Note the contrast between Alma’s discourse to the people of Zarahemla (see Alma 5) and his discourse to the people of Gideon (see Alma 7). Alma gave a powerful message of warning and repentance to the people of Zarahemla because of their sins. On the other hand, he commended the people of Gideon for their righteousness and spoke of the glorious coming of Christ.
God’s prophets love to speak of the glories and joys of the gospel; however, they love people too much not to raise a warning voice against sin. Even though Alma’s message to the people of Gideon was more positive in tone than that to the people of Zarahemla, he still taught them the importance of being spiritually reborn (see vv. 14–16).