Alma, known as Alma the Elder to distinguish him from his son, was originally a priest of the wicked King Noah but became a pivotal figure in Nephite history as a prophet and the founder of the Church of Christ among his people. Initially complicit in the iniquities of King Noah’s court, Alma experienced a transformative conversion after hearing the prophecies of Abinadi, another prophet who suffered martyrdom for his testimony (Mosiah 17:2-4). Alma’s belief in Abinadi’s words led him to plead for the prophet’s life, an action which resulted in his ouster from Noah’s priesthood and a sentence of death that forced Alma into hiding.
While in seclusion, Alma repented of his sins and transcribed the words of Abinadi, later emerging to teach a message of repentance and faith in the Lord privately among the people (Mosiah 18:1). He organized the followers of this nascent movement, baptized them in the Waters of Mormon, and established the Church of Christ, setting a precedent for community and worship that included caring for one another’s burdens, mourning with those who mourn, and standing as witnesses of God (Mosiah 18:8-10). Under his leadership, the fledgling church grew and faced persecution, leading Alma to guide his followers into the wilderness to escape threats from the kingdom of Noah and later from Lamanites and their Nephite defector counterparts (Mosiah 24:14-25).
In time, Alma and his people joined the Nephites in Zarahemla, where he continued his leadership, serving both as a spiritual leader and as a high priest over the Church (Mosiah 25:19-24). He demonstrated keen spiritual discernment, seeking God’s will for handling transgression within the Church and emphasizing the importance of repentance for forgiveness (Mosiah 26:30-36). His tenure was marked by spiritual successes and challenges, including dealing with apostasy and the wayward behavior of his own son, Alma the Younger (Mosiah 27:8-14).
The resolution of his son’s rebellion, prompted by a divine intervention, stands as a testimony to Alma the Elder’s faith and dedication to prayer. The transformative experience of his son added to Alma’s legacy as a father whose example and teachings would reverberate through the subsequent generations of Nephite leaders and prophets. Alma the Elder lived a life marked by a personal redemption story, one that took him from the depths of sin to the heights of prophetic leadership. He died in Zarahemla at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of faith and devotion to the Lord (Mosiah 29:45). His life and works remain central to the narrative of the Book of Mormon, serving as examples of the mercy and deliverance that come through faith in Christ.