Alma Sets the Church in Order

After Alma finished speaking to the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders to preside and watch over the church. He did this ordination by the laying on of his hands, according to the order of God.

Those who had not belonged to the church, but who repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance and received into the church. Those who belonged to the church, yet refused to repent and humble themselves—who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts—were excommunicated and not numbered with the righteous. This is how the priests and elders began to establish the order of the church in the city of Zarahemla.

I, Mormon, want you to understand that God’s word was liberal to all, for no one was deprived of his right to assemble and hear the word of God. The children of God were commanded to gather together often, and to join in fasting and mighty prayer on behalf of the welfare of the souls who did not know God. After making these regulations, Alma left the city of Zarahemla and went to the valley of Gideon, east of the Sidon River. In that valley was the city of Gideon, named after the man who was killed by Nehor.

Alma declared God’s word to the church established in Gideon. He spoke by revelation, confirming the truth of his forefathers’ words. He also spoke by the spirit of prophecy because of his testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who would come to redeem His people from their sins. Alma did all things according to the holy order of God to which he had been called.