Sunday, March 6, 2011

Alma 30- Anit Christ


Alma 30-

1 Behold, now it came to pass that after the people of Ammon were established in the land of Jershon, yea, and also after the Lamanites were driven out of the land, and their dead were buried by the people of the land--

2 Now their dead were not numbered because of the greatness of their numbers; neither were the dead of the Nephites numbered--but it came to pass after they had buried their dead, and also after the days of fasting, and mourning, and prayer, (and it was in the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi) there began to be continual peace throughout all the land. 
Notice that fasting, mourning, and prayer leads to continual peace for about 2 years before Lucifer finds another way to lead others astray. 

3 Yea, and the people did observe to keep the commandments of the Lord; and they were strict in observing the ordinances of God, according to the law of Moses; for they were taught to keep the law of Moses until it should be fulfilled.

4 And thus the people did have no disturbance in all the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

5 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the seventeenth year of the reign of the judges, there was continual peace.

6 But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth year, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ.

7 Now there was no law against a man’s belief; for it was strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds.

8 For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.

9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.

10 But if he murdered he was punished unto death; and if he robbed he was also punished; and if he stole he was also punished; and if he committed adultery he was also punished; yea, for all this wickedness they were punished.

11 For there was a law that men should be judged according to their crimes. Nevertheless, there was no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds.

12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) This is where Satan thrives, it is also where we need to be very careful not to make laws that take hold upon belief and freedom of speech) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying:

13 O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come.
How many examples do we see of this in our lives? Where Satan makes us think we are bound under the commandments of God. The commandments free us! (not of man, this is a entirely different topic) Think of all the ways we are bound when we do not keep the commandments of God. When we stop praying, serving others, meditating, contemplating and asking for divine instruction. Studying the words of men and woman who have had true peace and joy because they were able to free themselves of all things. To the opposite, drinking, drugs, prescription drugs, the desire to always fulfill selfish desires, clubbing, over eating, porn, masturbation, etc. The world will tell you that there is no consequence for such behavior (Lucifer plan). But when we honestly ponder upon the things that truly bind us (sin) we only see it brings misery and damnation. If anything we do keeps us from the literal presence of God, then we must repent. 
14 Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers. Notice how Lucifer is now attempting to use the same words as the men who truly know God? What consists of foolish traditions? Anything that distracts from knowing our maker or that distracts from the spirit. 

15 How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ. The opposite of faith.... 

16 Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so.

17 And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime.

18 And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness, yea, leading away many women, and also men, to commit whoredoms--telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof.

19 Now this man went over to the land of Jershon also, to preach these things among the people of Ammon, who were once the people of the Lamanites.

20 But behold they were more wise than many of the Nephites; for they took him, and bound him, and carried him before Ammon, who was a high priest over that people.

      21 And it came to pass that he caused that he should be carried out of the land. And he came over into the land of Gideon, and began to preach unto them also; and here he did not have much success, for he was taken and bound and carried before the high priest, and also the chief judge over the land.

22 And it came to pass that the high priest said unto him: Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye teach this people that there shall be no Christ, to interrupt their rejoicings? Why do ye speak against all the prophecies of the holy prophets?

23 Now the high priest’s name was Giddonah. And Korihor said unto him: Because I do not teach the foolish traditions of your fathers, and because I do not teach this people to bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and performances which are laid down by ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them, to keep them in ignorance, that they may not lift up their heads, but be brought down according to thy words.
This is a good argument. When you actually think about the ordinances, from a logical manner they are very weird. Why does a memorized prayer need to be offered and I need to be dunked under water in order to be "saved"? Why would I need to go to the temple and go through all the ordinances  in order to be "saved"? Why cant I just be saved by living a good life? Why cant we just do what we want, make as much money as we can, satisfy every lustful desire, and be happy? 
When I step back and ask myself who, what, where, when and why (context) we have ordinances then try to understand the principles they are teaching me, and then I look to see how I can apply (quick to observe). When I think about it. Ordinances are a way God can communicate with us in any day or age. Truthfully ordinances are the lower law. Actually talking to him is what the Ordinances are pointing to. Mediation and Reflection help us understand what he is trying to teach us. I have truly been lifted personally by surrounding myself around the ordinances because they point my mind and heart towards the true and living God.  

24 Ye say that this people is a free people. Behold, I say they are in bondage. Ye say that those ancient prophecies are true. Behold, I say that ye do not know that they are true.
What a great way to put it Lucifer, There is a little truth in this statement. That is if you define being free- being able to do whatever you want. Here is my question. If you make free choices that bind you down. Lets be extreme and exaggerate: I made a choice to drink 3 bottles of Whiskey, does that choice free me or bind me? If I decide to watch pornography every day and feed my flesh its inner desires and decide to stop on a dime would I feel free or bound? If I decided to eat fast food everyday, drink soda, energy drinks, coffee, and any other unhealthy substance and decided to just stop would I feel free or bound during the process. With my experience there should always be freedom of choice but there is always a consequence, and always when they come from the evil one they will bind you and me. That is why sincere prayer and being humble enough to allow the Atonement to work in your life is so amazing. We must ask though! You must plead to the father in sincere prayer that he will allow our Saviors redeeming love cause a might change in our heart and then we must act!  

25 Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people, because of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty because of its parents.
Satan is great at confusing, twisting, and using partial truths. Who ever said that a child was guilty? Now we see today the results of wicked traditions that lead people away because of transgressions. Think about what happens to a family that becomes ruined by drugs, sex, selfishness, lies, etc. We can write a 10 page paper about what has and can happen. Now are there cases where the children do not turn out anything like the parents? of course. But not usually.   

26 And ye also say that Christ shall come. But behold, I say that ye do not know that there shall be a Christ. And ye say also that he shall be slain for the sins of the world--
We need to be presented with more of these questions. How do you know that Christ shall come? Do you really know? Or did someone, parents, scriptures, friend tell you? How can you actually know and not just know about? 

27 And thus ye lead away this people after the foolish traditions of your fathers, and according to your own desires; and ye keep them down, even as it were in bondage, that ye may glut yourselves with the labors of their hands, that they durst not look up with boldness, and that they durst not enjoy their rights and privileges.
If these thing are happening to us then he is right.... D&C121 talks all about this. You can start to see these things creeping into the church, I am sure there has always has been.  

28 Yea, they durst not make use of that which is their own lest they should offend their priests, who do yoke them according to their desires, and have brought them to believe, by their traditions and their dreams and their whims and their visions and their pretended mysteries, that they should, if they did not do according to their words, offend some unknown being, who they say is God--a being who never has been seen or known, who never was nor ever will be.
This is what I hear constantly from those who hate religion and usually they are right. May we humble ourselves and become less compelling and more loving, kind and inviting. 

29 Now when the high priest and the chief judge saw the hardness of his heart, yea, when they saw that he would revile even against God, they would not make any reply to his words; but they caused that he should be bound; and they delivered him up into the hands of the officers, and sent him to the land of Zarahemla, that he might be brought before Alma, and the chief judge who was governor over all the land.
Smart. Without the spirit this conversation turns to contention which is what the Devil desires. 

30 And it came to pass that when he was brought before Alma and the chief judge, he did go on in the same manner as he did in the land of Gideon; yea, he went on to blaspheme.

31 And he did rise up in great swelling words before Alma, and did revile against the priests and teachers, accusing them of leading away the people after the silly traditions of their fathers, for the sake of glutting on the labors of the people.

32 Now Alma said unto him: Thou knowest that we do not glut ourselves upon the labors of this people; for behold I have labored even from the commencement of the reign of the judges until now, with mine own hands for my support, notwithstanding my many travels round about the land to declare the word of God unto my people.
Think about what Alma has been through already. If anyone could speak against such false accusations Alma is the one. He has given up so much status, worldly "power",credentials, money, for serving, loving, and leading others to our Master, Jesus Christ. As a church we love to claim that our local leaders do the same, which is awesome and true. But we seem to neglect the fact that the church employs a ton of people who do get paid. Now there are many who would love to explain why and "protect the church" but there is no need. The point is we need to be like Alma and not just be willing to give up everything for the Lord, but actually do it. Then we can have the same power and experiences he has had.  

33 And notwithstanding the many labors which I have performed in the church, I have never received so much as even one senine for my labor; neither has any of my brethren, save it were in the judgment-seat; and then we have received only according to law for our time.

34 And now, if we do not receive anything for our labors in the church, what doth it profit us to labor in the church save it were to declare the truth, that we may have rejoicings in the joy of our brethren?
Great question.

35 Then why sayest thou that we preach unto this people to get gain, when thou, of thyself, knowest that we receive no gain? And now, believest thou that we deceive this people, that causes such joy in their hearts?
How can you ever deny or try to get someone to deny  someone who is truly joyful in their hearts... you cant! 

36 And Korihor answered him, Yea.

37 And then Alma said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?

38 And he answered, Nay.

39 Now Alma said unto him: Will ye deny again that there is a God, and also deny the Christ? For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come.
Testify.. 

40 And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.
Great point Alma... 

41 But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them? Believest thou that these things are true?
Alma is asking if he denies his (alma's) testimony. Remember the power and truth he posses..... This is not some weak feel good testimony. There is a power convincing spirit here. 

42 Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God.
Now notice that Alma is now discerning by the power of God his intentions and thought. This is a gift that has been given to Alma.

43 And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words.

44 But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.
There are many great reasons why signs seem to fail us. I do not have the time to get into that. One thing to think about is the sign of the Book of Mormon. To me this is one of the most obvious signs and look how we and others treat it? We mock and neglect one of the greatest signs given to us in the modern day. 

45 And yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of this people, testifying unto them there is no God? And yet will ye deny against all these witnesses? And he said: Yea, I will deny, except ye shall show me a sign.

46 And now it came to pass that Alma said unto him: Behold, I am grieved because of the hardness of your heart, yea, that ye will still resist the spirit of the truth, that thy soul may be destroyed.

47 But behold, it is better that thy soul should be lost than that thou shouldst be the means of bringing many souls down to destruction, by thy lying and by thy flattering words; therefore if thou shalt deny again, behold God shall smite thee, that thou shalt become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth any more, that thou shalt not deceive this people any more.

48 Now Korihor said unto him: I do not deny the existence of a God, but I do not believe that there is a God; and I say also, that ye do not know that there is a God; and except ye show me a sign, I will not believe.

49 Now Alma said unto him: This will I give unto thee for a sign, that thou shalt be struck dumb, according to my words; and I say, that in the name of God, ye shall be struck dumb, that ye shall no more have utterance.

50 Now when Alma had said these words, Korihor was struck dumb, that he could not have utterance, according to the words of Alma.

51 And now when the chief judge saw this, he put forth his hand and wrote unto Korihor, saying: Art thou convinced of the power of God? In whom did ye desire that Alma should show forth his sign? Would ye that he should afflict others, to show unto thee a sign? Behold, he has showed unto you a sign; and now will ye dispute more?

52 And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I know that I am dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing save it were the power of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always knew that there was a God.

53 But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I have brought this great curse upon me.

54 Now when he had said this, he besought that Alma should pray unto God, that the curse might be taken from him.

55 But Alma said unto him: If this curse should be taken from thee thou wouldst again lead away the hearts of this people; therefore, it shall be unto thee even as the Lord will.

56 And it came to pass that the curse was not taken off of Korihor; but he was cast out, and went about from house to house begging for his food.

57 Now the knowledge of what had happened unto Korihor was immediately published throughout all the land; yea, the proclamation was sent forth by the chief judge to all the people in the land, declaring unto those who had believed in the words of Korihor that they must speedily repent, lest the same judgments would come unto them.

58 And it came to pass that they were all convinced of the wickedness of Korihor; therefore they were all converted again unto the Lord; and this put an end to the iniquity after the manner of Korihor. And Korihor did go about from house to house, begging food for his support.

59 And it came to pass that as he went forth among the people, yea, among a people who had separated themselves from the Nephites and called themselves Zoramites, being led by a man whose name was Zoram--and as he went forth amongst them, behold, he was run upon and trodden down, even until he was dead.

60 And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.