“They Have Been Cut Off from the Presence of the Lord”

D. Kelly Ogden, Andrew C. Skinner

Alma outlined the ways the people of Nephi had been blessed by God: they had (1) received knowledge of things past, present, and future according to their desires; (2) been visited by the Spirit of God; (3) conversed with angels; (4) heard the voice of the Lord; (5) received the spirit of revelation; (6) received spiritual gifts; (7) been spared destruction and delivered from bondage time after time; and (8) been given material prosperity. No wonder Alma then said, “It shall be more tolerable for [the Lamanites] in the day of judgment than for you”; compare the similar pronouncement made by Jesus on Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida (Matthew 11:21–24). 15 On falling into grave transgressions after receiving so much light and knowledge, being highly favored with the Spirit of God and many spiritual gifts, being saved from wars, famines, and diseases, and being greatly prospered, see commentary at Alma 24:30.

Verse by Verse: The Book of Mormon: Vol. 1

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