Alma Chapter 5

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Summary:   Alma begins a significant ministry among the people. He preaches that in order to gain salvation, men must repent and keep the commandments. They must also be "born again" and be humble and "strip themselves of pride and envy". They also need to be righteous and perform righteous works. Those people who do good works are of the Lord, and those that do evil works are of the devil. He testified of the truth of his doctrine.

Lessons Taught/To be Learned:

Alma's two sermons (chapter 5 and 7) are hallmarks of his testimony and give a significant insight into his spiritual enlightenment. In this chapter Alma teaches the way to salvation is through a complete repentance (a change of heart away from sin and evil). Reading this chapter describes what a "true conversion" to be Christlike looks like.

Key Scriptures (italicized and in quotes):

"14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?""

"15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?"

"33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.""

"34 Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;""