I have come across people who have tried to construe that Alma 13 is about what happened before we were born on earth. I have always refuted that idea. I have done so because of the word foreknowledge and it’s meaning which is in verses 3 and 17. The other day I was reading Alma 13 again after reading Alma 12 and have additional reasons for my belief that Alma 13 is talking about mortality.

 Let’s read what Alma 13:1 says.

 Alma 13:1 And again, my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the time when the Lord God gave these commandments unto his children; and 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.

 Two key phrases I’d like to look at.
1) I would cite your minds FORWARD to the time
2) when the Lord God gave THESE commandments unto his children

Just before this verse, Alma 12:37, Alma was talking about the commandments that was given to mankind after Adam and Eve had fallen. In addition in Alma 12 verses 21, 22, 23, 26, and 31 Alma and Antionah were talking about Adam and Eve.

The phrase “I would cite your minds FORWARD to the time” is talking about after Adam and Eve had fallen and hence not about the pre-existence. In addition “THESE commandments” is referring to the commandments given after Adam and Eve had fallen.