Alma 12

Standing before Him at the Judgment

For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. Alma 12:14–15

The wicked will wish the mountains could hide them, the same picture John uses of people hiding from the wrath of the Lamb. The One who has power to save everyone who believes on His name is the Savior.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Revelation 6:16 — People tell the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb.
• alludes to Luke 23:30 — Jesus foretells people saying to the mountains, Fall on us.
• alludes to Alma 11:40 — Salvation for those who believe on His name.

The plan of redemption

Now, if it had not been for the plan of redemption, which was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been no resurrection of the dead; but there was a plan of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, of which has been spoken. Alma 12:25

The plan of redemption was prepared before the world was made, and it is what brings the Resurrection. At its center is Christ's Atonement, planned from the beginning to rescue Adam's fallen children.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Mosiah 4:6 — The atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world.
• alludes to Revelation 13:8 — The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
• alluded to by Alma 42:15 — Alma to Corianton: the plan of mercy requires that God himself atone for the sins of the world.

The plan of redemption taught to Adam

Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory. Alma 12:29–30

After the Fall, angels taught Adam's family and they began to call on the name of the Lord. The Book of Moses shows that an angel taught Adam that his sacrifices pointed to the Only Begotten, so this is when people first learned of Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Moses 5:4 — Adam and Eve called upon the name of the Lord.
• alludes to Moses 5:7 — An angel explains that sacrifice is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father.

Only Begotten Son

Only Begotten — the only child of God the Father in the flesh

But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son; Alma 12:33–34

Alma quotes the Father Himself: mercy and forgiveness come through 'mine Only Begotten Son.' Anyone who repents and does not harden their heart can claim that mercy.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Moses 5:8 — Adam is told to repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
• the same title in Moses 6:52 — The Father tells Adam to be baptized in the name of His Only Begotten Son.
• the same title in Alma 13:5 — Alma continues: the atonement of the Only Begotten Son, who was prepared.

Jehovah and the rest of the Lord

And whosoever will harden his heart and will do iniquity, behold, I swear in my wrath that he shall not enter into my rest. Alma 12:35–37

Alma echoes the Psalm where the LORD (Jehovah) swore that rebellious Israel would not enter His rest. The provocation in the wilderness was against Jehovah, the premortal Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Psalm 95:11 — The LORD: 'Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.'
• alludes to Hebrews 3:11 — Paul quotes the same oath and applies it to Christ's followers.