptism was one because it was focused on the Lord. They all placed their faith in Christ.
Alma's people also sought out learning and instruction. And the priests who were commanded to preach did so out of love, not gain. Their labor was a labor of love. Their priests also taught with power and authority because of the knowledge of God.
Alma's people were generous with their substance. They imparted unto all freely. Those who had more, gave more. Those who had less, gave less. And this was done so that the person without anything would have something. And the people gave to each other based on needs and wants. They did not withhold in their giving.
18:30--Came to a Knowledge of Their Lord
(See above, under "Fountain of Pure Water")
Chapters 19-22
19:16 -- Limhi Taken Captive
The capture and suffering of Limhi, who was a just man (reconciled to God), shows that even the righteous suffer due to the actions of the wicked.
This principle is also applicable to our lives. For us who live near the ending of the world, we should realize that the destruction experienced by the wicked will also be experienced by the righteous.
Joseph Smith taught the following about the Saint's experience during the end-time judgments.
...it is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and "the righteous shall hardly escape; till many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God.(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 162)
The Covid-19 pandemic has likely revealed the truth of this principle. The virus does not discriminate against the righteous and wicked, but attacks whoever it can. Moreover, the righteous have also experienced the collateral effects of the pandemic -- such as lock-down, lost of jobs, stress, uncertainty, and loss of loved ones, etc.
19:29--Continual Peace for Two Years
The people of Limhi did not experience the worst of the trials immediately. Instead they have two years of continual peace before the Abiandi's prophecy was fulfilled. This teaches us the principle that judgements don't necessarily happen immediately, but on the Lord's time table. Limhi's people don't experience the full consequences of their wickedness until chapter 21.
21:4 -- All Done That the Word of the Lord Might Be Fulfilled
Mormon tells us that Lord allowed the Lamanites to smite the people of Limhi so that his word, as delivered by Abinadi, would be fulfilled.
21: 5 -- Lamanites Had Surrounded Them
5 And now the afflictions of the Nephites were great, and there was no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands, for the Lamanites had surrounded them on every side.
Lord did this to show that only he could deliver them.
Applied to our lives, it's often the same. The Lord will give us trials that seem almost impossible to succeed in. He does this so we know the power we're delivered by.
2 Yea, wo be unto this generation! And the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying: Thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh. (Mosiah 12)
21:9 -- Actions of Disobedience Create More Suffering
Our actions of disobedience can make matters worse. Although we suffer, our actions can make the suffering worse than it needs to be.
The Lord did not instruct the people of Limhi s to attack the Lamanites. The people of Limhi made that decision on their own. And as a result brought more suffering, through the greater loss of life, upon themselves than necessary.
21:14--Repentance Through Deep Sorrow
Verse 14 shows us what repentance looks like. And it's more than saying sorry.
14 And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.
Repentance involves extreme humility and continual crying (not just praying to God) for forgiveness and deliverance.
21:17 -- Repentance Demonstrated by Supporting Others
Limhi and his people demonstrate their repentance by supporting others
21:22,36--Ending Prolonged Suffering
Having humbled and submitted themselves to the Lord, some of the trials and suffering went away. The Nephites stubbornness caused them to suffer more than was necessary. Once they submitted and learned what they needed to learn, the Lord preserved them from suffering further.
Moreover, part of ending the suffering is for us to figure out the cause of suffering and how to remove it.
36 And now all the study of Ammon and his people, and king Limhi and his people, was to deliver themselves out of the hands of the Lamanites and from bondage.
Chapters 23-24
23:7 -- Not Esteem One Flesh Above Another
Despite having a leader in Alma, the people we taught not to esteem one flesh above another. Although this statement was in reference to the people wanting Alma to be their king, this principle applies in our lives. No matter who the person is, regardless of their education, wealth, career, church calling, one is not to be esteemed (highly valued, prized) above another.
23:17-18 -- Role and Qualification of Priests
The role of the priest is to teach, watch over, and nourish the members with things pertaining to righteousness.
A priest is qualified by being called of God and being a just man. The second required, being a just man, is important for us to consider. To be a just man means that a person has received the gift of the Holy Ghost and therefore lives their lives in accordance with God's will.
Can we say this about the priests or teachers in our ward? Maybe for some, yes. But in reality, it's likely that most are not just men. They may be honest or kind. But to be a just person means that one's will and desires are focused on the Lord's will. It means for a person to serve the Lord will full purpose of heart. It means showing forth the gifts of the Spirit. Give that these things are largely absent indicates that our priests have not lived up to their privilege.
Since a just man has received the gift of the Holy Ghost, this means that they are in direct communication with the Spirit at all times. This means that they are guided and directed by its influence. Think of the impact and power they would have! Think what church meetings would be like if all our teachers had the strong connection with the Holy Ghost!
No wonder Alma and his people were blessed with prosperity, but also with faith (as we'll learn about later). They had leaders and teachers to guide and help them along the way.
Referring back to Mosiah 18, consider what Mormon says about the effectiveness of the priest, due to being just men.
26 And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God. (Mosiah 18)
23:21 -- Lord Trieth His People's Faith and Patience
Chapter 23 teaches us an important principle about how the Lord works among his people. Despite their righteousness and repentance, Alma's people did not escape bondage either. However, unlike Limhi and his people, who suffered bondage due to their wickedness, Alma and his people suffer bondage as a trial of faith, not a punishment.
Mormon records:
19 And it came to pass that they began to prosper exceedingly in the land; and they called the land Helam.20 And it came to pass that they did multiply and prosper exceedingly in the land of Helam; and they built a city, which they called the city of Helam.21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. (Mosiah 23)
The fact that the Alma and his people suffer like Limhi and his people teaches us a few things:
First: the righteous are not immune from suffering.
Second: faith is demonstrated in trials.
Third: we came to a greater knowledge of the Lord
The Righteous Are Not Immune from Suffering
Despite the promise of joy and happiness for those who follow Christ, a follower of Christ can't avoid the trials and suffering. The gospel is not meant to save us from trials, but to give us the knowledge of how to handle trials while maintaining a godly character.
There is much to be written and said about the purpose of trials. I've already made an attempt at explaining the reason for trials in this post. As I've studied and pondered the purpose of trials I've realized that their purpose is multifaceted. This is perhaps why we experience them. Trials test our faith, show us who we are, they show us what we truly value, and they allow us to experience greater happiness.
Trials Shows Us Who We Really Are
Trials show us who we are because they serve as a mirror for us to look into. Most of us believe that we are good people. We believe this because we are not criminals. We attend church. We are kind and nice to most people. Given these things, we believe that we are right with God. Yet, while we do or not do these things, it's also important to realize that for many of us, we do these things because it's easy for us.
It's easy (easier?) to do what God wants when things are going well for us. It's easy (easier?) to be kind to someone when we have enough money or when being nice doesn't inconvenience us. But what happens when things go awry? How do we respond to others when our life seems to be going down-hill? Do we treat others with the same respect? Do we give thanks to God in the same way? Our character, then, is revealed in trials because trials show that our actions are not as consistent as we think. God is God because his character never changes. He maintains his character despite what occurs in the world.
As an interesting note, one of the Greek words often used to indicate trials in the New Testament is peirasmos. When used, this word connotes a trials by testing or proving. Even more interesting is that in other Greek literature, this word is often used in reference to smelting metal. When a metal is being refined, it first must be tested to ensure its quality. The testing is called peirasmos.
Thus applied to our lives, one way to think about a trial is it's a testing of our character and faith. Trials serve as a way for God to test how "pure" we are. After all, we want to inherit all that he has, but are we able to receive it? Are we purified enough to stand in his presence?
Joseph Smith taught the following about God:
God Almighty Himself dwells in eternal fire; flesh and blood cannot go there, for all corruption is devoured by the fire. "Our God is a consuming fire."
Moreover, he also taught that God will destroy the world by fire.
In the days of Noah, God destroyed the world by a flood, and He has promised to destroy it by fire in the last days: but before it should take place, Elijah should first come and turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, &c (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 337)
And
The world is reserved unto burning in the last days. He shall send Elijah the prophet, and he shall reveal the covenants of the fathers in relation to the children, and the covenants of the children in relation to the fathers (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 321)
The Lord teaches us that the about the light of Christ
This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.
8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings (D&C 88)
Thus the light of Christ, the light which we seek to acquire is the same light that emanates from the sun. It is the light that we experience every day.
Could it be, then, that the same fire that destroys the wicked is also the same fire the righteous dwell in? The wicked will be burned up by the heat of the sun (in some way), but the righteous will be sanctified by it?
Consider Paul's statement:
every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the Day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall test every man’s work of what sort it is. (1 Corinthians 3:13)
The work Paul refers to is our actions and our systems of belief. Each of us work to create something for our-lives -- to create meaning. Paul teaches us that each one of our works will be "made manifest." And how it will be made manifest (shown, revealed) by fire.
Trials are fire. They serve to test us to see who we are and how faithful we are. They serve to test our character. Putting on a godly character is the entrance into exhalation.
Trials Also Lead to Greater Happiness
Yet, in addition to testing our character. Trials also allow for more happiness. This is due to the eternal principle taught by Lehi that there must be opposition in all things. This means that whatever light you obtain there is the degree in darkness. Given that our understanding of light and darkness is proportional to our awareness of the light, this means that if we experience more darkness, then we will comprehend greater light--and with greater light comes greater joy.
In the D&C 88, the Savior explained.
6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth
The Savior descended below all in order that he may understand all things. And by descending below all, he was able to rise above all. Part of this includes joy. Jesus has shown us that way so that our joy might be full.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy [chara in greek means a state of joy and gladness] might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15)
This is why Paul gloried in trials.
Thus the degree of trials we experience will determine how much joy we can experience. Thus when we experience trials and hardship, we have the hope (confident expectation) that if we remain faithful we'll receive joy commensurate to our sorrow.
Consider the example of trials faced by the sons of Mosiah and their joy
First their trials:
28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some. (Alma 26)
Now their joy:
16 And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.
17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full [i.e., fullness of joy]; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth. (Alma 27)
Ammon's joy was full because of the trials he experienced by comprehending the darkness, he was able to comprehend the light to an even greater degree.
And this was the same for Alma's people. For after they escaped, the first thing they did was rejoice and offer thanks to their God.
20 And Alma and his people departed into the wilderness; and when they had traveled all day they pitched their tents in a valley, and they called the valley Alma, because he led their way in the wilderness.21 Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God.22 And they gave thanks to God, yea, all their men and all their women and all their children that could speak lifted their voices in the praises of their God. (Mosiah 24)
Faith is Demonstrated in Trials
In simple terms, the definition of faith is trust in God. Trials serve the purpose of measuring how strong is our trust in God. Mormon's commentary explain this principle:
21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
Here, the context of exercising faith during the trial. Their faith and patience is being tested by this trial. And it's being tested to see whether they'll remain faithful to the Lord despite their circumstances. It also tests how they will respond. Will they remember their Lord?
Yes. Alma's people passed the test. Faced with their trial, they immediately went to and relied upon the Lord, waiting upon him for their deliverance. And through their reliance, the Lord made the trial bearable for them.
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage. (Mosiah 24)
Alma's people demonstrated faith in their trial. We, too, can so our faith. For we should all be able to, like Paul, exclaim
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Mosiah 24)
We Come to Greater Knowledge
Mormon writes,
23 For behold, I will show unto you that they were brought into bondage, and none could deliver them but the Lord their God, yea, even the God of Abraham and Isaac and of Jacob.24 And it came to pass that he did deliver them, and he did show forth his mighty power unto them, and great were their rejoicings. (Mosiah 23)
Often the trials we face are designed to be so great and difficult that we can only be delivered from them through the grace of the Lord. This is intentional. The reason why is because when we're only able to be delivered by the Lord from trials, we then gain awareness of Him. We recognize his hand in our lives. And we know that without him, we would still remain in our trial.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
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