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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 3
ALMA TELLS OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH, VER. 1-40
Alma 3:3 I, Alma, having been consecrated by my father Alma, to be a high priest over the church of
God, he having power and authority from God to do these things, behold, I say unto you, that he began
to establish a church in the land which was in the borders of Nephi;
After divesting himself of the confining responsibilities of chief judge, Alma began his ministry in
the land of Zarahemla, and then went throughout all the land (1). He put into his record the kind of
message and appeal he made in the city of Zarahemla (2).
Alma reminded his hearers of the founding of the church in the land of Mormon (Mosiah 9:32-49),
and how they were delivered out of bondage from the people of King Noah, and later from the
hands of the Lamanites (Alma 3:4-6).
Alma went on to remind the people of the mercy of God in delivering their souls from hell (10)
and the change wrought in their hearts by “the light of the everlasting word'. (12).
Alma 3:18 And I say unto you that they are saved.
The means of their salvation is then explained. Because his father believed the words of the
prophet Abinadi (21) "there was a mighty change wrought in his heart" (23), He then "preached
the word unto your fathers," and a change came in their hearts. "They humbled themselves, and
put their trust in the true and living God'. (25).
Alma 3:26 And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.
Salvation can be obtained only at the price of a lifetime of faithful service. To "believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ" (Acts 16:31) is manifested by the deeds done in the flesh, which is the basis of God's
judgment (1 Peter 4:6). Alma then challenged the people about their conditions: "Have ye
spiritually been born of God?" (27). "Can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of
God?” (34). "Can ye think of being saved when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to
the devil?" (38),
THEIR STANDING BEFORE GOD IS QUESTIONED, VER. 41-70
Alma 3:41 And now I ask of you, my brethren, How will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar
of God, having your garments stained with blood, and all manner of filthiness?
Alma asked the people to think if they had experienced a change of heart (46). "If ye were called
to die at this time" have you been "sufficiently humble? ...Are ye stripped of pride?" (48,50).
Alma 3:53 I say unto you, that such an one is not prepared, and I would that he should prepare quickly,
for the hour is close at hand, and he knoweth not when the time shall come; for such an one is not found
guiltless.