Mosiah 26:4

And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God.

When we choose to pray, light comes into our life. But when we choose not to pray, the light goes out of our life. It is hard to make good decisions about anything else spiritual when we have decided not to pray.

Mosiah 26:3

And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

Faith starts with belief, and belief starts with a choice. Because the generation described in this verse chose not to believe, they closed themselves off from light and knowledge. They hardened their own hearts. A hard heart has no room for God. We choose the texture of our heart.

Mosiah 24:14-15

And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

Sometimes God removes our burdens, but more often he strengths us to bear them more capably. He is wise enough to know what we need to keep us humble and ever seeking him without breaking us. When the time is right, we will be free. In the meantime, we will be empowered. When we can stop fighting God's plan and submit cheerfully and patiently, it doesn't really matter whether we are rescued or not, and that is usually when deliverance comes.

Mosiah 24:10

And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God.

The purpose of afflictions is not to punish us, but to turn us to God. Even the faithful followers of Alma needed a heavy affliction to get them to earnestly call upon God. The heavier the affliction, the more we recognize our dependence on God, and the more humble and sincere our prayers become. The more powerful are our prayers, the more powerfully God can act in our lives.

Mosiah 23:28

Therefore they hushed their fears, and began to cry unto the Lord that he would soften the hearts of the Lamanites, that they would spare them, and their wives, and their children.

Tonight I share not my own words but those of Elder David A. Bednar from April 2015:

"Notice Alma did not hush the people’s fears. Rather, Alma counseled the believers to remember the Lord and the deliverance only He could bestow (see 2 Nephi 2:8). And knowledge of the Savior’s protecting watchcare enabled the people to hush their own fears.

"Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace. He declared, 'Learn of me, and listen to my words walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me' (D&C 19:23).

"The Master also explained, 'He who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come' (D&C 59:23).

"Trust and confidence in Christ and a ready reliance on His merits, mercy, and grace lead to hope, through His Atonement, in the Resurrection and eternal life (see Moroni 7:41). Such faith and hope invite into our lives the sweet peace of conscience for which we all yearn. The power of the Atonement makes repentance possible and quells the despair caused by sin. It also strengthens us to see, do, and become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. Truly, one of the great blessings of devoted discipleship is 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:7).

"The peace Christ gives allows us to view mortality through the precious perspective of eternity and supplies a spiritual settledness (see Colossians 1:23) that helps us maintain a consistent focus on our heavenly destination. Thus, we can be blessed to hush our fears because His doctrine provides purpose and direction in all aspects of our lives. His ordinances and covenants fortify and comfort in times both good and bad. And His priesthood authority gives assurance that the things that matter most can endure both in time and in eternity.

"But can we hush the fears that so easily and frequently beset us in our contemporary world? The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes. Three basic principles are central to receiving this blessing in our lives: (1) look to Christ, (2) build upon the foundation of Christ, and (3) press forward with faith in Christ."

Mosiah 23:24

And it came to pass that he did deliver them, and he did show forth his mighty power unto them, and great were their rejoicings.

If God did not let us have hard times, he would not have the opportunity to demonstrate his power in delivering us. When times are particularly tough, we should look forward all the more to seeing God's hand in our life. The end result, if we endure well in faith, will always be rejoicing.

Mosiah 23:21

Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

Why do we have trials, challenges, predicaments, afflictions, problems, heartaches, pain, sorrow, disappointments, disasters, calamities, and troubles? Because we have to learn patience and faith. Without resistance, we do not develop. Without mountains we do not rise. Without pressure we do not expand. Without the furnace of affliction, we are not purified. Does God like to see us suffer? No, but he hates even more to see us whither, atrophy, and waste our probation. He wants us to come home fit for his kingdom.

Mosiah 23:13

And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you.

Once we get free of our sins through the atonement of Christ, we have to hold fast to that liberty. We have to retain the remission of sins. We do this by loving God, obeying him as best we can, and serving his children. Repentance and redemption are continuous processes, not insular events. The song of redeeming love is a full symphony, not a single blast of a single note. We have to learn all the parts, participate in all the movements, and hold on till the last refrain.

Mosiah 23:9

But remember the iniquity of king Noah and his priests; and I myself was caught in a snare, and did many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord, which caused me sore repentance;

We think of Alma's conversion as instantaneous, and that is the case--for his conversion. But not for his repentance. He had to struggle through the repentance process like everyone else. God can forgive sins instantly, but we are perhaps not so quick to forgive ourselves. Though Alma got himself turned around and facing in the right direction, he still had to walk the path, learn to heed the Spirit, and demonstrate his desire to come unto Christ and be saved. He still had wrongs to right and restitution to make. Even a miraculous conversion does not exempt us from the mortal process of healing and growing and becoming.

Mosiah 23:3

And they fled eight days’ journey into the wilderness.

Alma and his people, like all repentant people, spent time in the wilderness, living in tents, subsisting on the bare necessities, stripping themselves of the world, and becoming sanctified. Because they were humble and teachable, they did not suffer in the wilderness for long. They turned the wilderness from an affliction into a home and a refuge. The wilderness is what we make it. If we fight it, it can be a miserable existence. If, however, we accept it and work with it, the wilderness can become an Eden.

Mosiah 22:2

And it came to pass that they could find no way to deliver themselves out of bondage, except it were to take their women and children, and their flocks, and their herds, and their tents, and depart into the wilderness; for the Lamanites being so numerous, it was impossible for the people of Limhi to contend with them, thinking to deliver themselves out of bondage by the sword.

The Lord uses the wilderness to purge us of the baggage of pride and sin. While the wilderness is always a trial full of afflictions, it is not a curse, but a cleansing. If we endure our wilderness experiences well, they change us and sanctify us and bring us closer to God. They are indispensable legs in our journey through mortality towards eternal life.

Mosiah 21:15

And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.

The reality is, the Lord may not remove our trials right away. He lets them continue in his wisdom until we are sufficiently refined by the things we suffer. His goal is to save us, not to make us comfortable.

Mosiah 21:15

And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.

If we have separated ourselves from God, it may take effort on our part to humble ourselves enough to reestablish the lost connection. It may seem like God is ignoring us, but he never ignores us. He hears every prayer, but he may not answer instantly so that we have time to really attune ourselves to his will, so we are ready to accept his answer when it comes.

Mosiah 21:14

And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.

Even when we repent, God often allows the consequences of our sins to run their natural course, not as a punishment, but as a lesson and motivation to be humble, submissive, and obedient. When we escape too easily, we fail to appreciate the great benefit God offers us through the atonement.

Mosiah 21:8

And it came to pass that the Lamanites did beat them, and drove them back, and slew many of them.

Just like the people of Limhi tried to fight their way out of their captivity using only their own power, we often try to "fix" ourselves using sheer grit and determination. Resistance against the natural man without the help of God, however, is futile. The spirit may be willing but the flesh is always weak. We must rely on Christ's grace--his enabling power. He is the only way!

Mosiah 21:5

And now the afflictions of the Nephites were great, and there was no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands, for the Lamanites had surrounded them on every side.

The burden of our sins is greater than we can bear alone and beyond our personal abilities to overcome and rid ourselves of our guilt. We need the Deliverer. It is just that simple.

Mosiah 20:22

And now let us pacify the king, and we fulfil the oath which we have made unto him; for it is better that we should be in bondage than that we should lose our lives; therefore, let us put a stop to the shedding of so much blood.

Wisdom is situational. Is it not better to die than to live in bondage? For some, perhaps. Limhi's people, however, needed to repent. Repentance may feel sometimes like bondage as we make the effort to make amends and change our habits and even our nature. But better to make the effort and hope for salvation than to give up and lose the opportunity for eternal life.

Mosiah 18:27

And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.

Sharing our abundance and supporting the poor is always a sign of the true faith. It is not only a commandment but a natural outgrowth of love for God. This seems to be one of the very first ways in which disciples organize themselves. It is a principle we should take seriously.

Mosiah 18:16

And after this manner he did baptize every one that went forth to the place of Mormon; and they were in number about two hundred and four souls; yea, and they were baptized in the waters of Mormon, and were filled with the grace of God.

After baptism, Alma's people were filled with grace. The Book of Mormon is full of references to grace, yet we hardly know what it means. It can be defined as the enabling power of the atonement. It enables us to change, to repent, to grow, to put off the natural man, to become justified and sanctified. Grace is a gift of power. It is by grace that we approach God, pray to him, hear his word, receive the Holy Ghost, obtain spiritual gifts, exercise the priesthood, and receive charity. It is by grace we are saved, in spite of all we try to do.

Mosiah 17:12

But the priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him, saying: He has reviled the king. Therefore the king was stirred up in anger against him, and he delivered him up that he might be slain.

We ought to be careful about the people with whom we surround ourselves. Noah chose wicked men as his counselors. When he might have done the right thing, his friends talked him out of it. It is hard enough to walk the strait and narrow path of discipleship when your friends are cheering you on. It is impossible when the people around you intentionally try to steer you in the wrong direction. We are to be familiar with all and a genuine friend to every person. But we must be careful who we listen to.

Mosiah 15:27

Therefore ought ye not to tremble? For salvation cometh to none such; for the Lord hath redeemed none such; yea, neither can the Lord redeem such; for he cannot deny himself; for he cannot deny justice when it has its claim.

Those who know the truth and rebel against it, who knowingly turn their backs on the Savior and refuse his mercy, will face justice. They can receive only justice because they refuse mercy. Their sins are not necessarily any more grievous than the rest of ours, but they will not allow Christ to pay for them. It seems like such a foolish choice, but they are nevertheless free to make it. God will force no one to accept the gift of mercy.

Mosiah 15:22

And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection.

Those in the First Resurrection, which are those who are saved, include the prophets and those who obey them (in other words, the faithful saints from all dispensations), those who died without having heard the gospel (which is a whole lot of people), and those who died as little children. For all of these, Christ has atoned. Only the rebellious and disobedient will not benefit from the atonement.

Mosiah 15:8-9

And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men—Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice.

Sometimes I simply stand in awe of God's plan of salvation. He sent his perfect Son to work out the perfect Atonement. The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ again and again in poignant eloquence that exceeds my poor understanding. Tonight I choose to "stand all amazed."

Mosiah 14:3-12

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth.

He was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people was he stricken.

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no evil, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief; when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

The prophet Abinadi used the words of Isaiah to prophesy the coming of the Messiah. No more beautiful or poignant language can be found to express the cost of Christ's atonement: "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed; the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted; he was taken from prison and from judgment; he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people was he stricken. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief; he shall bear their iniquities; he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." How can any soul not be touched by such great love?

Mosiah 13:28

And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

No set of commandments will save us. First, we cannot keep every commandment perfectly, so if we depend solely on our obedience, we will fail. Second, we each have unique circumstances, which require unique responses. Therefore, personal revelation is needed. God cannot list everything on paper for us all individually in advance. Salvation comes through the atonement and is directed by the Spirit. The atonement allows us to make mistakes, learn from them, repent, and improve without being permanently cast off and separated from God. Christ can justify us and make us worthy in the end. The flight may be bumpy, but Christ can smooth out the landing and ensure that we walk into the Father's arms unscathed.

Mosiah 13:25-26

[Abinadi] said unto them: Have ye taught this people that they should observe to do all these things for to keep these commandments? I say unto you, Nay; for if ye had, the Lord would not have caused me to come forth and to prophesy evil concerning this people.

Here is a simple truth: Messages from the prophets reflect the condition of our hearts. If our hearts are united with God and at peace, God sends messages of peace through his prophets. If, however, our hearts are turned against the Lord, he sends messages of warning. If we do not hear messages we like, the blame is not with the prophet, but with his audience.

Mosiah 13:13-14

And again: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generations of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

We choose how God reacts to us. He loves all his children, but he treats us differently depending on how we treat him.

Mosiah 12:21

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth;

We do not normally think of feet as beautiful. So why are the feet of the messengers on the mountain described as beautiful? Because feet represent the power to move and act. It is not the physical feet of these missionaries that are beautiful, but their service, their actions, the effort they make to bring glad tidings of atonement and redemption to everyone they can possibly reach. They are beautiful not only to God but to those whose hearts they touch and whose lives they change. Forty-seven years later I think with great fondness of Elders Bloomfield and Hampton, who taught my family the gospel.