The great inequality of the people both in and out of the Church threatened the destruction of the Nephites (v. 11). However, many were strengthened in their living the gospel by looking forward to the coming of Christ. Their actions of caring for the poor and suffering afflictions (vv. 13–14) retained for them the remission of sins they had received previously. This important doctrinal point is taught repeatedly in the Book of Mormon (see Jacob 2:19; Mosiah 4:11–12).
Alma’s decision to turn the judgement-seat over to Nephihah (Alma 4:18) teaches some important lessons. First, the control of crime and wickedness is a major responsibility of the civil government. While people have the agency to choose their own way, there is no right to infringe on or persuade others to follow their lifestyle. Secondly, the bearing of pure testimony will impede the progress of wickedness. When pure testimonies are borne, the Holy Ghost will carry that testimony “unto the hearts” of the listeners (see 2 Nephi 33:1), and thereby the people may know that what is being said is true. President Brigham Young testified: “There is not a man or woman that loves the truth who has heard the report of the Book of Mormon, but the Spirit of the Almighty has testified to him or her of its truth, neither has any man heard the name of Joseph Smith, but the Spirit has whispered to him—he is a true prophet” (Journal of Discourses, 1:93). The effect of testimony through the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation will be emphasized later in the book of Alma as the sons of Mosiah teach the Lamanites.