In “Come, Follow Me” this week, we read in the New Testament about the importance of repentance and baptism. Because these principles are key parts of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they are also taught in the Book of Mormon. Alma believed the words of Abinadi and fled with a group of believers to the wilderness. There, he taught them about repentance, redemption, and faith. He baptized them in the Waters of Mormon (see Mosiah 18).
An excellent example of truly turning towards the Savior and forsaking one’s sins is the story of another Alma (the son of Alma). In his younger years, Alma caused serious trouble for the Church and his community. After the prayers of many around him, he was visited by an angel who cried repentance to him. Alma 36 describes in detail the sorrow and torment Alma faced before he remembered being taught about Jesus Christ in his childhood. He was filled with joy and light and completely shifted the trajectory of his life. He became a great missionary and shared with others the story of his conversion. He led the Church and helped convert many. Alma is a great example of how we can each turn to the Lord and be more Christlike to those around us. -Aliza Keller
Image 1: Minerva Teichert, “Alma Baptizing at the Waters of Mormon,” 1949-1951 http://book-of-mormon-art.local/catalog/alma-baptizes-in-the-waters-of-mormon/
Image 2: Minerva Teichert, “An Angel Appears to Alma and the Sons of Mosiah,” 1949-1951 http://book-of-mormon-art.local/catalog/an-angel-appears-to-alma-and-the-sons-of-mosiah/