Among the important lessons reviewed in these passages of the Book of Mormon is that the Lord’s universal message to all mankind is simply to repent and come unto Christ. This message, delivered with unmistakable clarity by the Lord’s chosen servants is always confirmed through the power of a second witness or even multiple witnesses. Not all will receive these witnesses willingly. Antionah and his colleagues in the leadership of the city of Ammonihah—with the exception of Zeezrom—rejected the message of Alma and Amulek when they came to preach around 82 b.c. The following year, in 81 b.c., the Lamanites came upon the so-called invincible city and destroyed it “in one day” (Alma 16:10).
The Lord has ordained that the most effective strategy for dealing with unbelievers is to always follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in teaching them the truth. The quality of the listeners’ hearts will determine how much of the word of God they will accept: hardened hearts are not a fertile seedbed for truth; but hearts that are broken and spirits that are contrite will be open to the blessings of spiritual knowledge.
We are reminded in these sacred passages from the Book of Mormon that there is power in treasuring up the word in our minds so that we can teach by the Spirit and bear testimony of the truth—especially as an additional witness. The law of witnesses has majesty. It is another way the Lord has of bringing credibility to His work. It has the power to establish truth.
In our desire to follow our Savior, we should always remember to examine the “state of our heart.” Is it broken, easily entreated, and yielding to the Lord? If it is, our becoming as He is will be the result of our having a willing and humble heart.