Commentary for the Book of Mormon: Alma 8-12

Alma and Amulek by Jorge Cocco

Chapter 8

Alma resumes his missionary efforts at the beginning of the 10th year of the reign of the judges, having rested from his initial efforts. 

The first people he visited once he recommenced his efforts were the people of Melek. We learn that he had great success with the people in Melek and those in the surrounding lands, with these people being baptized. After his work in Melek, he traveled 3 days north to the city Ammonihah . 

Alma begins to preach the word of God, but the people reject him. The word of God can refer to the gospel, but it can also refer to God's word -- that is what God has directed Alma to teach. The latter understanding makes sense given that a prophet's function is to serve as a mouthpiece for the Lord. Moreover, the Old Testament uses the the expression "the word of the Lord came to..." to indicate revelation. Here are a couple examples 

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (Genesis 15) 

Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off. Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord God. (Ezekiel 12:26-28)

Given that the Nephites culture derived from Hebrew culture and that the Nephites spoke Hebrew, it's likely that when Mormon says that Alma "began to preach the word of God", he's referring to Alma preaching what God has told him. 

Moreover, this phrase is used at the end of chapter 8 when Alma is commanded to leave Amulek's house and preach the word: 

29 And the word came to Alma, saying: Go; and also say unto my servant Amulek, go forth and prophesy unto this people, saying—Repent ye, for thus saith the Lord, except ye repent I will visit this people in mine anger; yea, and I will not turn my fierce anger away. (Alma 8)

But the people rejected Alma's preaching. Mormon explains the reason: 

9 Now Satan had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the people of the city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken unto the words of Alma. (Alma) 

The acceptance of false doctrine and distortions of God's leads to us being unable to understand what is being taught. Because we don't understand it, we reject it. This is what happened to Laman and Lemuel in the book of Nephi. And this is what happens to all people who are caught up in false doctrine -- they are unable to discern the light. 

...the multitude [referring to the multitude who heard Jesus] that received not His saying, was because they were not willing to see with their eyes, and hear with their ears; not because they could not, and were not privileged to see an hear, but because their hearts were full of iniquity and abominations; (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg 97) 

 Those who did not receive Jesus' teaching didn't because they were full of iniquity (false doctrine/distortions) that they couldn't understand the truth. The darkness couldn't comprehend the light. 

Although I am not a scientist, I think the following analogy may be helpful in understanding why those with iniquity (with hard hearts) can't discern truth. Imagine being in a completely dark room, with absolutely no light. Generally, in such circumstances your visibility will be very low and it'll be hard to make out things in the room. However, as the light increases (from whichever source) your visibility becomes clearer and you can see more objects. 

I think this analogy helps explain why iniquity prevented the Jews from recognizing Christ - their visibility was so low that they couldn't make out what "objects" were in the room.

It's also important to recognize that in the gospel understanding, light and truth are connected. Thus when you gain truth, you increase in light. What this means then is that light is associated with true knowledge. As you increase in truth (true knowledge), you will increase in light. And by doing so, you will understand things to a greater extent than others and thus perceive things differently than they do. 

Thus the people of Ammonihah couldn't receive Alma because what he taught did not register with them. They had adopted so many false beliefs that their views and understanding were so opposite to Alma that they couldn't comprehend it, much like a child might not be able to comprehend supply-side economics. 

The people's rejection of Alma was hard for him, as it is for anyone who has charity. Mormon states,

14 And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah,

Nevertheless, an angel appears to Alma directing him to go back. At first blush, it may seem strange that an angel would tell Alma to go back to a people who had no desire to hear him. But we learn from the angel the following reasons: 

1. The people who were wicked, need to be warned about their wickedness before God could bring us judgement upon them. 

2. The people of Ammonihah were study how to destroy the liberty of God's people 

 

Although Alma doesn't appear to question the angel, as Mormon notes that Alma "speedily returned", the last part of chapter 8 is important for us. Unbeknownst to Alma, the Lord had prepared a way for Alma. The Lord has sent an angel to Amulek. 

The reason for Amulek was so that Alma could have a second witness to the things Alma taught. This added credibility to his message. 

It's also interesting to observe that Alma stayed with Amulek and his family for many days. Why? One answer is so that Alma could Amulek all that Alma had learned. In chapter 10, Amulek explains that an angel visited him. However, it also appears that the angel visited Amulek more than once. 

10 And again, I know that the things whereof he hath testified are true; for behold I say unto you, that as the Lord liveth, even so has he sent his angel to make these things manifest unto me; and this he has done while this Alma hath dwelt at my house. (Alma 10)

Note that Amulek said that the angel made the things Alma taught known to Amulek while Alma was staying at Amulek's house. Amulek doesn't say after Alma dwelt at my house. Instead, he says "while" thus indicating an on-going visitation by the angel. 

In any case, Alma and Amulek stayed for sometime before preaching to the people of Ammonihah 

Chapters 9

9:19 -- Sin Against the Greater Light 

Alma explains that because the Lord favored the Nephites through all their blessings, their disobedience to him would result in greater condemnation. This is because they were given the greater portion of light. Great knowledge -- more light and truth. And thus with greater knowledge have a greater awareness about reality. Greater knowledge about how to avoid suffering. To reject such knowledge, is to accept greater darkness. And hence receive the greater condemnation. 

Alma lists the Nephite blessings:

• Having had all things made known unto them according to their desires, faith, and prayers
• Visited by the Spirit of God
• Conversed with angels
• Spoken to by the voice of the Lord
• Having the gift of revelation and prophecy 
• Having many other gifts -- speaking with tongues, gift of the Holy Ghost, the gift of translation 
• Delivered out of Jerusalem 
• Saved from famine, sickness, and all manner of diseases of every kind 
• Made strong in battle
• Brought out of bondage 

All of these blessings placed the people of Nephi in a position to acquire more light. God also judges us according to the light we've been given. 

I do not want you to think that I am very righteous, for I am not, God judges men according to the use they make of the light which He gives them. (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 303) 

Given that the Nephites were given opportunities to acquire light, we must reflect upon ourselves. The Restoration through Joseph Smith has brought about so many resources to acquire light. In addition to the Bible, we also have the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great price, as well as teachings by the prophet.

In addition to the resources brought forth through the restoration of the gospel, modern technology is another resource. The people today have been blessed with so much opportunity to learn and acquire light and truth. Social media has made it possible to connect with others that would've been impossible in times past. Our smart phones and computers give us immediate access to the internet, to research, explore and learn. The amount of blog dealings with gospel topics is incredible. 

The question is -- what are we doing with our time? 

9:16 -- Remain In Their State of Ignorance

False teachings/traditions cause us to remain in ignorance. The more false teachings we accept, the more ignorance we are of the things of God. This is why a man who seeks to know God must put away all of his false traditions. 

To become a joint heir of the heirship of the Son, one must put away all his false traditions. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg 321) 

We can't be a joint heir with Christ, who possess all knowledge, if we don't do the same. 

9:19 -- He Will Not Suffer

As Alma explains, one reason why the Lord destroys the wicked is because the wicked's iniquities affect the righteous or present an obstacle to righteousness. This can happen through the false teachings that the righteous or the less wicked adopt as their own, which distortions lead them away from truth and thus away from God. It can also be when the wicked demand that the righteous or less wicked adopt their distortions. 

We saw examples of this with king Noah and how he enacted wicked laws and demanded that the people obey them. But this can happen without a monarchy. Adopting distortions of truth (false ideologies) happens wherever false ideologies are allowed to take hold. If it takes hold in the conscience and minds of people, then it spreads. It becomes accepted and normalized. And because it's normalized, it is adopted. 

Once adopted the false ideologies are hard to change. The more accepted and normalized it is, the harder it is for people to see the error and mistake. This is the case unless there is a large enough opposition to the norm. But if that opposition diminishes to the point where they aren't heard, where their view is not considered, then the false ideologies take over and thus righteousness is frustrated. 

When this happens, then the Lord must bring about judgment, otherwise wickedness and iniquity will infect everyone. 

19. For he will not suffer you that ye shall live in your iniquities, to destroy his people. I say unto you, Nay; he would rather suffer that the Lamanites might destroy all his people who are called the people of Nephi ... (Alma 9) 

Chapters 10-11: The Word of Amulek 

Chapters 10-11 contain Amulek's words to the people of Ammonihah. I've decided to lump them all under one category, so we don't treat chapters 10-11 as separate chunks, but instead see them as a larger connected whole. 

Who is Amulek: 

We learn from verses 1-6 who Amulek was. 

First, we learn that Almulek is a Nephite (not a Mulekite). This would mean that he comes from the covenant group that settled the Americas, as Lehi made a covenant with the Lord to posseses the land. Amulek tracks the genealogy as follows: 

Nephi--down the line to --> Aminadi --down the line to --> Ishmael --> Giddonah --> Amulek. 

Amulek states that Aminadi was the "person who interpreted the writing which was upon the wall of the temple, which was written by the finger of God" What might this even refer to? The footnote references Daniel 5, where Daniel interprets the writing of the palace wall of Belshazzar. It's not clear why the footnote references Daniel 5. It might be to show another example of someone interpreting the writing. This is because Aminadi couldn't have been the one who interpreted the writing in Daniel 5. 

First, Amulek says that Aminadi interpreted the writing on the walls of the temple. In Daniel 5, Daniel interprets the writing on the walls of the palace. 

Second, the chronology doesn't match up. Daniel 5 takes place long after king Nebuchadnezzar's reign. King Nebuchadnezzar reigned from 605 - 562 BC. The King in Daniel 5 is Belshazzar who reigned in 539. Given that Aminadi is a descendant of Nephi, he would have been in the Americas by this time. 

The next thing we learn about Amulek is that he was well known among the people of Ammonihah and was wealthy. 

The last thing we learn is that Amulek was "called" many times by the Lord, but he refused to listen. In Alma 13, I'll discuss the meaning of being "called." For now, it's important to recognize that Amulek was an elect spirit. But even though he was an elect spirit (person), he refused to listen. 

This example shows us the possibility that it's possible to be an elect spirit in the pre-existence, and still fall from your position due to disobedience. The Lord will likely send reminders to you of your position and "calling". But if you don't heed them, then you will fall from your position.  

God did elect or predestinate, that all those who would be saved, should be saved in Christ Jesus, and through obedience to the Gospel; but He passes over no man's sins, but visits them with correction, and if His children will not repent of their sins He will discard them. (Teaching of Joseph Smith, 189) 

Moreover, there are many elect spirits on the earth today who fail to live up to their calling because of adopting false doctrine.  

23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24)

10:13,15-16, 32;11:20--The Problem With Lawyers

An interesting element to Amulek's speech is his castigation of lawyers and judges. As a law student, this statement has caused me to reflect on why lawyers could be a problem and opponents of righteousness. This is not to say that being a lawyer, per se, is wicked. But instead to give my opinion why lawyers can be a destructive force and thus an enemy to righteousness. 

1. Knowledge of the Language

For anyone who knows a lawyer, interacting with might be frustrating. It may appear that they are overly nitpicking with words and tend to complicate rather than simplify things. But one reason for this is because lawyers are trained at spotting ambiguity and understanding the various meanings and terms. This training allows them to exploit ambiguity to their advantage -- or at least that of the client. 

13 ... there were some among them who thought to question them, that by their cunning devices they might catch them in their words, that they might find witness against them, that they might deliver them to their judges that they might be judged according to the law 

          ... 

15 Now these lawyers were learned in all the arts and cunning of the people; and this was to enable them that they might be skilful in their profession.

16 And it came to pass that they began to question Amulek, that thereby they might make him cross his words, or contradict the words which he should speak.

This means that in theory, if someone were to teach gospel principles, a lawyer could find ways, if he/she wanted, to not believe. He could spot fallacious reasoning and seize on ambiguity to avoid accepting the message. Although liberal democracy is different from the government in Nephite society, the profession of being a lawyer contains these disadvantages. If the lawyer wants to exploit and take advantage of one because of his "words", he can do so. 

2. To Get Gain 

At the end of chapter 10, Mormon interjects to provide his commentary. He notes that "the object of these lawyers was to get gain; and they go gain according to their employ." 

Later Mormon notes: 

20 Now, it was for the sole purpose to get gain, because they received their wages according to their employ, therefore, they did stir up the people to riotings, and all manner of disturbances and wickedness, that they might have more employ, that they might get money according to the suits which were brought before them; therefore they did stir up the people against Alma and Amulek.

The more contention and disturbance the cause, the more conflict. The profession of a lawyer (although more varied and nuanced today) is to resolve conflict. The law is generally an adversarial profession. It pits one party against another. And this occurs when there is conflict. Thus if the lawyer can create conflict, then he has a business. This is the unfortunate truth of lawyers, they don't create wealth. Instead, they shift wealth around (In economics, this is called rent-seeking.) Nevertheless, this is not to say that all lawyers do. Instead, it is to point out the incentive structure built into the practice of law. 

Thus for Alma and Amulek, if the lawyers could stir the people up, they could create conflict, and thus make money.  

 

10:22 -- The Prayers of the Righteous

Amulek's statement teaches us that oftentimes the reason why the Lord does not destroy the wicked is because of the "prayers of the righteous." Those who are righteous often intercede with the Lord on behalf of the people. This is because the righteous are concerned about the wellbeing of the people, despite their wickedness. We've seen this with the attitude of Alma and the Son of Mosiah, as well as the other holy men we've encountered in the scriptures. 

Abraham is one example of this type of intercession. In Genesis, we learn that Abraham's petitions with the Lord prevented the Lord from destroying the wicked unless there were less than 10 righteous people. As a side-note, Lot had 10 people in his family. When Lot and his family left, then the Lord destroyed Sodom. 

And the destruction that the righteous avert by their intercession are those of famine, pestilence, and sword (war and conflicts). 

Yet, despite the intercession of the righteous there is a caveat. And that is when the righteous are expelled (cast out). When this happens, then destruction comes. 

This is something to pay attention to in the upcoming years. As the scriptures teach, the righteous will become persecuted. Nephi's vision of the later days shows two churches in existence -- those of God and those of the devil. God's church consists of the humble followers of the Lord. These people are just, honest, and upright. In the future, preceding the Lord's judgment, these type of people will face persecution. Most will leave, thus removing the protection for the wicked. 

There is a growing ideology in America that pushes for relativism over truth. An ideology that believes that feelings are equivalent to reason and fact. One that shifts responsibility and accountability for one's actions onto others and seeks to silent viewpoints that it disagrees with. An ideology that seeks to blame others for the reason why things are they way they are. 

Eventually, this ideology will become more ingrained and widespread. It will, in many instances, be the new religion. And those who don't abide by its precepts will be shunned. This will means loss of jobs, career, standing, and protection. It will hurt those who are just and righteous. They will leave. And so will the protection. 

It's important to realize when discussing the casting out of the righteous, what we mean by the righteous. As the scriptures teach us, the righteous people, the just and holy people, are those who are often beyond the scenes or working in the margins. We shouldn't think that because our wards are not disrupted, that the truly righteous have not left. And the righteous who have sway with God are likely the least expected people. Christ was a homeless "street preacher", Joseph Smith was a farm boy who grew up the backwood of New York state, steeped in folklore, Enoch was despised by the people because he was slow of speech, Amos was an obscure shepherd called by God to preach repentance to the Israelites. 

This doesn't mean that all righteous people are obscure and hidden. But it does show that categorizing them as being well known people is also a mistake. It means that when they leave, we may not recognize it. 

Zion 

The fact that destruction will come upon places where the righteous have been expelled also underlie the rationale for Zion. The primary purpose of Zion is to serve. as refuge from the storm. Because the righteous will leave the cities, destruction will come. Given that the destruction will come, the righteous need a place of refuge and safety to be protected from judgment. Zion is this place. 

We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. When wars come, we shall have to flee to Zion. The cry is to make haste. The last revelation says, Ye shall not have time to have gone over the earth, until these things come. It will come as did the cholera, war, fires, and earthquakes; one pestilence after another, until the Ancient of Days comes, then judgment will be given to the Saints. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith,160) 

However, we must be worthy enough to enter into Zion 

..if Zion will not purify herself, so as to be approved of in all things, in His sight, He will seek another people; for His work will go on until Israel is gathered, and they who will not hear His voice, must expect to feel His wrath. Let me say unto you, seek to purify yourselves, and also the inhabitants of Zion, lest the Lord's anger be kindled to fierceness. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 18)

To be ready for Zion requires to us to pass through fire

 We know not what we shall be called to pass through before Zion is delivered and established; therefore, we have great need to live near to God, and always to be in strict obedience to all His commandments, that we may have a conscience void of offense toward God and man. (History of the Church. V1, 450)

 

 

Chapter 12 

12: 9 -- Knowing the Mysteries of God

Alma teaches, 

9 ...It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. (Alma 12) 

Alma teaches that the mysteries of God are available unto many. However, the mysteries of God can only be given by through heed (obedience) and diligence. 

Heed means to be obedient. When we succumb to temptation, we are not obedient. Succumbing to temptation is to accept darkness over light. Accepting darkness hardens our heart. When our heart is heard, we lose knowledge. 

10...And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; 

...

11 ... they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell. (Alma 12) 

Yet, not only are those who have hard hearts kept away from knowledge of God's mysteries, they actually regress in knowledge until they know nothing concerning God's mysteries. Knowing nothing of God's mysteries leads them to be taken captive by the Devil. The chains of hell refer to lack of knowledge. Those who are in hell are those who don't possess the required knowledge to get out of it. 

Orson Pratt taught, 

The whole spirit world in the lower orders is full of deception, and unless you have something to detect and understand the truth from the false you are liable to be led astray and destroyed. I do not know that I need to say anything further about these two powers, only that all evil powers will go to their own place; and, unless these men repent, the same being that has power over them here in the flesh will hold them in captivity in the next world; unless they repent, the same being who gives them revelation here will hold the mastery over them there, and will control them; and if they do not find a dictating and controlling power in the Priesthood, they will find it among those beings to whom they have yielded themselves subject to obey; and so will every other person that yields to false influences; they will be overcome and Satan will destroy them, unless they repent." (JD 13:74-75.) 

Orson Pratt's remark is important. First, it reveals that post-mortality (the spirit world) is similar to mortality. Here, on earth, there are varying degrees of light and truth. Some people possess extensive amounts of it; others possess very little. And just as many are led astray on earth, making incorrect judgments about what is good and evil, so it'll be in the next life. Thus if you have not learned in mortality how to properly distinguish between good and evil, your inability will carry over into the next life where you will be subject to evil forces that you can't discern. (For anyone interested, I recommend reading the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. It touches on many of these concepts) 

Second, notice that Pratt says that "the same being who gives [the damned] revelation here will hold mastery over them [in the spirit world] and will control them." It is therefore possible to receive false revelation. And many do. Just because you feel or believe a certain way, doesn't mean that it's from God. Satan is a deceiver and he can imitate revelation. 

In fact, the early church often struggled from members receiving false revelation and not recognizing it. Joseph Smith warned many times about the possibility of receiving false revelation. 

One great evil is, that men are ignorant of the nature of spirits; their power, laws, government, intelligence, etc., and imagine that when there is anything like power, revelation, or vision manifested, that it must be of God. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 203) 

I, myself, have learned through sad experience how subtle the Devil is at deceiving us with revelation. There were times where I was certain that God was communicating with me, wherein in reality it was the Devil. I only realized this once the thing I was told would happen, didn't. 

From this experience, I learned that we are always to be vigilant and discerning, that the devil is a master of deception. Below is a factor test that I often use to determine whether I'm receiving revelation from God or the devil

• Does the revelation I receive testify of Christ? 
• Is my faith increased? 
• Does it lead me to do good? 
• Does it lead me to serve God?
• Does it build up my pride? 
• Does it cause me to seek after attention and fame based on the experiences I've received? 
• Does it cause me to be judgmental of others failings
• Does it make me think that I'm better? 
• Does it lead to repentance (to further reconciling myself with God)
• Does it align with scripture? 
• Does it violate the 10 commandments? 
• Does it give me the desire to bring others to the same light I've received? 
• Does it cause me to have more love? 
• Does it leave me to rejoice? 
• Does it cause me confusion? 

It should be noted that when you run through these factors, not every factor has to be satisfied. After all, Nephi's command to kill Laban appears to have been a violation of the 10 commandments, but it nevertheless was true a revelation. Thus the key when using this list is to go through each to use as a gauge. 

Nevertheless, there are certain factors that are requires. As you receive revelation, it should cause you to feel love and it should humble you. If you sense that you are better in anyway, than the revelation is false and you must reject it. 

The more acquainted you are with scriptures, the less likely you are to be deceived. Know the scriptures. Search and ponder them and you will avoid much deception. 

In addition to these factors, it is also important that you are sufficiently humble. I've learned that deception usually occurs when you are not concerned about God's will, but instead want the blessings selfishly. If you are, God will not respond. But Satan will and he'll be happy to fill the vacuum. 

10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. (Doctrine and Covenants 112)

The last thing that Pratt's remark reveals is that God's insistence on obedience is not out of some dictatorial authority, commanding us to be obedient for the sake of obedience (much like critics of Christianity assert) Instead, God's commandments are given to prevent us from deception and captivity. Obedience to God's commands and exercising diligence in seeking after truth, will lead to more light and truth and lead us out of captivity. 

The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge. He has power to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with himself, so that they might have one glory upon another, and all that knowledge, power, glory, and intelligence, which is requisite in order to save them in the world of spirits. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 354)

Conversely, those who don't harden their heart will increase in knowledge. 

10...he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. (Alma 12)

Thus every person decides whether they want to acquire knowledge or not. Those who do not exercise heed and diligence, are kept from the acquiring knowledge (light and truth). 

12:13 -- The Word Is Not Found In Us 

The word is light. God grants us a portion of the word according to our ability to handle it. It comes in greater or lesser portions. Continuing to receive the lesser portion of light results in the loss of knowledge. This is because the lesser portion of light is not enough to block out the darkness. The darkness will be so overwhelming that the light can't be found in us. 

Without sufficient light to overcome the darkness, our works will be evil. Our works include our words, our actions, and our thoughts. 

13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.

14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; (Alma 12) 

Not having light within us, we can't abide in God's glory -- which glory is light and truth. In this state, 

we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.

But besides wanting to be covered and hide from God, we can't

15...this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just... (Alma 12)

And then cometh the spiritual death, which is a death to righteousness. It is the death to righteousness because we can't do the work of righteousness. We are left with out conscience -- knowing what we could have done, but didn't. 

17 Then is the time when their torments shall be as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever; and then is the time that they shall be chained down to an everlasting destruction, according to the power and captivity of Satan, he having subjected them according to his will.

12:20 -- Antionah's Question/Argument 

Antionah's question reveals the belief system of the people of Ammonihah. Antionah's question is raised to Alma's statement about the soul never dying. To rephrase his questions, Antionah is essentially asking, "you say that we live forever, but God placed a sword in front of the tree of life to prevent Adam and Eve from living forever. Thus we can't live forever."

Given that Antionah's draws from the scripture to ask the question, suggests that the belief practices of the people of Ammonihah were similar to those of the people of king Noah. They read from the scriptures, but their interpretation and understanding was incorrect. 

It appears that the people of Ammonihah (or at least Antionah') understood God's placing of a sword to block the tree of life to mean that there was no such thing as eternal life -- that when we die, we die. 

Alma explains what it all means

Alma explains that the reason why the Lord placed the sword to guard the way of the tree of life is to ensure that Adam and Eve don't partake and live forever without having repented first. If they would've partook from the tree of life without having repented first, they would have remained in their sins. This is because they would have had no time to repent [see 12:15 -- The Great Plan of Redemption]

Additionally, Alma explains that the Lord told Adam and Eve that in the day they partake from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they will die. Eating from the tree of life would have removed death, thus leading to a contradiction between what God said would happen to Adam and Eve and what did happen. 

12:25 -- The Great Plan of Redemption 

Alma goes on to further explain that Adam and Eve show that physical (temporal) death comes upon all mankind. However, God has permitted that before humans physically die, there should be a space between birth and death (a probationary period) for humans to repent and be born again. 

24 And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent...

And life all will be judged 

27 But behold, it was not so; but it was appointed unto men that they must die; and after death, they must come to judgment, even that same judgment of which we have spoken, which is the end.

Without the plan of redemption, where Christ would break the bands of death, there could be no resurrection of the dead. Our Spirit, of course, would live. But our bodies could not be restored to us. 

25 Now, if it had not been for the plan of redemption, which was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been no resurrection of the dead...

 12:28 -- Made Known Concerning These Things 

Given that the plan of redemption was established, how could humankind know about it? God sent angels to show humankind God's glory. And by knowing of his glory, humankind could converse with God and thereby learn about the plan of redemption 

29 ... he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory.

30 And they began from that time forth to call on his name; therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption, which had been prepared from the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto them according to their faith and repentance and their holy works.

The Book of Moses shows us what this conversing with Angels and God looked like:  

4 And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.

5 And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.

6 And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.

7 And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.

8 Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore. (Moses 5)