Alma teaches that God will provide men access to certain "mysteries," but only according to the "heed and diligence" that they give (Alma 12:9-11). While we cannot be certain that Alma was alluding in his speech to specific elements of a Nephite temple ordinance, many factors support that idea. For one thing, the word mysteries seems to refer to priesthood or temple ordinances. Benjamin unfolded the "mysteries of God" to his people by speaking to them at the temple (Mosiah 2:9). Likewise, in ancient religions, for example from the Hellenistic world, the word mysteries was often used to describe "cultic rites . . . portrayed before a circle of devotees," who "must undergo initiation" and who are promised "salvation by the dispensing of cosmic life," which is sometimes "enacted in cultic drama," accompanied by a strict "vow of silence." Alma told the wicked Ammonihahites that many people knew the Nephite mysteries, but, like himself, they were laid under a strict condition of secrecy (see Alma 12:9). Nevertheless, the plan of life, as taught by Alma, provided all people a chance to know these mysteries in full, on conditions of humility (see Alma 12:10-11; 13:13-14) and through the administrations of righteous priests and teachers (see Alma 13:16; cf. Mosiah 2:9; Alma 26:22). . . .
Based on the appearance of the following elements in Alma 12-13, the Nephite temple ceremony utilized familiar temple motifs, including:
1. Abundant creation imagery regarding the fall of Adam and Eve (see Alma 12:22-26),
2. The redemption (see Alma 12:25-33),
3. The issuance of commandments (see Alma 12:31-32),
4. One's calling (see Alma 13:3-8),
5. Clothing (see Alma 13:11-12),
6. The facing of judgment (see Alma 12:14,32-35),
7. Symbolic entrance into the presence of God (see Alma 12:36; 13:12).
Alma 12-13 gives the best information about sacred Nephite ordinances during the time of the Nephite judges. Presumably these rites were administered primarily at the temple in Zarahemla and possibly also at other sanctuaries or sacred places under the direction of a high priest. [John W. Welch, "The Temple in the Book of Mormon," in Temples of the Ancient World, pp. 364-366] [See the commentary on 1 Nephi 1:1]