Alma the Elder exercised incredible faith to trust the words of Abinadi. Because he did, God delivered a series of beatitudes to Alma the Elder, culminating in the promise of eternal life (see Mosiah 26:20).
We can all be like Alma the Elder.
When we read the words of Abinadi, trust those words, and act on the truths they convey, we can experience the same beatitudes and promises and blessings God delivered to Alma.
Beatitudes Are Blessings
We are all familiar with the word beatitudes because of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). As Jesus began His famous speech, He pronounced specific blessings upon people because of specific characteristic that they had worked to develop:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matthew 5:4-11)
What Is the Stunning Significance of the Word Beatitudes?
Beatitudes comes from the Latin word beatus, which means “blessed” in English. In fact, our far more common word for “beauty” comes from the same ancient source word that creates the word beatitude.
So when we hear in scripture the word “beautiful” in scripture, you could also use the word “blessed.” For example, in Isaiah 52:7 we could read “How beautiful [blessed] upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Emphasis added.)
In fact, in Abinadi’s message to the priests of Noah, he may have been speaking, among others, about himself and Alma:
Abinadi may be represented by this statement “And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!” (Mosiah 15:16).
And Alma may be represented by this statement “And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace” (Mosiah 15:17).
Furthermore, the word “bless” comes from the old Germanic word for blood.
Wow!
The connection is this. Blood was anciently used in sacrifices as a way of offering blessings to worshippers. The only way to receive blessings is through sacrifice. The greatest sacrifice, the greatest offering of blood (or blessing) is that of Jesus Christ.
Because of the blood of Jesus Christ we are all eternally blessed and can thereby become beautiful as He is beautiful!
What Are the Beatitudes of Alma the Elder?
Blessed art thou, Alma, and blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of Mormon. Thou art blessed because of thy exceeding faith in the words alone of my servant Abinadi.
And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the words alone which thou hast spoken unto them.
And blessed art thou because thou hast established a church among this people; and they shall be established, and they shall be my people.
Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine.
And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed. (Mosiah 26:15-19, emphasis added.)
How Can We Receive Beatitudes, Beauty, Blessings, the Blood of Jesus?
We can be like Alma.
We can be blessed and beautiful like Alma.
We can receive the beatitudes because of the Blood of Jesus.
Like Alma, we can be blessed through baptism.
Like Alma, we can become beautiful through exceeding faith in the words alone of God’s servant Abinadi.
Like the people of Alma, we can be receive the beatitudes of God through our exceeding faith in the words alone that Alma has spoken.
Like Alma, we will be blessed as we seek to establish God’s church.
Like the people of Alma, we will be blessed as are willing to bear the name of Jesus.
And like Alma, we will become beautiful through inquiring and faithful prayer.
Become Beautiful by Receiving the Blessings of God through the Blood of Jesus
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is one of joy and happiness, of blessings and beauty. The blood of Jesus Christ makes possible all the good we know and can experience. May we be like Alma and the people of Alma, exercising our faith and becoming blessedly beautiful through the blood of Jesus.
More from Taylor Halverson
My latest book The Covenant Path in the Bible and the Book of Mormon is now available on Amazon and Deseret Book!
Study the Book of Mormon like never before with this free app that I helped create from Book of Mormon Central: ScripturePlus!
Join my newsletter and receive a free humorous eBook Memoirs of the Ward Rumor Control Coordinator is a light-hearted look at our beloved Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints culture. When you join my newsletter, it’s a bit like voting for Pedro. Your wildest dreams might come true!
And check out my new book Hear Him: Listening to the Voice of God in Scriptures and in Our Lives by Taylor Halverson, Lisa Halverson, and Tyler Griffin.
