Alma seeks to awaken the minds and hearts of the citizens of Zarahemla to a higher level of spirituality through a series of searching questions designed to prick their consciences and inspire them to righteousness. Question after question is boldly asked that the listeners might be touched. As a result of Alma’s ministry, many repent though some retain their pride. The order of the Church is established. Being full of charity, the members of the Church pray for all those who do not know of God and His ways. Alma will later go to Gideon (chapter 6) to continue testifying of the truth and encouraging the people to follow Him. Studying these events can help us evaluate our lives and bring us closer to our Savior.
Consider what has transpired in the years leading up to this significant discourse by the prophet Alma. The Church has survived the onslaught of two highly articulate deceivers, Nehor and Amlici. Amlici, having failed to gain the voice of the people to make him king, has organized a revolutionary movement to seize power and undermine all civil liberties, even entering into an alliance with the invading Lamanites. Thousands on both sides of this conflict lose their lives, and it is only through their faith and diligence that the Nephites, led by Alma, come out victorious, but not without great cause to mourn. The Church, brought to a state of humility, experiences a great expansion. Peace returns to the land. The people once again prosper. But with that prosperity comes the chronic malaise of pride. So great is the rift between the proud and the humble in the land that Alma steps down from his judgeship and initiates great reform empowered by the word of God. His speech stands as a stark warning to our own generation to repent and experience the mighty change of heart that alone can lead to spiritual rebirth.