Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 15
between Nephites and Lamanites. He turned next to consideration of their hope in the promises of
the Lord. Some would be consigned to endless woe, while others would be raised to dwell at the
right hand of God in never ending happiness (48,49).
Alma 15:52 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and
speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people;
As Alma thought of the great contrast or inequality of man, he was filled with compassion. He
wished so much that his voice could penetrate and shake the whole earth and lead man- kind to
repentance before it was too late. Most ministers for Christ, at times, sense their inadequacies to be
effective witnesses. But then the historian reflects that his desire seems to be questioning the
decrees of God (54).
Alma 15:56 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; or he that knoweth not good
from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires;
whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.
The law of agency and accountability is clearly taught in the scriptures. Consciousness of sin is
not congenital. Adam and Eve were innocent in the Garden of Eden. As they learned to distinguish
between good and evil, they had to decide which course to take. Until children are mature enough
to have moral judgment, they feel no guilt for wrongdoing; therefore, they cannot repent and are
not subjects for baptism.
Paul declared, "For where no law is, there is no transgression'” (Romans 4:15).
In his parable of the wise servant, Jesus said, "That servant who knew his Lord's will, and
prepared not for his Lord's coming, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many
stripes. But he that knew not his Lord's will. ..shall be beaten with few" (Luke 12:56,57; see also
Mosiah 1:107; 8:58,59).
Latter-day revelation declared, "And then shall the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that
knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable £or them" (D. and C.
45:10a; see also 76:6c).
Alma 15:61 Yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God, to bring
some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
Alma went on to explain that his joy is full when he sees "many 0£ my brethren truly penitent, and
coming to the Lord their God" (62). He mentioned the deliverance "of my fathers" from Egyptian
bondage, and the same God established his church, called him to preach, and gave him success. He
rejoices also in the success of "my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi" (65). He
closes his prayer by asking that God will grant that these brethren may sit down with the fruit of
their labors in the kingdom 0£ God (68).