The Plain Gospel
In 3 Nephi 27:13-17, Jesus summarizes the Gospel. Christ came into the world to do His father's will. He suffered and died for men. We then have a choice to accept Jesus or reject Him. Those who accept Him and endure to the end are saved, while those who reject Him will not be saved.
Marvin J. Ashton said, "The truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ are plain, precious, and powerful. The lives of the worthy are plain, precious, and powerful." (Marvin J. Ashton, “The Power of Plainness,” Ensign, May 1977, 66)
No Unclean Thing
3 Nephi 27:19 is a very important verse to remember and to read often. “No unclean thing can enter into his (God’s) kingdom…” If we expect to live eternally with God, then we must act as he does and keep his commandments and repent.
Judged By the Scriptures
How will we know what we’ll be judged on? We read the scriptures. For out of the scriptures we find what we’ll be judged by. This life is an open book test. We have the requirements right before us and if we but read what they are and then apply them to our lives, then we’ll be saved (see 3 Nephi 27:25-26).
The Straight and Narrow
Being elite on this earth doesn’t amount to much. The only elite group that really counts is the final one that finds its way to the gate at the end of the straight and narrow path. All other "races" are nothing compared to this one. The only judge that matters is God (see 3 Nephi 27:33).
Wo unto them
3 Nephi 28:34-35 – We read of a great condemnation in these verses. If we do not receive (obey) Jesus or his servants, then it will have been better that we were never born! We will not be able to avoid the justice of an offended God.
Where much is given, much is required. (D&C 82:3)
Translated Beings (Transfigured)
A translated being is a person who is changed so that he does not experience pain or death or even temptation until his resurrection to immortality (see "Guide to the Scriptures" Translated Beings).
3 Nephi 28:39 states, "there was a change wrought upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over them … the powers of the earth could not hold them." They were beyond this world, yet in it.
Showing posts with label Final Judgement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Final Judgement. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
3 Nephi 26
Judgment Day
3 Nephi 26:4 talks about Judgment Day. Every person will stand before God to be judged of his or her works. If their works were good, then they will be resurrected to eternal life. If not, then to damnation (lack of progress).
We will not only be judged according to what we have done in this life, but we will be held accountable for our thoughts and the desires of our hearts. See Alma 12:14 and Alma 41:3. “Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.” (2 Nephi 9:39)
Greater Things if we Accept the Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 26:9 says that if we would study the scriptures (more specifically the Book of Mormon), then God would bless us with additional scriptures or “greater things.”
We are reminded in D&C 84:49-58, “And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.
“And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me.
“For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.
“And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.
“And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.
“And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
“Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
“And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
“And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—
“That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.”
He Loosed Their Tongues
One of the many miracles Jesus gave the Nephites was to let their children speak. It is interesting to think that Jesus did not tell the children what to say. The children already knew and have that perfect faith inherent within them. All that Jesus did (what an understatement) was to loose their tongues so that they could communicate what they knew and felt.
And when they were able to communicate, “they did speak unto their fathers great and marvelous things, even greater than he [Christ] had revealed unto the people.” (3 Nephi 26:14) It is no wonder, then, that Jesus teaches us “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:4-6, see also Mark 9:43, Luke 17:2)
The tender primary song teaches us:
Jesus once was a little child,
A little child like me;
And he was pure and meek and mild,
As a little child should be.
So, little children,
Let’s you and I
Try to be like him,
Try, try, try.
(Children’s Songbook, 55)
Elder Jay E. Jensen shares the following, “When I was a young seminary teacher, one of my students approached me about her assignment to prepare a devotional for the class. She said she wanted to bring her married sister to class with a newborn daughter and have her sing a song about the child. I agreed. Her sister announced the number, and my student accompanied her on the piano. Standing in front of the class, the young mother held her daughter in her arms and, looking at her, began to sing these words:
Do you know who you are—little child of mine—
So precious and dear to me?
Do you know you’re a part of a great design
That is vast as eternity?
Can you think for a moment how much depends
On your holding the “Iron Rod”?
Your life is forever—worlds without end—
Do you know you’re a child of God?
(“To a Child,” words and music by Ora Pate Stewart [Fernwood, 1964])
“All the students were touched by what they saw and heard. It was a heavenly scene. I cannot talk about it today without having tender feelings surfacing.” (Jay E. Jensen, “Little Children and the Gospel,” Ensign, Jan 1999, 30)
3 Nephi 26:4 talks about Judgment Day. Every person will stand before God to be judged of his or her works. If their works were good, then they will be resurrected to eternal life. If not, then to damnation (lack of progress).
We will not only be judged according to what we have done in this life, but we will be held accountable for our thoughts and the desires of our hearts. See Alma 12:14 and Alma 41:3. “Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.” (2 Nephi 9:39)
Greater Things if we Accept the Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 26:9 says that if we would study the scriptures (more specifically the Book of Mormon), then God would bless us with additional scriptures or “greater things.”
We are reminded in D&C 84:49-58, “And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.
“And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me.
“For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.
“And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.
“And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.
“And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
“Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
“And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
“And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—
“That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.”
He Loosed Their Tongues
One of the many miracles Jesus gave the Nephites was to let their children speak. It is interesting to think that Jesus did not tell the children what to say. The children already knew and have that perfect faith inherent within them. All that Jesus did (what an understatement) was to loose their tongues so that they could communicate what they knew and felt.
And when they were able to communicate, “they did speak unto their fathers great and marvelous things, even greater than he [Christ] had revealed unto the people.” (3 Nephi 26:14) It is no wonder, then, that Jesus teaches us “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:4-6, see also Mark 9:43, Luke 17:2)
The tender primary song teaches us:
Jesus once was a little child,
A little child like me;
And he was pure and meek and mild,
As a little child should be.
So, little children,
Let’s you and I
Try to be like him,
Try, try, try.
(Children’s Songbook, 55)
Elder Jay E. Jensen shares the following, “When I was a young seminary teacher, one of my students approached me about her assignment to prepare a devotional for the class. She said she wanted to bring her married sister to class with a newborn daughter and have her sing a song about the child. I agreed. Her sister announced the number, and my student accompanied her on the piano. Standing in front of the class, the young mother held her daughter in her arms and, looking at her, began to sing these words:
Do you know who you are—little child of mine—
So precious and dear to me?
Do you know you’re a part of a great design
That is vast as eternity?
Can you think for a moment how much depends
On your holding the “Iron Rod”?
Your life is forever—worlds without end—
Do you know you’re a child of God?
(“To a Child,” words and music by Ora Pate Stewart [Fernwood, 1964])
“All the students were touched by what they saw and heard. It was a heavenly scene. I cannot talk about it today without having tender feelings surfacing.” (Jay E. Jensen, “Little Children and the Gospel,” Ensign, Jan 1999, 30)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
2 Nephi 29
Chapter 29 largely deals with the writing of other books of scripture other than the Bible. Nephi quotes the Lord as saying that the testimony of two nations shall run together and testify that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
I think that two testimonies of God’s work on the earth is significant. Many people believe that God is different and that as Nephi stated in the last chapter, God has left His work in the hands of men. This is not so. God is still very active in His work and glory (Moses 1:39). He wants us to know that he is the same, so he has commanded the prophets throughout the world to write and testify of him.
A Bible, A Bible!
I've always found it interesting how some Christian religions know the Bible is from God yet deny that the Book of Mormon comes from the same divine source. The logic and arguments for and against the Book of Mormon are numerous. But at the heart of every argument against the Book of Mormon is the question of authenticity. Many believe the Joseph Smith wrote it instead of translating it … many believe that the Book of Mormon doesn't come from God. But those same people believe that the Bible is inspired of God. They are stuck on the question of Joseph Smith being a prophet or not. Thankfully Moroni saw this dilemma and instructed everyone who reads the Book of Mormon to ask God if it is true or not. Those who have a sincere desire to know the truth will receive a personal witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon (Moroni 10:3-9).
Let me also address the question of authenticity in another way. At church this Sunday, the counselor in the Elder's quorum shared a missionary experience with us. He is a convert to the Church. He had gone on a few visits with the missionaries the previous week. One of the people they visited was this young man who questioned everything the missionaries taught him. He kept asking them, "how do you know for sure Joseph Smith is a true prophet? How do you know for sure the Book of Mormon is true?" He wanted solid proof that the Church is true. At this point, the counselor began addressing this young man. He said, "you believe in Jesus Christ, correct?" The young man replied, "yes." Then the counselor said told said, "I assume you've not seen Jesus Christ, but you know he lived and did what the Bible tells us he did. Is that correct?" The young man again said, "yes." Then the counselor said that believing the Book of Mormon and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God is similar to believing Christ is real. You must gain that testimony for yourself through study and prayer.
I think that those who forcefully argue against the Book of Mormon (those who say there is no more word of God besides the Bible) love the Bible and think the Book of Mormon detracts from it. In reality, if these people were really searching the truth, they would prayerfully consider the Book of Mormon after reading it and studying its teachings.
“The argument is, as the Lord suggests, most foolish. It is our modern counterpart to those of Jesus' day who rejected him in the pretense of being loyal to the Law of Moses, the irony being that loyalty to the Law of Moses demanded acceptance of Jesus as the Christ. The purpose of the Law of Moses was to teach and testify of Christ. Such is also the purpose of the Book of Mormon, it being the most Christ-centered book ever written. Yet it is rejected in the name of loyalty to the Bible. The logical extension of such reasoning would be to reject the Gospel of Mark in the name of loyalty to Matthew or to reject the witness of Peter in the pretense of loyalty to Paul and his teachings.” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 347)
Out of the Books Will We be Judged
A warning also comes with this doctrine. We will be judged according to that which is written in the books written by the prophets (v. 11). Since we have the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, we will be judged according to that which is written in those books. Also, we will be judged according to the word of the modern-day prophets. Their words are found in the Ensign and other Church materials.
Since I'm an IT person, I kind of view reading the scriptures and the latest General Conference material like anti-virus software. In order to protect your personal computer (or your soul) you should install a base version of some anti-virus software (read the scriptures). Then in order to guard against the most recent virus attacks (or Satan's temptations), you must subscribe to an anti-virus update service (or listen to and read the latest General Conference).
More Scripture to Come
We have been taught from the scriptures that more scriptures will be revealed. We've discussed earlier that some sealed scriptures will be revealed to the world. And now in 2 Nephi 29:13 we learn that not only will we have the Bible and Book of Mormon, but we will have the scriptures of the Lost Tribes of Israel.
“Lost books are among the treasures yet to come forth. Over twenty of these are mentioned in the existing scriptures. Perhaps most startling and voluminous will be the records of the lost tribes of Israel (see 2 Nephi 29:13). We would not even know of the impending third witness for Christ except through the precious Book of Mormon, the second witness for Christ! This third set of sacred records will thus complete a triad of truth. Then, just as the Perfect Shepherd has said, ‘My word also shall be gathered in one’ (v. 14). There will be ‘one fold and one shepherd’ (1 Nephi 22:25 in a welding together of all the Christian dispensations of human history (see D&C 128:18).” (Neal A. Maxwell, "God Will Yet Reveal," Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 52)
I think that two testimonies of God’s work on the earth is significant. Many people believe that God is different and that as Nephi stated in the last chapter, God has left His work in the hands of men. This is not so. God is still very active in His work and glory (Moses 1:39). He wants us to know that he is the same, so he has commanded the prophets throughout the world to write and testify of him.
A Bible, A Bible!
I've always found it interesting how some Christian religions know the Bible is from God yet deny that the Book of Mormon comes from the same divine source. The logic and arguments for and against the Book of Mormon are numerous. But at the heart of every argument against the Book of Mormon is the question of authenticity. Many believe the Joseph Smith wrote it instead of translating it … many believe that the Book of Mormon doesn't come from God. But those same people believe that the Bible is inspired of God. They are stuck on the question of Joseph Smith being a prophet or not. Thankfully Moroni saw this dilemma and instructed everyone who reads the Book of Mormon to ask God if it is true or not. Those who have a sincere desire to know the truth will receive a personal witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon (Moroni 10:3-9).
Let me also address the question of authenticity in another way. At church this Sunday, the counselor in the Elder's quorum shared a missionary experience with us. He is a convert to the Church. He had gone on a few visits with the missionaries the previous week. One of the people they visited was this young man who questioned everything the missionaries taught him. He kept asking them, "how do you know for sure Joseph Smith is a true prophet? How do you know for sure the Book of Mormon is true?" He wanted solid proof that the Church is true. At this point, the counselor began addressing this young man. He said, "you believe in Jesus Christ, correct?" The young man replied, "yes." Then the counselor said told said, "I assume you've not seen Jesus Christ, but you know he lived and did what the Bible tells us he did. Is that correct?" The young man again said, "yes." Then the counselor said that believing the Book of Mormon and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God is similar to believing Christ is real. You must gain that testimony for yourself through study and prayer.
I think that those who forcefully argue against the Book of Mormon (those who say there is no more word of God besides the Bible) love the Bible and think the Book of Mormon detracts from it. In reality, if these people were really searching the truth, they would prayerfully consider the Book of Mormon after reading it and studying its teachings.
“The argument is, as the Lord suggests, most foolish. It is our modern counterpart to those of Jesus' day who rejected him in the pretense of being loyal to the Law of Moses, the irony being that loyalty to the Law of Moses demanded acceptance of Jesus as the Christ. The purpose of the Law of Moses was to teach and testify of Christ. Such is also the purpose of the Book of Mormon, it being the most Christ-centered book ever written. Yet it is rejected in the name of loyalty to the Bible. The logical extension of such reasoning would be to reject the Gospel of Mark in the name of loyalty to Matthew or to reject the witness of Peter in the pretense of loyalty to Paul and his teachings.” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 347)
Out of the Books Will We be Judged
A warning also comes with this doctrine. We will be judged according to that which is written in the books written by the prophets (v. 11). Since we have the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, we will be judged according to that which is written in those books. Also, we will be judged according to the word of the modern-day prophets. Their words are found in the Ensign and other Church materials.
Since I'm an IT person, I kind of view reading the scriptures and the latest General Conference material like anti-virus software. In order to protect your personal computer (or your soul) you should install a base version of some anti-virus software (read the scriptures). Then in order to guard against the most recent virus attacks (or Satan's temptations), you must subscribe to an anti-virus update service (or listen to and read the latest General Conference).
More Scripture to Come
We have been taught from the scriptures that more scriptures will be revealed. We've discussed earlier that some sealed scriptures will be revealed to the world. And now in 2 Nephi 29:13 we learn that not only will we have the Bible and Book of Mormon, but we will have the scriptures of the Lost Tribes of Israel.
“Lost books are among the treasures yet to come forth. Over twenty of these are mentioned in the existing scriptures. Perhaps most startling and voluminous will be the records of the lost tribes of Israel (see 2 Nephi 29:13). We would not even know of the impending third witness for Christ except through the precious Book of Mormon, the second witness for Christ! This third set of sacred records will thus complete a triad of truth. Then, just as the Perfect Shepherd has said, ‘My word also shall be gathered in one’ (v. 14). There will be ‘one fold and one shepherd’ (1 Nephi 22:25 in a welding together of all the Christian dispensations of human history (see D&C 128:18).” (Neal A. Maxwell, "God Will Yet Reveal," Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 52)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
2 Nephi 9
In this chapter, there are many verses which if not meditated and passed over lightly, one will miss a tremendous amount of knowledge, not to mention the feelings one will receive from the Spirit. Many of these verses seem to contain common knowledge, but as you read them over and over again and ponder them, you will begin to see the deeper meaning. I still don’t clearly understand all of what the verses say. I pray that as I read them over again, I will understand a little more.
Hope
In verse 3, Jacob explains to the people that he is telling them these things that they may rejoice and lift up their heads. Once we realize what our fate is if Christ had not fulfilled his mission, we become very grateful for what he has done. The Nephites were grateful for the mission of Christ. They realized their position better than we do because Christ had not yet come and they had to believe that he would come. As for us, we know that he came and it now becomes our duty to find out for ourselves that what Christ taught really is true. We must gain a testimony for ourselves that the resurrection will come and that if we repent we can be forgiven of our sins and return to God’s presence. Not all is lost! We have much to hope for and look forward to.
Christ's Sacrifice
In verse 5, Jacob explains the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Christ subjected himself to men in order that men may be subject unto him. Christ showed his charity to all men by sacrificing himself for our salvation. He provides for us an escape from the everlasting chains of hell. We no longer have to be subject to the devil and his misery. We can choose to obey Christ and live.
Our Eternity Equals the Sum of Our Actions
We will not achieve righteousness in one day, nor will we become all evil and miserable in one day. Our daily actions are the sum of our individual. Sow your thoughts, reap your actions, sow your actions, reap your habits, sow your habits, reap your character, sow your character reap your eternity. Just as verse 16 states, those who are righteous will still be righteous and those who are wicked will still be wicked for the eternities. I heard a saying that has reference to this concept. I believe I heard it from watching the movie Gladiator. It says, “What we do in this life will echo in the eternities.” It is true with all of us. What we choose to think and consequently do will eventually be the outcome of our eternity.
God is Consistent
As I have written before, one of the characteristics of God is that he does what he says he will do. This is one of the attributes I am trying to develop. Call it responsibility, honesty, discipline or whatever; doing what you say you will do is powerful. Jacob recognizes the significance of doing what you say you will do. In verse 17 he says, “O the greatness and the justice of our God! For he executeth all his words, and they have gone forth out of his mouth, and his law must be fulfilled.”
Carnally Minded vs. Spiritually Minded
Verse 39: What does it mean to be carnally minded? What does it mean to be spiritually minded? To be carnally minded is to think like the world does. At work, some people are constantly cracking jokes that are crude. Sometimes I don’t understand them and I hope that the reason I don’t understand them is because I am not thinking like they do. To be carnally minded is to have your mind in the gutter. The only way to counter act this is to be spiritually minded or in other words to constantly think of spiritual things. This is not as hard as it sounds. If you delight in the scriptures like Nephi did, then your mind will naturally be thinking of the Lord’s words. You will derive great joy from being spiritually minded and you will not fear. As you think of the scriptures and the teachings of the prophets during the day, you will become more confident in doing what is right and you will be truly happy. “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45). This is a prime example of trying to be spiritually minded. I have memorized most of section 121. As I was writing this, I remembered that part of section 121. When we have the scriptures and teachings of the prophets written on our hearts, we will remember them and we will be spiritually minded.
Spending Time and Money
Jacob’s counsel in verse 51 is timeless. He admonishes, “do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy.” What is of true worth? Everything we buy and acquire on this earth will not come with us to the eternities. Our home, our books, our possessions – we cannot truly keep with us. The only thing that we can keep with us is our character, our testimony, our knowledge, our family relationships. Yet, why do we spend our money and time on things which we cannot keep? We need to spend our time and money on developing our character, our testimony and family and also on building up the kingdom of God on the Earth. Consequently, we need to labor on building up the kingdom of God and our family. I work to provide for my family. When I am not at work, I spend my time studying the scriptures, playing with my kids and talking with my wife. These are the things which are most important.
Remember to Pray
Lastly, Jacob counsels us to pray continually and to thank God for all that we have.
Hope
In verse 3, Jacob explains to the people that he is telling them these things that they may rejoice and lift up their heads. Once we realize what our fate is if Christ had not fulfilled his mission, we become very grateful for what he has done. The Nephites were grateful for the mission of Christ. They realized their position better than we do because Christ had not yet come and they had to believe that he would come. As for us, we know that he came and it now becomes our duty to find out for ourselves that what Christ taught really is true. We must gain a testimony for ourselves that the resurrection will come and that if we repent we can be forgiven of our sins and return to God’s presence. Not all is lost! We have much to hope for and look forward to.
Christ's Sacrifice
In verse 5, Jacob explains the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Christ subjected himself to men in order that men may be subject unto him. Christ showed his charity to all men by sacrificing himself for our salvation. He provides for us an escape from the everlasting chains of hell. We no longer have to be subject to the devil and his misery. We can choose to obey Christ and live.
Our Eternity Equals the Sum of Our Actions
We will not achieve righteousness in one day, nor will we become all evil and miserable in one day. Our daily actions are the sum of our individual. Sow your thoughts, reap your actions, sow your actions, reap your habits, sow your habits, reap your character, sow your character reap your eternity. Just as verse 16 states, those who are righteous will still be righteous and those who are wicked will still be wicked for the eternities. I heard a saying that has reference to this concept. I believe I heard it from watching the movie Gladiator. It says, “What we do in this life will echo in the eternities.” It is true with all of us. What we choose to think and consequently do will eventually be the outcome of our eternity.
God is Consistent
As I have written before, one of the characteristics of God is that he does what he says he will do. This is one of the attributes I am trying to develop. Call it responsibility, honesty, discipline or whatever; doing what you say you will do is powerful. Jacob recognizes the significance of doing what you say you will do. In verse 17 he says, “O the greatness and the justice of our God! For he executeth all his words, and they have gone forth out of his mouth, and his law must be fulfilled.”
Carnally Minded vs. Spiritually Minded
Verse 39: What does it mean to be carnally minded? What does it mean to be spiritually minded? To be carnally minded is to think like the world does. At work, some people are constantly cracking jokes that are crude. Sometimes I don’t understand them and I hope that the reason I don’t understand them is because I am not thinking like they do. To be carnally minded is to have your mind in the gutter. The only way to counter act this is to be spiritually minded or in other words to constantly think of spiritual things. This is not as hard as it sounds. If you delight in the scriptures like Nephi did, then your mind will naturally be thinking of the Lord’s words. You will derive great joy from being spiritually minded and you will not fear. As you think of the scriptures and the teachings of the prophets during the day, you will become more confident in doing what is right and you will be truly happy. “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45). This is a prime example of trying to be spiritually minded. I have memorized most of section 121. As I was writing this, I remembered that part of section 121. When we have the scriptures and teachings of the prophets written on our hearts, we will remember them and we will be spiritually minded.
Spending Time and Money
Jacob’s counsel in verse 51 is timeless. He admonishes, “do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy.” What is of true worth? Everything we buy and acquire on this earth will not come with us to the eternities. Our home, our books, our possessions – we cannot truly keep with us. The only thing that we can keep with us is our character, our testimony, our knowledge, our family relationships. Yet, why do we spend our money and time on things which we cannot keep? We need to spend our time and money on developing our character, our testimony and family and also on building up the kingdom of God on the Earth. Consequently, we need to labor on building up the kingdom of God and our family. I work to provide for my family. When I am not at work, I spend my time studying the scriptures, playing with my kids and talking with my wife. These are the things which are most important.
Remember to Pray
Lastly, Jacob counsels us to pray continually and to thank God for all that we have.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
1 Nephi 15
Revelation
In chapter 15, we find another insight to Laman and Lemuel’s murmuring. In verses 7-9 we find a commonality of disbelievers. “Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken… And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord? And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.” Laman and Lemuel simply did not believe that the Lord could reveal such things to them. They did not believe in revelation or inspiration. They believed that God could not communicate with man in any way, shape or form. This is a major misconception! We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God (9th Article of Faith). Nephi also explains to them that the Lord indeed reveals his mysteries and his will to those who desire to know them. “If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you” (v. 11). Even more recently, President Faust has counseled, “Latter-day Saints, having received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, are entitled to personal inspiration in the small events of life as well as when they are confronted with the giant Goliaths of life. If worthy, we are entitled to receive revelations for ourselves, parents for their children, and members of the Church in their callings” (Ensign March 2002, Communion with the Holy Spirit).
I firmly believe that if we are obedient to God’s commandments and if we truly seek Him in faith, he will reveal to us that which we want and need to know. Many times I have received personal revelation on small matters. I have also gratefully received revelation on life-changing matters. Sometimes I actively seek the Lord’s advice. Other times His advice has come unsought.
As for understanding the mysteries of God … my belief is that individually, we can seek to understand the teachings and how to apply them to our lives. But obviously we need to guard against stepping outside the limits of our receiving revelation. For example, I think it is appropriate that we can seek to understand the teachings of Isaiah. But if we are sitting in the temple and receive a revelation to start a polygamist colony, then I think we’d be stepping outside those limits.
If we honestly keep the commandments and covenants with all diligence, then we put ourselves in a prime position to receive revelation. We can receive answers to our prayers. God wants us to know His will, but we must be willing to let him reveal it to us. Laman and Lemuel did not let God speak with them. They did not believe that He could communicate to them and therefore they were left in the dark and to struggle for themselves.
The Iron Rod is the Word of God
In verse 24, Nephi explains to his brothers what the rod of iron symbolizes. He says, the rod of iron “was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.” I honestly cannot fathom how a person, if he read and reflected on the teachings of the Book of Mormon and the Bible every day, could lead a life of sin and wickedness. In other words, I believe that if we study the scriptures daily (hold fast on them) and diligently try to apply those teachings to our own lives (hearken unto the word of God), then we could not yield to the temptations of Satan. And herein lies the key to living a Christian life … we must study the scriptures. If we do so, then sooner or later we will either consciously or subconsciously live the teachings of Christ and if we live the teachings of Christ, our works will be good. And if our works are good, then we will be judged to be clean and can live in the presence of God.
Judged of Works
The previous point leads me to the next point that Nephi teaches his brothers. In verse 30 he says, “the justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire.” The justice of God is the judgment of our lives. “They must be judged of their works, yea, even the works which were done by the temporal body in their days of probation” (v. 32). He goes on to say that if you die in your sins and have sought to live a life of sin, then you are unclean and will remain unclean when you die. Consequently there is a place prepared for those who are unprepared to meet God … it is Hell.
Nephi’s teachings clearly demonstrate why Mormons believe the way we do. Some will attempt to go into the “saved by grace” vs. “saved by works” argument. Yes, we are saved by the grace of Christ … he has prepared a way. But we must choose to follow Christ and take advantage of his atonement. If we choose to sin our whole lives, then we will have missed our opportunity to take advantage of the Atonement.
Ultimately, we are judged for the things we do in life.
In chapter 15, we find another insight to Laman and Lemuel’s murmuring. In verses 7-9 we find a commonality of disbelievers. “Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken… And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord? And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.” Laman and Lemuel simply did not believe that the Lord could reveal such things to them. They did not believe in revelation or inspiration. They believed that God could not communicate with man in any way, shape or form. This is a major misconception! We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God (9th Article of Faith). Nephi also explains to them that the Lord indeed reveals his mysteries and his will to those who desire to know them. “If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you” (v. 11). Even more recently, President Faust has counseled, “Latter-day Saints, having received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, are entitled to personal inspiration in the small events of life as well as when they are confronted with the giant Goliaths of life. If worthy, we are entitled to receive revelations for ourselves, parents for their children, and members of the Church in their callings” (Ensign March 2002, Communion with the Holy Spirit).
I firmly believe that if we are obedient to God’s commandments and if we truly seek Him in faith, he will reveal to us that which we want and need to know. Many times I have received personal revelation on small matters. I have also gratefully received revelation on life-changing matters. Sometimes I actively seek the Lord’s advice. Other times His advice has come unsought.
As for understanding the mysteries of God … my belief is that individually, we can seek to understand the teachings and how to apply them to our lives. But obviously we need to guard against stepping outside the limits of our receiving revelation. For example, I think it is appropriate that we can seek to understand the teachings of Isaiah. But if we are sitting in the temple and receive a revelation to start a polygamist colony, then I think we’d be stepping outside those limits.
If we honestly keep the commandments and covenants with all diligence, then we put ourselves in a prime position to receive revelation. We can receive answers to our prayers. God wants us to know His will, but we must be willing to let him reveal it to us. Laman and Lemuel did not let God speak with them. They did not believe that He could communicate to them and therefore they were left in the dark and to struggle for themselves.
The Iron Rod is the Word of God
In verse 24, Nephi explains to his brothers what the rod of iron symbolizes. He says, the rod of iron “was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.” I honestly cannot fathom how a person, if he read and reflected on the teachings of the Book of Mormon and the Bible every day, could lead a life of sin and wickedness. In other words, I believe that if we study the scriptures daily (hold fast on them) and diligently try to apply those teachings to our own lives (hearken unto the word of God), then we could not yield to the temptations of Satan. And herein lies the key to living a Christian life … we must study the scriptures. If we do so, then sooner or later we will either consciously or subconsciously live the teachings of Christ and if we live the teachings of Christ, our works will be good. And if our works are good, then we will be judged to be clean and can live in the presence of God.
Judged of Works
The previous point leads me to the next point that Nephi teaches his brothers. In verse 30 he says, “the justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire.” The justice of God is the judgment of our lives. “They must be judged of their works, yea, even the works which were done by the temporal body in their days of probation” (v. 32). He goes on to say that if you die in your sins and have sought to live a life of sin, then you are unclean and will remain unclean when you die. Consequently there is a place prepared for those who are unprepared to meet God … it is Hell.
Nephi’s teachings clearly demonstrate why Mormons believe the way we do. Some will attempt to go into the “saved by grace” vs. “saved by works” argument. Yes, we are saved by the grace of Christ … he has prepared a way. But we must choose to follow Christ and take advantage of his atonement. If we choose to sin our whole lives, then we will have missed our opportunity to take advantage of the Atonement.
Ultimately, we are judged for the things we do in life.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
1 Nephi 10
This chapter discusses the prophecies of Lehi to his children.
The Prophecies
In verse 3, he foresees the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jews being carried away captive into Babylon.
In verse 4, he sees the coming of Christ. In verse 7, he sees the coming of John the Baptist. He sees Jesus get baptized by John the Baptist and he sees John testify that Jesus is the Messiah. Next he sees Christ slain and resurrected.
In verse 13, he sees his posterity inherit the Promised Land as well as their scattering at the hand of the Gentiles.
Nephi Desires to Know Too
After Lehi tells his family of his vision and all the things he sees therein, Nephi desires to see and know for himself. He teaches us that the power of the Holy Ghost is a gift from God. God is the same yesterday, today and forever … he is unchanging.
Nephi truly believes that “he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them.” How many times have we been taught that if we desire to know something from God that all we need to do is ask in faith? Of all the lessons the Gospel of Christ teaches, this one is one of the most taught. “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9). As we later read, the Lord did indeed enlighten Nephi with regards to Lehi’s dream.
How can we apply this scripture to our lives? Simply put, exercise our faith and experiment on Nephi’s words. If these words are true, then we can petition the Lord in faith and in turn receive from his hand. Obviously God is not a genie and we cannot ask him to make us rich or request some other ridiculous favor. Our desires must be aligned with the Lord’s will. If we ask amiss (James 4:3), then we will not receive what we desire. We must know the will of the Lord and then seek to follow it. Only then, when we ask, will we receive what we desire.
Recently my wife and I were confronted with a question. Since leaving college, we both know that we would like to return to the place where we grew up. Right now, we live over 1000 miles from our hometowns. But we know that jobs are somewhat scarce there and that the cost of living is much more compared to where we live right now. I’m almost finished with graduate school and we are at a crossroads in our life. Should we remain where we are and continue our career with the current company or should we attempt to move back to our hometown? Faced with this question, we really wanted to know the will of the Lord in the matter. If the Lord wanted us to stay, then we would be content with what we have. But if the Lord’s will is that we move back to our native state where we’d be much closer to family, then we’d gladly accept that and we’d do all that we could to move back there. We prayed, attended the temple and fasted about the matter … to know if it is the Lord’s will that we move back. We received an answer and we strongly feel that we should move back. So now we offer multiple petitions a day to the Lord asking his help in our quest to move back to our home state.
No Unclean Thing
Perhaps one of the defining doctrines of “Mormonism” is that we believe that men will be punished for their own sins if they do not repent of them. It is not enough to declare Jesus as our savior and then proceed to live a life of sin. Rather, we believe that everyone must repent of their sins and live a Christ-like life in order to live with God again.
About four years ago, a co-worker approached me one morning and invited me to join him at lunch the next day. We went to lunch and chatted a bit about work before he launched into his “first discussion” about his religion. Basically he wanted me to recite a prayer saying that I declare Jesus as my savior and that after I recite this prayer, I’d be saved. After reciting that prayer, I could then live a life of horrible sin and still be saved. His logic was that if I really believed, then my life would naturally reflect Christ’s life, but if it didn’t, I would still be saved.
Our church, on the other hand, believes that we must “prove” to God and Christ that we are willing to change. Once we truly repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and all the other ordinance of the Gospel and then endure to the end, we will be saved. Else, if we simply pay lip service and go through the actions but truly don’t repent and live a life of wickedness, then we will not live with God again.
As Nephi states, “Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment” (v. 20). He also teaches that “no unclean thing can dwell with God” (v. 21). If we have sought to do wickedly all the days of our probation, then we will be unclean and consequently cannot live with God.
The Prophecies
In verse 3, he foresees the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jews being carried away captive into Babylon.
In verse 4, he sees the coming of Christ. In verse 7, he sees the coming of John the Baptist. He sees Jesus get baptized by John the Baptist and he sees John testify that Jesus is the Messiah. Next he sees Christ slain and resurrected.
In verse 13, he sees his posterity inherit the Promised Land as well as their scattering at the hand of the Gentiles.
Nephi Desires to Know Too
After Lehi tells his family of his vision and all the things he sees therein, Nephi desires to see and know for himself. He teaches us that the power of the Holy Ghost is a gift from God. God is the same yesterday, today and forever … he is unchanging.
Nephi truly believes that “he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them.” How many times have we been taught that if we desire to know something from God that all we need to do is ask in faith? Of all the lessons the Gospel of Christ teaches, this one is one of the most taught. “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9). As we later read, the Lord did indeed enlighten Nephi with regards to Lehi’s dream.
How can we apply this scripture to our lives? Simply put, exercise our faith and experiment on Nephi’s words. If these words are true, then we can petition the Lord in faith and in turn receive from his hand. Obviously God is not a genie and we cannot ask him to make us rich or request some other ridiculous favor. Our desires must be aligned with the Lord’s will. If we ask amiss (James 4:3), then we will not receive what we desire. We must know the will of the Lord and then seek to follow it. Only then, when we ask, will we receive what we desire.
Recently my wife and I were confronted with a question. Since leaving college, we both know that we would like to return to the place where we grew up. Right now, we live over 1000 miles from our hometowns. But we know that jobs are somewhat scarce there and that the cost of living is much more compared to where we live right now. I’m almost finished with graduate school and we are at a crossroads in our life. Should we remain where we are and continue our career with the current company or should we attempt to move back to our hometown? Faced with this question, we really wanted to know the will of the Lord in the matter. If the Lord wanted us to stay, then we would be content with what we have. But if the Lord’s will is that we move back to our native state where we’d be much closer to family, then we’d gladly accept that and we’d do all that we could to move back there. We prayed, attended the temple and fasted about the matter … to know if it is the Lord’s will that we move back. We received an answer and we strongly feel that we should move back. So now we offer multiple petitions a day to the Lord asking his help in our quest to move back to our home state.
No Unclean Thing
Perhaps one of the defining doctrines of “Mormonism” is that we believe that men will be punished for their own sins if they do not repent of them. It is not enough to declare Jesus as our savior and then proceed to live a life of sin. Rather, we believe that everyone must repent of their sins and live a Christ-like life in order to live with God again.
About four years ago, a co-worker approached me one morning and invited me to join him at lunch the next day. We went to lunch and chatted a bit about work before he launched into his “first discussion” about his religion. Basically he wanted me to recite a prayer saying that I declare Jesus as my savior and that after I recite this prayer, I’d be saved. After reciting that prayer, I could then live a life of horrible sin and still be saved. His logic was that if I really believed, then my life would naturally reflect Christ’s life, but if it didn’t, I would still be saved.
Our church, on the other hand, believes that we must “prove” to God and Christ that we are willing to change. Once we truly repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and all the other ordinance of the Gospel and then endure to the end, we will be saved. Else, if we simply pay lip service and go through the actions but truly don’t repent and live a life of wickedness, then we will not live with God again.
As Nephi states, “Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment” (v. 20). He also teaches that “no unclean thing can dwell with God” (v. 21). If we have sought to do wickedly all the days of our probation, then we will be unclean and consequently cannot live with God.
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