Alma 45

Jehovah

Behold, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy. Alma 45:1

In the Book of Mormon 'the Lord their God' who delivers His covenant people is Jehovah, the premortal Christ. The Nephites credit their victory to Him and worship Him.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

Jesus Christ

Jesus — Jehovah saves; Christ — the Anointed One

And Alma said again: Believest thou in Jesus Christ, who shall come? Alma 45:4–5

Before passing the records and the ministry to his son, Alma asks the one question that matters most: does Helaman believe in Jesus Christ, who is yet to come? Faith in the coming Christ is the foundation Alma leaves behind.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• the same title in 2 Nephi 25:19 — Nephi learns by revelation that the Messiah's name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Christ's appearance to the Nephites

And these are the words: Behold, I perceive that this very people, the Nephites, according to the spirit of revelation which is in me, in four hundred years from the time that Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto them, shall dwindle in unbelief. Alma 45:10–12

Alma prophesies that Jesus Christ will personally manifest Himself to the Nephites, and dates their later destruction from that visit. The people will fall because they 'sin against so great light and knowledge' — the light of having had the risen Lord among them.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• fulfilled by 3 Nephi 11:8-10 — The resurrected Christ descends and declares Himself to the Nephites at Bountiful.
• alludes to Helaman 13:9 — Samuel the Lamanite likewise foretells Nephite destruction when four hundred years pass away.
• fulfilled by Mormon 8:6 — Moroni writes that four hundred years have passed since the coming of our Lord and Savior, and the Nephites are destroyed.

Disciples of the Lord

But whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that great and dreadful day, shall be numbered among the Lamanites, and shall become like unto them, all, save it be a few who shall be called the disciples of the Lord; and them shall the Lamanites pursue even until they shall become extinct. And now, because of iniquity, this prophecy shall be fulfilled. Alma 45:14

The few faithful survivors will be known as disciples of the Lord, followers of Christ, and will be hunted for it. Moroni later lives this out, hiding because he will not deny the Christ.

• fulfilled by Moroni 1:2-3 — The Lamanites put to death every Nephite who will not deny the Christ; Moroni will not deny Him.

Jehovah

And he said: Thus saith the Lord God—Cursed shall be the land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, unto destruction, which do wickedly, when they are fully ripe; and as I have said so shall it be; for this is the cursing and the blessing of God upon the land, for the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. Alma 45:16

Alma speaks in the Lord's name, pronouncing the cursing and blessing of the covenant land. The same words are later spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself in the Doctrine and Covenants.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• quoted by D&C 1:31 — 'For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance' — spoken in the Lord's own voice.

Jehovah

Behold, this we know, that he was a righteous man; and the saying went abroad in the church that he was taken up by the Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But behold, the scriptures saith the Lord took Moses unto himself; and we suppose that he has also received Alma in the spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause we know nothing concerning his death and burial. Alma 45:19

The Lord who took Moses to Himself is Jehovah; the record supposes He also received Alma unto Himself. It is a quiet witness that the Lord gathers His faithful servants home.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• alludes to Deuteronomy 34:5-6 — Moses dies and the LORD buries him, and no man knows of his sepulchre.