Why did Lamoni suddenly question his own actions?

Thomas R. Valletta

“Prophets, both ancient and modern, have taught that the Spirit of Christ [or light of Christ] is preparatory in purpose. It prepares God’s children to receive the temporary witness of the Holy Ghost, followed by the more constant Gift of the Holy Ghost, which is bestowed upon those who are baptized (see D&C 130:23). An example of this progression can be identified in the Book of Mormon account of the conversion of king Lamoni. Even though Lamoni had the autocratic authority of a king and had been taught that ‘whatsoever [he] did was right,’ the text suggests that he still knew it was wrong to slay those servants he judged had not served him well [Alma 18:5]” (Judd, “Spirit of Christ,” 136).

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

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