1 AND it came to pass after he had made an end of speaking unto the people many of them did believe [many believed, but most did not vs 2] on his words, and began to repent, and to search the scriptures.

2 But the more part of them [the majority] were desirous that they might destroy Alma and Amulek; for they were angry with Alma, [ Why do some people become angry when they are called to repentance? (See 1 Nephi 16:1–3.) Why does calling someone to repentance cause such emotion? ] because of the plainness of his words unto Zeezrom; and they also said that Amulek had lied unto them, and had reviled against their law and also against their lawyers and judges.

3 And they were also angry with Alma and Amulek; and because they had testified so plainly against their wickedness, they sought to put them away privily. [a secret combination to just get rid of them - done in ]

8 And they brought their wives and children together, [pretty cowardly - run the men off then attack and kill the helpless children and women] and whosoever believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God they caused that they should be cast into the fire; [ What kind of people throw help less children and women into a fire? Anyone for that matter? ] and they also brought forth their records which contained the holy scriptures, and cast them into the fire also, that they might be burned and destroyed by fire.

9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire.

10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames. [ Amulek most likely had immediate family vs 10:11 in this group being burned to death.We know that he ends up leaving Ammonihah altogether, he is rejected by his father and extended family and friends (cf. 15:16, contrast the family list here in v, 10 with that in 15:16 and note the lack of reference to wife and children there), but there is no mention of his wife and children rejecting him. It seems unlikely Amulek would abandon his wife and children in Ammonihah if they were alive. So we might safely conclude his wife and children were among the martyrs. Also, in 15:18 .. Do you think he had an ulterior motive? How hard would that be to know you had the power of the priesthood to save them and not do anything? ]

11 But Alma said unto him:[Amulek] The Spirit constraineth me [ Can you image Amulek saying whoa dude - I don't know if I signed up for this. "Why would God allow these things to happen?" Why does the Lord allow this to happen? (see also 60:13.) Why does the Lord allow painful things to happen to his saints? How do your trials compare? What purpose do we find in the telling of this story? What do we learn about exercising the priesthood from this story? How does spiritual contraint prepare us for Godhood? What are other examples of letting ones suffer being constrained by the spirit? My best answer the Savior on the cross - how hard it must have been for heavenly father to watch him suffer. Joseph Smith had similar experiences with his family and was told he would just have to endure that the actons might bear witness against them (the persecutors) Under almost any circumstance, righteous men who had the power would act instantly to prevent further suffering. But there is this another requirement for those of great faith: find out what God wants you to do. sometimes the thing that God wants us to do is to do nothing. Note a statement from Joseph Smith "Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.

First, the idea that he actually exists.

Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.

Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ (Lectures on Faith, Lecture Third, para. 2 5, p. 33)."] that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.

12 Now Amulek said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will burn us also. [ Do you get the feeling that Amulek starts to feel like well we might be next; this is the end - which would be a pretty chilling thought to know that you had the power to stop this - or did they have the power since Alma had been commanded not to? So Amulek faces the reality of the situtation - that they are most likely nex.t How would your testimony stand up to that? How do we gain a testimony strong enought to stand up to something like this? Do you think that we need that kind of testimony? Last days....]

13 And Alma said: Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not. [ or rather even if they burn us it will not hurt us - Alma is teaching Amulek a great lesson - one of the confidence that Alma has in his mission - he knows what it is, he knows that it is not finished and that the Lord will protect them until their mission is completed]

14 Now it came to pass that when the bodies of those who had been cast into the fire were consumed, and also the records which were cast in with them, the chief judge of the land came and stood before Alma and Amulek, as they were bound; and he smote them with his hand upon their cheeks, and said unto them: After what ye have seen, [the mobs run off the men, and then burn the women and children alive. What does this message imply? That because they have been able to execute this mass murder without any intervention from God above that God is really on their side - otherwise if he was on the side of the women and children he would most certainly have saved them. ] will ye preach again unto this people, that they shall be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone?

15 Behold, ye see that ye had not power to save those who had been cast into the fire; [again shows how little he really knows - it was the angel that said that he should not save them - not that they did not have the power] neither has God saved them because they were of thy faith. [the judge is implying that since God did not save them they were really not on the true Gods side in the first place. What is wrong with that logic? Do we hear that logic anywhere today? Can/do we use logic to justify our sins?] And the judge smote them again upon their cheeks, and asked: What say ye for yourselves?

16 Now this judge was after the order and faith of Nehor, [Nehor formed a church in the first year of the reign of the judges - his church was founded on the idea of universal salvation - all were saved] who slew Gideon.

17 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek answered him nothing; [ Why do you suppose that they answered nothing? 1) He had not been listening before and was not going to listen now, 2) They we secure in their mission and knew that their work was not done 3) When people are irrational there is little point in discussion is there How much self control does this take? ] and he smote them again, and delivered them to the officers to be cast into prison.

18 And when they had been cast into prison three days, there came many lawyers, and judges, and priests, and teachers, who were of the profession of Nehor; and they came in unto the prison to see them, and they questioned them about many words; but they answered them nothing.

19 And it came to pass that the judge stood before them, and said: Why do ye not answer the words of this people? Know ye not that I have power to deliver you up unto the flames? And he commanded them to speak; but they answered nothing.

20 And it came to pass that they departed and went their ways, but came again on the morrow; and the judge also smote them again on their cheeks. And many came forth also, and smote them, saying: Will ye stand again and judge this people, and condemn our law? If ye have such great power why do ye not deliver yourselves?

21 And many such things did they say unto them, gnashing their teeth upon them, [1. To grind or strike (the teeth, for example) together. 2. To bite (something) by grinding the teeth.] and spitting upon them, and saying: How shall we look when we are damned? [Most likely making faces at Alma and Amulek as they are accusing them]

22 And many such things, yea, all manner of such things did they say unto them; and thus they did mock them for many days. And they did withhold food from them that they might hunger, and water that they might thirst; and they also did take from them their clothes that they were naked; and thus they were bound with strong cords, and confined in prison.

23 And it came to pass after they had thus suffered for many days, (and it was on the twelfth day, in the tenth month, *in the tenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi) that the chief judge over the land of Ammonihah and many of their teachers and their lawyers [referring to the land which includes the city of Ammonihah, it lay between the river Sidon and the ocean. it sounds like at this point that we have the top leadership of the people here. Remember the chief judge is an elected official, and as such represents the voice of the people - we don't know if the other judges were appointed by the chief judges or not, but we do know tha the chief judge was elected. So the judgement rendered by the chief judge could in Gods eyes basically be a judgement by the entire group of people - See why it is important to elect good men to office.] went in unto the prison where Alma and Amulek were bound with cords.

24 And the chief judge stood before them, and smote them again, and said unto them: If ye have the power of God [ is this not the old show us a sign argument? sounds like an arguement used directly by Satan himself on the Savior - If thou be the son of God - turn rocks into bread, cast yourself from the pinacle of the Temple... Do we ever have to be careful what we ask for? What happen to these sign seekers almost immediately? vs27 ] deliver yourselves from these bands, and then we will believe [Yeah right - I don't believe that and neither do they - they do not want to change, they do not want a reason, and even if they saw a sign they would explain it away] that the Lord will destroy this people according to your words.

25 And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote them, saying the same words, even until the last; and when the last had spoken unto them the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and they rose and stood upon their feet.

26 And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great ^aafflictions, [sounds like Joseph Smith D&C 121:1-6] O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them.

27 And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof. [What reason is there for the Lord to seemingly deal so quickly with people and governments in the Book Of Mormon and today punishment does not even come to governments? Consider that these were covenant Israel and as such they were under stringent requirements and the violation of such had explicit covenant curses associated with them. They Lord brought them here for a purpose - and his works were going to be accomplished. What light does that place on our responsibilities as members of the church today?]

28 And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ. And they straightway came forth out of the prison; and they were loosed from their bands; and the prison had fallen to the earth, and every soul within the walls thereof, save it were Alma and Amulek, was slain; and they straightway came forth into the city.

29 Now the people having heard a great noise came running together by multitudes to know the cause of it; and when they saw Alma and Amulek coming forth out of the prison, and the walls thereof had fallen to the earth, they were struck with great fear, [I think that is probably an understatement How do they respond to that fear? in the next few chapters they do not repent and are annihilated by the Laminites 16:1-3 thus fulfilling the prophecy of Alma in 9:18] and fled from the presence of Alma and Amulek even as a goat fleeth with her young from two lions; and thus they did flee from the presence of Alma and Amulek.

1 AND it came to pass that Alma and Amulek were commanded to depart out of that city; and they departed, and came out even into the land of Sidom; and behold, there they found all the people who had departed out of the land of Ammonihah, who had been cast out and stoned, because they believed in the words of Alma.

2 And they related unto them all that had happened unto their wives and children, and also concerning themselves, and of their power of deliverance.

3 And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat.

4 Now, when he heard that Alma and Amulek were in the land of Sidom, his heart began to take courage; and he sent a message immediately unto them, desiring them to come unto him.

5 And it came to pass that they went immediately, obeying the message which he had sent unto them; and they went in unto the house unto Zeezrom; and they found him upon his bed, sick, being very low with a burning fever; and his mind also was exceedingly sore because of his iniquities; and when he saw them he stretched forth his hand, and besought them that they would heal him.

6 And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?

7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast taught.

8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed.

9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.

10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord our God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ.

11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, [Note the amount of faith required to get right up; exercising his faith - he did not gingerly try to get up he leaped to hos feet - with conviction.] and began to walk; and this was done to the great astonishment of all the people; and the knowledge of this went forth throughout all the land of Sidom.

12 And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that time forth to preach unto the people.

13 And Alma established a church in the land of Sidom, and consecrated priests and teachers in the land, to baptize unto the Lord whosoever were desirous to be baptized.

14 And it came to pass that they were many; for they did flock in from all the region round about Sidom, and were baptized.

15 But as to the people that were in the land of Ammonihah, they yet remained a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people; and they repented not of their sins, ascribing all the power of Alma and Amulek to the devil; for they were of the profession of Nehor, [Which meant that they believed that they along with everone else were already saved - they believed in universal salvation so to speak.] and did not believe in the repentance of their sins.

16 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek, Amulek having forsaken all his gold, and silver, and his precious things, which were in the land of Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred;

17 Therefore, after Alma having established the church at Sidom, seeing a great check, yea, seeing that the people were checked as to the pride of their hearts, and began to humble themselves before God, and began to assemble themselves together at their sanctuaries to worship God before the altar, watching and praying continually, that they might be delivered from Satan, and from death, and from destruction—

18 Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, therefore he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations, [ What did Amulek give up by choosing to live the gospel and serve as a missionary? What exactly were the tribulations of Amulek? Losing his wife and family being burned alive would case much tribulation as you had to stand their an watch - Alma being constrained by the angel to do nothing - would be certainly be a tribulation What are some of the sacrifices that have you made in choosing to live and teach the gospel? How have you been blessed for this?] and strengthened him in the Lord.

19 And thus ended the tenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

1 AND it came to pass in the *eleventh year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, on the fifth day of the second month, there having been much peace in the land of Zarahemla, there having been no wars nor contentions for a certain number of years, even until the fifth day of the second month in the eleventh year, there was a cry of war heard throughout the land.

2 For behold, the armies of the Lamanites had come in upon the wilderness side, into the borders of the land, even into the city of Ammonihah, and began to slay the people and destroy the city.

3 And now it came to pass, before the Nephites could raise a sufficient army to drive them out of the land, they had destroyed the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, [and thus the prophecy delivered to Alma by the second angel was fulfilled see Alma 8:16 "except they repent the Lord God will destroy them" If they did not repent when Alma told them to the Lord would destroy them. So we can conclude that they must not have been diligent in repenting. See also Alma 9:4-5, 12, 18] and also some around the borders of Noah, and taken others captive into the wilderness.

4 Now it came to pass that the Nephites were desirous to obtain those who had been carried away captive into the wilderness.

5 Therefore, he that had been appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites, (and his name was Zoram, and he had two sons, Lehi and Aha)—now Zoram and his two sons, knowing that Alma was high priest over the church, and having heard that he had the spirit of prophecy, therefore they went unto him and desired of him to know whither the Lord would that they should go into the wilderness in search of their brethren, who had been taken captive by the Lamanites.

6 And it came to pass that Alma inquired of the Lord concerning the matter. And Alma returned and said unto them: Behold, the Lamanites will cross the river Sidon in the south wilderness, away up beyond the borders of the land of Manti. And behold there shall ye meet them, on the east of the river Sidon, and there the Lord will deliver unto thee thy brethren who have been taken captive by the Lamanites.

7 And it came to pass that Zoram and his sons crossed over the river Sidon, with their armies, and marched away beyond the borders of Manti into the south wilderness, which was on the east side of the river Sidon.

8 And they came upon the armies of the Lamanites, and the Lamanites were scattered and driven into the wilderness; and they took their brethren who had been taken captive by the Lamanites, and there was not one soul of them had been lost that were taken captive. And they were brought by their brethren to possess their own lands.

9 And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges, the Lamanites having been driven out of the land, and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great city, which they said God could not destroy, because of its greatness.

10 But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcases were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness.

11 Nevertheless, after many days their dead bodies were heaped up upon the face of the earth, and they were covered with a shallow covering. And now so great was the scent thereof that the people did not go in to possess the land of Ammonihah for many years. And it was called Desolation of Nehors; for they were of the profession of Nehor, [he was in the business of selling religion, it was not a calling - it was a profession - a way to make money, that's it. As compared to those who labor for the service of their fellowmen and do so without gain] who were slain; and their lands remained desolate.

12 And the Lamanites did not come again to war against the Nephites *until the fourteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. And thus for three years did the people of Nephi have continual peace in all the land.

13 And Alma and Amulek went forth preaching repentance to the people in their temples, and in their sanctuaries, and also in their synagogues, which were built after the manner of the Jews. [so that they could prepare themselves - temple ordinances are important as defined in vs 17 "that they might enter into the rest of the Lord"]

14 And as many as would hear their words, unto them they did impart the word of God, without any respect of persons, continually.

15 And thus did Alma and Amulek go forth, and also many more who had been chosen for the work, to preach the word throughout all the land. And the establishment of the church became general throughout the land, in all the region round about, among all the people of the Nephites.

16 And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time of his coming—

17 That they might not be hardened against the word, that they might not be unbelieving, and go on to destruction, but that they might receive the word with joy, and as a branch be grafted into the true vine, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord [ defined as "gaining the fulness of his Glory" D&C 84:24] their God.

18 Now those priests who did go forth among the people did preach against all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and malice, and revilings, and stealing, robbing, plundering, murdering, committing adultery, and all manner of lasciviousness, crying that these things ought not so to be—

19 Holding forth things which must shortly come; yea, holding forth the coming of the son of God, [He is not the son of Joseph. He is not the son of a man. This title the son Of God means that his Father is literally God our Father in Heaven ] his sufferings and death, and also the resurrection of the dead.

20 And many of the people did inquire concerning the place where the son of God should come; and they were taught that he would appear unto them after his resurrection; and this the people did hear with great joy and gladness.

21 And now after the church had been established throughout all the land—having got the victory over the devil, and the word of God being preached in its purity in all the land, and the Lord pouring out his blessings upon the people—thus ended the fourteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

21 What does the scripture mean, which saith 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? And thus we see that there was no possible chance that they should live forever. [Trying to distort the scripture for their own purpose - trying to falsely prove using their interuptation of the scriptures that man will die and that is it. This is the last question asked by any of the lawyers of Ammonihah, from this point on Alma preaches to them - it is not a discussion. I would assume that by the power of the message he was filled with the spirit as it is very doctrinal in nature. Alma will begin the message back in the Garden of eden, and bring his authority in the priesthood forward from that point with the underlying question to the lawyers were do you get your authority? I can trace mine back to God - how about you?]

22 Now Alma said unto him: This is the thing which I was about to explain. Now we see that Adam [man or mankind – in the council in heaven we agreed using our agency to be bound by the consequences of any action of Adam who was to be our first parent – just as we are bound by any actions of any other of our parents – some are born into the church others are not…] did fall by the partaking of the forbidden fruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by his fall, all mankind became a lost and fallen people. [President Joseph Fielding Smith said that there was a chemical change that took place at this time with Adam and Eve.]

23 And now behold, I say unto you that if it had been possible for Adam to have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life at that time, [Immediately after the fall] there would have been no death, [because it was the tree of life that would mean that they would live forever.] and the word would have been void, [The gospel, the plan of salvation, the atonement...none would have been able to be applied.] making God a liar, for he said: If thou eat thou shalt surely die.

24 And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; [this death comes by the fall of Adam] nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; [ What is the purpose then of our probationary perion on earth? Man was not punished with death at the moment that he committed sin, he was provided with a probation - a period in which to exercise his agency, to overcome and submit to the will of God] therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.

25 Now, if it had not been for the plan of redemption, [If there was not a plan put in place and agreed upon by Adam before the transgression of Adam] which was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been no resurrection of the dead; [We had already agreed that we would sign up for our Fathers plan; which meant that we trusted that the Savior could fulfill his mission. Yes there was some trust involved here.] but there was a plan of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, of which has been spoken.

26 And now behold, if it were possible that our first parents could have gone forth and partaken of the tree of life [immediately is the point being made here] they would have been forever miserable, having no preparatory state; and thus the plan of redemption would have been frustrated, and the word of God would have been void, taking none effect.

27 But behold, it was not so; but it was appointed unto men that they must die; and after death, they must come to judgment, even that same judgment of which we have spoken, which is the end.

28 And after God had appointed that these things should come unto man, behold, then he [God] saw that it was expedient that man should know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto them; [ After the fall the God sought out to teach us these thing. What things? The things that we would need to know to apply the atonement and return to him. ]

29 [so what does God do? ] Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory. [ First, he sent angels to teach us. ]

30 And they began from that time forth to call on his name; [ he teaches us further as we pray to him] therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption, [ and what is it that he makes known? the plan of redemption. And what is the signifigance of the plan? ] which had been prepared from the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto them according to their faith and repentance and their holy works.

31 Wherefore, he [God] gave commandments unto men, [ he gave us the commandments to teach us how to act, the requirements so to speak ] they having first transgressed the first commandments [ Which were? 1) To multiply and replenish the earth 2) and to not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil] as to things which were temporal, and becoming as Gods, knowing good from evil, [The direct result of partaking of the tree of knowledge Moses 4:11] placing themselves in a state to act, or being placed in a state to act according to their wills and pleasures, — [now that you know the difference between good and evil you can use your agency and choose, and it is thru those choices that you can become as the Gods. Agency comes from knowledge and understanding - where Adam and Even were in the state of naive innocence in the Garden - since they knew neither good or bad they were not responsible and therefore were not able to comprehend the law of opposition and choice. This did not happen until they partook of the fruit when they began to see thing differently.]

32 Therefore God gave unto them commandments, [ The commandment to do no evil; Notice that God gives the commandments after he has made know the plan of salvation. ] after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, [ Who gave the commandments? When did he give them? After God gives them the plan So that they can understand the why. How important is it that we understand the plan or salvation? Well it is like this if we don't understand that plan of salvation then we don't or won't understand why we are doing what we are doing. It will not make any sense. But if we do understand the plan then it will all make sense.] that they should not do evil, [This commandment was not possible until after they partook of the Tree of Knowledge this commandment to not do evil is not given until they know the difference between good and evil ] the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God.

33 But God did call on men, [God's plea to us. There are two ways to look at this statement. 1) God plead with all men to repent 2) He called upon those that were foreordained to fulfill their missions. ] in the name of his son, (this being the plan of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten son; [or then can the atonement be applied in your behalf; which the son has sacrificed for.]

34 Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest. [ defined as "gaining the fulness of his Glory" D&C 84:24 - The Celestial kingdom in the next life and the peace associated with that assurance in this life. ]

35 And whosoever will harden his heart and will do iniquity, behold, I swear in my wrath that he shall not enter into my rest. [Those with hard hearts, those who will not submit to his will, those who will not receive the ordinances thru covenant will not gain the fulness of his glory]

36 And now, my brethren, behold I say unto you, that if ye will harden your hearts ye shall not enter into the rest of the Lord; [ defined as "gaining the fulness of his Glory" D&C 84:24] therefore your iniquity provoketh him that he sendeth down his wrath upon you as in the first provocation, [ What is the reference to the first provocation? The answer is in D&C 84:18-24 Which was when ancient Israel, under Moses refused to receive the further light and knowledge that God wanted to give them. That light which included the fullness of the priesthood] yea, according to his word in the last provocation as well as the first, to the everlasting destruction of your souls; therefore, according to his word, unto the last death, as well as the first.

37 And now, my brethren, seeing we know these things, and they are true, let us repent, and harden not our hearts, that we provoke not the Lord our God to pull down his wrath upon us in these his second commandments which he has given unto us; [ What was the first set of commandments given Adam and Eve?The first set of commandments were to not partake of the fruit and to multiply vs23,31, What was the second set of commandments? second set of commandments were to "not do evil" see vs 32] but let us enter into the rest of God, which is prepared according to his word.

1 AND again, [carrying forward the thoughts from chapter 12 Alma is still contending with the lawyers of Ammonihah] my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the time [forward in time from the fall to the time when he give these commandments] when the Lord God gave these commandments [What was the commandments given? A: “they should not do evil” see chapter 12:30-36 and when did he give these commandments? A:at the time of the fall ] unto his children; [first to Adam - and Adam represents mankind] and I would that ye should remember that the Lord God [Who we will all agree for the sake of this discussion is the ultimate source of power Why is it that when we hear some things by the power of the spirit we go - I know that? because we are remembering that we knew these things earlier, our minds are being awakened to that life before this life - Hence Alma is using the spirit to connect the dots for them] ordained priests, [the Patriarchs from Adam to Moses - Hebrew word "kahunnah" is translated to mean Priesthood and is derived from the root "kahan" meaning priest or even more literal "Mediator" . So we can say from Hebrew that a priest is set to act as a mediator between God and Israel. The word used by the Greeks was "Hierateuma" which when translated means Priesthood - and a more literal meaning would be "sacred effect" and "its root "Priest" means "sacred act" - so if we apply the meanings of the word "Priesthood" it is to have a sanctifing effect and the specific job of the priests are to perform sacred acts - to bring about the sanctifing of Israel.] after his holy order, [What is the holy order that is spoken of here? President Benson said "To enter into the holy order of the son of God is the equivalent today of entering into the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is only received in the house of the Lord. Because Adam and Eve had complied with these requirements, God said unto them 'Thou art after the order of him who was without beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity to all eternitity' (Moses 6:67)"

so why is it important for the Lord to bind them to his holy order through ordaination? By doing so we commit to the work - out of all of our fathers children, a few distinguished themselves by exceeding faith in Jesus Christ by wanting to become involved in the work of redemption through the great atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. You and I as members of the literal house of Israel and the Church of Jesus Christ were called in the premortal world to this very work..everything else being trival. Remember in the movie City Slickers where curly says "That one thing"...It would appear that he knew what most of us don't. You see Redemption is not just one of the things going on in the universe, IT IS THE THING.

Bruce R. McConkie wrote "The work of the redemption is the work to which the premortal covenant people, the house of Israel were called, and it was to take precedence over all other work and to subordinate all other work to itself. Israel is an eternal people. She came into being as a chosen and separate congregation before the foundations of the earth were laid; she was a distinct and a peculiar people in the preexistence, even as she is in this sphere. Her numbers were known before their mortal birth"

Paul teaches that those who in the premortal world elected to become gods elected to come to earth and learn the work of redemption for themselves in apprenticeship to the lord Jesus Christ. Read Romans 8:29 'For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.' ] which was after the order of his son, to teach these things [What things? About our pre-mortal life - and more importantly the ordinances of God. that they might know how to be saved.(1 Ne 15:14)

Why does Alma in think that this knowledge of the premortal world was so important to teach that it was one of the first things that he taught to the people of Ammonihah? 1) to appeal to their spirit using the rememberance of pre-earth life; 2) The fact is that the Nephites even though they were rebellious and hard hearted at this time -- they were like all the members of the house of Israel, foreordained in the premortal world and they had fallen very far from what they were forordained to do.

Elder David B. Haight explains the reason why the Lord has revealed the knowledge of the premortal world."We should be acquainted with the truth that knowledge of the premortal life was restored that we might fulfill our responsibilities as children of God..."

John A Widtsoe provided additional insight into the contractual agreement that we made concerning the welfare of all the sons & daughters of our Eternal Father. "Since the plan is intended for all men, we [the covenant people] became parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves but...saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord... The least of us, the humblest, is in a partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation".

] unto the people.

2 And those priests [ Who are those priests? as described by Abraham are "the noble and great ones" (Abraham 3:22), whom the Gods would prove "to see if they [would] do all things whatsoever the Lord their God [should] command them" (Abraham 3:25). They had kept their first premortal estate; if they kept their second estate, their earthly probation, they would "have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever" (Abraham 3:26). These are the ones for whom the earth was created (Abraham 3:24) and for whom the scriptures were written (D&C 35:20).] were ordained [invested with authority] after the order of his son, [D&C 107:3 "the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the son of God" - all things in Gods plan are done in order hence they are called ordinances after the latin root "Ordinaire" menaing order. What is another name for the Temple? A: A House Of Order] in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his son for redemption. [ Let's take Alma the younger here for example. Not only is Alma the younger one of those priests that were chosen in the pre-mortal existence, but what had to happen to get him to that point here on earth? His father Alma had to be a good example, teach him the truth and then finally pray for him. Remember that Alma the Older is trying to solve the problems of the church - praying pretty hard for answers and it is during this process that his relationship with God is changed - Mosiah 26:15-20 It was maybe at that time that his confidence had grown enough in the Lord that his prayer for Alma the Younger was answered as well as Alma the Younger was not so much Alma the younger at the time he saw an angel. 40-60 yrs old most likely.

How do we find that knowledge? Finally; It is in the ordinances of the temple - D&C 43:16; "16 And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, [ link to D&C 105:11-12] that ye may give even as I have spoken." 105:11-12 " 11 And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high . 12 For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them , inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me." - It is through the ordinances that we get power and understanding of how to become like our Father in Heaven]

3 And this is the manner [manner = a characteristic or customary mode of acting, the standard procedure - So then the standard procedure proscribed for all of us; just like Jesus Christ, and every prophet from Alma to Enoch, From Joseph to President Monson we were called and prepared] after which they were ordained—being called and prepared [Just as Jesus Chirst was prepared and given his mission in the premortal world - So were we called and prepared. President Spencer Kimball who said "Remember, in the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to. You are accountable for those things which long ago were expected of you just as those we sustain as prophets and apostles!" Ensign; - The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 365).

In light of that statement do you know what you are foreordained to do here on earth?
What are you doing to find out?
What can you do to find out?
Will the lord really tell you, do you think that he really wants you to know?
Joseph Smith said "God is good & all his acts are for the benefit of inferior intelligences"

All of those who entered into the premortal house of Israel to participate in the work of redemption where, as the apostle Paul taught in Romans 8:29, we are foreordained to be conformed to the image of the son of God ; that is, those in the premortal world who elected to become Gods elected also to come to earth and learn the work of redemption in apprenticeship to the Lord Jesus Christ, a work that would qualify them to live with the Gods in the eternal worlds.You see that even at that time we wanted to be like our Father in Heaven so bad that were where starting to be like him already. Our desire to became to bless the other intelligences just like our Father. THAT WAS THE PLAN the greater lights would bless the lesser lights. He knew that we would all progress at different rates and that was OK but we would all be eternal... READ Abraham 3:18] from the foundation of the world [When was the foundation of the world? our pre-existance] according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their [Who's faith? all of us in this room - certainly every member of the church - who has been granted the opportunity to be part of the gospel] exceeding faith [Exceeding great Faith in what at this point? Don’t you think it took alot of faith our part to trust that this was all going to work?

It is not a simple plan when you think of all that could go wrong.

Faith in the plan that our Heavenly Father had put forth, faith that Jesus Christ our elder brother would be able to come to earth and live a perfect life - without sin, and thus provide a path for us to gain forgiveness of our sins and return and live with our father in heaven] and good works; in the first place [the pre-existence..referring to premortal world. Abraham 3:26 ] being left to choose good or evil; [When did we first choose good and evil - or right and wrong? maybe not so much good and evil but to follow the plan that our Heavenly Father put forth - or to rebell against the great plan for happiness] therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, [so what else set this group apart? we exercised our agency 1st to chose the plan that God outlined (choosing good) and exercising faith in that plan that it would work - In the creation the elements were organized and were subject to the plan, as they had no agency.] are called with a holy calling, [ because we chose his plan he called or assigned us specific and additional duties while in the pre-mortal world And what is that holy calling we were called to do? - vs 6 to teach the rest of his children the way back to our father in heaven] yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, [What does that mean? the Priesthood was prepared with the purpose of the plan of redemption in mind - makes sense that the Lord had a plan and the priesthood is part of it] and according to, [According to what? according to the plan of redemption] a preparatory redemption for such. [What is a preparatory redemption? one way to look at this statement is to say that in a sense we are to be John The Baptists among our fellow men - to help them see, prepare and take hold of the power of the atonement (which provides their individual redemption)]

4 And thus they [Who? you and I, the Nephites, as well as the Ammonihahites see vs 5] have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God [What do those that were called posess? the willingness to follow the spirit - we are talking about opposites here - these noble ones do not reject the spirit but embrace it - they seek for it, they follow it] on account of the hardness of their hearts [Who hardened their hearts? these spirits did so in the presence of our Heavenly Father - they already had a less than accepting nature about their spirit, one that did not readly accept the plan, they thought there were other options - the plan was given by the spirit as well - some heard it some did not] and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren. [ so who made the decision here, who would go where and what earthy opportunities would await us? We all had the same opportunity - priviledge in this case, some had hard hearts and blind minds they did not think the plan was a good one; the real thing is they did not support our Heavenly Father for whatever rreason as a result their priviledge was lessened.]

5 Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren; [ Dual meaning here. We were all created as equals to begin with; the same standing but thru choice some set themselves apart from others. Just like this life the Ammonihahites were originally on the same standing as the Nephites. They were part of the Nephite lineage, and had the opportunity to receive these blessings of the true priesthood. They are desendants of those promised these blessings - but they are not acting like they should and hence the calling of repentance from Alma] thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the atonement of the Only Begotten son, [ What does it mean being in and through the atonement? There is only one way to be in the atonement or in the graces of the atonement and that is to humble ourselves and apply the mercies thereof unto ourselves.] who was prepared— [ the mission of the Savior was outlined and prepared in the beginning that he alone would atone for our sins and provide a way back. Because to punish us for our sins would not have brought us back to the Father - we had to be freed from those sins and there was only one way that could happen - with an atonement of the Savior. In addition, the Savior himself had to be prepared by learning grace for grace D&C 93:11-14]

D&C 93:11-14 -Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1833..

 

6 And thus being called [we do not vie for office or position, here were were called by God and given specific assignments - How do we learn of our specific assignments? the clues to our specific assignments can be found in the blessing our Heavenly Father gave us when we last left his presence - our patriarcial blessings. How did out Father in heaven decisde which gifts to give us? The Gifts that we received are to help us based on 2 things - 1) those gifts that we need personally as aids to help us return to our Father, 2nd those gifts that we need or that we can us to help others return to our Father ] by this holy calling, [ Given to us by who? let's look and see who gave us these assignments in the first place - our Father in Heaven - "Man of Holiness"] and ordained [ invested with authority ] unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, [ What are we called to do? To teach the commandments unto our brothers and sisters - All of us who have calls to minister in the holy priesthood were foreordained to be ministers of Christ, and to come here in our appointed days, and to labor on his errand.] that they [ Who? all of the children of men, you see he wants everyone to return to him; even though he knows that is not possible ; but that is his desire.] also might enter into his rest— [ the fulliness of his glory - we can inherit jointly with the Savior all that our Father has, not as Tenants in Common but as joint heirs which means that each one of us inherits that posses the totality of all that the Father has, all of the title is vested to us, we inherit everything that every other heir inherits. - see D&C 84:24 Think about that blessing - The same as Joseph Smith and all of the prophets - there is no division we can inherit the same. How does the rest of the Lord apply to us while we are on earth? Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: “The rest of the Lord, where mortals are concerned, is to gain a perfect knowledge of the divinity of the great latter-day work. [President Joseph F. Smith said,] ‘It means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else; we are not disturbed by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive.’ It is ‘rest from the religious turmoil of the world; from the cry that is going forth, here and there—lo, here is Christ; lo, there is Christ.’ (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed., pp. 58, 125–126.) The rest of the Lord, in eternity, is to inherit eternal life, to gain the fulness of the Lord’s glory (D. & C. 84:24.)” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 633).]

7 This high priesthood being after the order of his son, which order was from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things— [ What did our heavenly Father know about his plan and what we would need to make it here? Heaven Father knew that if we did not have his power on earth we would 1) not be able to overcome the overwhelming influence of Satan - we would be overcome 2) We would not have the knowledge of these ordainances which teach us the way that we may teach others. 3) That we might be sealed as familys strengthen the bonds not only in this life but the next]

8 Now they were ordained after this manner—being called with a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, ["It is that we can enter an order of the priesthood named the new and everlasting covenant of marriage (see D&C 131:2), named also the patriarchal order, because of which order we can create for ourselves eternal family units of our own, patterned after the family of God our Heavenly Father. It is that we have power, by faith, to govern and control all things, both temporal and spiritual; to work miracles and perfect lives; to stand in the presence of God and be like him because we have gained his faith, his perfections, and his power, or in other words the fulness of his priesthood." Bruce R. McConkie Priesthood Session April 3, 1982] and taking upon them the high priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and high priesthood, is without beginning or end— [because it is the power of God, is of necessity without beginning of days or end of years - God is Eternal]

9 Thus they become high priests forever, [eternal nature of the priesthood - which binds on earth and in heaven the order of families. compare Hebrews 5 & 7 As the Lord lives, it is his holy order, and all those priesthood holders of every nation and kindred and tongue and people and race and color who will keep the covenant shall abide as priests forever, ruling and reigning everlastingly with the great High Priest of our profession, who is the Lord Jesus Christ.] after the order of the son, [ that we can therefore exercise all of the power that the son has - as we learn to exercise the priesthood as he does we become like him - The son is then the Type for the Father] the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen. [ Having concluded that - that is the way that it is let's try to bring this discussion to a more personal level. Since we all are part of the premortal house of Israel , and as such have been so arranged in saving relationships here on earth - we must look at all of our relationships and ask, What are my covenants with respect to the redemption of these people, and how can I fulfill them? What do I need to do now? The question asked with an honest heart will bring not only answers, but power, from the great Redeemer himself. Answers will extend not only to family members, but to the Laurels in one's Young Women's class, to those one home teaches, to a business associate, and so on. Think about every relationship that you have - you should now understand that no one in our lives is there by accident.]

10 Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood, there were many [ Did some choose otherwise? notice it does not say all and from the scripture we know it was not all who were foreordained received the priesthood because they did not choose good in mortality see vs 3] who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, [ Since repentance is something that is accomplished while we are on the earth we can see that Alma is has brought the discussion from the pre-mortal life to right now for the people he is addressing.] and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness [ It only comes by work, getting the proper ordinances, making covenants and keeping them - there is no other way. Living a good life is not enough ] rather than to perish;

11 Therefore [as a result of repenting, righteous works and ordinances received.] they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb. [I Haven Barlow - 2nd annointing? follows on to vs 16 were they enter into the rest of the Lord]

12 Now they, after being sanctified [to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate.to purify or free from sin ] by the Holy Ghost, [Moses 6:60 "by the Spirit ye are justified", [to be made just, or free from guilt and sin. The Holy Ghost is the member of the Godhead whose power acts as a cleansing agent that removes guilt and sin from our lives 2 Ne 31:17. "I’ve struggled with that statement, and I have found a definition that seems to indicate to me what I’m sure the Lord intended to convey. The definition that I think is significant says: “Justify means to pronounce free from guilt or blame, or to absolve.” Now if the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, is to pronounce one free from guilt or blame, or to absolve, then we begin to see something of the office of the Holy Ghost that relates to the subject about which we are talking: what it means to be born of the Spirit." Born Of The Spirit Harold B. Lee - Stand Ye in Holy Places: Selected Sermons and Writings of President Harold B. Lee. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1975), p. p.47-65] having their garments made white, [the stains of sin were removed or they were purified] being pure and spotless before God, [How do we become pure and spotless? Repent, repent and repent] could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; [ a change happens as ones calling and election is made sure, 1st the desire to sin is lost, 2nd it also creates a hatred toward sin and the evils that it produces ] and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord [ defined as "gaining the fulness of his Glory" D&C 84:24] their God.

13 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, [How and what do we do to bring forth fruit meet for repentance? Confessing sin is not enough, exercising faith in the plan is not enough - we must also labor to bring the work forward, help others see the light and repent] that ye may also enter into that rest.

14 Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek, [What bleesings were given the people in the days of Melchizedek? The people under the leadership of Melchizedek wrought righteousness and obtained heaven - were taken to heaven as the city of Enoch JST Gen 14:25-40] who was also a high priest after this same order [Which or was originally called what? The Holy Priesthood after the Order of the son Of God - The priesthood of which Alma speaks that was present among the Nephites could trace its lineage to the old world or in otherwords Alma is saying "the priesthood is the same as it was in the beginning and it shall be the same in the end of the world Moses 6:7; and just so you understand I can trace my lineage of that priesthood back - can you wicked men do they same - NO!"] which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood forever.

15 And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; yea, even our father Abraham [And Why did Abraham pay tithes to Melchizedek? 1) He had covenanted with the Lord that he would and 2) in his own words because - "I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers. It was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down from the fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning, or before the foundation of the earth, down to the present time, even the right of the firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam, or first father, through the fathers unto me. (Abraham 1:2–3; emphasis added).What is the right belonging to the Fathers that he sought? sealing blessings of the priesthood see vs 16 ] paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed. [Why was it important that Abraham pays his titjes to Melchizedek? If he is going to receive the blessings of the fathers he had to fulfill his part of the covenant that was to pay his tithes to the proper priesthood