Alma did not come to preach to those who were living according to the covenants of the church, but to those who were in violation of the principles of Nephite religion. Therefore, he continues to emphasize those who are not doing as they should. In this case, he reminds them that their departure from the true way is due to their own choices. Their “good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ.” Once again, the problem is that they are denying the atoning Messiah.
Earlier, in verses 19 and 20, Alma contrasted those who had God’s image on their countenances with those who became subjects of the Devil. That division is reiterated here. There are those who are the sheep of the Good Shepherd, and if one is not of the fold of the Good Shepherd, they are of the fold of the Devil. In the ultimate judgment, there are only two options, each diametrically opposed to the other.