Our Sunday School Lesson

"God Himself . . . Shall Redeem His People." Mosiah 12-17

One big question of the lesson was Did Abinadi die without being aware of any converts?

Well, we know from Mosiah 17:1,2 that Abinadi heard the plea of Alma to spare his life. We aren't told what Abinadi was thinking but he probably did believe some good would come of his mission. Ted L. Gibbons has written in his Book of Mormon Lessons "that as a direct result of the ministry of Abinadi which was carried on by Alma the Elder and his descendants, 23,707 people united with the Church, and in addition to this, thirteen other large groups of people were converted."

Abinadi indeed had a most difficult mission: to share a most important message with everyone. It wasn't easy. His message was about peace, redemption and salvation. He was asked in the court of Noah to retract his statements or be put to death. Abinadi responded in Mosiah 17:9,10, by saying, I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you.

I know that Abinadi preached the truth. He loved the Lord and was faithful and steadfast to the end of his life. I am so grateful that we have these lessons from the Book of Mormon. The great example of Abinadi is precious to me.