1 AND now, my son, [ Corianton; Alma's 3rd and youngest son. ] I have somewhat more to say unto thee than what I said unto thy brother; [ Different message; because he has different needs. Whereas his brother Shiblon had been trying to do the work that the Lord had given him; and trying to be diligent to the commandments; Corianton was very different. ] for behold, have ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God? Behold, has he not set a good example for thee? [ I am sure that is exactly what Corianton wants to hear. Your brother Helaman is soo good, and your brother Shiblon is usch a good example, what is wrong with you, why don't you do better? I am sure this is exactly what Corianton first hears from his father here. Now having said that there are two other things that I think that we can learn from this. 1) Alma is not afraid to challenge his son, to talk about the hard things. He is not concerned about just being his sons friend, but his father, nd as such tough conversations sometimes need to be had. 2) It also tells us something of Corianton. He has respect for his father and he sits there and listens, which gives us an idea into his character as well. Alma will begin here to identify some of the issues for Corianton, and then in chapters 40 - 42 Alma will explain to Corianton that if he really understood the doctrine that he would be have differently, if he were to believe the doctrine then he would change. So Alma will teach the doctrine in Alma 40-42 so that Corianton does understand it. ]

2  For thou didst not give so much heed unto my words as did thy brother, [ If we look back over the previous chapters in the book of Alma and examine all of Corianton’s problems, the same under currents of argument kept arising. We might have thought that Korihor had been put to rest when he was convicted, smitten, and trampled. However, the last place he went to was the city of Antionum. That is where Corianton had served a mission, so maybe he had encountered some of those ideas among the Zoramites. Korihor had been quite successful in the city of Zarahemla; Nehor also had many followers. ] among the people of the Zoramites. Now this is what I have against thee; [ Son here what your faults are. What attitude do you think Corianton would have had when his father started off the discussion like that? ] thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom. [ What thoughts do you suppose that Corianton had at this point? You thought that you could go and do as you well pleased, you were the author of the law. ]

3 And this is not all , [ Oh I am not done with you yet. Corianton must have been a good son at heart and respected his father a great deal or he would have just left. This tells us something about Corianton that we did not otherwise know. ] my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, [ What is Alma most upset about with Corianton and why? The fact that he left the ministry or that he slept with the harlot Isabel? He went there on a mission, he knew what he was supposed to be doing, and he just walked away, and not only did he walk away but he also made some bad choices. ] and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, [ It is in a way as if Alma is suggesting that Corianton knew where the line was and he went as far as he could go to the edge, as to not cross the line, but push the envelop as far as he could. Is there as lesson there? The story of how close can you drive the wagon to the edge. ] after the harlot Isabel. [ The real crux of the problem is a woman and what he has done with her. Corianton does end up changing his ways somewhere along the line see Alma 48:17. ]

4 Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; [ Note what she steals - the hearts. It also does not matter that she has done it to a good many before you. If this is your line of thinking you are wrong. So you were not the only one, She was tempting, seductive, inviting, beautiful. In other words she outwardly had what it takes to draw men to her. You knew what she was when you went to see her. What do you think he meant when he said "steal away the hearts of many"? Steal them away from what? How does pornography in our day steal away the hearts of many? ] but this was no excuse for thee, [ Just because she had stole away many other men did not make it ok for you. ] my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted. [ What is so good about this advice? You knew better than to go there in the first place; you were taught better. If you never would have gone there in the first place you would not be dealing with these feelings; these addictions that you now have. How can we apply it today? Once a door is opened it is often hard to close, or better to have never opened the door at all. ]

5 Know ye not, my son, that these things [ What are the things of which he is speaking here? 1) Shedding innocent blood 2) Denying the Holy Ghost 3) Sexual sins is often the way we look at these verses. However; they in reality all equate to the same thing in essence don't they. They all relate to in a way to the murdering of the soul. So while they are each separate sins they all lead in a way to the same ending result. ] are an abomination [ Is a broader term and covers every thought, deed, and attitude that is offensive to a God who “cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (Alma 45:16; D&C 1:31). All mankind is guilty of abominations. Whether we call it sin, iniquity, wickedness, evil, or what have you, it is all abomination; it is all reflective of a carnal mind and, therefore, of ungodliness. ] in the sight of the Lord; [ What was Corianton's perception of what he was doing? He is asked by his father to put where he saw the sins he was committing on a line; and compare that with were the Lord saw the sin. As a Bishop I used to ask young men and women sometimes to to place on a scale of 1 - 10, ten being the worse where they felt that what they had done would fall. I was amazed at how low they often placed some sins. For example oral sex was often placed around 2 - 4. It gave me a great point to know what to teach them next. I think this is kind of what is happening here with Corianton. Was he justifying it by saying that he was not hurting anyone? ] yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost? [ What is Alma teaching here? Is he saying that their is an order to how bad a sin is #1 Physical murder of a person #2 Denying the Holy Ghost #3 Sexual sins? Or is he saying that "The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost...is in that ye commit murder wherein ye shed innocent blood" as found in D&C 132: 27? Suggesting that "the shedding of innocent blood" here is not a reference to physical murder, but is referring to "denying the Holy Ghost? Alma is laboring to teach his son Corianton that this sin which he is involved in, is not justifiable; it does hurt others and it does hurt Corianton despite what he thinks and here is why. What do the sins of shedding innocent blood and immorality have in common? They are all blood sins, each one involves the misuse of God given powers. Shedding innocent blood, and is the creation of a child or the process to do so outside of the bonds that the Lord has established. It is interesting that each of these involve at the deepest level those things that Satan does not or will he ever have - the have to do with having a body - So if Satan wants us to be most like him why would he not try to get us to destroy everything that he cannot have. FYI the definition of denying the Holy Ghost is that one hates the Savior enough that he would thrust a sword in the side of the Savior if he had the chance. One of the toughest interviews I ever had as a Bishop was listening to a young man who had made mistakes years ago, he had repented and yet he was in my office expressing his raw emotion for his little girl that would have been most likely, or in his opinion hopefull was baptized that weekend as it would have been her 8 year old birthday, and he was not a part of her life - how hard that was. The sin was forgiven, and yet there was still aftermath. How much better would have been to avoid the sin altogether? (verse 7) ]

6 For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, [ In what ways would we deny the Holy Ghost? 1) We could choose to defy that the Holy Ghost exists and has not power or we could choose to not accept what the Holy Ghost trys to offer us. We do not listen to the promptings. So when we have listened to the voice before and then choose to ignore it. ] and ye know that ye deny it, [ You know that you are not doing as the Holy Ghost is directing you to do; or warning you not to do. ] behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable; [ Why would it be unpardonable sin? Because the path that you are choosing is one that puts you above God; that you know better. As a result you will not bow down to the Savior and ask to have the atonement applied to you; why would you as you are above that - hence there can be no forgiveness. ] yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, [ How is not listening to the Holy Ghost akin to murdering (destruction of the soul in the spiritual sense) the light and knowledge of God? You are essentially saying "I do not care what God wants or thinks, I will do as I wish". see vs 12 also Alma 36:14 where Alma defines the murder of gods children as leading them away spiritually. ] it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness; [ Speaking of a person who knowingly transgresses against the light and knowledge of God. In this case Corianton. It is not easy; but it is doable, as it does not say that it is impossible for him to obtain forgiveness. so we are not taking about the same thing as a son of perdition here. as in D&C 76:30-49 Why is it not easy for him to obtain forgiveness? First because he will not ask 2) because he does not have the proper spirit about him 3) he is not listening to that spirit that may set him back on the right path 4) How can one obtain forgiveness without turning to the Savior and asking? So in other words he will not even start down the path. ] yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness. [ You are not going to get or receive forgiveness without asking; repenting and trying to receive it. ]

7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good. [ Or in other words, I feel that I must, because if you do not repent what you have done will stand against you. ]

8 But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day.

9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, [ Whose desire is it here? It is clearly the carnal desires of Corianton. There is no temptation it is what he wants; what he is craving. In a way he is out of control. The lusts of your eyes.’ In our day, what does that expression mean? He may be suggesting that Corianton should not follow his eyes but rather should be following his heart in which he knows that what he is doing is not right, as he has been taught better. ] but cross yourself in all these things; [ The advice that Alma gave Shiblon for being a little to zealous was to bridle himself, same advice here. What does it mean to cross yourself? To check yourself "go against, thwart, frustrate, deny". So in other words; take control over yourself. Exercise some self-control. ] for except ye do this [ Do what? Get control over yourself, your actions, you thoughts. (JST Matt 16:26 "And now for a man to take up his cross, [ Or cross himself. ] , is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.") ] ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. [ Why? Because God is a God of law and justice. If you do not keep yourself in check; aligned with the laws of God you cannot enter his presence - nor would you want to. ] Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things. [ No one is going to make you do it so use your agency and take control over yourself. How or what do we have to do in our lives to do that? Repent, decide that this is what you want. ]

10 And I command you to take it upon you to counsel with your elder brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy youth, [ Or they have had more experience in life. ] and ye stand in need to be nourished by your brothers. And give heed to their counsel. [ Learn to listen to them, ask them for advice and listen when they respond, they are good young men, they are making good choices, learn to watch and be like them and you will be better off. Additionally; they are your brothers, they love you, you can trust them when your back is against the wall. ]

11 Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots. [ A little difference here from verse 9 which suggests that he is follow his own wants - here it suggests that he is also yielding to the enticings of satan. The comparison is one of who is the master here? Do you just let yourself have everything that you want? That you allow yourself to go after whatever carnal desire you may have; clearly out of control. Again the comparison here is to following the prompting from the spirit or letting yourself have whatever you want with no regard for the laws and commandments of God,or others. ] Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words. [ Again emphasizing that what he does; does and will effect others. His father is the chief high priest; good or bad; right or wrong people are looking at the example of his children. What they do has a direct impact on what and how people believe - whether it should or not. ]

12 And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction; [ Murder there souls vs 6 because they take them away from the light and knowledge of God. ] therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;

13 That ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength; [ What must you do to repent of serious sins, such as immorality: “For a moment I speak to anyone who has succumbed to serious temptation. Please stop now. You can do it with the help from an understanding parent, bishop, or stake president. Serious transgression such as immorality requires the help of one who holds keys of authority, such as a bishop or stake president, to quietly work out the repentance process to make sure that it is complete and appropriately done. Do not make the mistake to believe that because you have confessed a serious transgression, you have repented of it. That is an essential step, but it is not all that is required. Nor assume that because someone did not ask you all the important details of a transgression, you need not mention them. You personally must make sure that the bishop or stake president understands those details so that he can help you properly through the process of repentance for full forgiveness” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, Elder Richard G. Scott 89; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 69–70). ] that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done. [ The 1st Edition BofM read "and retain that wrong which ye had done" suggesting that in acknowledging his actions; that they were wrong Corianton might withdraw his bad example from the Zoramites. ]

14 Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.

15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. [ Alma has spent enough time on Corianton and his sins so that hopefully he has gotten the message; so now Alma wants to get back to preaching the gospel, that which Corianton was originally assigned to do. ] Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.

17 And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject. [ What is on his sons mind that it needs to be eased? Maybe that he has left his repentance until it is too late? Is there a way for him to be forgiven? This is more common than you think. Adults struggle with this a lot, in that they believed that God could forgive sin, but for some reason just not theirs. This is a tactic of Satan. Or had he been guilty of rationalizing away his sins so much that he did not think that there was really anything wrong with what he has done. ] Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming? [ Or does it matter to God when a soul is saved; now or later? no what matters is that it is saved, so don't give up on yourself Corianton. Is there any difference to God if the ordinances are are performed while the person is alive or dead so long as they are performed. ]

18  Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should be made known unto this people as well as unto their children? [ As Elder Packer put it: "If you want to change behavior don't talk about behavior, talk about doctrine. Because true doctrine understood will change behavior better and faster than a discourse on behavior." So here Alam will provide the doctrine in 40-42. ]

19 Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming? [ Interesting parallel here for missionary work. Does it matter when the gospel is taught? Angels can teach these things before Christ comes into the world as easily as they can after he comes. ]