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Unbelievers Persecute the Believers

But the persecution of the people of the church by the unbelievers became so great that the church members began to lose faith and began to complain to their leaders. Their leaders complained to Alma, who laid the case before King Mosiah. After Mosiah consulted with his priests, he sent a proclamation throughout the land, stating that unbelievers could not persecute those who belonged to God’s church. There was also a strict command throughout all the churches that there would be no persecutions among them. They were told to treat all people equally. No pride or haughtiness was to disturb their peace, and everyone was to love his neighbor as himself, working with his own hands for his support.

The priests and teachers were also commanded to work with their own hands for their own support, unless they were sick or in great need. By doing this, the Nephites enjoyed God’s grace. Peace was restored, and the people became very numerous, spreading out over the land in all directions, building large cities and villages.

As the Lord visited and prospered them, they became a numerous and wealthy people. However, King Mosiah’s own sons were among the unbelievers. One of Alma’s sons, Alma, was also an unbeliever. He became a very wicked and idolatrous man. He was a man of many words and used much flattery to lead many people after his sinful ways. Alma’s son became a great obstacle to the growth of God’s church, for he led away people’s hearts and caused many to leave the church, giving God’s enemy a chance to exercise power over them.

One day, Alma’s son Alma and Mosiah’s sons were secretly going about to destroy God’s church—to lead the Lord’s people astray, contrary to the commandments of God and of the king. As they were going about, an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The angel came down as if in a cloud, and he spoke with a voice of thunder, causing the earth to shake beneath them. Alma and Mosiah’s sons were so astonished that they fell down and did not hear what the angel was saying. But the angel cried out again, “Alma, arise and face me! Why do you persecute God’s church? The Lord has said, ‘This is my church, and I will establish it. Nothing will overthrow it except the transgression of my people.’ The Lord has heard the prayers of His people, including His servant, Alma, your father, who has prayed with great faith that you would come to know the truth. I have come to convince you of God’s power and authority so that the prayers of His servants will be answered according to their faith. And now, can you deny God’s power? For does not my voice shake the earth? Can you not see me before you? And I am sent from God! Now I say to you, remember the captivity of your fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi. Remember the great things God did for them, for they were in bondage, and He delivered them. Now go your way, Alma, and stop trying to destroy the church, that the prayers for the salvation of your soul may be answered in spite of your rebellion.”

After saying this to Alma, the angel left. Alma and Mosiah’s sons were so astonished that they fell down again. They had seen an angel of the Lord with their own eyes! His voice had been like thunder, shaking the earth! They knew that nothing but God’s power could cause the earth to tremble as if it were about to split open. And Alma was too astonished to speak. He became so weak that he could not speak or even move his hands. He was so helpless that Mosiah’s sons carried him to his father, Alma, and told him everything that had happened.

Upon hearing this, Alma’s father rejoiced, knowing that it had been done by God’s power. He had a large crowd come to see what the Lord had done for his son, and also for Mosiah’s sons. Alma’s father then called priests together to fast and to pray to the Lord, asking Him to restore Alma’s speech and strength—that the eyes of the people would be opened to see and know of God’s goodness and glory.

After the priests had fasted and prayed for two days and nights, Alma stood up and began to speak, telling them to be comforted. He said, “I have repented of my sins, and I have been redeemed by the Lord. I have been born of His Spirit! The Lord said to me, ‘Do not wonder that all people in all nations must be born of God again. They must be changed from their carnal and fallen state to a state of righteousness—being redeemed by God—becoming His sons and daughters. All must become new creatures, and unless they do this, they cannot inherit God’s kingdom.’ Unless we change, we must be cast off from God’s presence. I know this because I was about to be cast off. But after suffering greatly while unconscious, repenting while close to death, the Lord in His mercy has seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am now born of God! My soul has been redeemed from bitter pain and compulsive sin. I was in the darkest pit, but now I behold God’s marvelous light. While my soul was being racked with eternal torment, I was snatched away and my soul is now free from pain! I had rejected my Redeemer, denying our forefathers’ words, but now I know that our Redeemer will show Himself to all, so that all may look forward to His coming. I know that He remembers each person He has created, for at the last day, every person will be resurrected, and then stand before Him to be judged. We will all kneel and confess that He is God. Those who rejected God in the world will confess that their judgment of an everlasting punishment is just. They will quake, tremble, and cower when He looks at them and sees them in all their wickedness.”

From that day forward, Alma and Mosiah’s sons began to teach the people as they traveled throughout the land, telling of what they had seen and heard. They preached God’s word in much tribulation, for they were greatly persecuted and even beaten by the unbelievers. But in spite of their suffering, they patiently consoled the church, confirming their faith and encouraging them with great patience to keep God’s commandments.

Mosiah’s four sons, who taught with Alma, were Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni.

They traveled throughout the land of Zarahemla among all the people of King Mosiah. They zealously did everything they could to repair the damage they had done to the church. They constantly confessed their sins and declared everything they had seen. They explained the prophecies and the scriptures to all who wanted to hear. By doing these things, they were instruments in God’s hands, bringing many to know of their Redeemer. And how blessed they are for publishing peace and good news, and for declaring to the people that the Lord reigns.

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