If More People Knew

"If we understood the nature of repentance better, there would be more of it!" Neal A. Maxwell

This week's scripture block was Mosiah 27 - Alma 7.  We begin with Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah,  the "rising generation."  These sons of a prophet and king think the church is a farce. They actively seek to take people away from the church. Then some thing happens. An angel of the Lord appears and Alma is struck dumb. During his 2 days and 2 nights of being in this sleep / dumb state he was repenting and learning of the truth.  He awakens having repented being truly converted.

If you have read my prior posts you are aware that my personal goal in studying the Book of Mormon at this go around is to make it personal to me. This book was preserved for us in these latter days to learn and grow and know of His truths.  What can we/I learn here?  These chapters above show us repeatedly the Lords desire and lesson for us to repent.

I am not one who has ever tried to take people away from the church. I will most likely never be struck dumb and in a coma for 2 days for my mighty change of heart to happen. And even though  I know angels of the Lord appear to people in this dispensation I am probably not going to have one come down and chastise me for making stupid choices.

I am a sinner. I am an imperfect person. I make mistakes. However, I know through the atonement of Jesus Christ I am able to repent. I am able to be forgiven of my sins. I am given the promise of assistance in forsaking my sin and doing it no more.

In Alma 7 we learn of the Savior and that "he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pain and sickness of his people."   Alma 7:11.

In Alma there are many articles and conference talks and scriptures of repentance and the process of repentance. I have a firm testimony of repentance.  The verses in the image above also tell us a guide, Alma gave to the people that  would help guide then in this life. These words hold for us as well.