Abinadi the Prophet

Here is the second speech that we have converted over to a different format.  Same great words found in your Book of Mormon, but formatted differently to fit the same general conference format that we are used to.  If you missed the first one, by King Benjamin, you can go HERE to download that.  

I love the Prophet Abinadi's words.  He has some of the most outstanding doctrines and beautiful writings in his ministry to the wicked King Noah and his Priests.  Abinadi came amongst King Noah and his people  to warn them of God's judgement if they did not repent and change their evil acts, like it describes in the following scripture:  

"Yeah, and thus they (King Noah & Priests) were supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support iniquity...Yeah, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them...And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his riches, and he spent his time in riotous living with his wives and his concubines; and so did also his priests spend their time with harlots."   (Mosiah 11:6-7;14)  

He had to preach to them doctrines, that as Priests, they should've already known and been teaching the people.  Abinadi said to King Noah and his Priests, "...wo be unto you for perverting the ways of the lord!  For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them; therefore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord, Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise."  (Mosiah 12:26-27)

This last sermon of Abinadi's is rich in pure doctrine.  He reviews with the King and Priests the Ten Commandments. He speaks of the beautiful Atonement and Resurrection of Christ. He elaborates on the Law of Moses. He talks about the children of Christ.  He quotes many passages from Isaiah.  He talks about prophets and the nature of man and how we can return to God's presence.  So beautiful and packed with goodness.  

The king and priests were hard-hearted and would not listen to his words even after witnessing his power and authority as he spoke unto them.  It seemed that everyone of them was past feeling, everyone except for the Priest Alma, Abinidi's one and only convert in King Noah's court.  

Mosiah 17:2 says that "there was one among them whose name was Alma...and he believed the words which Abinadi had spoken, for he knew concerning the iniquity which Abinadi had testified against them; therefore he began to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he might depart in peace."   Of course, King Noah cast Alma out and he had to flee for his life.  Alma ended up being a valuable tool and missionary in the church.  

M. Russell Ballard had this to say about Abinadi:

"Remember also Abinadi and Alma. Abinadi infuriated wicked King Noah with his courageous testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eventually this great missionary offered the ultimate sacrifice for his witness and faith but not before his pure testimony touched one believing heart. Alma, one of King Noah’s priests, “repented of his sins … , [accepted Jesus as the Christ,] and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi” (Mosiah 18:1). Many were converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ as a direct result of Abinadi’s powerfully borne testimony of the Savior, believed by one soul, Alma.

The lesson, I believe, is clear: having a testimony alone is not enough. In fact, when we are truly converted, we cannot be restrained from testifying. And as it was with Apostles and faithful members of old, so is it also our privilege, our duty, and our solemn obligation to “declare the things which [we] know to be true” (D&C 80:4).

Again, please keep in mind that we are talking about sharing real testimony, not just speaking generally about the things we are thankful for. While it is always good to express love and gratitude, such expressions do not constitute the kind of testimony that will ignite a fire of belief in the lives of others. To bear testimony is “to bear witness by the power of the Holy Ghost; to make a solemn declaration of truth based on personal knowledge or belief” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Testify,” 241). Clear declaration of truth makes a difference in people’s lives. That is what changes hearts. That is what the Holy Ghost can confirm in the hearts of God’s children."

More good stuff by Robert D. Hales talking about Abinadi & Keeping the Commandments. And more from Robert D. Hales, talking about Christian courage and the price of Discipleship.

Good stuff for sure!

Go ahead and grab your download of this great speech in General Conference format and enjoy studying the truths found in Abinadi's words.  You can share this talk with all your friends by pinning this speech and sharing it on Facebook.

What is your favorite teaching from Abinadi?