Korihor the Anti-Christ, Zoramites & Preaching God’s Word

Korihor’s anti-Christ doctrines were gaining popularity among many. Having witnessed its damage tot he faith of many people, including the Zoramites, Alma resolved that “the preaching of the word… had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else… therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.”

Korihor the Anti-Christ’s Doctrine

Korihor, the Anti-Christ, taught the people against the prophecies concerning the coming of Christ (Alma 30:6). In the land at this time, there are laws against crimes, but not beliefs (7-11). The these doctrines by Korihor:

1. There should be no Christ (Alma 30:12).
2. Belief in Christ is foolishness (13).
3. No man can know of things to come (14).
4. You cannot know of things you can’t see: “how do ye know with surety that there is a Christ and that he will come? Ye can’t know of things ye do not see. Therefore ye can’t know that there shall be a Christ” (15).
5. Belief in the tradition of Christ and a remission of sins results in a deranged and frenzied mind (16).
6. There can’t be an atonement for sin (17).
7. Every man fares according to the management of the creature, prospering according to genius and conquering according to strength (17).
8. What a man does is no crime, but simply survival of the fittest (17).
9. death was the end of a man (18).

Korihor Arrested & Debates Alma

Korihor then visits the people of Ammon (Alma 30:18). However, the People of Ammon being more wise than many of the Nephites and bind Korihor and take him before Ammon, a high priest (21). Ammon has Korihor carried out of the land (21), before a High priest in land of Gideon questions Korihor about his motives (22-31).

Next, they escort Korihor to Zarahemla before Alma and the chief judge (32-42). Alma cross examined and refutes his false allegations. Korihor demands a sign from Alma in order that he might believe (43-46). Alma declared that it’s better that Korihor loses his soul than he should bring many souls down to destruction, by lying and flattering words (47). Alma warns Korihor that if he continued to demand a sign that he would be smitten dumb, no more to have utterance and unable to lead away the people (48). Despite all this, Korihor persists in demanding a sign, and then is struck dumb and deaf by God (49-51).

Korihor Admits He Knew There Was a God

Korihor admits that he always knew that there was a God (52-53). The devil appeared to him as an angel, telling him to reclaim the people from believing in an unknown God. Satan convinced Korihor that there is no God, and taught him the words that he should say (53). Korihor seeks that the curse be removed. Alma responds that if it were removed he would again start leading away the people. The people cast out Korihor (54-56)

The chief judge declared that the people must repent or the same judgement would come upon them. The people repented (57-58). :59 While begging Korihor was killed by the Zoramites (59). :60 “And this we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell” (60)

The Apostate Zoramites

The Zoramites were led into apostasy by their leader including worshiping idols and denying Christ.

Alma took Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Amulek, Zeezrom, and two sons Shiblon and Corianton to reclaim the Zoramites. Alma’s prayer, he lays out the condition of the Zoramites to the Lord (Alma 31:26), and asks:

1. That the Lord will comfort his soul in Christ.
2. Strength for him and companions to suffer with patience and bear the afflictions that will come because of the Zoramites’ iniquity
3. Grant success to him and fellow laborers in bringing the Zoramites unto him through Christ.
4. Power and Wisdom to reclaim their brethren.

After this, Alma and his brethren received it according to Alma’s prayer in faith (Alma 31:1-38).

Alma Preaches to the Zoramites

Alma then preached to the Zoramites who werecast out because of their poverty. We should humble ourselves because of the truth of God and not require that God humble us.

Alma delivered his famous “lecture on Faith” to the humble Zoramites. This is how we come unto a broken heart and contrite spirit. Even though at the beginning, we don’t know the specific requirements of a broken heart and contrite spirit (3 Nephi 9:20). After the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost (2 Nephi 32:3-6), this is how we receive instructions that we might enter into the rest of the Lord (D&C 76:53 :26-43).

Amulek then quotes Zenos and Zenock’s message: redemption comes through Christ (Alma 33:1-23). Amulek exhorts (Alma 34:1-41) that they prepare to receive the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost (Alma 34:38).

Thus, the preaching of Christ and his doctrine destroyed the craft of the Zoramites and the anti-Christ teachings of Korihor and others. The Zoramites cast out all who believed in words of Alma and his brethren. People of Ammon received those true believers who were excommunicated from among the Zoramites (Alma 35:1-16).