Alma 30

Law of Moses pointing to Christ

Yea, and the people did observe to keep the commandments of the Lord; and they were strict in observing the ordinances of God, according to the law of Moses; for they were taught to keep the law of Moses until it should be fulfilled. Alma 30:3

The Nephites kept the law of Moses knowing it was temporary, a set of ordinances that pointed to Christ and would be fulfilled by Him. Keeping it 'until it should be fulfilled' is faith that He would come.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• interpreted by Alma 34:13-14 — Amulek says the whole meaning of the law points to the great and last sacrifice, the Son of God.
• interpreted by Mosiah 13:30-31 — Abinadi: the law's performances and ordinances were types of things to come.
• fulfilled by 3 Nephi 15:4-5 — The risen Christ declares the law given to Moses fulfilled in Him.

Christ

Christ — the Anointed One (Greek Christos, Hebrew Messiah)

But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth year, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ. Alma 30:6

Mormon names Korihor an Anti-Christ because he fought the prophecies of Christ's coming. The chapter defines the enemy by what he denies: the Savior.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Jacob 7:2 — Sherem likewise preached that there should be no Christ.
• alludes to Jacob 7:11 — Jacob answers that none of the prophets have prophesied save they have spoken concerning this Christ.

Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying: Alma 30:12–16

Korihor mocks the believers' hope in a coming Christ and their faith that He brings a remission of sins. His argument, that you cannot know what you cannot see, is the exact opposite of the faith Alma teaches in Alma 32.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Alma 32:21 — Alma answers this reasoning: faith is hoping for things not seen, which are true.
• alludes to Jarom 1:11 — The Nephites were taught to look forward to the Messiah and believe in Him to come as though He already was.

Atonement of Jesus Christ

And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime. Alma 30:17

Korihor denies the Atonement and replaces it with self-reliance: you rise or fall by your own strength. The Book of Mormon answers that without Christ's Atonement all mankind would be lost.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Alma 34:9 — Amulek: it is expedient that an atonement should be made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish.
• alludes to 2 Nephi 2:8 — There is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God save it be through the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah.

Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

And it came to pass that the high priest said unto him: Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye teach this people that there shall be no Christ, to interrupt their rejoicings? Why do ye speak against all the prophecies of the holy prophets? Alma 30:22

Giddonah the high priest points out that belief in Christ is what gives the people their joy; taking away Christ takes away their rejoicing.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 2 Nephi 25:26 — We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ.

Slain for the sins of the world

And ye also say that Christ shall come. But behold, I say that ye do not know that there shall be a Christ. And ye say also that he shall be slain for the sins of the world— Alma 30:26

Even while denying it, Korihor accurately summarizes what the Nephite prophets taught: Christ would come and be slain for the sins of the whole world. His words preserve the prophecy he rejects.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 1 Nephi 11:33 — Nephi saw the Son lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.
• alludes to Mosiah 3:9 — King Benjamin: they shall consider him a man, scourge him, and crucify him.
• fulfilled by John 19:18 — Jesus is crucified at Golgotha.

Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

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. Alma 30:39–40

Alma bears plain testimony: he knows Christ shall come. He turns Korihor's demand for evidence around, since Korihor has nothing but his own word against all the witnesses.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Alma 5:48 — Alma earlier: I know of myself that Jesus Christ shall come.

Creator

Supreme Creator — the one who made heaven and earth

But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator. Alma 30:44

Alma says the earth and planets testify of a Supreme Creator. Latter-day Saint scripture teaches that the Father created all things through the Son, and that all things were made to bear record of Christ, so creation itself is a witness of Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Moses 6:63 — All things are created and made to bear record of me.
• the same title in Mosiah 3:8 — Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things.