Alma’s Counsel to His Son Shiblon
My son, listen to my words. I say to you, just as I said to Helaman: If you obey God’s commands, you will do well in the land. If you don’t obey God’s commands, you will be cut off from his presence.
My son, I trust that I will have great joy in you. You have stayed steady and faithful to God. You started looking to the Lord your God when you were young. I hope you will keep obeying his commands. God will bless those who keep going to the end. My son, you have already given me great joy because of your faith. You worked hard and were patient. You kept going even through hard times with the Zoramite people. I knew that you were tied up in chains. I also knew that you were hit with stones because of God’s word. You handled all these things with patience. The Lord was with you. You know that the Lord saved you.
My son Shiblon, I want you to remember this. If you trust in God, he will save you from your troubles and hard times. He will lift you up on the last day.
Alma Shares His Story
My son, don’t think that I know these things on my own. It is the Spirit of God in me that makes these things known to me. If I had not been born of God, I would not have known these things. But the Lord in his great mercy sent his angel to tell me something. The angel said I must stop destroying his people. I have seen an angel face to face. He spoke with me. His voice was like thunder. It shook the whole earth. I was in terrible pain and suffering for three days and three nights. I didn’t receive forgiveness of my sins until I cried out to the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy. But I did cry out to him. I found peace for my soul.
My son, I have told you this so you may learn wisdom. Learn from me that there is no other way people can be saved. They can only be saved in and through Christ. He is the life and the light of the world. He is the word of truth and what is right.
Instructions for Teaching
You have started to teach God’s word. I want you to keep teaching. I want you to work hard and have self-control in all things.
Don’t let yourself become proud. Don’t brag about your own wisdom or your strength. Be brave, but don’t push too hard. Control your feelings so you may be filled with love. Don’t be lazy. Don’t pray like the Zoramites do. You have seen that they pray so people will hear them. They want to be praised for their wisdom.
Don’t say, “God, I thank you that we are better than our brothers.” Instead say, “Lord, forgive me for not being worthy. Remember my brothers with mercy.” Always admit before God that you are not worthy.
May the Lord bless your soul. May he receive you at the last day into his kingdom to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word to this people. Be serious. My son, goodbye.