Alma 40: Death and Ressurection

As Alma talks to Corianton about death and resurrection in Alma 40 some things stood out to me as I read through this time. I've known for a while that this chapter was written because Corianton was concerned about the resurrection of the dead (vs. 1).

To me, throughout the chapter, I feel that Alma is repetitive in what he says about the resurrection. Several times he reminds Corianton that any resurrections, first of all, will not happen until after Christ is resurrected.

Now in vs. 15 is where I began to receive new insight into this chapter. In vs. 9 Alma tells Corianton that there was a time when he wanted to know about death, resurrection, and the time between resurrection because he did not know. Alma tells us "now, concerning this space of time, what becometh of the souls of men is the thing which I have inquired diligently of the Lord to know." He then goes on to explain to Corianton the state of the soul in spirit paradise and prison. My reason for backing up to vs. 9 and explaining that is this: in vs. 15 Alma clears up what appears to be some false doctrine that is being circulated among the Nephites.

Verse 15, "Now there are some that have understood that this state of happiness and this state of misery of the soul, before the resurrection, was a first resurrection." There were people who believed that this spiritual post mortal waiting space was the first resurrection. Verse 17, "Now, we do not suppose that this first resurrection, which can be spoken of in this manner, can be the resurrection of the souls and their consignation to happiness or misery. Ye cannot suppose that this is what it meaneth." Alma then makes sure that Corianton knows that resurrection only means "the reuniting of the soul with the body" (vs 18). I found it interesting to witness Alma clear up some false doctrine in the Book of Mormon.

I also find it interesting that Alma gives us his own opinion in chapter 40 as well. In reading chapter 40 it becomes apparent that Alma knows a lot of good things about the resurrection but that he doesn't know everything. After reading verses 19-20 I realize I need to check some stuff out as well. I'll explain, or rather let Alma explain, just what I mean. Starting in verse 19, "Now, whether the souls and the bodies of those whom has been spoken shall all be reunited at once, the wicked as well as the righteous, I do not say (In other words I don't know); let it suffice, that I say that they all come forth (lets assume they all resurrect together); or in other words, their resurrection cometh to pass before the resurrection of those who die after the resurrection of Christ." Here's a question for Alma, do those who die before Christ resurrects, resurrect before those who die after Christ? Continuing in verse 20, "Now, my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ (In other words I don't think those who died before Christ will be resurrected with Him); but behold I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven." It is Alma's opinion that the righteous will be resurrected at or after the resurrection of Christ and his ascension.

Ok, here is a prophet of God teaching his son about the resurrection and we find out that he doesn't know everything but will give his opinion in the scriptures. I find that very interesting, especially from Alma, who we all know is a very knowledgeable guy. What I learn from this insight is that there is a lot to learn, and in this life we will probably never know everything before our mortal life is over and that is alright. We can learn from Alma's example when it comes to obtaining any knowledge in this life, Alma 40:3 "I have inquired diligently that I might know," Alma 40:9 "I have inquired diligently of the Lord to know." We don't have all the answers but there should be no doubt that the Lord does have all the answers.

So, what does Alma know about the resurrection and the time of waiting between mortal life and the resurrection? Alma 40:21-26 "but this much I do say, that there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works. Yea, this bringeth about the restoration... the soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul... all thing shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame... then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God. But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked; for they die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness."

Now there were two questions I came up with that Alma wasn't able to answer because he didn't know. The first, do those who die before Christ resurrects, resurrect before those who die after Christ? (see vs. 19) The second question is will the righteous, who have already died, resurrect after Christ resurrection and ascension into heaven? (see vs. 20)

I think the answer to these questions is pretty well answered in Matthew 27:52-53 "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many" Certainly there were people who were resurrected after Christ was resurrected and that they were resurrected before those who died after Christ. I'm sure that they must have been righteous if they were chosen to go into the city and "appear" or testify of the resurrection "unto many." Now the question is, if you were there would you see Moses, Abraham, Adam or any other prophet that lived before Christ?

I know that there is much to learn in this life and that anything we desire to know can come to us by "inquiring diligently of the Lord." I know that the resurrection is real, that Christ broke the bands of death and that resurrection can now come to us all.