Alma 39

To his son Corianton, Alma said, “I have more to say to you than I did to Shiblon. Have you noticed his steadiness, faithfulness, and diligence in keeping God’s commandments? Hasn’t he set a good example for you? When we went on our mission to the Zoramites you didn’t pay a lot of attention to my words. Instead, you went around boasting about your strength and wisdom.

“What most grieved me though was your departure from our ministry to chase after the prostitute Isabel. She seduces the hearts of many, but this is no excuse for you. You should have stayed with your mission companions, and the tasks to which you were entrusted. Don’t you know that fornication is an abomination in the sight of God? Other than shedding innocent blood or denying God, this is the most abominable sin in God’s eyes. I wish that you were not guilty of so great a crime. I wouldn’t bring all of this up, and dwell on it if it weren’t for your own good. You cannot hide your crimes from God, and unless you repent they will stand against you on judgment day.

“I want you to repent for your sins, and quit your immoral behavior. Unless you do this, you cannot inherit the kingdom of God. I want you to confer with your older brothers, seek their guidance in your life, and pay attention to their advice. Don’t let yourself be led away into vanity and foolishness. Do not let the devil tempt you again with those wicked prostitutes.

“Look at the harm you did to our mission to the Zoramites. When they saw your conduct, they refused to believe my words. The Spirit of God has said to me, ‘Command your children to do good, or else they lead many people to destruction.’ In the fear of God then, I order you to quit your sinfulness.

“Turn to God with all your mind, might, and strength so that you will not be a bad example to others. Return to those to whom you’ve been a bad example and acknowledge your errors. You cannot carry riches and vanity with you after death, so quit chasing after them now.

“Jesus Christ will surely come to take away the sins of the world and bring good news of salvation to his people. This is the ministry to which you were called. Declare this news to the people and prepare their minds for the salvation that is to come to them and their children. Do you wonder about why these things need be known for so long before they happen? It is because the souls who are now living are just as precious to God as are the souls at the time of Christ’s arrival. It is necessary that the plan of redemption be known to the people alive now, as well as to their children. This is why God sends his angel to declare this great news to us and our children at this time.” [74 BC]