Alma 16:9-10 - Destruction of Ammonihah

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 carcasses were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness.

This gruesome description of the destruction of the people of Ammonihah serves as a reminder to all the consequences of ignoring the Lord’s prophets and living in wickedness. Alma and Amulek preached to many cities converting thousands, however, upon arriving in Ammonihah, they were not as kindly received. The people there followed after the manner of Nehor, meaning that they thoroughly rejected the teachings of the prophets and lifted themselves in the pride of the world. In addition to outright rejecting the teachings of Alma and Amulek, they also imprisoned them, violently beating them. Alma prophesied to them that if they did not repent, their city would be utterly destroyed. They mocked him for this, proclaiming the greatness of their city. However, as seen through these verses, Alma’s prophecy was fulfilled and not only was the city and all its inhabitants destroyed, but the stench was so bad that everyone else called the land Desolation and never sought to settle it.

There are many lessons one can ascertain from this example. The primary point to understand focuses on prophetic counsel and one’s adherence to it. The Ammonihahites were given many chances and opportunities to change and repent, however, so great was their wickedness that they actively sought to tear down any righteous person. While entire cities are not being destroyed today, one still needs to be weary of those who seek to disobey the prophet. There is a myriad of ways people show this abhorrence for the Lord’s servants. Some protest, both in person and on social media. Others cultivate that attitude in their own homes, allowing their descent to dictate their thoughts and actions. Many of these doubts begin subtlety as people get caught up in little ideas that fester until the foundation of their testimony is crumbled. To prevent this, one must remember to not turn to the world for answers, but rather to the prophet and God Himself. Seldom hard questions resolve quickly without sacrifice and effort. This search for truth and commitment for obedience is worthwhile as the prize is exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father. 

Blessed and Happy State

Mosiah 18:13-14 - Baptism of Helam

“13 And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world.

14 And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit.”

A common theme found in the Book of Mormon is baptism and the importance of the associated covenants. Chapter 18 of Mosiah is especially telling of the purposes of baptism and the joy it brings to those who commit to “serve him until [they] are dead as to the mortal body.” In these two verses, one can better understand how exactly the mode of baptism occurs and what blessings arise from such action. Helam, one of the converts of Alma, is the first to be baptized in the Waters of Mormon. There are a couple notable statements that Alma says that indicates what should be said in the baptismal ordinance. First, he states his authority whereby he has power to baptize in the name of Christ. Second, it is emphasized that Helam’s baptism is an outward sign of his inner covenant, or promise, that he’ll remain faithful to God for the rest of his life. The Book of Mormon in particular is very good at pointing out the covenant nature of baptism.

          This scripture also shows the reader the blessings of baptism. Alma promises Helam that the “Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon” him thus enabling him to be closer to God and feel His love. This in turn also allows Helam to partake of the blessing of eternal life in which he may return to God “through the redemption of Christ.” Notice, that it is only through Christ that man can return to Him, however, baptism serves as an ordinance showing our commitment to follow Christ’s gospel. This entire chapter presents an intimate vignette into the joys of baptism and how, when administered correctly, brings great blessings into people’s lives. 

Mosiah 2:9 - How to Unfold the Mysteries of God

“9 And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.”

The context of this scripture centers around King Benjamin and his final speech to his people shortly before his death. His sermon is perhaps one of the greatest found in the Book of Mormon. He focuses his thoughts on important topics likes the Atonement, the role of Jesus Christ, and how to serve one another. While emphasis is often placed on his actual words, one can also gain significant insights when they study this verse as well.

In this verse King Benjamin pleads with the people that they “hearken unto [him], and open [their] ears.” It is interesting to note that the two verbs he chooses were hearken and open. These two words denote actions that require a certain amount of initiative from within the individual. Instead of passively hearing his words, King Benjamin invites his people, and simultaneously people today, to actively choose to engage in his sermon.

Additionally, he places equal emphasis on opening their “hearts that [they] may understand” the doctrine on a more sacred level. A common motif found throughout all scripture is the heart and the role it plays in helping a person gain a testimony of the gospel. To actively listen with the heart, the individual needs to invoke the power of the Holy Ghost so that the truths may be interpreted spiritually. The process whereby this occurs is not always easy, however, it proves to be the most effective method for the conversion of the soul. Spiritual learning transcends all physical forms and allows the individual to more deeply understand God. Even later, King Benjamin states that by opening one’s ears and heart, “the mysteries of God may be unfolded to [one’s] view.” These great mysteries deal with the core doctrine of Christ and the personal application of it to one’s self. As people strive to better understand the Plan of God for all humanity by using the spirit, they will ultimately be able to move forward with faith knowing how they personally fit within that Plan. 

For He Knoweth All Things

2 Nephi 29:11-12 - Unrevealed Scripture Yet to Come

“11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.”

This scripture has always been an intriguing rebuttal to those who argue that the Bible is the only scripture one needs. As referenced many times within the Bible itself, God is infinite and His works and glory cannot be fully understood by man. Based upon that knowledge of the characteristics of God, one cannot then arbitrarily limit His words in scripture. As is stated in verse 11, God has commanded not just the Jews or even the Nephites to transcribe their spiritual history and revelations, but all men everywhere. This leads one to understand that there is even more scripture that has yet to be revealed.

One reads in 3 Nephi an account of Christ Himself proclaiming that he has “other sheep, which are not of this [the Americas] land, neither of the land of Jerusalem.” Later, it is revealed that not only do these other sheep exist, but that Christ has “received a commandment of the Father that [He] shall go unto them, and that they shall hear [His] voice” showing once again God’s infinite love for all His children. It can be inferred through this passage that other scriptures besides the Book of Mormon and the Bible do exist and that someday all will be revealed. The Book of Mormon is not only another testament of Jesus Christ, but also of God’s presence in the lives of all people.  

2 Nephi 5:10,16,26-27 - Lived After the Manner of Happiness

“10 And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses.

16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.

26 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph, that they should be priests and teachers over the land of my people.

27 And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.”

        In 2 Nephi chapter 5, the reader sees the split of Lehi’s family and the formation of the famous dichotomy of the Nephites and the Lamanities. Nephi gives us a brief history of some of the actions his people took once they were separated. In the culmination of these righteous actions Nephi then declares that his family “lived after the manner of happiness.” This search for happiness is easily one of the most sought-after states of being that humans desire. Upon a closer inspection of this chapter, we can see what led Nephi and his people to become happy.

       In verse 10, Nephi explains that his family “did observe to keep the judgments and the statutes and the commandments of the Lord in all things.” Thus, we see that if we follow God’s commands in all faucets of our lives, we, too, can be happier and “prosper exceedingly” like Nephi’s people did. Of course, one’s own dedication to obedience does not necessarily negate all trials and hardships in life. However, we have been given the promise that as we strive to become more like God and accept His plan for us, everything ultimately will work out.

       Another principle of happiness we observe is found in verse 16 where Nephi “did build a temple…after the manner of the temple of Solomon.” Even though they had been recently relocated to a new place, Nephi’s people demonstrated their love of God by immediately building a new temple where they can worship. This shows that temple worship allows one to find more joy in their life. In connecting that to the modern day, the Saints today should strive to include visits to the temple in their routines.

       The last principle of happiness creation is found in verse 26 where we see that Nephi “did consecrate Jacob and Joseph…[to] be priests and teachers.” It is clear here that the Priesthood and the ordination of it is important. Through the blessings of the Priesthood power, Nephi and his people felt closer to God and made sacred covenants.

       We see that through commandment keeping, temple building, and Priesthood power, one can attain happiness in this life. As we strive to follow Nephi and his example we, too, can develop a strong relationship with God.