25 Now, it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this, he returned to the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, and also Alma with him, into the wilderness, where they had pitched their tents, and made known unto them all these things. And Alma also related unto them his conversion, with Ammon and Aaron, and his brethren
Just an aside, it was a good thing they were prepared with portable shelter in the form of tents when they had to leave on the fly. Word to the wise.
So the people of Zarahemla, to their credit, do the Christlike thing and agree to provide for and protect these choice people, and Ammon returns to tell them the great news— but not without Alma! Can you blame Alma for wanting to come and meet these amazing people? And do you not wish you could have been there to hear Alma tell, in his own words, HIS conversion story to these converts?
Oh, how they all must have rejoiced! Especially these chosen people of God, once ferocious murderers become gentle and harmless as sheep, who not only heard the unbelievable good news about the people of Zarahemla embracing them and preserving their lives in Messianic fashion, but also hearing Alma’s own conversion story and testimony. Oh, to be a witness to the joy that must have gushed out in that meeting!
I say murderers, for they were. They did shed innocent blood. But not the unpardonable sin, for they had been deceived and taught by the father of lies from their birth. The Atonement of Christ covered their sinning in at least partial ignorance!
11 For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.
What a marvelous and fair and just plan of God! Surely God judges us not strictly by our works, but on the heart behind the works. Surely there are hypocrites who do righteous works, even keep the law of God to the letter, and are condemned because of their hearts, like the Scribes and Pharisees who kept not the law out of love but to exalt themselves in pride above the people, seeking the praise of the world, and to retain power and control and dominion over the people. And then there are the Ammonites, who lived in sinful, filthy, murderous ignorance, even in the darkest abyss, and were redeemed! Redeemed!!! Is it not beautiful?
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