A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 7:3-6 I am appreciating today the difference in wholesomeness, cleanliness, or worthiness that is presented in these verses as a contrast to the more sinful state of those at Zarahemla. It causes me to consider the question of whether it is better to have experienced the hardship and difficulties of sin and then gone through the process of repentance, or whether it is better to have the experience of endurance in righteousness. That this comparison would even be considered brings to light two general false assumptions: That the Atonement of Christ can only be seriously experienced and realistically accessed through the process of turning from serious, grievous sin.  Similarly, the sufferings and hardship of the righteous who endure in righteousness are not the same, nor comparable, nor as significant as the pain and anguish that is suffered by the godless as the result of sin.  Now this second point is a hard one to measure or assess. There seems to be an inherent need to...

Alma 7:1-2 Verses 1 and 2 seem like something of a formality only if we choose to see them that way. However, recent prayers and events in my own life have caused me to consider the significance of a few key points. Alma starts his remarks by stating that he had been permitted to come to them by rearranging the affairs of the government and freeing up his time and responsibilities so that he could attended to such. He points out that this is the first time that he had been permitted to travel to meet this particular group of saints in person. Thus Alma concludes that "the Lord in much mercy hath granted that I should come unto you." ( verse 2 ) This seems noteworthy that Alma did not take for granted the restructuring of the government of the land as something that he accomplished in and of himself. There are two different reminders that I take away from this introduction:  First, on a personal level, I do well to remember the great blessings that have been extended to me in ...