Note: Because I been wanting to get my forthcoming book completed before the end of summer, I've devoted last week to that task. This means that this post will not be as thorough as previous ones, but I'll do my best to point out key points. There is some great information contained in these chapters and so it's worthwhile for everyone to study and pay attention to what Alma and Amulek teach.
Advanced apologies for typos and phrasing. I didn't have time to edit.
Chapter 32
32: 12-16
The main focus on chapter 32 is Alma's success with the poor population of the Zoramites. Mormon notes that the afflictions of the poor had humbled the poor population so that they were ready (or prepared) to hear the word. Alma recognizes this and turn his attention away from the Zoramites (the other multitude) and focuses on the poor population.
12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble.
13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.
15 Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.
16 Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.
Notice that Alma states that it is well for the poor population that they were kicked out. And why? So that they may be humble. From Mormon's description of the Zoramites practice and culture, it appears that the Zoramites worship was a widely practiced thing amongst the Zoramites. Thus the poor population exclusion from the practice would have been a major trial. Yet, Alma says that their exclusion (trial) was a good thing.
And why because they were brought to be humbled and through humility we learn wisdom.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs (9:10) (NIV)
It is only through humility that we can learn wisdom. Trials are meant to humble us so we gain wisdom.
Applied to us, we can gain much insight. The major insight is that our trials, despite how challenging and painful, are a good thing for us. Although some, as Alma notes in verse 16, don't need the humbling trial, others do. And although the trial may seem like a curse from God, it's actually a blessing. It humbles you by breaking you (if you allow it to).
A humble heart is a teachable heart. And God can only teach us what he knows if we allow him to. God does not ask for humility for the sake of asking for it. Instead, he commands that we be humble because it's the only way we can learn.
32:27 -- Discerning Truth
Here is an excerpt about deception from my forthcoming book. I draw from Alma 32 at parts and so this excerpt seems relevant.
The obvious antidote to avoiding deception is to acquire more truth. Nevertheless, this raises a Catch-22: if we can be deceived in our pursuit of truth, how do we even begin to acquire truth. In other words, given that we are all open to being deceived, how can we avoid it?
There are many tools God has provided to help us avoid deception. One tool is through the medium of the priesthood. Another, however, is by developing discernment. Let’s focus on the latter one.
In Paul’s letter to the Corithians, he writes:
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14, emphasis added)
Our focus is on the word discern (spiritually discerned). In Greek, which is the language Paul’s writing in, the word for discern is anakrino. Anakrino means to examine or judge closely. Thus, the act of discernment is not some magical power God gives to us to know how to distinguish between good and evil, but is the result of mind applied to reason and logic. The level of reason and logic we have is determined by what we already know.
God has provided many resources for us to help us to discern between good and evil. 1) They are the scriptures; 2) The light of Christ; and 3) Revelation. As we seek for truth, we should use all three of the resources to develop discernment.
1. Reading the Scriptures
Reading the scriptures serves two purposes. First, it provides us more knowledge about God. Second, we can use the scriptures as a benchmark to evaluate possible truth.
We increase our ability to judge and evaluate information by increasing our knowledge of God. The more we understand about God, the more we avoid deception. This was how Moses was able to discern between God and Satan. Or how Nephi knew that he should kill Laban. We increase this understanding by reading the scriptures. The more we apply ourselves to studying the scriptures, the more we’ll learn about God. After all, the Plates of Brass were monumental and convinced the Lamanites of their false beliefs. The more you read and study the scriptures the more knowledge you’ll acquire, helping you to discern between good and evil.
In addition to providing us knowledge about God, the scriptures are also perfect to use as a benchmark to evaluate possible truth. Because we live in society and are not islands to ourselves, part of our journey to increase in light and truth will consist by learning from others. Scripture, the, serve as a resource for evaluating what we hear from others.
This idea of evaluating what we hear is expressed in the Book of Acts. In Acts, we learn of a group of Jews in Berea who heard Paul’s teachings, which likely shocked them because the message of Jesus seems antithetical to Judaism. In response to Paul’s teachings, the Jews in Berea searched the scriptures to determine whether Paul had taught the truth. This is opposite to the Jews in Thessalnia who rejected the message and elected to not search the scriptures.
2. Using the Light of Christ
In addition to using the scriptures to learn about God and evaluate truth we can use the light of Christ to detect and evaluate possible truth. And we use the light of Christ by observing what the possible truth does to our souls. Every person has the light of Christ. The light of Christ is given to us in order to discern right from wrong. The light of Christ is our conscience. We can use that light within us to gauge whether the information we've acquired is true.
Alma taught this principle to the poor segment of the Zoramites. There, Alma explained that whatever is good (true) will increase and enlighten the soul. Thus as we read and listen to others, we need to evaluate the information we’re hearing or reading is true. And we do this by determining whether it’s good.
28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. (Alma 32)
The key for us is to focus on the last section of the verse (the bolded part). There, Alma explains that we determine truth (“the word”) based on what it does for our soul. If something is good, it'll enlighten and increase our understanding.
Alma also says that the word will also become delicious. What does he mean by this? For something to be delicious means that you enjoy eating it. When something is delicious you want more of it.
Therefore, when it comes to seeking truth, you can know something is good based on your soul's desire for it. Although it may take time to distinguish between one's carnal desire and one's spiritual desire, when something is good, your spirit yearns for it. As you engage in truth seeking, you'll learn to recognize the type of desire I’m describing.
Personally in my search for truth, I've discovered that when I've found truth, my mind can't stop thinking about it. Wherever I'm at, my mind is drawn to pondering and mediating upon what I’ve discovered. And as my mind is drawn towards it, I have an urge to learn more about it. I feel as if something is pushing me towards searching it out. And then as I study it out, my mind expands and I begin to make connections that I hadn't considered before. Through this process I feel enlightened and my soul seems to have expanded.
Once we know something is good (based on it enlightening us and becoming delicious), we should seek it out and learn all that we can so that the seed which we've watered will continue to receive nourishment. If the seed is truly good, it will lead to greater knowledge and insight, giving us greater understanding about God.
30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.
32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.
33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
34 And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.
As a reminder, Alma's explanation about experimenting upon the word (the information) is to test if it good. In order to reap the full benefits requires diligence and heed.
3. Receiving Revelation
Another approach is through receiving revelation. Revelation opens up the communication from God to us. The more revelation we receive, the greater our understanding of God. Nevertheless, as we seek to receive revelation, we want to ensure that we are receiving true revelation. The following list are factors to consider whenever you receive revelation to determine its truthfulness.
- 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?
As you seek revelation, it’s wise to go through this list of factors to help you discern whether what is being revealed is from God or from the devil. As you do so, you’ll avoid making the mistake of accepting false revelation as true. Discerning true revelation from false will lead to less heartache.
Chapter 33
33:17 -- Stoned to Death
Because prophets have greater light and truth, when they share it with the masses they are rejected because the masses don't have the same amount of light and truth. The truth to them becomes offensive. Prophets have been killed because of this.
Joseph Smith taught:
Many men will say, "I will never forsake you, but will stand by you at all times." But the moment you teach them some of the mysteries of the kingdom of God that are retained in the heavens and are to be revealed to the children of men when they are prepared for them they will be the first to stone you and put you to death. It was this same principle that crucified the Lord Jesus Christ, and will cause the people to kill the prophets in this generation. (Teaching of the Prophet Jospeh Smith, 309)
33:19-22 Type Raised Up in the Wilderness
Alma explains to the Zoramites about the brass serpent raised in the wilderness. He uses the account of the brass serpent to illustrate what that the first step in coming to know God requires us to believe on Him.
19 Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.
20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.
21 O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?
Among the Israelites, there were two groups of people with hard hearts. There were those who did not understand the meaning of the brass serpent. There were also those whose hearts were so heard that they refused to look. And they didn't look because they didn't believe it could heal them.
Our path to God begins with belief. God can't do anything for us if we don't first believe that he can. Our initial belief is to consist of the following (underlined):
22 "...begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works."
Chapter 34
In chapter 34, Amulek teaches a very important truth, something that I've discussed previously but still worthwhile in discussing.
Amulek states that this day is the day to prepare for eternity. After this mortal state, we can't perform any good work. Amulek seems to anticipate that some of the poor Zoramites might object to his states and argue that they can repent in the next life. Amulek responds thusly:
34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.
35 For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked.
In verse 34, the phrase "that same spirit" doesn't refer to our spirit, but refers to the Spirit that we've chosen to heed. We don't possess our bodies. We occupy them. Possession refers to something taking ownership from outside. Additionally, Amulek says that the the "same spirit" (evil spirit in this context) will have "power" to possess you body in the eternal world. If Amulek was referring to our spirit, why would he include the phrase "power to possess"? We don't need power to possess our bodies.
Moreover, verse 35 further shows that Amulek is referring to spirits, not our spirit. Amulek states "if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his..."
Failing to repent in our mortal life (unless we die of ignorance or before accountability), means that Satan will have control over us in the next life. And why will he have control? Because he had control over us in this life.
If we failed to recognize and heed the voice of the Spirit, it means that we were deceived by the devil. We were deceived in believing that the world and his enticements served as the end to our happiness. We, then, believed the devil's lie. He told us falsehood and we accepted them -- hook, line, and sinker.
The only way we avoid the devil's power over us is to chose to follow the Spirit of the Lord -- the Holy Spirit. And we can only fully follow the Holy Spirit by repenting -- otherwise, we permit evil spirits to take residence within us.
After all, "God does not dwell in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell."
Hence the reason why we should "work out" our salvation "with fear before God." To fear God means that you take you salvation seriously. You recognize that there is much too gain, but also much to lose if you treat and esteem lightly his counsel. You recognize that each day you are making choices that bring yo closer to him and take you further away. To fear God means that you live each day intentionally, not idling you day away, but using each moment to improve, learn, and serve.
Failing to fear God in this way means that we "content with the Holy Ghost." And when we content with the Holy Ghost we can't receive it. To counteract this, we must, as Alma taught in chapter 32 have humility. We also, as Amulek teaches, "worship God" wherever we are, give our daily thanks to God, pray continually, and be patient in our afflictions with the hope that you'll rest from you afflictions.
Chapter 35
Chapter 35 contains Mormon's commentary.
We learn that Alma and his brethren had success among the poor population of Zoramites. Those who believed in Alma's words were cast out and were received by the people of Ammon, which angered the remaining Zoramites. The remaining Zoramites decided to enter in an alliance with the Lamanites. This brought the end of the 17th year.
Alma, noticing the iniquity chooses to call his sons so that the can teach them of the things "pertaining to righteousness."
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