Scripture Sunday: Alma 39

This week in the Book of Mormon I have been reading the chapters in which Alma (the younger) talks one-on-one with each of his sons. I love how these chapters show the wisdom Alma gained during the years after an angel visited him and he chose to completely change and repent. He is a great father because he teaches his children what matters in life and how he knows what he knows. He is honest with his son Corianton who has made really bad decisions. He tells him that through Jesus Christ -- who hadn't come to earth yet -- people's sins can be taken away. (That's how we really change for the better. We can't do it without Him.)

I really like these verses from chapter 39 in Alma, where he is still talking with Corianton.

15 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.

16 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.

17 And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject. Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?

18 Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should be made known unto this people as well as unto their children?

19 Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming?

I know God is literally our Heavenly Father and that every soul, no matter when that soul is born on earth, is precious to Him! The Lord taught His gospel to Adam and Eve; they knew that as part of His plan for their happiness they would need a Savior and ordinances. Later He taught the gospel to the other prophets. He gave the people of Alma's time, 73 years before Christ's birth, the very same gospel and priesthood authority that would need to be restored to the earth by the prophet Joseph Smith. I'm grateful for continuing revelation from our Father. Let's remember when we interact with strangers or neighbors that we're all God's children. "The worth of every soul is great in the sight of God" (see D&C 18:10).