Alma 36

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the covenant God of the patriarchs, Jehovah

I would that ye should do as I have done, in remembering the captivity of our fathers; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it was the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he surely did deliver them in their afflictions. Alma 36:2

The God who delivered Israel from bondage is Jehovah, whom the Book of Mormon identifies as Jesus Christ before His birth. Alma teaches Helaman to remember that only He can deliver.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Exodus 3:6 — The LORD reveals Himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• interpreted by 1 Nephi 19:10 — The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob yields Himself as a man into the hands of wicked men to be crucified.

Jesus Christ

Jesus — Jehovah saves; Christ — the Anointed One

And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Alma 36:17

In his deepest torment Alma remembered his father's prophecy that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would come to atone for the sins of the world. That memory became the turning point of his life.

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

• the same event in Mosiah 18:2 — Alma the Elder preached redemption through the sufferings and death of Christ.
• the same event in Alma 34:8 — Amulek's testimony that Christ shall atone for the sins of the world.

Jesus, thou Son of God

Jesus — Jehovah saves

Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. Alma 36:18–21

Alma calls on Jesus by name and pleads for mercy. Immediately the pain of his sins is lifted and replaced by exquisite joy and light, a personal witness of the power of Christ's Atonement.

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

• the same event in Alma 38:8 — Alma tells Shiblon he cried out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy and found peace.
• the same event in Mosiah 27:24-29 — Alma's own words after his three days: redeemed of the Lord, snatched from the gall of bitterness.

Born of God

But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God. Alma 36:23–26

Being born of God is the spiritual rebirth that follows calling on Christ for mercy. King Benjamin taught that those so changed become spiritually begotten children of Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Mosiah 5:7 — Ye shall be called the children of Christ... ye are born of him.
• the same event in Mosiah 27:25-26 — The Lord tells Alma all mankind must be born again, becoming His sons and daughters.

Jehovah the Deliverer

And I know that he will raise me up at the last day, to dwell with him in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever, for he has brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the Egyptians in the Red Sea; and he led them by his power into the promised land; yea, and he has delivered them out of bondage and captivity from time to time. Alma 36:28–29

The 'he' who led Israel through the Red Sea and brought Lehi's family out of Jerusalem is Jehovah, the premortal Christ, who has delivered His people from bondage again and again.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Exodus 14:27-30 — The LORD overthrows the Egyptians in the sea and saves Israel.
• interpreted by 1 Nephi 17:30 — Nephi: being led, the Lord their God, their Redeemer, going before them.

Raised Up at the Last Day

And I know that he will raise me up at the last day, to dwell with him in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever, for he has brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the Egyptians in the Red Sea; and he led them by his power into the promised land; yea, and he has delivered them out of bondage and captivity from time to time. Alma 36:28

Alma's confidence that he will be raised up at the last day rests on the Resurrection that Christ brings to pass.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in John 6:40 — Jesus: I will raise him up at the last day.