Alma and the Zoramites - Important Gospel Principles

[ElderBigDawg]

I just read through Alma 32 this morning. It jumped out at me more this time than any other time I have read it, which I find very interesting. It might have to do my mission call to Argentina since I heard that the people there are impoverished and humble. Also, I have heard complaints from some people as of late, who say that taking advantage of humbled people and converting them is evil. To top it off, I have an agnostic friend who claims the only real way he could believe is he'd have to be given some sort of sign.

This chapter covers all three.

In Alma 32, we learn that those who are humbled are in preparation to hear the word of God. Pretty much the opposite of the natural man, who are too stiff-necked and puffed up in their pride to really learn anything. When you are humble, you are in a state that allows the Spirit to testify the truthfulness of the word unto you.

Could you imagine the joy of those poor Zoramites, who, being impoverished, were cast out of the synagogues they built with their own hands? Can you imagine the joy they experienced when they learned that 1, they can pray anywhere they please and don't need a synagogue in order to do so? And 2, they could pray to God any day of the week and not just one day? They were so lowly of heart, due to the afflictions cast upon them, that I could imagine that their joy was full when the impoverished Zoramites learned of such glad tidings!

This shows that the Lord truly loves us and will gladly accept us back into the fold if we but let Him convert our hearts. Being humble gives us that chance.

"And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved." -Alma 32:13

(This chapter also deals a bunch with some truths about repentance, but that's not what I'm focusing on right now)

Now, why doesn't God convert everyone in the world simply by giving signs and maybe even showing Himself unto all? Firstly, He does give plenty of signs all the time, as evident in the scriptures and modern day prophecy (personally, I find my complex body, the earth, and the entire cosmos evidence enough). But people can be too puffed up to notice.

Secondly, it is revealed that God would rather we humble ourselves through faith than to seek a humbling experience. In other places in the Book of Mormon, it is said that we receive witness to the truth after our trial of faith.

It also says in this chapter that Heavenly Father would rather have it for one to have faith through the word instead of having to receive a sign. Laman and Lemuel had plenty of signs, and look where it got them. But through the word, you gain your own testimony and the Spirit reaffirms it to you.

So yeah. This is basically my thoughts. I also view this chapter as further proof that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel.

[ElderBigDawg]

Sorry, I didn't really know where to place this.

[Islander]

Originally Posted by ElderBigDawg

I just read through Alma 32 this morning. It jumped out at me more this time than any other time I have read it, which I find very interesting. It might have to do my mission call to Argentina since I heard that the people there are impoverished and humble. Also, I have heard complaints from some people as of late, who say that taking advantage of humbled people and converting them is evil. To top it off, I have an agnostic friend who claims the only real way he could believe is he'd have to be given some sort of sign.

So yeah. This is basically my thoughts. I also view this chapter as further proof that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel.

The Savior declares in Matthew 5 that the simple, the meek the poor and the humble of the earth will inherit the kingdom of God.

As a missionary you cannot convert anyone. The Holy Ghost will bear witness of the truth you bear and if they seek to know such truth for themselves they will receive a witness of it and thus be converted. But you WILL NOT convert anyone no matter how hard you try.

Congratulations on your mission calling and I DO wish you success. And you will realize how much hope and faith the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings to the lives of those that have little in terms of material wealth. The rich and famous think and act as if they did not need God. They will be sorely surprised once they step across the veil.

[ElderBigDawg]

Originally Posted by Islander

The Savior declares in Matthew 5 that the simple, the meek the poor and the humble of the earth will inherit the kingdom of God.

Yes, and Alma 32 further expounds on that.

Originally Posted by Islander

As a missionary you cannot convert anyone. The Holy Ghost will bear witness of the truth you bear and if they seek to know such truth for themselves they will receive a witness of it and thus be converted. But you WILL NOT convert anyone no matter how hard you try.

I know that. I was just telling it from their point of view. A lot of non-LDS people don't seem to get the "conversion by the Spirit" principle.

[Islander]

Well, after 1000 years of "theological" interpretations most Christians have fallen in the same trap as the Hebrews of the 1st century. "We have the Law" they claimed while ignoring the reality of the Law-giver. We have hundreds of denomination ALL claiming to be adherent to the bible but espousing a myriad of explanations and interpretations for the same passages of scriptures. "The Torah is comprehended ONLY by study", remember? So they still claim. In today's Judaism prayer and worship (observance) are measures of obedience not faith, as we see it.

Our claim to new revelation is a hard pill to swallow since, it implies that some have been wrong for a very long time. That requires humility to accept. Most are so invested in their positions that they will not even consider otherwise. Besides, the belief in a close cannon negates the need for new revelation, goes their argument. So, it can not be true, they claim (the BoM).