Alma Ch7

This chapter is the words that Alma spoke to the people in Gideon which mention Christ's birth to Mary and His loosing the bands of death for those who repent, are baptized, and keep the commandments. Only those who have humility, faith, hope, and charity can enter the kingdom of God.
Alma is giving apologizing for not being able to come to the city of Gideon sooner to talk to the people because his job in the judgement seat had prevented him from doing so (v1). But he announces that this is not so anymore, he has resigned and come in hopes of finding the people doing better than those who are in Zarahemla, even though they are alright now (v2-4). Alma is joyful for Zarahemla because they suffered through that affliction and many are repented and better now, and he hopes that the people of Gideon do not need to be as chastised as Zarahemla (v5-6).
If Gideon is doing alright, then Alma can focus his teachings on new and more important information about the Savior coming to earth (v7-8). First, Alma must preach repentance to everyone to prepare them to hear the good news of the Redeemer coming to earth and being born of Mary, a chosen vessel, in Jerusalem (v9-10). He will end up suffering pains and afflictions, temptations, pains and sicknesses, and death in order to show mercy to all mankind and run to our aid when we are infirm (v11-12). I love those verses because of the reality of His great atoning sacrifice that blesses me. I know that He has experiences all those afflictions and understands exactly what I am going through in my trials, and all I have to do to be comforted is turn to Him for comfort.
The Savior has actually taken the sins of every person and has paid for them with His blood and suffering (v13). That's a fact and has already happened. Our sins are paid for and we are indebted to our Savior because He was the only one that was able to pay for them. The only thing He wants us to pay Him back with though is follow Him; repent, be baptized, have faith, lay aside your sins, keep the commandments of God, and that's it. That's all it takes to be grated eternal life (v14-16). Alma tells us that if we believe and follow these things, we are in the path of righteousness which leads to the kingdom of God (v17-20).
Those who are unclean will not get that opportunity because the holy temples of God can not house any unclean thing, so repent because you know the truth and be blameless before Him (v21-22). The qualities you should have include: humble, submissive, gentle, easily entreated, patient, long-suffering, temperate, diligent in keeping the commandments, asking in faith for things you need, and thanking God for all things received with faith, hope, and charity (v23-24). As Alma says, "may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless" (v25) so you can live in the kingdom of God. It brings Alma joy to see the people of Gideon following the commandments and he freely wishes good tidings unto them forever (v26-27).