Alma 39-42

Alma 39

This next chapter is written for Corianton.

Alma was extremely worried about this son,

“You did not heed my words among the Zoramites

“And went on to boast of your wisdom and your might.

“Even worse, you left.  You forsook the ministry

“To which you had been called as a missionary.”

What had made him leave?  He’d fallen under the spell

Of a wicked woman whose name was Isabel.

“There is no excuse for this,” Alma told his son,

“Immorality is an abomination!

“It is only second to what offends God most:

“Murder and when someone denies the Holy Ghost.

“I would avoid talking about this if I could,

“But I can’t!  This advice is only for your good.

“You can’t hide from God.  If you do not change your ways,

“You’ll be judged for all of your sins at the last day.

“Now, my son, repent and give heed to your brothers.

“Remember, your sins were confusing to others.

“Many of the Zoramites were quite bewildered.

“When they saw your conduct, they would not hear my words.”

Then Alma began talking about Jesus Christ,

“When it comes to sin He will come to pay the price.

“These are the glad tidings you were called to declare.

“God has told us long beforehand to make it fair—

“It would not be just if He only told the ones

“Who would be alive during the life of His son.”

 

Alma 40

In this chapter, Alma would teach Corianton

What we can expect during the resurrection.

“I’ve prayed diligently about this,” Alma said,

“This is when all mankind will come forth from the dead.

“When this will take place, nobody can know but God,

“And the number of times it happens matters not.

“An angel has told me that after all men die,

“They are taken home to that God who gave them life.

“Spirits who were righteous will dwell in happiness,

“While the wicked ones will be in outer darkness.

“They'll stay here till the Resurrection makes them whole,

“And their bodies are reunited with their souls. 

“Our bodies will be perfect; nothing will be lost!

“And we’ll then be taken to be judged before God.”

Alma 41

To clear up confusion, Alma would then explain

Something in the scriptures that had led some astray.

While it’s true that we will all be resurrected,

Good will only be given to those who’ve been good.

Some mistakenly think that even if they’re bad,

That somehow they’ll still live with God and will feel glad.

Whatever we’ve done in life we will have restored;

Evil people will have evil as their reward.

This is what some have called the law of the harvest.

Remember— wickedness never was happiness.

Alma 42

Corianton wondered how this plan could be fair.

Alma then explained life’s purpose: it’s to prepare.

We are cut off from the Lord’s presence, one and all,

And we need a Savior because of Adam’s Fall.

That’s why Jesus came— to perform the atonement,

So we can return to God after we repent.

Alma told his son, “I want you to understand

“Mercy can appease all of justice’s demands.

“So you needn’t worry; just repent of your sins. 

“Now, my son, you are called to preach my word again."

© 2020 by N. Noelle Maes