Alma 45

This chapter marks the first chapter of the record of Helaman and not Alma. It's a little confusing, because it is still the Book of Alma, but his son Helaman is the one now writing the record. I'm pretty sure that the Book of Helaman is named after Alma's grandson Helaman.

Alma comes to Helaman and and asks him three questions: Do you believe what I have told you about these records? Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Will ye keep my commandments? Helaman is able to respond yes to all three. Alma then reveals to him things that he is supposed to write down and not reveal to the people.

Alma prophesies that the Nephites will fall into wickedness and be destroyed only four hundred years after Christ's coming. This must have been so sad and depressing for Helaman to hear. But I am glad that the prophets in the Book of Mormon realized the importance of their ministry to both their own people, and the people of future generations long past the end of the Nephites.

Alma leaves a final blessing on the land and church: 15 And now it came to pass that after Alma had said these things to Helaman, he blessed him, and also his other sons; and he also blessed the earth for the righteous' sake.

16 And he said: Thus saith the Lord God—Cursed shall be the land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, unto destruction, which do wickedly, when they are fully ripe; and as I have said so shall it be; for this is the cursing and the blessing of God upon the land, for the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.

17 And now, when Alma had said these words he blessed the church, yea, all those who should stand fast in the faith from that time henceforth.

I'm glad that I can feel that I am a righteous inhabitant of the land, though it is scary to look around and see so much wickedness. However, I feel better when we drive by all the churches near us and see how many people are going faithfully each Sunday. This nation is still predominantly God-fearing and that makes me optimistic.

-Tori