Yahweh has described the blessings of those who associate themselves with the church; but Alma’s original question was what he should do with the dissenters. Yahweh is preparing that answer. In contrast to the situation of those who are called by his name (and who are numbered with the church) those who “never knew me” will arise at “the end” and will be rejected. They are rejected precisely because this Yahweh who is speaking is the one who redeems them and they have not accepted that redemption (i.e., have not been baptized).