Alma’s mastery of the spirit of prophecy and revelation had made him a powerful missionary like the sons of Mosiah. The prepared servant is the Lord’s greatest weapon because he or she can preach the word by the Spirit. Mormon indicates that the word was more powerful than the sword. But the word of God is also a sword, a spiritual sword, which is sharper than any man-made weapon, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of body and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (JST Heb 4:12).
This spiritual sword is part of the armor of righteousness, take…the sword of my spirit…and my word which I reveal unto you (DC 27:18). Therefore the sword of the armor of God is the word of God spoken by the Spirit. It is also a two-edged sword. Each edge has a different effect. To the wicked, one edge cutteth them to the very center (1 Nephi 16:2). To the righteous, the word of God actually heals their wounds (Jacob 2:8). This amazing sword can make deep wounds in wicked flesh while simultaneously healing wounds in righteous flesh. What a remarkable tool!
In wielding this sword in the cause of truth, Alma will find that the word of God will cut the wicked to the very center. It will divide joints and marrow but stops short at those hearts which have been hardened as if with reinforced steel. This was what happened to Mormon prior to the destruction of the Nephites, when I speak the word of God with sharpness they tremble and anger against me; and when I use no sharpness they harden their hearts against it; wherefore, I fear lest the Spirit of the Lord hath ceased striving with them (Moroni 9:4).
Ezra Taft Benson
“The gospel is the only answer to the problems of the world. We may cry peace. We may hold peace conferences. And I have nothing but commendation for those who work for peace. But it is my conviction that peace must come from within. It cannot be imposed by state mandate. It can come only by following the teachings and the example of the Prince of Peace.” (Title of Liberty, pp. 213-4 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 303)
Boyd K. Packer
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1986, p. 20 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 303)