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"If I Had Not Been Born of God," Alma 36:1-5

Alma 36:1-5

I'm working to put together the connection between being born again (spiritually reborn) and testimony, and I've think I've found it. 

Spiritual knowledge, Alma doesn't take credit for the obtainment of spiritual knowledge. Rather he seems to regard it as a gift from God. (see vs. 4-5) In these verse, Alma does verify that in order to obtain a knowledge of spiritual things, one must be born again.
If I had not been born of God I should not have known these things. (vs.5)
Back in chapter 26, verse 21 & 22, Ammon confirms this reality, that only those that have been spiritual born of God are those that are possessors of the knowledge that comes from God.

This is also supported by what the Savior taught in John 3.

I finished this study over in Mosiah 4:13. I have felt quite a bit of guilt in recent years with regards to my own children when I read the connection here between personal testimony and the family obligation to teach my children and protect them. However, I am reminded of two things this morning:
  • Not that this should bring me comfort, but King Benjamin's grandchildren were the sons of Mosiah. And it was that younger generation, that where only small children at the time that King Benjamin gave his historic address, that really struggled with their faith. 
  • Easily spoken, but no one is saying this is easily implemented. As I continue to wrestle with the implementation of such a commandment, I find hope that in the struggle therein lies the answers.
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