#BOMTC Day 43, May 19~Alma 23-25 or Pages 266-272: “Converted Unto The Lord”

Click the graphic to read Alma 23-25

Conversion includes a conscious decision to give up one’s former ways and change to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ. It requires a change in behavior, but it goes beyond behavior; it is a change in our very nature. It is such a significant change that the Lord and His prophets refer to it as a rebirth, a change of heart, and a baptism of fire (see Mosiah 27:25–26).

Conversion seems to be a process, rather than an event, and comes as a result of righteous efforts to follow the Savior. These efforts include exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end in faith.

Although conversion is miraculous and life changing, it is a quiet miracle. The Book of Mormon provides descriptions of people who are converted to the Lord:

• They desire to do good. (see Mosiah 5:2; Alma 13:12).
• They do not rebel against the Lord. (see Alma 23:6-7).
• They share the gospel. (see Enos 1:26; Mosiah 18:1; 27:32-37; Alma 10:1-12; 15:12).
• They are filled with love. (see 4 Nephi 1:2, 15-17). (for more on this topic see “Conversion” at lds.org)

Complete conversion comes after many trials and much testing (see Luke 22:32; D&C 112:12–13). There is perhaps no greater example of this principle of true conversion than that of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, or “People of Ammon”. (Dr. Hugh Nibley has found ‘a Semitic and common Indo-European root corresponding to anti that means “in the face of” or “facing,” as of one facing a mirror, and by extension either “one who opposes” or “one who imitates.”’ (Quoted in Eldin Ricks, Book of Mormon Study Guide, p. 63.) Thus the term ‘Anti-Nephi-Lehies’ might refer to those who imitate the teachings of the descendants of Nephi and Lehi” (Daniel H. Ludlow, A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon [1976], 209–10).)

The People of Ammon

Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “True conversion will strengthen your capacity to do what you know you should do, when you should do it, regardless of the circumstances” (“Full Conversion Brings Happiness,” Ensign, May 2002).

The thousands of Lamanites who accepted the gospel demonstrate that conversion is a spiritual change—becoming a new being through the power of God. The scriptures describe the Anti-Nephi-Lehies as being so “converted unto the Lord” (see Alma 23:3,6,8,13; 24:6), that they “never did fall away” (Alma 23:6). The Anti-Nephi-Lehies who were “converted to the Lord” made a covenant to lay down their weapons of war. They buried them deep in the earth as a testimony of their desire to change (Alma 24:17-18). The Amalekites and Amulonites, who were former Nephites, stirred up many unconverted Lamanites to anger against their king and the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. Many of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies sacrificed their lives rather than break their covenant (see Alma 24:6–19).

“Converted unto the Lord” (Highlights)

We can “bury” our “weapons of rebellion” by applying what President Spencer W. Kimball taught about abandoning sin:

“In abandoning sin one cannot merely wish for better conditions. He must make them. … He must be certain not only that he has abandoned the sin but that he has changed the situations surrounding the sin. He should avoid the places and conditions and circumstances where the sin occurred, for these could most readily breed it again. He must abandon the people with whom the sin was committed. He may not hate the persons involved but he must avoid them and everything associated with the sin. He must … build a new life. He must eliminate anything which would stir the old memories” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 171–72).

We have the primary responsibility for our own conversion. No one can be converted for us, and no one can force us to be converted. However, others can help us in the process of conversion. Your capacity to experience a mighty change of heart will increase as you strive to follow the Savior’s perfect example. Study the scriptures, pray in faith, keep the commandments, and seek the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. (see True to the Faith, “Conversion”)

Rekindling the Flame of Faith

“Converted unto the Lord” (Full)

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