Alma Chapter 34

34:2 - "...I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ..."
These things were not done in a corner (Acts 26:28).
We have them made known unto us, and we really have no excuse.  When you know more, you can fall further, since you can't "not know" any more.
The whole point is that it's not about what we know - but what we do with what we know.


34:9-14 - "...For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish..."
It is expedient to have this atonement, and everything points unto it.
Why?
Elder Bruce D. Porter talked about the "why" in the November 2007 Ensign, pg. 31-32.  In this talk, he discusses having a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
He mentions, "The sacrifices mandated during the Mosaic dispensation pointed symbolically to the atoning sacrifice of the Messiah, who alone could reconcile sinful man with God."
It all testifies of Christ.  He's the one who paid the price.
Why, though, a broken heart and contrite spirit?  Again from his talk:

1. It brings humility.
2. It's a precondition to repentance
3. It serves as a shield against temptation
4. We have more gratitude

These great blessings come only as we prove we have a broken heart and a contrite spirit, which are great blessings as well.

34:14 - "...And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal..."
All things testify of Christ (Moses 6:63).
Everything about the law and the reasons that we keep the commandments point to Christ.  He was able to accomplish the atonement and made it possible for us to even be here.
We should also point to Christ.


34:15-16 - "...that they may have faith unto repentance..."
Having faith unto repentance allows mercy to take over.
If we do not repent, the plan of mercy cannot take hold because that is Christ's law.  And it's something that we can and should follow.


34:32-34 - "...For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors..."
We need to prepare now to meet God - by becoming the person that the Lord wants us to be.


34:41 - "...but that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions..."
We will have this rest one day, but until that time, we need to exercise our patience and faith.
The rest of the Lord is going to be a huge blessing.