“Shall He Save His People in Their Sins?”

Brant Gardner

Zeezrom will make two accusations in verse 35. He set up the first with the question about the Son of God. He sets up the second by opening what must have been a prickly theological controversy between the Nephite and Nehorite religions. Abinadi and Noah’s priests had debated the question about the Messiah’s function (Mosiah 15). Nehor himself had called into question the need for an Atoning Messiah: “And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life” (Alma 1:4). Nehor and those of the same religious beliefs apparently believed in Yahweh and the Mosaic law (like Noah’s priests) and believed in the Triumphant Messiah of the last days, but denied the need for an Atoning and Redeeming Messiah. They believed that the God who made man had already redeemed him and there was no need for any further redemption. (See “Excursus: Religion of the Nehors,” following Alma 1.) Zeezrom asks Amulek this question so that Amulek will have to state a belief contrary to that held by his audience.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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