Mosiah 17

God Himself Come Down (the charge)

For thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men; and now, for this cause thou shalt be put to death unless thou wilt recall all the words which thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people. Mosiah 17:8

The very charge against Abinadi is his testimony of Christ: God Himself would come down to live among people. He is killed for testifying of the Incarnation.

• quotes Mosiah 13:34 — Abinadi's teaching that God Himself would come down.
• quotes Mosiah 15:1 — God himself shall come down among the children of men.
• a type of what is in Matthew 26:63-66 — Jesus is judged worthy of death for testifying He is the Son of God.

Abinadi's Martyrdom Echoing Christ's Trial

Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day. Mosiah 17:10–13

Abinadi's death echoes Jesus' trial. A ruler who wanted to release him gave in to accusers, delivered an innocent man to be killed, and he was scourged. It is a soft parallel, not one scripture declares.

• a type of what is in John 19:12 — Pilate sought to release Jesus, but the accusers cried out.
• a type of what is in Matthew 27:24-26 — Innocent blood; Jesus scourged and delivered to be crucified.

Martyrs for the Salvation of the Lord

Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do suffer, even the pains of death by fire; and this because they believe in the salvation of the Lord their God. Mosiah 17:15

Abinadi foretells that believers will die by fire because of their faith in the salvation of the Lord, the Redeemer he has just testified of. Later Nephite history records this coming true.

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

• fulfilled by Alma 25:11-12 — Mormon notes Abinadi was the first to suffer death by fire for belief in God and that his prophecy was fulfilled.
• fulfilled by Alma 14:8 — Believers are burned at Ammonihah.

Dying Prayer and Sealed Testimony

Thus God executeth vengeance upon those that destroy his people. O God, receive my soul. Mosiah 17:19–20

Abinadi commits his soul to God as he dies, echoing the Savior's last words on the cross. Like the Savior, he seals his testimony with his death.

• a type of what is in Luke 23:46 — "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."