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"Racked, Even with the Pains of a Damned Soul," Alma 36:6-16

Alma 36:6-16

As I study this dynamic exchange between Alma and an angel sent from the presence of God, I am reminded of Nephi's declaration about angels:

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. (2 Nephi 32:3)
Therefore, we have the words of Christ writen here to Alma. There are two recorded statements here from the mouth of the angel. First, "Arise." (vs. 8) Second, "If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God." (vs. 9)

Alma says that the angel spake many other things unto him, but this first sentence was all that he heard. It struck him with such power as to completely overwhelm him.

The power of the words of Christ, perfectly timed, penetrated and convicted Alma to the very core. The harrowing description of the state of Alma's soul is one of torment and horror. (see verses 12 -16)

It is interesting to note that this was a self-conviction.

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