Friday, September 14, 2007

Mormon 7

Mormon's Last Words

Chapter seven are the last words we read from Mormon. As many previous Nephite prophets, Mormon was continually concerned about the welfare of the Lamanites. His final words are directed to the descendants of the Lamanites with the hope that the Lamanites would some day return to the gospel of Christ.

Delight No More in the Shedding of Blood

Mormon 7:4 says, "lay down your weapons of war, and delight no more in the shedding of blood, and take them not again, save it be that God shall command you."

We live in an age where we hear of wars and rumors of wars (see D&C 45:26). We are taught that this trend will continue until the 2nd Coming of Christ. I fear we are a blood-thirsty society. We want justice and revenge. I often wonder what our nation's reaction would be if after being attacked we did not fight back. I think there would be a huge outcry of rage and the people would demand that we fight back. I know we are taught to defend ourselves and we would not be in the wrong for doing so, but I wonder if our nation has crossed the line in the past and in recent years.

Endless Happiness

One scripture that I really love from this chapter is verse 7. Mormon explains that Christ has brought to pass the redemption of the world and if people repent of their sins and are found guiltless (notice that he did not say perfect) at the last day, then they will dwell in the kingdom of God forever “in a state of happiness which hath no end.” In plain words, Mormon tells us what we are aiming for in this life. If we prove ourselves worthy to live with God, we’ll be eternally happy. What a blessing!

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