Alma Chapter 40
This is a continuation of Alma’s talk with his son Corianton. Corianton was in need of understanding in regards to the Plan of Salvation. This text is taken from the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon.
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/book-of-mormon-1830/338
Alma Teaches about the Resurrection and the Spirit World
[40:1] Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead.
[40:1] — Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection; or I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality; this corruption does not put on incorruption, until after the coming of Christ.
[40:3] Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now I unfold unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries, which are kept, that no one knoweth them, save God himself. But I shew unto you one thing, which I have inquired diligently of God, that I might know; that is, concerning the resurrection.
[40:4] Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead.– Now when this time cometh, no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed.
Commentary
The doctrine of when the resurrection would occur was evidently not well known at Alma’s time in history. It is something that would not be revealed in greater detail until the New Testament times after Christ’s death and Resurrection. John in the Book of Revelation points out in Revelation 20:4-6.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Commentary Continued. From these verses, it is clear that the first resurrection shall be for the righteous and second resurrection shall be for those not resurrected until after the 1000 years of millennial reign – the wicked. Doctrine and Covenants 88: 95-107 tells of multiple trumps being sounded during stages when people come forth in the resurrection based on their righteousness and when they came to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord.
[40:5] Now whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case; that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead.
[40:6] Now there must needs be a space betwixt the time of death, and the time of the resurrection.
[40:7] And now I would inquire what becometh of the souls of men, from this time of death, to the time appointed for the resurrection?–
[40:8] Now whether there is more than one time appointed for men to rise, it mattereth not; for all do not die at once; and this mattereth not; all is as one day, with God; and time only is measured unto men;
[40:9] therefore there is a time appointed unto men, that they shall rise from the dead; and there is a space between the time of death and the resurrection. And 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; and this is the thing of which I do know.–
[40:10] And when the time cometh when all shall rise, then shall they know that God knoweth all the times which are appointed unto man.
Commentary
These verses above and the ones given below demonstrate that during the Old Testament times and prior to this time in the Book of Mormon lands, the knowledge of the Spirit World also was not well known or well established.
When it comes to the Resurrection, there are several Old Testament scriptures which back up the doctrine. Some examples I shall give below. But regarding the Spirit World, less (if anything) has been expounded on in those books.
Here are some verses in the Old Testament on the Resurrection:
Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Ezekiel 37:12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Alma is about to bring forth a new doctrine, a doctrine that would become well established in Christianity following Christ’s resurrection.
[40:11] Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection. Behold, it hath been made known unto me, by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body; yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
[40:12] And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those which are righteous, are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise; a state of rest; a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles, and from all care, and sorrow, &c.
[40:13] And then it shall come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, which are evil; for behold, they have no part nor portion of the spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works, rather than good; therefore the spirit of the Devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house; and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and this because of their own iniquity; being led captive by the will of the Devil.
[40:14] Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked; yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection.
Commentary – The Spirit World
When we die, we are taken home to the God that gave us life. And then shall it come to pass that the righteous will be in a state of happiness and the state of the wicked will be state of outer darkness where the devil will enter into them and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Does the state of happiness or misery begin immediately following death? I do not believe that the state of misery always begins immediately. When we die, we are taken home to God (Jesus – the one appointed to judge all men). We will have a one on one meeting with Jesus and a life review. Many who have passed on and returned will attest to this as recorded in books on near death experiences. This concept matches to Alma’s teaching is verse 11 – yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then we will enter a state of paradise or another state termed as prison.
While in a state of paradise or prison, we continue to learn and grow. During this time, the gospel of Jesus Christ is taught and many will accept and many will continue to reject. This state shall continue until Christ returns to the earth to reign for 1000 years. What it is like to be in prison and what it is like to be in paradise is not well expounded on in the scriptures.
When Christ returns to the earth in his glory for millennial reign, for the wicked, this is the time of misery when the Devil enters their house. (See Doctrines of Salvation, Volume 2, Page 297). Satan will be bound from the living during the Millennium, but for the dead, Satan will exercise his vengeance. By this time, the dead will have had the opportunity to accept or reject Jesus as their Savior, and if they still reject, they will experience the law of justice for their sins, the atonement of Christ no longer being available to them.
Some – such as Brigham Young – have taught that the spirit world is here on the earth where we live today and the veil covers our eyes so we cannot see them (Discourses of Brigham Young pages 376-377). Does the spirit world extend beyond our earth? Brigham Young says “No”.
What is meant by Luke 16:26: “And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”? Some teach that Christ broke down that gulf at the time of the resurrection when he began organizing his forces to teach the gospel to the spirits in prison. 1 Peter 3:19-20. 1 Peter 4:6. D&C 138:30-32.
A good article for further study written on this topic is found here entitled The Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World written by Elder Spencer J Condie of the Seventy.
[40:15] 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. Yea, I admit it may be termed a resurrection; the raising of the spirit or the soul, and their consignation to happiness or misery, according to the words which have been spoken.
[40:16] And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a first resurrection; a resurrection of all those which have been, or which are, or which shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.–
[40:17] Now we do not suppose that this first resurrection which is 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.
[40:18] Behold, I say unto you Nay; but it meaneth the reuniting of the soul with the body of those from the days of Adam, down to the resurrection of Christ.
[40:19] Now whether the souls and the bodies of those of which have been spoken, shall all be re-united at once, the wicked as well as the righteous, I do not say; let it suffice, that I say that they all come forth; or in other words, their resurrection cometh to pass before the resurrection of those which die after the resurrection of Christ.
Commentary
Alma is simply answering to the “rumors of the day” on the meaning of the resurrection and pointing out that the definition of the resurrection is “the reuniting of the soul with the body”.
[40:20] Now my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are re-united, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into Heaven.
[40:21] But whether it be at his resurrection, or after, I do not say; but this much I say: That there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery, until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be re-united, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works;
[40:22] yeah, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which have been spoken by the mouths of the prophets.
[40:23] The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost, but all things shall be restored to its proper and perfect frame.
[40:24] And now my son, this is the restoration of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets:
[40:25] And then shall the righteous shine forth in the Kingdom of God.
Commentator
Alma brings up three important parts regarding the resurrection.
- He gives an opinion on doctrine speculating that the souls of the righteous who died prior to the Resurrection of Christ will also resurrect at this time. He was correct as both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon attest that this took place.
- He points out of the perfectness of the resurrection – every limb shall be restored, even your hair will be restored.
- He points out that the righteous will shine forth in the Kingdom of God. The righteous who resurrected at the time of Christ are evidently no longer confined to the Spirit World.
[40:26] But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked; for they die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness; for they are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the Kingdom of God; but they are cast out, and consigned to partake of the fruits of their labors or their works, which have been evil; and they drink the dregs of the bitter cup.
Alma Teaches about The Resurrection
[40:1] Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead.
[40:1] — Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection; or I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality; this corruption does not put on incorruption, until after the coming of Christ.
[40:3] Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now I unfold unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries, which are kept, that no one knoweth them, save God himself. But I shew unto you one thing, which I have inquired diligently of God, that I might know; that is, concerning the resurrection.
[40:4] Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead.– Now when this time cometh, no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed.
Commentary
The doctrine of when the resurrection would occur was evidently not well known at Alma’s time in history. It is something that would not be revealed in greater detail until the New Testament times after Christ’s death and Resurrection. John in the Book of Revelation points out in Revelation 20:4-6.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Commentary Continued. From these verses, it is clear that the first resurrection shall be for the righteous and second resurrection shall be for those not resurrected until after the 1000 years of millennial reign – the wicked. Doctrine and Covenants 88: 95-107 tells of multiple trumps being sounded during stages when people come forth in the resurrection based on their righteousness and when they came to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord.
[40:5] Now whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case; that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead.
[40:6] Now there must needs be a space betwixt the time of death, and the time of the resurrection.
[40:7] And now I would inquire what becometh of the souls of men, from this time of death, to the time appointed for the resurrection?–
[40:8] Now whether there is more than one time appointed for men to rise, it mattereth not; for all do not die at once; and this mattereth not; all is as one day, with God; and time only is measured unto men;
[40:9] therefore there is a time appointed unto men, that they shall rise from the dead; and there is a space between the time of death and the resurrection. And 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; and this is the thing of which I do know.–
[40:10] And when the time cometh when all shall rise, then shall they know that God knoweth all the times which are appointed unto man.
Commentary
These verses above and the ones given below demonstrate that during the Old Testament times and prior to this time in the Book of Mormon lands, the knowledge of the Spirit World also was not well known or well established.
When it comes to the Resurrection, there are several Old Testament scriptures which back up the doctrine. Some examples I shall give below. But regarding the Spirit World, less (if anything) has been expounded on in those books.
Here are some verses in the Old Testament on the Resurrection:
Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Ezekiel 37:12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Alma is about to bring forth a new doctrine, a doctrine that would become well established in Christianity following Christ’s resurrection.
[40:11] Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection. Behold, it hath been made known unto me, by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body; yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
[40:12] And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those which are righteous, are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise; a state of rest; a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles, and from all care, and sorrow, &c.
[40:13] And then it shall come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, which are evil; for behold, they have no part nor portion of the spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works, rather than good; therefore the spirit of the Devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house; and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and this because of their own iniquity; being led captive by the will of the Devil.
[40:14] Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked; yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection.
Commentary – The Spirit World
When we die, we are taken home to the God that gave us life. And then shall it come to pass that the righteous will be in a state of happiness and the state of the wicked will be state of outer darkness where the devil will enter into them and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Does the state of happiness or misery begin immediately following death? I do not believe that the state of misery always begins immediately. When we die, we are taken home to God (Jesus – the one appointed to judge all men). We will have a one on one meeting with Jesus and a life review. Many who have passed on and returned will attest to this as recorded in books on near death experiences. This concept matches to Alma’s teaching is verse 11 – yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then we will enter a state of paradise or another state termed as prison.
While in a state of paradise or prison, we continue to learn and grow. During this time, the gospel of Jesus Christ is taught and many will accept and many will continue to reject. This state shall continue until Christ returns to the earth to reign for 1000 years. What it is like to be in prison and what it is like to be in paradise is not well expounded on in the scriptures.
When Christ returns to the earth in his glory for millennial reign, for the wicked, this is the time of misery when the Devil enters their house. (See Doctrines of Salvation, Volume 2, Page 297). Satan will be bound from the living during the Millennium, but for the dead, Satan will exercise his vengeance. By this time, the dead will have had the opportunity to accept or reject Jesus as their Savior, and if they still reject, they will experience the law of justice for their sins, the atonement of Christ no longer being available to them.
Some – such as Brigham Young – have taught that the spirit world is here on the earth where we live today and the veil covers our eyes so we cannot see them (Discourses of Brigham Young pages 376-377). Does the spirit world extend beyond our earth? Brigham Young says “No”.
What is meant by Luke 16:26: “And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”? Some teach that Christ broke down that gulf at the time of the resurrection when he began organizing his forces to teach the gospel to the spirits in prison. 1 Peter 3:19-20. 1 Peter 4:6. D&C 138:30-32.
A good article for further study written on this topic is found here entitled The Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World written by Elder Spencer J Condie of the Seventy.
[40:15] 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. Yea, I admit it may be termed a resurrection; the raising of the spirit or the soul, and their consignation to happiness or misery, according to the words which have been spoken.
[40:16] And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a first resurrection; a resurrection of all those which have been, or which are, or which shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.–
[40:17] Now we do not suppose that this first resurrection which is 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.
[40:18] Behold, I say unto you Nay; but it meaneth the reuniting of the soul with the body of those from the days of Adam, down to the resurrection of Christ.
[40:19] Now whether the souls and the bodies of those of which have been spoken, shall all be re-united at once, the wicked as well as the righteous, I do not say; let it suffice, that I say that they all come forth; or in other words, their resurrection cometh to pass before the resurrection of those which die after the resurrection of Christ.
Commentary
Alma is simply answering to the “rumors of the day” on the meaning of the resurrection and pointing out that the definition of the resurrection is “the reuniting of the soul with the body”.
[40:20] Now my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are re-united, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into Heaven.
[40:21] But whether it be at his resurrection, or after, I do not say; but this much I say: That there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery, until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be re-united, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works;
[40:22] yeah, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which have been spoken by the mouths of the prophets.
[40:23] The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost, but all things shall be restored to its proper and perfect frame.
[40:24] And now my son, this is the restoration of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets:
[40:25] And then shall the righteous shine forth in the Kingdom of God.
Commentator
Alma brings up three important parts regarding the resurrection.
- He gives an opinion on doctrine speculating that the souls of the righteous who died prior to the Resurrection of Christ will also resurrect at this time. He was correct as both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon attest that this took place.
- He points out of the perfectness of the resurrection – every limb shall be restored, even your hair will be restored.
- He points out that the righteous will shine forth in the Kingdom of God. The righteous who resurrected at the time of Christ are evidently no longer confined to the Spirit World.
[40:26] But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked; for they die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness; for they are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the Kingdom of God; but they are cast out, and consigned to partake of the fruits of their labors or their works, which have been evil; and they drink the dregs of the bitter cup.
Commentary
Alma is teaching that after the resurrection, the wicked are still unclean and are to be cast out, for they cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Doctrine and Covenants 76 further expounds on the state of the wicked after the resurrection with this teaching about a place that is referred to as the Telestial Kingdom, the physical place where the wicked shall go after they are resurrected.
81 And again, we saw the glory of the telestial, which glory is that of the lesser, even as the glory of the stars differs from that of the glory of the moon in the firmament.
82 These are they who received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus.
83 These are they who deny not the Holy Spirit.
84 These are they who are thrust down to hell.
85 These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work.
86 These are they who receive not of his fulness in the eternal world, but of the Holy Spirit through the ministration of the terrestrial;
87 And the terrestrial through the ministration of the celestial.
88 And also the telestial receive it of the administering of angels who are appointed to minister for them, or who are appointed to be ministering spirits for them; for they shall be heirs of salvation.
89 And thus we saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial which surpasses all understanding;