Korihor the Anti–Christ

Exchange with Alma in Zarahemla

Alma 30:30–31

Upon meeting Alma in Zarahemla, Korihor reiterates his previous comments.

And it came to pass that when he was brought before Alma and the chief judge, he did go on in the same manner as he did in the land of Gideon; yea, he went on to blaspheme. And he did rise up in great swelling words before Alma, and did revile against the priests and teachers, accusing them of leading away the people after the silly traditions of their fathers, for the sake of glutting on the labors of the people.

Alma 30:32–35

Alma identifies the logical fallacy in claiming that the leaders are oppressing the people for their own gain and asks Korihor if he thinks that the leaders are deceiving the people.

Now Alma said unto him:

“Thou knowest that we do not glut ourselves upon the labors of this people; for behold I have labored even from the commencement of the reign of the judges until now, with mine own hands for my support, notwithstanding my many travels round about the land to declare the word of God unto my people.

“And notwithstanding the many labors which I have performed in the church, I have never received so much as even one senine for my labor; neither has any of my brethren, save it were in the judgment–seat; and then we have received only according to law for our time.

“And now, if we do not receive anything for our labors in the church, what doth it profit us to labor in the church save it were to declare the truth, that we may have rejoicings in the joy of our brethren?

“Then why sayest thou that we preach unto this people to get gain, when thou, of thyself, knowest that we receive no gain?

“And now, believest thou that we deceive this people, that causes such joy in their hearts?”

Alma 30:36

Korihor says he does.

And Korihor answered him,

“Yea.”

Alma 30:37–38

Alma asks if Korihor believes in God; Korihor answers no.

And then Alma said unto him:

“Believest thou that there is a God?”

And he answered,

“Nay.”

Alma 30:39–42

Alma confirms his convictions, and suspects that Korihor is lying.

Now Alma said unto him:

“Will ye deny again that there is a God, and also deny the Christ?

“For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come. and now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.

“But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them?

“Believest thou that these things are true? Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God.”