Alma 39

Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people. Alma 39:15

Alma prophesies that Christ will surely come to take away the sins of the world and bring the good news of salvation to His people.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him

• fulfilled by John 1:29 — John the Baptist points to Jesus: the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
• fulfilled by 3 Nephi 11:11 — The risen Christ: I have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world.
• alludes to Isaiah 52:7 — How beautiful are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth salvation.

The Time of His Coming

And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that they may prepare the minds of their children to hear the word at the time of his coming. Alma 39:16–19

Alma explains why Christ's coming was taught centuries in advance: souls living before His birth are just as precious to God, so the plan of redemption is made known to them too.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Alma 13:24-25 — Angels declare glad tidings to prepare hearts for the coming of Christ.
• the same event in Mosiah 3:13 — The Lord sent prophets so that whoever believed Christ should come could receive remission of sins as though He had already come.
• the same event in Alma 40:1 — Alma continues to Corianton about the coming of Christ and the resurrection.