"He sent angels to converse with them ... therefore God conversed with men"

In my last post, I outlined a temple pattern found in the scriptures related to hearkening and then later being taught to speak with the tongue of angels.

In this post, we'll look at another example of this pattern, the archetype of which is found in Moses 5-6 (detailed in my previous post here). 

29 Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory.

30 And they began from that time forth to call on his name; therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption, which had been prepared from the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto them according to their faith and repentance and their holy works. (Alma 12)

This passage is one of my very favorite sections of the Book of Mormon. So many beautiful patterns are happening all at once. Alma begins the passage by outlining the division that happens as a result of the word. Whereas those who harden their hearts receive "the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning [God's] mysteries," those who harden not their hearts receives "the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God in full" (Alma 12:10-11).

In the same chapter, we find a subtle two-way phrasing. Notice in verse 30 that after conversing with angels, men "began from that forth to call on his name."  Then, in verse 33, we learn that "God did call on men, in the name of his Son."  This is the invitation to repent and avoid the second death.

As Alma 13 begins, the message transforms into a discussion about how mankind assists in the work of angels:

I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people. (Alma 13:1)

I love this pattern of conversation with angels. Those who "choos[e] to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish" are then called to the work. Receiver becomes giver.

Alma concludes chapter 13 by making it extremely clear what the source of this joyous message is:

22 Yea, and the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it unto all nations; yea, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of great joy; yea, and he doth sound these glad tidings among all his people, yea, even to them that are scattered abroad upon the face of the earth; wherefore they have come unto us.

23 And they are made known unto us in plain terms, that we may understand, that we cannot err; and this because of our being wanderers in a strange land; therefore, we are thus highly favored, for we have these glad tidings declared unto us in all parts of our vineyard.

24 For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.

25 And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.

26 And it shall be made known unto just and holy men, by the mouth of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers may be fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken concerning him, which was according to the spirit of prophecy which was in them. (Alma 13)