“Zeezrom is Healed Through Faith”

Monte S. Nyman

Zeezrom, “the foremost to accuse Alma and Amulek, he being one of the most expert among them” (Alma 10:31), was now among the believers. He had experienced a mighty change of heart, but was also experiencing the pains of hell. His mental anguish had caused him extreme physical suffering as well (Alma 15:3). While the two afflictions are not always connected, there is often a relationship between physical and mental afflictions.

Zeezrom’s healing is an example of what happens to one who has “faith in [Christ] to be healed” (D&C 42:48). He believed all the words that Alma had taught concerning the power of Christ unto life and salvation, and he also believed he could be healed through faith in Christ (Alma 15:6–9). It was upon these conditions that Alma blessed him to be healed (v. 10). Zeezrom’s faith was exemplified by his leaping to his feet and walking (v. 11). The text implies that many were baptized because of his being healed, but it is not directly stated. Nevertheless the church was established and flourished following his healing (vv. 12–14). Zeezrom began immediately to preach the gospel (v. 12). Such actions would help him retain a remission of sins (see Mosiah 4:11–12; and Alma 4:14). Those who fail to occupy themselves in doing good may have their former sins return (see D&C 82:7).

Book of Mormon Commentary: The Record of Alma

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