The resurrection—or the miracle of joining the spirit to the incorruptible body—will occur after the Messiah’s mortal mission. This explanation confirms that these events really will take place in the future. Obviously, Corianton had been forced to make a similar admission to his Zoramite questioners, an admission that shook Corianton’s confidence that they would, in fact, occur.
However, Alma strengthens his son’s faith by giving him the benefit of his own earnest searching: “I have inquired diligently of God that I might know.” He thus models for Corianton the correct behavior when a troubling doctrinal question arises. God does not present us with all knowledge simply because we are members of the Church. Indeed, he does not simply present information to a prophet and leader as great as Alma. Each individual must do as Alma did and inquire diligently. The same rewards of understanding are available when we put forth the same kind of effort.