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"Hearken unto the Voice of the Good Shepherd," Alma 5:26-42

Alma 5:26-42

I am surprised as I read in this particular part of the chapter to notice how much Alma's words sounded like those of the Savior himself. I don't know why it should have surprised me, given the clarification found in Doctrine and Covenants 1:38, "Whether by my own voice or the by the voice of my servants, it is the same," (emphasis added). However, it is striking how much Alma's words sound like the Savior's own words, using phrases such as:

"Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life." (vs. 28)

Compare with Matthew 4:17 - "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

"Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;" (vs. 34)

Compare to John 6:58 - "This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."

Also compare to John 7:37-38 - "...If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."

"The good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ" (vs. 38)

Compare to John 10:4 - "And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."



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