Rhetoric: Alma now asks his congregation to personalize their covenant. It is not enough to be members of the church and express belief in the Atoning Messiah. Alma pointedly asks if his listeners can see themselves as welcomed and blessed by the Messiah in person.
His mention of “works” should not be seen as opposing the concept of salvation by grace. Alma is not discussing Yahweh’s grace but his people’s actions. In his social context, Alma is attacking a crippling social division based on religious principles. He therefore emphasizes that his listeners’ actions must be in harmony with gospel principles. If they are not, the social problems would be immediately exacerbated.
Alma 1:22 describes some church-men who responded to persecution by active retaliation: They “began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they would smite one another with their fists.” Alma makes it clear that such behavior cannot continue. Belief in the Atoning Messiah obligates them to undertake personal “works of righteousness,” including responding to opposition in appropriate ways.
Church-men who had the name of believer but not the behavior expected of a believer increased the social tensions in Zarahemla. Alma warns them that they cannot lie to Yahweh-Messiah. Their actions must follow his teachings, for mere membership will not save them.