A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 12:20-24 The statement found in verse 24 , which the prior verses lead up to, is a pivotal, defining doctrine of the purpose of life. "What is this that thou hast said, that man should rise from the dead and be changed from this mortal to an immortal state, that the soul can never die... there was no possible chance that they should live forever?" ( vs. 20-21 ) One of the rulers of the people of Ammonihah referenced "that God placed cherubim and a flaming sword on the east of the garden of Eden, lest our first parents should enter and partake of the fruit of the tree of life, and live forever." He was without a correct understanding of the events that took place in the garden of Eden, a serious defect that kept them from understanding the plan of redemption. Alma in the following verses goes on to explain how this action had to be taken to prevent Adam from partaking of the tree of life. He had already partaken of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (t...

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 heave...

1 Nephi 11:8-23 In verse 8 , Nephi sees the tree of life which his father saw. The following verses describe what he sees as the interpretation of the tree. It's in Nephi's dialog with the angel in verse 9 and verse 22 that helps me to understand what he is feeling. These feelings are pivotal to his discussion with the angel. In verse 16 , the angel asks him if he understands the condescension of God. Nephi responds ambiguously, confessing his lack of knowledge on this point. He is then shown the Savior as a child in the arms of his virgin mother. "Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?"( vs. 21 ) the angel asks. Nephi had just seen the Son of God as a representation of the tree which was "precious above all" ( vs. 9 ). What he feels is "the Love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men"( vs. 22 ). Nephi further declares, "it is the most desirable above all things." Then the angel ad...