Alma the Younger

Alma the younger, after whom the Book of Alma was named, was the son of a prophet of the same name in the Book of Mormon. Alma is first mentioned as an unbeliever, engaged in prosecuting and destroying the church. The prosecution that Alma and his followers caused weighed on the church so much so that “the church began to murmur and complain...”(Mosiah 27:1) and Alma and the unbelievers “...became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people;”(Mosiah 27:9).

The Lord answered the faithful prayers of his people and Alma was visited by an angel of the Lord who asked him “Why persecutest thou the church of God?”( Mosiah 27:13) and commanded Alma to cease destroying the church and to recognize the power and authority of God. Alma repented and went on to become a powerful instrument in the hands of the Lord preaching the gospel of repentance and baptism.

The book of Alma shares many of Alma’s missionary experiences as he travels and preaches in Gideon, Zarahemla, Ammonihah, and to the Zoramites. Some of the more valued teachings of Alma are shortly before handing over the plates to his son Helaman. Alma instructs his sons, Shiblon, Corianton, and Helaman on death, resurrection, the unpardonable sin, chastity, and the plan of salvation.

The scriptures record that Alma’s mortal life ended without his ever tasting death, meaning he was translated by the Lord, as was Moses.

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