Alma, known also as Alma the Younger, was a prominent figure in the Nephite culture during approximately 100 to 73 B.C. His life, recorded in the Book of Mormon, was one of profound transformation and influential leadership in both political and spiritual spheres among the Nephites. His father, Alma the Elder, was a high priest who had escaped the wicked rule of King Noah and established the Church in the land of Zarahemla, where Alma the Younger would eventually succeed him as the chief high priest (Mosiah 29:42).
Early in Alma’s life, he actively opposed the Church his father led, engaging in efforts to “destroy the church of God.” He is described as “a very wicked and an idolatrous man,” and his actions caused significant strife amongst his people (Mosiah 27:8-10). However, a divine intervention occurred when an angel appeared to Alma and his associates, setting him on a course of repentance. Alma experienced a harrowing and humbling recognition of his sins, leading to a “mighty change of heart” and his subsequent rebirth as a disciple of Christ (Mosiah 27:11-17; Alma 5:7).
After his conversion, he played an instrumental role in re-establishing the faith of many Nephites. In his father’s stead, he was appointed as the first chief judge of the Nephites under their reformed government system and was entrusted with maintaining the newly founded democratic structures. As judge, Alma executed the judicial responsibilities with righteousness, demonstrated by the trial and condemnation of Nehor, who instigated rebellion through false teachings (Alma 1:14-15).
Despite his judicial obligations, Alma eventually relinquished the judgment seat to focus entirely on his ecclesiastical duties, feeling a greater need to address the spiritual welfare of his people (Alma 4:16-20). His decision to step down was not lightly met, as it was during a challenging period when societal pride and inequality threatened the unity and spiritual progress of the Nephites. In his role as the high priest, he famously delivered powerful sermons that are known for their depth in doctrinal substance and their capacity to touch hearts, notable among which are the words given to the people of Zarahemla recorded in Alma 5 and to the church in the city of Gideon (Alma 7).
One of Alma’s significant challenges rose in the city of Ammonihah where he faced outright rejection and persecution (Alma 9; 14). His work alongside his faithful companion, Amulek, eventually led to the miraculous release from imprisonment and the conversion of individuals such as Zeezrom, a once-avid opponent turned devout believer (Alma 14:26-29; Alma 15:12). Alma also encountered the anti-Christ Korihor, whose disbelief prompted a miraculous showdown resulting in Korihor’s ultimate confession of the truth of God (Alma 30).
During his ministry, Alma emphasized the crucial nature of faith, as described in his allegory of the seed, repentance, the Resurrection, the Judgment, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ (Alma 32). His discourses shed light on doctrines of the plan of redemption, resurrection, and offered profound insights into the order of the priesthood and the scriptural basis for the principles he taught (Alma 12-13; 40-42).
Alma’s final years are shrouded in mystery. He entrusted his son Helaman with the sacred records that recounted their people’s history and commanded him to continue the work of preserving the Nephite religion (Alma 37). Not long after these events, Alma disappeared and was never heard from again, leading many to speculate that his departure mirrored that of the biblical prophet Moses, in that he may have been taken up by the Spirit (Alma 45:19).
In summary, Alma stands as a paragon of spiritual transformation and persistent ministry, with his life journey from ignoble beginnings to one of great piety and prophetic vocation offering hope and a mature understanding of the complexities and demands of faith, leadership, and discipleship. His legacy is enshrined in the Book of Mormon through his recorded sermons and his enduring impact on Nephite history.