"And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak."
These verses stuck out to me today because I have been reminded many times recently of the power of Christ's Atonement. I was asked to offer a prayer yesterday with a group of women after we had each shared our simple testimonies of Jesus Christ. I don't believe I've ever offered a more thankful and sincere prayer. I have recently heard several examples of the enabling power of the Atonement changing people to become better. My testimony of the power to change has grown, and Christ's sacrifice has become more personal to me.
These verses teach me that Christ was never here to judge us. His purpose was never to condemn us for our sins. His purpose has always been to help us and save us from our sins. He was sent to earth simply to accomplish the will of His Father, which was to teach His word and help people know how to find everlasting life through Him. It is not Christ who judges us--it is the word of God. When we sin, God's law condemns us, but when we repent and keep His commandments, His law saves and renews us.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Shifting gears...
Up to this point, this blog has included posts about doctrinal insights I've gained from asking questions and seeking answers from the scriptures and words of church leaders. My posts have been formal and straightforward, without much personal experience or testimony. I've realized recently that one of the most effective ways to reach people is to share personal experiences, so my posts are going to become less formal and more conversational. I want to share why I've been led to certain questions and what personal insights I have gained through studying those questions. I will still post doctrinal insights and references, but I will include much more of my own voice!
To start off...I will say that I have a deep appreciation for the scriptures. I need to spend time in them every day, not to check it off my list of to-dos, but to keep myself grounded in the truth. It's too easy to get caught up in all the voices of the world, so I need that daily pickup from the scriptures to bring me back to God's simple truths. I can't tell you how many times I have read the scriptures and thought, "Wait, I don't remember reading this before!" It's like God is speaking to me in words that I'm not actually reading. He speaks to me between the lines.
I will never have all the answers, but what I DO know is enough. It's enough to know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, He makes up for all that I do wrong, He helps me become better, and there is always hope when I do my best to follow Him. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know, and the more I see the need to depend on Him. I'm grateful every day for my Savior, and I hope through my studies I can come to know Him better.
I will try to post at least weekly, to keep myself accountable for what I study. If I don't post as often...it's because I'm so caught up in answering a question and there's too much to study in just a few days :) Feel free to comment or send me your own questions!
To start off...I will say that I have a deep appreciation for the scriptures. I need to spend time in them every day, not to check it off my list of to-dos, but to keep myself grounded in the truth. It's too easy to get caught up in all the voices of the world, so I need that daily pickup from the scriptures to bring me back to God's simple truths. I can't tell you how many times I have read the scriptures and thought, "Wait, I don't remember reading this before!" It's like God is speaking to me in words that I'm not actually reading. He speaks to me between the lines.
I will never have all the answers, but what I DO know is enough. It's enough to know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, He makes up for all that I do wrong, He helps me become better, and there is always hope when I do my best to follow Him. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know, and the more I see the need to depend on Him. I'm grateful every day for my Savior, and I hope through my studies I can come to know Him better.
I will try to post at least weekly, to keep myself accountable for what I study. If I don't post as often...it's because I'm so caught up in answering a question and there's too much to study in just a few days :) Feel free to comment or send me your own questions!
Sunday, February 22, 2015
What is good and evil, and how can we tell the difference?
WHAT IS GOOD
The origin of the word “good” comes from the Middle High German/Indo-European gatern meaning “to unite, to join, to fit,” as well as the Sanskrit gadhya meaning “what one clings to.” Goodness is all about oneness, togetherness, and binding (see “Origin of the English word GOOD”, edenics.net/english-word-origins.aspx?word=GOOD).
The origin of the word “good” comes from the Middle High German/Indo-European gatern meaning “to unite, to join, to fit,” as well as the Sanskrit gadhya meaning “what one clings to.” Goodness is all about oneness, togetherness, and binding (see “Origin of the English word GOOD”, edenics.net/english-word-origins.aspx?word=GOOD).
The scriptures offer many ways to know that something is good.
WHAT IS EVIL
The origin of the word “evil” comes from the Indo-European base upo meaning “up from under” or wep meaning “bad, evil.” It stems from several branches like [A] VaH meaning “to sin, to do wrong”; [A]VeN meaning “wickedness”; NaBHaL meaning “a vile person”; (N)aFaL meaning “to fall”; and APHayLaH meaning “darkness” (see “Origin of English word EVIL,” edenics.net/english-word-origins.aspx?word=EVIL).
In the Book of Mormon, Nephi explains certain evils that we should avoid (referencing the Ten Commandments):
"The Lord hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these things; for whose doeth them shall perish.
"For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness" (2 Nephi 26:32-33).
HOW CAN WE KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
1. LIGHT OF CHRIST
The way to judge between good and evil is as plain as the daylight is from the dark night. All people are given the “Spirit of Christ” or the “light of Christ” to discern between good and evil. In the Book of Mormon, Moroni explains that all that invites to do good and to persuade to believe in Christ is of God, therefore it is good. All that persuades to do evil and not believe in Christ and serve God is of the devil (see Moroni 7:15-17). If we “search diligently in the light of Christ” and “lay hold upon every good thing” we will know good from evil (Moroni 7:19).
How is this done? How do we “lay hold upon every good thing”? Moroni goes on to explain that it is through faith. Before the coming of Christ, prophets declared His coming, and God manifested many good things unto the children of men, which “good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them” (Moroni 7:24). He explains that “by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ. And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name . . . And [Christ] spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you” (Moroni 7:25-26). Those who have faith in Christ will “cleave unto every good thing” (Moroni7:28).
The Bible Dictionary defines the light of Christ as follows: “The light of Christ is just what the words should imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ” (Bible Dictionary, “Light of Christ,” 725; see also D&C 84:46-47).
2. RECOGNIZING THE SPIRIT
We recognize good by recognizing the Spirit. The following list includes feelings, thoughts, and impressions that the Holy Ghost gives:
- Gives feelings of love, joy, peace, patience, meekness, gentleness, faith, and hope
- Gives ideas in the mind, feelings in the heart
- Occupies the mind and presses on the feelings
- Helps scriptures have a strong effect
- Gives good feelings to teach if something is true
- Enlightens the mind
- Replaces darkness with light
- Strengthens the desire to avoid evil and obey the commandments
- Teaches truth and brings it to remembrance
- Gives feelings of peace and comfort
- Guides to truth and shows things to come
- Reveals truth
- Guides and protects from deception
- Glorifies and bears record of God the Father and Jesus Christ
- Guides the words of humble teachers
- Recognizes and corrects sin
- Gives gifts of the Spirit
- Helps to perceive or discern the thoughts of others
- Tells what to pray for
- Tells what to do
- Helps the righteous speak with power and authority
- Testifies of the truth
- Sanctifies and brings remission of sins
- Carries truth to the heart of the listener
- Enhances skills and abilities
- Constrains (impels forward) or restrains (holds back)
- Edifies both teacher and students
- Gives comfort
(See Preach My Gospel, 96-97.)
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “That’s the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous? Then it is of the Spirit of God. . . . If it invites to do good, it is of God. If it inviteth to do evil, it is of the devil. . . . And if you are doing the right thing and if you are living the right way, you will know in your heart what the Spirit is saying to you. You recognize the promptings of the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit—that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 260-61).
How do we recognize the Spirit? “The Spirit speaks quietly, through your feelings as well as your mind” (Preach My Gospel, 96). The voice of the Spirit is neither “loud” nor “harsh.” It is “not a voice of thunder, neither . . . voice of a great tumultuous noise.” It is a “still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper,” and it can “pierce to the very soul” and “cause [the heart] to burn” (3 Nephi 11:3; Helaman 5:30; D&C 85:6-7).
“The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. . . . Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, ‘Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth’ (1 Sam. 3:10).” (“The Candle of theLord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).
3. SATAN’S DECEPTION
Many people believe good and evil are relative. But God’s goodness is real and unchangeable. Satan desensitizes people to all that is good because the sin becomes the “norm” of society. All that is good and moral becomes “intolerant” or “overly conservative” in the eyes of the world. And the line between good and evil becomes blurred.
There are times when something may seem good but in reality are evil. Satan often imitates the thing of God, but his imitation are of poorer quality or less value. These false spiritual gifts are real, and Satan uses them with the intent to “overthrow” us (see D&C 50:1-9). We can determine whether something is from God or Satan by the Spirit of Christ (see Moroni 7:15-17). Whatever does not edify us is not of God, and is darkness. Something that edifies makes us feel uplifted and makes us want to improve; it comes from God and makes us want to follow Christ and be better people. Things that are from Satan have a bad influence and try to lead us to disobey the commandments. “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day“ (D&C 50:23-24).
If we are having difficulty knowing if something is from God, the first thing we should do is ask God, “who giveth liberally” (D&C46:7). We are told in modern revelation that “if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of God” (D&C 50:31). We can also talk to parents or trusted leaders.
(See “The Saints Are Taught to Recognize Good and Evil,” lds.org/manual/primary-5-doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history/lesson-19-the-saints-are-taught-to-recognize-good-and-evil?lang=eng.)
To be sure we are not being deceived, we must earnestly seek the gifts of the Spirit for the intent to do good, not to “consume it upon our lusts” (see D&C 46:7-26).
AGENCY
- We can know something is good by comparing it to a seed (see Alma 32:28). If it is a good seed, and you don’t “cast it out by your unbelief . . . it will begin to swell within your breasts,” it will “enlarge [your] soul,” it will “enlighten [your] understanding,” and it will “be delicious to [you].” If the seed grows it is good, but if it does not grow it is not good (Alma 32:32).
- Whatever is light is good, because it is discernible (see Alma 32:35).
- “Goodness” can be described by the following terms as outlined in the thirteenth Article of Faith: “honest, true, chaste, benevolent, [or] virtuous. . . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
- That which is of God invites and entices us to do good continually. All that invites us to do good and to love and serve God is of God (see Moroni 7:13).
- The Spirit of God leads us to do good, meaning He leads us to do justly, to walk humbly, and to judge righteously. The Spirit will enlighten your mind and fill your soul with joy (see D&C 11:12).
WHAT IS EVIL
The origin of the word “evil” comes from the Indo-European base upo meaning “up from under” or wep meaning “bad, evil.” It stems from several branches like [A] VaH meaning “to sin, to do wrong”; [A]VeN meaning “wickedness”; NaBHaL meaning “a vile person”; (N)aFaL meaning “to fall”; and APHayLaH meaning “darkness” (see “Origin of English word EVIL,” edenics.net/english-word-origins.aspx?word=EVIL).
In the Book of Mormon, Nephi explains certain evils that we should avoid (referencing the Ten Commandments):
"The Lord hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these things; for whose doeth them shall perish.
"For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness" (2 Nephi 26:32-33).
HOW CAN WE KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
1. LIGHT OF CHRIST
The way to judge between good and evil is as plain as the daylight is from the dark night. All people are given the “Spirit of Christ” or the “light of Christ” to discern between good and evil. In the Book of Mormon, Moroni explains that all that invites to do good and to persuade to believe in Christ is of God, therefore it is good. All that persuades to do evil and not believe in Christ and serve God is of the devil (see Moroni 7:15-17). If we “search diligently in the light of Christ” and “lay hold upon every good thing” we will know good from evil (Moroni 7:19).
How is this done? How do we “lay hold upon every good thing”? Moroni goes on to explain that it is through faith. Before the coming of Christ, prophets declared His coming, and God manifested many good things unto the children of men, which “good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them” (Moroni 7:24). He explains that “by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ. And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name . . . And [Christ] spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you” (Moroni 7:25-26). Those who have faith in Christ will “cleave unto every good thing” (Moroni7:28).
The Bible Dictionary defines the light of Christ as follows: “The light of Christ is just what the words should imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ” (Bible Dictionary, “Light of Christ,” 725; see also D&C 84:46-47).
2. RECOGNIZING THE SPIRIT
We recognize good by recognizing the Spirit. The following list includes feelings, thoughts, and impressions that the Holy Ghost gives:
- Gives feelings of love, joy, peace, patience, meekness, gentleness, faith, and hope
- Gives ideas in the mind, feelings in the heart
- Occupies the mind and presses on the feelings
- Helps scriptures have a strong effect
- Gives good feelings to teach if something is true
- Enlightens the mind
- Replaces darkness with light
- Strengthens the desire to avoid evil and obey the commandments
- Teaches truth and brings it to remembrance
- Gives feelings of peace and comfort
- Guides to truth and shows things to come
- Reveals truth
- Guides and protects from deception
- Glorifies and bears record of God the Father and Jesus Christ
- Guides the words of humble teachers
- Recognizes and corrects sin
- Gives gifts of the Spirit
- Helps to perceive or discern the thoughts of others
- Tells what to pray for
- Tells what to do
- Helps the righteous speak with power and authority
- Testifies of the truth
- Sanctifies and brings remission of sins
- Carries truth to the heart of the listener
- Enhances skills and abilities
- Constrains (impels forward) or restrains (holds back)
- Edifies both teacher and students
- Gives comfort
(See Preach My Gospel, 96-97.)
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “That’s the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous? Then it is of the Spirit of God. . . . If it invites to do good, it is of God. If it inviteth to do evil, it is of the devil. . . . And if you are doing the right thing and if you are living the right way, you will know in your heart what the Spirit is saying to you. You recognize the promptings of the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit—that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 260-61).
How do we recognize the Spirit? “The Spirit speaks quietly, through your feelings as well as your mind” (Preach My Gospel, 96). The voice of the Spirit is neither “loud” nor “harsh.” It is “not a voice of thunder, neither . . . voice of a great tumultuous noise.” It is a “still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper,” and it can “pierce to the very soul” and “cause [the heart] to burn” (3 Nephi 11:3; Helaman 5:30; D&C 85:6-7).
“The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. . . . Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, ‘Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth’ (1 Sam. 3:10).” (“The Candle of theLord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).
3. SATAN’S DECEPTION
Many people believe good and evil are relative. But God’s goodness is real and unchangeable. Satan desensitizes people to all that is good because the sin becomes the “norm” of society. All that is good and moral becomes “intolerant” or “overly conservative” in the eyes of the world. And the line between good and evil becomes blurred.
There are times when something may seem good but in reality are evil. Satan often imitates the thing of God, but his imitation are of poorer quality or less value. These false spiritual gifts are real, and Satan uses them with the intent to “overthrow” us (see D&C 50:1-9). We can determine whether something is from God or Satan by the Spirit of Christ (see Moroni 7:15-17). Whatever does not edify us is not of God, and is darkness. Something that edifies makes us feel uplifted and makes us want to improve; it comes from God and makes us want to follow Christ and be better people. Things that are from Satan have a bad influence and try to lead us to disobey the commandments. “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day“ (D&C 50:23-24).
If we are having difficulty knowing if something is from God, the first thing we should do is ask God, “who giveth liberally” (D&C46:7). We are told in modern revelation that “if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of God” (D&C 50:31). We can also talk to parents or trusted leaders.
(See “The Saints Are Taught to Recognize Good and Evil,” lds.org/manual/primary-5-doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history/lesson-19-the-saints-are-taught-to-recognize-good-and-evil?lang=eng.)
To be sure we are not being deceived, we must earnestly seek the gifts of the Spirit for the intent to do good, not to “consume it upon our lusts” (see D&C 46:7-26).
AGENCY
1. ADAM AND EVE
One of the very first commandments Adam and Eve received was to not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God gave them an option, allowing them to use their agency to choose whether or not they would obey this commandment. When they partook of the fruit, Satan told them they would become “as gods,” knowing good and evil (see Genisis 3:5). They would be able to know sorrow as well as joy. From this experience, we learn that to know good from evil is to have knowledge, to have our eyes opened (see Genesis 3:6).
If they had not partaken of the fruit, they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy or misery, doing no good or sin (see 2 Nephi 2:23).If they had not transgressed they would not have had children and would never have known good from evil. They would never understand the joy of redemption and eternal life which God gives unto the obedient (see Moses 5:11).
All of us are “conceived in sin,” which means as we grow up we naturally conceive sin in our hearts. This is that we might taste the bitter and know to prize the good (see Moses 6:55). God’s greatest gift to us is our agency, our freedom to choose good or evil. We are “redeemed from the fall” and are “free forever, knowing good from evil, to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon” (2 Nephi 2:26). We are given all that we need to make a fair choice. We are “free to choose liberty and eternal life [through Christ], or . . . captivity and death [through the devil]” (2 Nephi 2:27).
We receive what we desire. “He that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience” (Alma 29:5).
God placed His children on the earth for a testing period. With our knowledge of good and evil, He gave us time to learn, grow, and repent. On earth we are cut off from God’s presence because of Adam and Eve’s transgression, but we still have access to God’s power to help us discern between right and wrong. There are certain consequences for each of our choices, and God extends mercy and justice accordingly.
2. CHOOSING GOOD OVER EVIL
When we choose the right, we are blessed; when we sin we are punished. This is according to the eternal, unchanging laws of the plan of happiness. “Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul. Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment?” (Alma42:16-17).
Sin brings remorse of conscience. In the Book of Mormon, Alma explains that if there was no law given, people could choose to do things like murder and feel no remorse. “Men would not be afraid to sin. . . . “But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God” (Alma 42:20, 22).
There is an important principle that must be acknowledged when discussing good versus evil; that is the principle of agency. Every individual on earth has the ability to make choices, or to exercise agency. Elder Alvin A. Dyer spoke of this principle in his talk “The Nobility of Man in Choosing Goodover Evil." He said, “Without a knowledge of good and evil, the divine principle of agency would be ineffectual.” It is not possible to “indulge heavily in both evil and good things at the same time.” This goes back to the principle Christ taught that “no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24).
One way to determine the difference between right and wrong is to observe the results of one’s actions. “Man is the sum result of what he thinks and does. Habit can become a monster to tarnish and destroy, yet proper behavioral traits can bring lasting joy and achievement. The effect that both good and bad habits have on our lives is all too real to be ignored. Bad habits that violate the commandments of physical health (D&C 89) and of moral behavior (D&C 121) . . . will threaten and destroy all opportunities for real happiness.” We can know good versus evil by the fruits of one’s actions.
Let us all learn to choose good over evil, to discern between right and wrong. “Choosing good over evil and right over wrong is the crowning achievement of life, and in so doing man becomes the masterpiece of the Creator and fulfills the basic purposes of his mortal probation. . . . The fusing of ritual and commandment with everyday living calls for the best that is in us, that by our agency we may feel the affected condition by choosing good rather than evil, thus not only glorifying ourselves but glorifying Him who has made all things possible.”
One of the very first commandments Adam and Eve received was to not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God gave them an option, allowing them to use their agency to choose whether or not they would obey this commandment. When they partook of the fruit, Satan told them they would become “as gods,” knowing good and evil (see Genisis 3:5). They would be able to know sorrow as well as joy. From this experience, we learn that to know good from evil is to have knowledge, to have our eyes opened (see Genesis 3:6).
If they had not partaken of the fruit, they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy or misery, doing no good or sin (see 2 Nephi 2:23).If they had not transgressed they would not have had children and would never have known good from evil. They would never understand the joy of redemption and eternal life which God gives unto the obedient (see Moses 5:11).
All of us are “conceived in sin,” which means as we grow up we naturally conceive sin in our hearts. This is that we might taste the bitter and know to prize the good (see Moses 6:55). God’s greatest gift to us is our agency, our freedom to choose good or evil. We are “redeemed from the fall” and are “free forever, knowing good from evil, to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon” (2 Nephi 2:26). We are given all that we need to make a fair choice. We are “free to choose liberty and eternal life [through Christ], or . . . captivity and death [through the devil]” (2 Nephi 2:27).
We receive what we desire. “He that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience” (Alma 29:5).
God placed His children on the earth for a testing period. With our knowledge of good and evil, He gave us time to learn, grow, and repent. On earth we are cut off from God’s presence because of Adam and Eve’s transgression, but we still have access to God’s power to help us discern between right and wrong. There are certain consequences for each of our choices, and God extends mercy and justice accordingly.
2. CHOOSING GOOD OVER EVIL
When we choose the right, we are blessed; when we sin we are punished. This is according to the eternal, unchanging laws of the plan of happiness. “Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul. Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment?” (Alma42:16-17).
Sin brings remorse of conscience. In the Book of Mormon, Alma explains that if there was no law given, people could choose to do things like murder and feel no remorse. “Men would not be afraid to sin. . . . “But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God” (Alma 42:20, 22).
There is an important principle that must be acknowledged when discussing good versus evil; that is the principle of agency. Every individual on earth has the ability to make choices, or to exercise agency. Elder Alvin A. Dyer spoke of this principle in his talk “The Nobility of Man in Choosing Goodover Evil." He said, “Without a knowledge of good and evil, the divine principle of agency would be ineffectual.” It is not possible to “indulge heavily in both evil and good things at the same time.” This goes back to the principle Christ taught that “no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24).
One way to determine the difference between right and wrong is to observe the results of one’s actions. “Man is the sum result of what he thinks and does. Habit can become a monster to tarnish and destroy, yet proper behavioral traits can bring lasting joy and achievement. The effect that both good and bad habits have on our lives is all too real to be ignored. Bad habits that violate the commandments of physical health (D&C 89) and of moral behavior (D&C 121) . . . will threaten and destroy all opportunities for real happiness.” We can know good versus evil by the fruits of one’s actions.
Let us all learn to choose good over evil, to discern between right and wrong. “Choosing good over evil and right over wrong is the crowning achievement of life, and in so doing man becomes the masterpiece of the Creator and fulfills the basic purposes of his mortal probation. . . . The fusing of ritual and commandment with everyday living calls for the best that is in us, that by our agency we may feel the affected condition by choosing good rather than evil, thus not only glorifying ourselves but glorifying Him who has made all things possible.”
Friday, February 13, 2015
Why does God give us weakness?
One definition of "weakness" as stated in Merriam-Webster is "a quality or feature that prevents someone or something from being effective or useful; a fault or defect."
As human beings, we are subject to the "natural man" which limits us from being completely "effective or useful." We have faults, simply because we don't understand everything perfectly and we cannot be perfect by ourselves. Part of God's plan is to allow us to go through trials so that we can learn and grow from them.
One of the most turned-to verses of scripture regarding weakness is Ether 12:27: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
In this scripture we are told that we are given weakness (singular) so that we might be humble and turn to Christ. This "weakness" is a general term that every human being born on the earth faces. Every person is limited in their abilities independently of Christ. But when we acknowledge our weakness and humble ourselves, Christ makes "weak things become strong" unto us.
In his second epistle to the Corinthians, Paul tells us that he glories in his infirmities because [Christ's] strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul states, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). (The footnote to "weak" in this verse takes the reader to "Humility" in the topical guide.)
The scriptures also tell us that the weak ones of the world will confound the wise and spread the kingdom of God. God restored the fulness of the gospel to the earth "to prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and for the Lord's errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise. . . . And by the weak things of the earth the Lord shall thrash the nations by the power of his Spirit." (D&C 133:58-59)
D&C 1:19-28 states, "The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh." We are given weakness so that we will not trust in the counsel of the world but in God. The verse goes on to list other reasons God relies on the weak ones of the world: "That every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established; That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." God even gave His commandments to His servants in their weakness, "after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known; And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed; And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent; And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time." All of these principles are a result of individuals exercising "weakness" or "humility."
It is the weak and the simple who spread the kingdom of God, because they are those who will be the must humble and rely on God in all things. "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are." God chooses the weak things of the world to confound the wise "that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:27). We are given weakness to remind us that it is through God that we receive all wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. We are given weakness so that we don't glory in ourselves but in God! He gives us limitations to remind us that He is in charge. It is only through Him that we are made strong.
In summary, here are several reasons we are given weakness:
- To humble ourselves enough to have the Spirit so we can spread the kingdom of God.
- To allow Christ's grace to make us stronger.
- That the power of Christ may rest upon us.
- To remember who we should trust in (Christ, not men).
- That we might speak in the name of God.
- That faith might increase.
- That God's everlasting covenant might be established.
- That the fulness of the gospel might be proclaimed.
- That we might understand God's commandments.
- That we might gain knowledge and blessings.
- To remember that God is in charge and we must glory in Him and not ourselves.
- To cause us to search for answers and rely on the Lord because we admit that we don't know everything.
As human beings, we are subject to the "natural man" which limits us from being completely "effective or useful." We have faults, simply because we don't understand everything perfectly and we cannot be perfect by ourselves. Part of God's plan is to allow us to go through trials so that we can learn and grow from them.
One of the most turned-to verses of scripture regarding weakness is Ether 12:27: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
In this scripture we are told that we are given weakness (singular) so that we might be humble and turn to Christ. This "weakness" is a general term that every human being born on the earth faces. Every person is limited in their abilities independently of Christ. But when we acknowledge our weakness and humble ourselves, Christ makes "weak things become strong" unto us.
In his second epistle to the Corinthians, Paul tells us that he glories in his infirmities because [Christ's] strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul states, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). (The footnote to "weak" in this verse takes the reader to "Humility" in the topical guide.)
The scriptures also tell us that the weak ones of the world will confound the wise and spread the kingdom of God. God restored the fulness of the gospel to the earth "to prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and for the Lord's errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise. . . . And by the weak things of the earth the Lord shall thrash the nations by the power of his Spirit." (D&C 133:58-59)
D&C 1:19-28 states, "The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh." We are given weakness so that we will not trust in the counsel of the world but in God. The verse goes on to list other reasons God relies on the weak ones of the world: "That every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established; That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." God even gave His commandments to His servants in their weakness, "after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known; And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed; And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent; And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time." All of these principles are a result of individuals exercising "weakness" or "humility."
It is the weak and the simple who spread the kingdom of God, because they are those who will be the must humble and rely on God in all things. "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are." God chooses the weak things of the world to confound the wise "that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:27). We are given weakness to remind us that it is through God that we receive all wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. We are given weakness so that we don't glory in ourselves but in God! He gives us limitations to remind us that He is in charge. It is only through Him that we are made strong.
In summary, here are several reasons we are given weakness:
- To humble ourselves enough to have the Spirit so we can spread the kingdom of God.
- To allow Christ's grace to make us stronger.
- That the power of Christ may rest upon us.
- To remember who we should trust in (Christ, not men).
- That we might speak in the name of God.
- That faith might increase.
- That God's everlasting covenant might be established.
- That the fulness of the gospel might be proclaimed.
- That we might understand God's commandments.
- That we might gain knowledge and blessings.
- To remember that God is in charge and we must glory in Him and not ourselves.
- To cause us to search for answers and rely on the Lord because we admit that we don't know everything.
Friday, July 25, 2014
What happens to people who die without baptism?
We are taught in the scriptures that baptism is an essential ordinance to return to live in God's presence. Baptism, along with other essential ordinances, prepares us to receive exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom of God. (See John 3:5; 2 Nephi 9:23; 2 Nephi 31:5-9, 17-21.)
There are millions of people who have died without the opportunity to be baptized, and there are many who will not have the chance to be baptized in their lifetime. What happens to those who were not able to participate in this essential saving ordinance?
In LDS Temples, we perform baptisms for the dead, or baptisms by proxy for those who were not baptized by proper authority in their lifetime. We do family history to find records and names of our ancestors who need these saving ordinances. D&C 128:16-18 explains why we do baptisms for the dead: "We without them [our ancestors] cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also." But even then, there are still many who have died for whom we do not have records saved. How can the proper saving ordinances be performed for them?
The scriptures prepare us for the time when Jesus Christ will come to earth again to rule and reign for one thousand years on earth (see Articles of Faith 1:10; Revelation 20:4; D&C 88:110). During this time, "all things which have been revealed unto the children of men shall at that day be revealed; and Satan shall have power over the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time" (2 Nephi 30:18).
The Gospel Principles manual used in Sunday School discusses the work that will be done during the Millennium. The two main works we will do are missionary work and temple work. For one thousand years, mortals and resurrected beings who lived righteously will build temples and participate in ordinances of salvation. The lesson states, "There is too much work to finish before the Millennium begins, so it will be completed during that time. Resurrected beings will help us correct the mistakes we have made in doing research concerning our dead ancestors. They will also help us find the information we need to complete our records" ("The Millennium," Gospel Principles Manual, pp. 263-67; See Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954-56], 2:167, 251-52.).
Every person will have a chance to receive all the ordinances of salvation before being sent to one of the three degrees of glory (see 1 Corinthians 15:40-42; D&C 76:50-112). God will provide a fair chance for everyone to receive those ordinances, but it is up to each individual to accept or reject them. After the Millennium, when all of the work has been done, the earth will be turned into a celestial kingdom (see D&C 29:22-29).
There are millions of people who have died without the opportunity to be baptized, and there are many who will not have the chance to be baptized in their lifetime. What happens to those who were not able to participate in this essential saving ordinance?
In LDS Temples, we perform baptisms for the dead, or baptisms by proxy for those who were not baptized by proper authority in their lifetime. We do family history to find records and names of our ancestors who need these saving ordinances. D&C 128:16-18 explains why we do baptisms for the dead: "We without them [our ancestors] cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also." But even then, there are still many who have died for whom we do not have records saved. How can the proper saving ordinances be performed for them?
The scriptures prepare us for the time when Jesus Christ will come to earth again to rule and reign for one thousand years on earth (see Articles of Faith 1:10; Revelation 20:4; D&C 88:110). During this time, "all things which have been revealed unto the children of men shall at that day be revealed; and Satan shall have power over the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time" (2 Nephi 30:18).
The Gospel Principles manual used in Sunday School discusses the work that will be done during the Millennium. The two main works we will do are missionary work and temple work. For one thousand years, mortals and resurrected beings who lived righteously will build temples and participate in ordinances of salvation. The lesson states, "There is too much work to finish before the Millennium begins, so it will be completed during that time. Resurrected beings will help us correct the mistakes we have made in doing research concerning our dead ancestors. They will also help us find the information we need to complete our records" ("The Millennium," Gospel Principles Manual, pp. 263-67; See Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954-56], 2:167, 251-52.).
Every person will have a chance to receive all the ordinances of salvation before being sent to one of the three degrees of glory (see 1 Corinthians 15:40-42; D&C 76:50-112). God will provide a fair chance for everyone to receive those ordinances, but it is up to each individual to accept or reject them. After the Millennium, when all of the work has been done, the earth will be turned into a celestial kingdom (see D&C 29:22-29).
Saturday, May 17, 2014
How do relationships lead to happiness?
I asked myself this question before opening my scriptures, and Jacob 4 contained some pretty great insights!
Jacob 4:2-3: "We can write a few words . . . which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers--Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven the words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorry, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents."
This passage associates the words "rejoice," "thankful," and "joy" with learning and knowing about others' experiences. So much of what we do comes as a result of what we have learned from other people. We can "learn with joy" as we get to know others and learn from them.
Jacob 4:4, 6, 13: "For this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us. . . . Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken. . . . The Spirit speaketh truth and lieth not. . . . But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old."
The scriptures were written that we might learn from people who we would never even meet in this life. Their experiences give us hope and faith. This life is all about inspiring others to learn truth and to find joy in it. There is power that comes from having multiple witnesses--there is power in numbers.
As we form a relationship with the scriptures and those who wrote in them, we increase in knowledge, wisdom, power, hope, faith, and joy.
Jacob 4:11: "Be reconciled unto [God] through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh."
This passage gives an example of the best relationship we could ever invest in: a relationship with Christ. It is only through building a relationship with Him that we can be "reconciled unto God" and receive eternal life or a fulness of joy.
Jacob 4:14: ". . . And because they desired it God hath done it."
We get what we desire. If you have righteous desires, you will attract righteous friends. Your relationships will be built off of a solid foundation.
Jacob 4:18: "Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery unto you; if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my anxiety for you."
We need a solid foundation in order to teach each other and maintain healthy relationships.
Having a relationship doesn't mean simply knowing someone. Investing in a relationship with someone means learning from them, becoming like them, and opening up to them. It means trust and vulnerability. It requires constantly bettering yourself so you can contribute more to the relationship.
Ultimate happiness comes as we invest in relationships with others, especially with Christ. As we learn from Him, become like Him, open up to Him, trust Him, and change as a result of our relationship with Him, we will understand the way all relationships should be formed. We will find true joy and lasting happiness.
Jacob 4:2-3: "We can write a few words . . . which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers--Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven the words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorry, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents."
This passage associates the words "rejoice," "thankful," and "joy" with learning and knowing about others' experiences. So much of what we do comes as a result of what we have learned from other people. We can "learn with joy" as we get to know others and learn from them.
Jacob 4:4, 6, 13: "For this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us. . . . Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken. . . . The Spirit speaketh truth and lieth not. . . . But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old."
The scriptures were written that we might learn from people who we would never even meet in this life. Their experiences give us hope and faith. This life is all about inspiring others to learn truth and to find joy in it. There is power that comes from having multiple witnesses--there is power in numbers.
As we form a relationship with the scriptures and those who wrote in them, we increase in knowledge, wisdom, power, hope, faith, and joy.
Jacob 4:11: "Be reconciled unto [God] through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh."
This passage gives an example of the best relationship we could ever invest in: a relationship with Christ. It is only through building a relationship with Him that we can be "reconciled unto God" and receive eternal life or a fulness of joy.
Jacob 4:14: ". . . And because they desired it God hath done it."
We get what we desire. If you have righteous desires, you will attract righteous friends. Your relationships will be built off of a solid foundation.
Jacob 4:18: "Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery unto you; if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my anxiety for you."
We need a solid foundation in order to teach each other and maintain healthy relationships.
Having a relationship doesn't mean simply knowing someone. Investing in a relationship with someone means learning from them, becoming like them, and opening up to them. It means trust and vulnerability. It requires constantly bettering yourself so you can contribute more to the relationship.
Ultimate happiness comes as we invest in relationships with others, especially with Christ. As we learn from Him, become like Him, open up to Him, trust Him, and change as a result of our relationship with Him, we will understand the way all relationships should be formed. We will find true joy and lasting happiness.
Monday, March 24, 2014
2 Nephi 9:23 - Why does God command us to have "perfect faith"?
2 Nephi 9:23 reads, "And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God."
Faith is an attribute that must be developed over time. Faith is manifest by a desire and willingness to follow God's commandments and to yield to the Holy Spirit. (See Loren C. Dunn, "Building Bridges to Faith" 1981).
Having faith in Jesus Christ leads us to change our lives for the better, and this change is called repentance. In a talk given by Richard G. Scott in the October 2000 General Conference, Elder Scott said, "Why have our Father and His Son commanded us to repent? Because they love us. . . . It is our Master and His redeeming act that make it possible for us to avoid such condemnation. It is done through faith in Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and enduring in righteousness to the end" (Richard G. Scott, "The Path to Peace and Joy")
Having perfect faith does not mean that we are perfect, but that we know in whom we trust and we live our lives accordingly. We recognize our need for constant repentance, and we trust in God's plan for us. Perfect faith involves being one with God, repentant, and humble.
Prophets in the scriptures have constantly reminded us of Jesus Christ's role in our salvation: "There is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ" (Helaman 5:9). It is not possible to have perfect faith in any being besides Jesus Christ Himself. It is only through Him that we can reach salvation, and He has given us the way.
In another General Conference talk in 1997, Elder Scott said, "I witness that 'redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah . . . unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered' (2 Nephi 2:6-7). This absolute requisite of a 'broken heart and a contrite spirit' prescribes the need to be submissive, compliant, humble (that is, teachable), and willingly obedient. Finally, I witness 'how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah' (2 Nephi 2:8).
"Jesus Christ possessed merits that no other child of Heavenly Father could possibly have. . . . Our Master lived a perfect, sinless life and therefore was free from the demands of justice. He was and is perfect in every attribute, including love, compassion, patience, obedience, forgiveness, and humility. His mercy pays our debt to justice when we repent and obey Him. Even with our best efforts to obey His teachings we will still fall short, yet because of His grace we will be saved 'after all we can do' (2 Nephi 25:23)."
(Richard G. Scott, "Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer," April 1997)
I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and by exercising perfect faith in Him we can have access to His grace and mercy, and we can someday join Him, perfected, in the Kingdom of Heaven with our Father.
Faith is an attribute that must be developed over time. Faith is manifest by a desire and willingness to follow God's commandments and to yield to the Holy Spirit. (See Loren C. Dunn, "Building Bridges to Faith" 1981).
Having faith in Jesus Christ leads us to change our lives for the better, and this change is called repentance. In a talk given by Richard G. Scott in the October 2000 General Conference, Elder Scott said, "Why have our Father and His Son commanded us to repent? Because they love us. . . . It is our Master and His redeeming act that make it possible for us to avoid such condemnation. It is done through faith in Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and enduring in righteousness to the end" (Richard G. Scott, "The Path to Peace and Joy")
Having perfect faith does not mean that we are perfect, but that we know in whom we trust and we live our lives accordingly. We recognize our need for constant repentance, and we trust in God's plan for us. Perfect faith involves being one with God, repentant, and humble.
Prophets in the scriptures have constantly reminded us of Jesus Christ's role in our salvation: "There is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ" (Helaman 5:9). It is not possible to have perfect faith in any being besides Jesus Christ Himself. It is only through Him that we can reach salvation, and He has given us the way.
In another General Conference talk in 1997, Elder Scott said, "I witness that 'redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah . . . unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered' (2 Nephi 2:6-7). This absolute requisite of a 'broken heart and a contrite spirit' prescribes the need to be submissive, compliant, humble (that is, teachable), and willingly obedient. Finally, I witness 'how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah' (2 Nephi 2:8).
"Jesus Christ possessed merits that no other child of Heavenly Father could possibly have. . . . Our Master lived a perfect, sinless life and therefore was free from the demands of justice. He was and is perfect in every attribute, including love, compassion, patience, obedience, forgiveness, and humility. His mercy pays our debt to justice when we repent and obey Him. Even with our best efforts to obey His teachings we will still fall short, yet because of His grace we will be saved 'after all we can do' (2 Nephi 25:23)."
(Richard G. Scott, "Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer," April 1997)
I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and by exercising perfect faith in Him we can have access to His grace and mercy, and we can someday join Him, perfected, in the Kingdom of Heaven with our Father.
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