“Resurrection of Christ”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

There are at least a couple of ways to try to understand Alma’s remarks in this verse. In one sense, Alma may be referring to the “rise” of the righteous spirit to paradise in the same sense that the body rises in the resurrection. If so, it is an odd use of the word resurrection.

Second, since the doctrines of resurrection and judgment are so inextricably intertwined, since they are always taught together, Alma may be referring to the departure of the spirits into the spirit world at death- and particularly the division of those spirits into paradise and outer darkness- as a type of first judgment.

This is in fact what President Joseph F. Smith called a “partial judgment” that takes place at the time of death. “Death is not the end,” he taught. “When we, sorrowing, lay away our loved ones in the grave, we have an assurance based upon the life, words and resurrection of Christ, that we shall again meet and shake hands and associate with them in a better life, where sorrow and trouble are ended, and where there is to be no more parting.”

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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