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Showing posts from February, 2015

"All Shall Rise from the Dead," Alma 11:41-46

Alma 11:41-46 These verse contain, in all of scripture, one of the most comprehensive declarations on the Resurrection, its purpose and  nature. Purpose of the Resurrection "for behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works." ( vs. 41 ) "and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt." ( vs. 43 ) "and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil." ( vs. 44 ) Nature of the Resurrection "Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death;"  ( vs. 41 ) "Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this

"As Though There Had Been no Redemption Made," Alma 11:40-11

Alma 11:40-41 After explaining the truly prominent and omnipotent position that Christ possesses in the grand plan of life, Amulek goes on to explain how Christ's mission is to "redeem his people and... take upon him the transgressions of those who believe upon his name." ( vs 40 ) There is a chilling declaration in vs. 41 , "Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made." A footnote on the verse asks this question: For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift. ( Doctrine and Covenants 88:33 ) One cannot appreciate the Atonement of Christ until one has received of its power and tasted of its influence, and been healed. But oh what joy and peace that gift does bring! 

"Yea, He Is the Very Eternal Father," Alma 11:38-39

Alma 11:38-39 In verse 38 , Zeezrom attempts to snare Amulek with one final question: "Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father?" It feels as if Zeezrom is backpedaling at this point, having gained no advantage over Amulek because of his words. Then the answer that Amulek gives in reply is both astonishing and remarkably detailed and compellingly convincing. This title of Christ as the "Eternal Father" is one that, because of Amulek's response, I have taken more time to study and understand it. Zeezrom's question comes of the fact that superficially the title of Eternal Father seems to contradict the title of Son of God. Other scriptures explain the relationship between the titles ( Mosiah 15:2-4 , Mosiah 5:7 ). Yet, Amulek's simple explanation also suffices in creating an understanding of why Christ is called the Eternal Father. Christ, the Son of God, is the Creator. His work is the heavens and the earth, "and all things which in them are."