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believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.1 In addition to these first four principles and ordinances, we might add a fifth, that of enduring to the end.2 Question: Are these principles first in the sense of "okay, I've checked those off, what's next?", or are they first in the sense of being the foundation, the basics, that to which we return over and over again? These first principles are outlined clearly three times in the Book of Mormon. (2 Nephi 31 & 32; 3 Nephi 11; and 3 Nephi 27). It is worth carefully studying these three chapters. They are not outlined as clearly in the Old or New Testaments. Nephi refers to them as the "Doctrine of Christ". In 2 Nephi 31, he refers back to his vision and adds some additional commentary that he received from the Father and the Son as explanation to the things he was seeing.3 These principles and ordinances are the "path" that Nephi saw under the rod of iron. This path leads to eternal life4 and there is no other way5. They are worth careful study, pondering and implementing in our lives.
What
is
faith?
How
do
we
get
it?
How
does
it
grow?
Perhaps
we
understand
faith
intuitively
better
than
we
can
put
into
words.
Joseph
Smith
defined
faith
as
a
principle
of
power.
The
scriptures
teach
us
that
faith
comes
from
hearing
the
word
of
God.6
This
is
how
1
Article
of
Faith
#4
2
3
Nephi
27:16-17
3
As
an
interesting
aside,
2
Nephi
31
is
one
of
the
few
chapters
that
contains
direct
statements
from
the
Father
(see
vs.
11,15,
20).
It
refutes
a
common
myth
among
Latter-day
Saints
that
the
Father
only
speaks
to
men
in
introducing
the
Son.
It
should
also
be
a
red
flag
to
us
as
to
their
importance.
4
2
Nephi
31:18
5
2
Nephi
31:21
6
Romans
10:17
Page 1 of 34
faith
begins.
The
word
of
God
is
vital
to
nourishing
faith
and
helping
it
grow.7
Faith
is
part
of
the
power
that
begins
to
flow
into
our
lives
from
a
careful
study
of
the
Book
of
Mormon
as
promised
by
President
Benson.8
Miracles
come
because
of
faith.9
Faith
is
how
we
obtain
every
good
thing.10
And
it
is
by
faith
that
angels
minister
unto
men.11
If
these
things
have
ceased
it
is
because
faith
has
ceased.12
Perhaps
a
good
test
for
our
own
level
of
faith.
So
is
faith
just
belief?
Or
is
it
something
more?
James
teaches
us
that
the
devils
also
believe
and
tremble.
And
that
faith
without
works
is
dead.13
To
me
faith
is
our
belief
put
into
action.
Or
perhaps
another
way
to
say
it,
faith
=
faithfulness.
But
its
not
just
living
the
tenets
of
our
religion,
though
doing
so
requires
faith.
It
also
takes
faith
to
accept
answers
to
our
prayers
and
to
follow
the
promptings
we
receive
from
the
Lord.
When
we
act
in
response
to
answers
received,
particularly
when
those
answers
are
contrary
to
what
we
wanted
or
planned
to
do,
then
we
move
from
belief
to
faith.
The
first
principle
of
the
gospel
is
not
just
faith
but
more
specifically
faith
in
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ.
This
is
different
from
having
faith
in
a
particular
outcome
or
result
that
we
may
desire.
Our
belief
/
faith
in
Christ
is
two-fold:
1)
faith
in
His
promises
and
commandments
and
2)
faith
that
Christ
will
help
us.
The
problem
we
immediately
encounter
as
we
begin
to
have
faith
is
opposition.
Our
faith
is
tried.
Nephi's
life
is
a
great
illustration
of
this.
It
begins
when
his
father
comes
home
and
tells
the
family
to
pack
their
bags
because
they're
leaving
town
for
good.
I
can
only
imagine
how
my
teenage
sons
would
react
to
this
kind
of
news.
Nephi,
too,
has
some
doubts
at
first.
Unlike
his
older
brothers,
however,
Nephi
takes
his
question
to
the
Lord.
He
records
that
the
Lord
visited
him
and
did
soften
his
heart
so
that
he
believed
the
words
of
this
father.14
The
Lord
would
not
have
sent
the
Spirit
to
"soften"
Nephi's
heart
if
he
hadn't
had
doubts
and
concerns
about
what
was
happening.
7
Alma
32
8
Ezra
Taft
Benson,
The
Book
of
MormonKeystone
of
Our
Religion,
October
1986
General
Conference
Address.
9
Ether
12:12-18
10
Moroni
7:20-21
11
Moroni
7:37
12
Moroni
7:38
13
James
2:19-20
14
1
Nephi
2:16
Page 2 of 34
Our
first
experiences
with
the
Holy
Ghost
are
often
the
same.
The
Spirit
may
soften
our
hearts,
speak
peace
to
our
souls,
or
give
a
calm
reassurance
that
we
are
on
the
right
path.
While
these
experiences
may
be
difficult
to
describe
to
others,
they
are
nonetheless
real
and
distinctive
to
those
who
have
them.15
Following
this
softening
of
his
heart
experience,
Nephi
has
the
spiritual
assurance
that
they
are
on
the
Lord's
errand.
Notice
that
the
Lord
doesnt
reprimand
Nephi
for
his
question
or
for
having
some
doubts.
Nephi
trusts
the
Lords
answer.
He
doesnt
second
guess
it
once
he
has
obtained
it.
When
his
father
next
receives
instructions
to
return
to
Jerusalem
for
the
plates,
Nephi's
answer
is
immediateI
will
go.16
He
accepts
that
the
commandment
is
from
the
Lord
and
expresses
his
faith
that
the
Lord
will
help
them.
He
acts
in
faith
based
upon
his
earlier
assurance
from
the
Lord.
Now
we
all
know
how
the
story
unfolds.
The
point
is
this.
Nephi
and
his
brothers
fail
twice.
There
is
no
further
evidence
that
the
Lord
is
with
them.
In
fact,
the
Lord
doesn't
intervene
until
it
is
apparent
that
the
entire
mission
is
doomed
to
failure
and
Nephi's
brothers
are
beating
the
tar
out
of
him
with
a
stick.
But
at
that
point,
the
Lord
DOES
help
and
the
miracle
occurs
as
a
result
of
Nephi's
faith.
This
experience
undoubtedly
led
to
a
further
increase
in
Nephi's
faith.
In
fact,
we
find
a
pattern
here:
It
often
begins
with
a
question,
confusion
or
doubt.
When
this
is
taken
to
God,
a
spiritual
witness
or
answer
is
received.
As
one
moves
forward
acting
upon
the
answer
received,
the
opposition
generally
shows
up.
Often
failure
is
apparent
or
imminent.
This
is
a
trial
of
faith.
If
you
hold
true
and
persevere,
through
the
opposition
the
Lord
intervenes,
miracles
occur
and
faith
increases.
You
can
then
walk
forward
with
increased
faith.
You
can
also
expect
the
pattern
to
repeat.
We
could
diagram
it
like
this:
Question/Confusion
Spiritual
Witness
/
Answer
from
God
Act
upon
the
answer
Opposition
Trial
of
Faith
(often
failure
is
imminent)
Lord
helps
Miracle
occurs
Faith
in
the
Lord
grows
walk
forward
with
increased
faith
pattern
repeats
We
see
the
same
pattern
in
the
First
Vision.
Joseph
Smith
had
a
question.
He
received
a
spiritual
prompting
while
reading
James.
He
then
met
opposition
from
Satan
as
he
attempted
to
pray
and
all
but
abandoned
himself
to
destruction
before
the
Father
and
Son
appeared.
16
1
Nephi
3:7
15
For
a
great
talk
on
this
subject
see
The
Candle
of
The
Lord
by
Boyd
K.
Packer,
Ensign,
January
1983
Page 3 of 34
New
missionaries
often
experience
the
same
cycle
of
faith.
A
young
man
may
receive
a
witness
that
he
should
serve
a
mission.
He
may
have
great
spiritual
experiences
in
the
MTC,
but
arrive
in
the
mission
field
being
unable
to
speak
the
language
despite
struggling
with
it
for
several
months.
He
may
become
discouraged.
But
by
pressing
forward,
eventually
the
miracles
occur,
converts
are
made,
the
language
comes,
the
Lord
intervenes
with
help.
The
missionarys
faith
grows.
We
should
expect
the
same
pattern
in
our
own
lives.
We
should
also
recognize
one
of
the
challenges
is
that
there
is
always
a
temptation
during
the
opposition
phase
to
turn
back
or
to
question
the
prompting
or
witness
received
earlier.
Elder
Holland
gave
a
masterful
talk
on
this
very
issue.17
It
is
well
worth
reading.
We
get
a
glimpse
into
how
Nephi
perseveres
despite
the
opposition
once
the
angel
departs.
Laman
and
Lemuel
immediately
begin
to
complain
again.
They
fear
and
doubt.
Nephi
responds
by
reminding
them
of
the
experience
of
Moses
and
the
Israelites
as
they
left
Egypt.18
He
likens
the
scriptures
from
the
past
to
their
present
situation.
He
knows
he
is
on
the
Lord's
errand,
and
he
fully
expects
the
Lord
to
bless
him
in
the
same
way
the
Lord
blessed
Moses
and
the
ancient
Israelites.
Nephi
doesnt
rationalize,
well
Im
just
not
like
Moses
and
the
ancient
prophets.
He
doesnt
think,
that
was
in
the
past,
and
the
Lord
doesnt
work
that
way
anymore.
Or
if
he
does,
at
least
not
with
me.
Nephi
recognizes
that
the
Lord
is
the
same
yesterday,
today
and
forever
and
that
he
is
no
respecter
of
persons.19
The
way
is
prepared
and
open
to
all.
We
should
do
the
same.
The
story
of
the
brass
plates
isn't
included
in
Nephis
record
so
that
we
will
know
the
Nephites
had
the
scriptures
with
them
and
how
they
obtained
them.
It
is
included
so
that
we
can
recognize
this
same
pattern
in
our
own
life
experience.
As
we
seek
to
do
the
Lord's
will,
we
can
expect
the
same
response
when
we
exercise
the
same
faith.
Nephi's
experience
of
deliverance
is
another
witness
added
to
that
of
the
ancient
Israelites
of
the
Lord's
power
to
deliver
us
even
when
death
or
failure
is
apparently
the
only
future
ahead
of
us.
Laman
and
Lemuel
like
the
ancient
Israelites
forgot
all
of
the
prior
miracles
the
Lord
had
performed
for
them
and
could
only
see
the
immediate
threat
looming
in
front
of
them.
Notice,
however,
that
even
after
the
angel
appears
reaffirming
that
the
Lord
is
with
them
and
promising
them
deliverance,
Nephi
still
isn't
given
all
of
the
answers
up
front.
He
still
is
required
to
take
a
few
steps
of
faith
into
the
dark
before
the
way
18
1
Nephi
4:2-3
19
1
Nephi
10:18
17
Cast
Not
Away
Therefore
Your
Confidence,
Jeffrey
R.
Holland,
Ensign
March
2000
Page 4 of 34
becomes apparent. He states simply, "I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."20 He still walks by faith.
Repentance
Typing
the
word
'repent'
into
the
search
box
on
the
scripture
portion
of
the
Church's
website
reveals
something
very
interesting.
The
word
REPENT
occurs:
39
times
in
the
Old
Testament
36
times
in
the
New
Testament
221
times
in
the
Book
of
Mormon
81
times
in
the
Doctrine
and
Covenants.
Question:
If
the
Book
of
Mormon
was
written
for
our
day,
by
authors
who
saw
our
day,
is
there
a
message
for
us
here?
"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."21
We
don't
simply
stay
static.
We
are
either
moving
forwards
or
backwards.
We
are
either
gaining
light
or
losing
light.
The
default
state
is
entropy.
So
how
do
we
gain
additional
light?
"He
that
keepeth
his
commandments
receiveth
truth
and
light,
until
he
is
glorified
in
truth
and
knoweth
all
things."22
"And
that
wicked
one
cometh
and
taketh
away
light
and
truth,
through
disobedience,
from
the
children
of
men,
and
because
of
the
tradition
of
their
fathers."23
We
gain
light
through
obedience
and
lose
it
through
disobedience
and
false
cultural
traditions.
We
can
study
these
first
principles
and
ordinances
of
the
gospelfaith,
repentance,
baptism,
etc.or
any
other
gospel
principle,
and
we
can
understand
them
intellectually
or
in
theory,
but
we
don't
truly
understand
them
until
we
actually
do
them.
This
is
why
Christ
says
if
we
DO
his
will
we
shall
KNOW
of
the
20
1
Nephi
4:6
21
D&C
50:24
22
D&C
93:28
23
D&C
93:39
The
Doctrine
of
Christ
Page
5
of
34
doctrine.24
Obediently
doing
precedes
fully
understanding.
This
is
one
reason
why
faith
is
so
critical.
It
requires
faith
to
begin
the
process.
We
have
to
take
some
steps
into
the
dark
without
full
understanding
of
the
end.
The
natural
man
wants
to
see
the
end
from
the
beginning.
It
doesnt
work
that
way.
This
is
why
the
scriptures
teach
it
is
impossible
to
please
God
without
faith.25
Eventually,
as
we
move
forward
in
faith,
the
light
follows
and
our
understanding
increases.
Repentance
isn't
just
for
"sinners".
It
is
required
of
all
of
us.
As
we
become
more
obedient,
we
gain
more
light
and
truth.
We
must
then
change
to
reflect
what
we
have
gained.
To
repent
is
to
change.
It
is
a
lifelong
process
of
becoming
more
like
our
Savior--of
doing
what
He
would
have
us
do;
saying
what
He
would
have
us
say;
and
thinking
what
He
would
have
us
think.
Obedience
is
key
to
gaining
light,
to
gaining
knowledge,
and
to
receiving
the
Lord's
blessings.
Once
we
realize
that,
the
question
becomes:
Obedient
to
what?
We
should
obey
the
commandments.
We
should
obey
the
mission
rules.
We
should
obey
the
Strength
of
Youth
guidelines.
But
first
and
foremost,
we
should
obey
the
voice
of
the
spirit.
Returning
to
Nephi's
account,
he
states
he
was
led
by
the
spirit.
We
must
be
obedient
enough
and
clean
enough
to
have
the
guidance
of
the
Spirit
in
our
lives.
We
must
be
seeking
to
follow
the
Lord,
and
we
must
learn
to
discern
and
follow
his
voice.
This
takes
time
and
experience
and
seeking
and
careful
attention.
Nephi
and
his
brothers
have
just
seen
an
angel.
Nephi
knows
the
Lord
is
with
them
and
will
help
them
complete
the
assigned
task.
But
he
returns
to
Jerusalem
not
knowing
how.
He
is
still
moving
forward
by
faith.
The
spirit
then
directs
Nephi
to
slay
Laban.
(If
Nephi
were
a
young
man
in
the
Church
today,
I'm
pretty
sure
that
would
be
against
the
For
The
Strength
of
Youth
pamphlet.)
Nephi
initially
shrinks
but
then
does
as
he
is
commanded.
Why
is
Nephi
commanded
to
kill
Laban,
when
the
Ten
Commandments
plainly
state,
thou
shalt
not
kill?
Given
this
same
situation,
what
would
our
youth
today
do?
The
Prophet
Joseph
stated:
"That
which
is
wrong
under
one
circumstance,
may
be,
and
often
is,
right
under
another.
God
said,
'Thou
shalt
not
kill;'
at
another
time
He
said,
'Thou
shalt
utterly
destroy.'
This
is
the
principle
on
which
the
government
of
heaven
is
conducted--by
revelation
adapted
to
the
circumstances
in
which
the
children
of
the
kingdom
are
place.
Whatever
God
requires
is
right,
no
matter
what
it
24
John
7:17
25
Hebrews
11:6
Page
6
of
34
is,
although
we
may
not
see
the
reason
thereof
till
long
after
the
events
transpire."26
Laban
had
stolen
Lehi's
property.
He
had
tried
to
kill
Nephi
and
his
brothers.
Under
the
law
of
Moses,
the
penalty
for
these
transgressions
was
death.
The
Lord
was
justified
in
his
condemnation
of
Laban.
And
the
"pit"
which
Laban
had
dug
for
others,
he
fell
into
himself.27
Returning
now
to
repentance.
Repentance
is
the
good
news
of
the
gospel.
For
us,
everything
else
hinges
upon
it.
It
is
the
key
to
opening
the
atonement
in
our
lives.
We
waste
much
of
the
atonement
if
we
fail
to
repent.
Bruce
Hafen
observed
that
the
atonement
allows
us
to
learn
from
our
experiences
without
being
condemned
by
them.
To
repent
is
to
turn
again
towards
Him,
to
chose
His
will
in
our
life
and
to
leave
behind
our
sinful
ways.
Basically
to
repent
is
to
change.
The
Savior
testified:
And
no
unclean
thing
can
enter
into
his
kingdom;
therefore
nothing
entereth
into
his
rest
save
it
be
those
who
have
washed
their
garments
in
my
blood,
because
of
their
faith,
and
the
repentance
of
all
their
sins,
and
their
faithfulness
unto
the
end.
Now
this
is
the
commandment:
Repent,
all
ye
ends
of
the
earth,
and
come
unto
me
and
be
baptized
in
my
name,
that
ye
may
be
sanctified
by
the
reception
of
the
Holy
Ghost,
that
ye
may
stand
spotless
before
me
at
the
last
day.28
Since
we
are
all
eventually
subject
to
justice,
we
face
a
choice:
repent
or
suffer
for
our
own
sins.
"For
behold,
I
God,
have
suffered
these
things
for
all,
that
they
might
not
suffer
if
they
would
repent;
But
if
they
would
not
repent
they
must
suffer
even
as
I".29
Lehi
taught
that
we
all
know
good
from
evil.30
We
all
have
a
portion
of
the
"law".
But
because
we
all
make
mistakes,
we
are
not
justified
by
the
law
but
rather
condemned
by
it.
Or
as
Lehi
states
"by
the
law
men
are
cut
off".31
All
of
us
are
cut
off;
100%
of
us;
the
best
and
the
worst
among
us.
Everyone
falls
short.
None
of
us
can
ever
hope
to
be
good
enough
or
to
do
enough
to
make
it
back
on
our
own.
There
is
only
one
way
out
of
our
dilemma.
The
Holy
Messiah
"offereth
himself
a
sacrifice
for
sin,
to
answer
the
ends
of
the
law,
unto
all
those
who
have
a
broken
heart
and
a
contrite
spirit;
and
unto
none
else
can
the
ends
of
the
law
be
answered."32
26
Teachings
of
the
Prophet
Joseph
Smith
(TPJS),
p.
256
27
Proverbs
26:27 29
D&C
19:16-17
30
2
Nephi
2:5
31
2
Nephi
2:5
32
2
Nephi
2:7
emphasis
added
28
3
Nephi
27:19-20;
emphasis
added.
Page 7 of 34
There
is
a
saying
I
like
but
do
not
know
where
it
came
from.
It
is
simply,
"even
saints
have
a
past,
and
sinners
have
a
future."
In
our
journey
through
life,
I'm
not
sure
which
is
more
important--where
we
are
at
a
given
point
in
time
or
which
direction
we
are
heading.
Of
the
two
the
direction
we
are
going
may
be
the
most
critical.
The
Lord
can
and
does
forgive
even
very
serious
sins
and
errors.33
The
scriptures
are
full
of
examples
of
the
Lord's
patience,
long-suffering
and
willingness
to
forgive
sins.
This
should
be
reassuring
as
we
seek
to
follow
Him
that
he
will
likewise
be
patient
with
us.
In
most
cases,
he
probably
forgives
us
long
before
we
ever
commit
the
sin.
He
can
certainly
work
around
our
mistakes.
A
great
example
of
this
is
His
inspiring
Mormon
to
insert
the
small
plates
of
Nephi
into
the
abridgement
of
the
Book
of
Mormon
to
compensate
for
the
lost
116
pages.
The
Lord
did
this
about
1400
years
before
Joseph
Smith
made
the
mistake.
Brother
Hafen
is
correct.
The
atonement
allows
us
to
learn
from
our
life's
experiences
without
being
condemned
by
them.
Good
news
indeed!
I
don't
know
about
you,
but
I
choose
to
repent.
I
have
a
single
New
Years
Resolution
this
year.
It
is
simply
to
repent
more
fully
of
my
sins
so
that
I
might
have
the
Spirit
in
my
life
daily.
So
if
repentance
is
the
good
news
why
does
it
sometimes
carry
a
negative
connotation?
And
if
the
Lord
has
totally
compensated
for
our
sins
and
is
quick
and
willing
to
forgive,
then
why
is
repentance
so
hard
at
times?
Change
is
difficult.
Sin
is
addictive.
It
is
habit
forming.
Habits
gained
over
a
lifetime
can
become
chains
that
bind.
It
requires
faith
to
repent.
In
this
way
the
two
principles
are
linked.
Christ
hath
said:
If
ye
will
have
faith
in
me
ye
shall
have
power
to
do
whatsoever
thing
is
expedient
in
me.
And
he
hath
said:
Repent.34
We
all
struggle
with
bad
habits
at
some
time
in
our
life.
Some
dont
control
their
tempers
or
their
tongues.
Some
struggle
with
bodily
appetites
or
other
weaknesses.
We
mess
up,
swear
to
never
do
it
again
only
to
find
ourselves
repeating
the
same
behavior
later.
Some
give
up
and
concludeIll
never
change.
Whether
through
our
own
sins
or
through
other
situations
in
life,
we
all
eventually
find
ourselves
in
circumstances
that
are
beyond
our
own
ability
to
control.
We
may
even
find
ourselves
in
some
form
of
bondage
to
an
addiction
or
other
circumstance.
One
of
the
great
messages
from
the
book
of
Mosiah
is
example
33
Isaiah
1:18
34
Moroni
7:33-34;
emphasis
added
The
Doctrine
of
Christ
Page
8
of
34
after
example
of
groups
or
individuals
who
are
delivered
from
bondage
by
the
Lord.
It
is
through
the
atonement
that
we
receive
forgiveness
for
our
sins.
But
it
is
also
through
the
atonement
that
we
receive
the
strength
to
forsake
and
overcome
them.
Our
willpower
alone
is
not
enough.
We
will
never
be
enough
on
our
own!
It
does
require
all
of
our
faith
and
all
of
our
best
efforts,
but
in
the
end
it
also
requires
Christ
reaching
down
to
us
in
grace
to
deliver
us.35
This
will
never
happen,
however,
until
we
really,
truly
want
the
sin
out
of
our
life
more
than
we
want
it
in
our
life
and
are
willing
to
pay
any
price
ourselves
to
be
rid
of
it.
Those
who
understand
this
best
are
perhaps
those
who
are
recovering
addicts
(drug,
alcohol,
porn,
etc.).
But
the
principle
applies
to
all
of
us.36
The
scriptures
refer
to
these
two
different
functions
of
the
atonement
as
justification
and
sanctification.
We
are
justified
when
we
are
forgiven
and
justice
is
satisfied.
Sanctification,
however,
is
beyond
justification
and
involves
forsaking
the
sin
and
becoming
holy.
It
is
the
process
of
putting
off
the
natural
man
and
becoming
a
saint.
The
atonement
is
at
the
heart
of
both
processes.
(A
criminal
can
"pay
his
debt"
to
society
by
suffering
in
prison.
Justice
can
be
satisfied
by
his
prison
sentence,
but
his
behavior
isn't
necessarily
reformed.
His
prison
sentence
satisfies
justice
and
he
is
justified
in
society.
Prison
hasn't
automatically
made
him
a
better
person.
Hence
the
need
for
reformation
or
sanctification
as
well.)
Why
can
repentance
be
so
difficult
for
us?
I
believe
it
is
for
a
couple
of
reasons.
One
is
so
that
we
truly
learn
humility.37
How
important
is
this
lesson?
And
how
difficult
is
it
to
learn?
How
many
members
of
our
church
are
still
trying
to
save
themselves?
Perhaps
another
reason
that
we
sometimes
struggle
so
much
before
being
freed
from
a
sin
is
so
we
will
value
the
gift
that
is
given
us
and
dont
revert
back.
We
read
of
many
whose
repentance
was
so
thorough,
so
complete
(and
probably
so
costly
and
difficult
to
themselves)
that
they
were
sanctified
and
could
only
look
upon
sin
with
abhorrence.38
Bruce
Hafen,
in
his
book
The
Broken
Heart,
observes
two
common
problems
among
the
youth
in
the
church
today.39
On
the
one
hand,
some
youth
feel
that
they
are
entitled
to
a
few
free
ones
and
that
they
can
then
hurry
up
and
repent
before
going
on
a
mission
or
going
to
the
temple
or
some
other
event
that
requires
them
to
clean
up
their
act.
On
the
other
hand,
some
are
striving
so
hard
and
are
so
hard
on
themselves
for
every
mistake
that
they
feel
they
will
never
be
good
enough
and
35
Mosiah
7:33
36
For
an
excellent
book
on
this
topic,
see
He
Did
Deliver
Me
From
Bondage
by
Colleen
C
Harrison,
Windhaven,
2002
37
Ether
12:27
38
Alma
13:11-12
39
The
Broken
Heart:
Applying
the
Atonement
to
Lifes
Experiences,
Bruce
C.
Hafen,
Shadow
Mountain
Publishing,
1989
Page 9 of 34
never make it back. On the surface these two groups seem to be polar opposites. However, on closer examination, they may actually be two different sides to the same coin. Both groups suffer from a fundamental misunderstanding of and lack of appreciation for the atonement. The first no big deal group severely underestimates the serious nature of their sins and has no appreciation for the price the Savior has paid for them. The second group also misses the atonement by trying to save themselves or by feeling that they have to be worthy or that they have to do enough good deeds and then the Savior can step in to save them. The truth is that only the meek and lowly in heart are acceptable to God.40 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.41 Which do you see around you most often?
Baptism
We
believe
that
through
the
Atonement
of
Christ,
all
mankind
may
be
saved
by
obedience
to
the
laws
and
ordinances
of
the
Gospel.42
According
to
this
Article
of
Faith,
three
things
are
necessary
for
our
salvation:
the
atonement,
laws,
and
ordinances.
Obedience
to
gospel
laws
is
essential,
but,
as
Lehi
points
out,
we
are
condemned
by
the
law
since
we
dont
keep
it
perfectly.43
We
need
access
to
the
Atonement.
Ordinances
help
bridge
the
gap.
They
are
the
means,
which
the
Lord
has
established
for
many
of
the
blessings
of
the
atonement
to
flow
into
our
lives.
They
are
crucial.
We
cannot
be
saved
without
them.44
By
keeping
the
covenants
associated
with
ordinances
the
power
of
the
atonement
becomes
efficacious
in
our
lives.45
40
Moroni
7:44
41
Luke
18:10-14
42
Article
of
Faith
#
3
43
2
Nephi
2:5
45
D&C
84:20
44
see
for
example,
John
3:5,
Mark
16:16,
1
Peter
3:21,
3
Nephi
11:33,
D&C
84:74
Page 10 of 34
Joseph
Smith
taught
that
being
born
again
comes
by
the
Spirit
of
God
through
ordinances.
Sincere,
heart-felt
repentance
prepares
us
to
receive
our
first
gospel
ordinance:
Baptism.
Most
gospel
ordinances
have
the
following
three
parts:
1
-
A
Blessing(s)
2
-
A
covenant
3
-
Symbolic
Teaching
With
baptism,
the
initial
blessing
is
that
of
having
our
sins
remitted.
We
then
have
the
opportunity
to
repeat
this
process
each
week
with
the
ordinance
of
the
sacrament.
In
addition
to
the
initial
blessing,
future
blessings
(e.g.
that
of
receiving
eternal
life)
are
also
promised
as
part
of
the
ordinance.
These
future
blessings
are
conditioned
upon
our
faithfulness
to
the
covenant
made
in
the
ordinance.
The
covenant
we
make
at
baptism
is
to
take
upon
us
the
Lords
name
and
to
follow
him.
It
is
to
keep
his
commandments,
to
love
one
another
and
to
bear
one
anothers
burdens.
We
basically
agree
to
live
the
gospel.
Covenants
are
much
more
than
two
way
promises.
They
create
sacred,
binding
relationships.46
It
is
by
making
and
keeping
covenants
that
we
become
sons
and
daughters
of
Christ.47
Ordinances
are
also
symbolic.
The
Universe
is
built
on
symbols,
lifting
our
thoughts
from
man
to
God,
from
earth
to
heaven,
from
time
to
eternityGod
teaches
with
symbols;
it
is
His
favorite
way
of
teaching.48
The
Lord
uses
symbols
to
teach
for
many
reasons.
Symbols
can
make
a
strong,
lasting
impression
on
our
minds
and
can
teach
more
beautifully
than
words
alone.
They
are
often
multi-layered
or
multi-faceted.
Gospel
symbols
often
have
more
than
one
meaning.
They
are
more
vast
and
rich
than
we
tend
to
think.
Symbols
can
also
reveal
and/or
conceal
doctrines
and
truths
depending
upon
our
spiritual
preparation.
Symbols
are
also
more
timeless
and
universal
and
can
bridge
differences
in
culture,
nationalities,
etc.
more
easily
than
language
alone.
Finally,
symbols
can
be
very
personal.
By
using
symbols,
the
Lord
can
communicate
46
Mosiah
5:6-7
Our Lifeline From Heaven 48 Orson F. Whitney, Improvement Era, August 1927, 851 The Doctrine of Christ
47 For a more detailed discussion of covenants refer to the authors article entitled, Gospel Covenants:
Page 11 of 34
with
us
individually
and
can
personalize
his
teachings
to
us.
Your
understanding
of
a
symbol
may
be
different
from
mine,
but
both
may
be
correct.
Wherever
symbolism
is
found
in
the
scriptures
and
in
the
ordinances,
there
is
an
invitation
to
receive
more
knowledge
through
revelation.
Besides
washing
and
cleansing
from
our
sins,
what
are
some
of
the
other
symbols
associated
with
the
ordinance
of
baptism?
1. Baptism
is
a
symbol
of
new
birth
or
being
born
again.
At
your
physical
birth
there
was
water
(amniotic
fluid),
blood
(shed
by
mother),
and
spirit
(yours
entering
your
body)
so
in
your
spiritual
birth
(or
re-birth)
there
is
again
water
(baptismal),
blood
(shed
by
Christ
in
the
atonement)
and
spirit
(Holy
Ghost).49
The
baptismal
font
becomes
a
symbol
of
the
womb
and
coming
forth
in
new
birth
as
a
new
child
in
Christ.
2. Baptism
is
also
a
symbol
of
Christs
death
and
resurrection.
In
this
sense
the
font
becomes
a
symbol
of
the
grave
and
the
baptism
becomes
a
symbol
again
of
new
life
as
the
body
and
spirit
are
re-united
and
come
forth
together
from
the
grave
in
the
resurrection.50
3. Baptism
also
symbolizes
the
death
of
the
old
man
of
sin,
and
the
beginning
of
a
new
life
in
Christ.51
In
immersion
we
are
placed
below
the
water,
in
the
same
way
the
dead
are
buried
below
the
ground.
While
immersed
(and
while
dead),
the
breath
of
life
is
cut
off
while
we
are
under
the
water.
Breath
(and
life)
is
again
restored
as
we
come
forth
out
of
the
water
(or
grave).
The
darkness
of
the
watery
grave
(our
former
life)
is
left
behind
as
we
re-open
our
eyes
into
the
light
of
the
gospel
(and
a
new
life
in
Christ).
Baptism
reminds
us
that
some
part
of
us
may
have
to
die
before
we
can
claim
new
birth.
False
identities
we
have
clung
to,
false
traditions
of
our
families
or
cultures,
and
false
patterns
we
have
copied
must
be
dismantled
and
buried
before
new
life
can
take
hold.52
4. Baptism
also
points
to
our
own
death
and
resurrection.
We
enact
these
events
ceremonially
before
we
experience
them
physically.
In
this
sense
the
ordinance
is
not
the
final,
real
event
but
instead
points
toward
it.
Baptism
is
the
gate.
It
is
the
entrance
to
the
path.
But
baptism
also
symbolically
points
to
the
end
of
that
path
which
will
include
our
own
death
and
eventual
resurrection.
As
we
understand
and
appreciate
the
symbols
involved,
the
ordinances
take
on
49
Moses
6:59
50
Romans
6:3-6
51
Romans
6:4
52
Wendy
Ulrich,
The
Temple
Experience:
Passage
to
Healing
and
Holiness,
Cedar
Fort
Inc.,
2012
Page 12 of 34
greater meaning. The location of temple fonts below ground level reinforces these symbols of the grave. Placing the font on the backs of 12 oxen (just as in Solomons temple) is symbolic of the 12 tribes of Israel. It is a reminder of the covenant status of the House of Israel and of adoption into it through the ordinance of baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. In further symbolism, the oxen are grouped in threes and face north, south, east and west. This reminds us of the scattering and subsequent gathering of the House of Israel from the four corners of the earth. Living waters are also symbolic of the Savior and the cleansing power of his atonement. The baptizer who immerses and then brings the baptized person out of the water also represents the Lord who holds the keys of death and resurrection. It is another reminder of our subjection to and dependence upon him. These symbols associated with baptism are designed by the Lord to teach us eternal truths. The ordinances embody eternal realities in their ceremonial acts. The end purpose of the gospel ordinances and their associated covenants is to prepare us to be able to receive, in reality, that which we experience ceremonially through the ordinance. In this sense the ordinances are a spiritual creation, preceding a physical creation. In other words, the ordinances become a blueprint, a map, or a liahona for our lives. This is particularly true of the ordinances of the temple. Finally, ordinances generally involve some external action, which can be witnessed and recorded. This action is an external symbol of our internal commitment.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptismyea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. (2 Nephi 31:13) After real repentance and being baptized by water, then we are promised the
Page 13 of 34
baptism
of
fire
and
of
the
Holy
Ghost.
Does
this
automatically
occur?
Does
it
happen
when
we
are
confirmed
and
given
the
Holy
Ghost
by
the
laying
on
of
hands?
Or
might
it
happen
at
some
other
time?
Was
your
confirmation
the
same
thing
as
the
baptism
of
fire
and
of
the
Holy
Ghost?
Or
is
Nephi
speaking
of
something
more?
Is
this
an
event
or
a
process
or
both?
Why
is
it
by
FIRE
and
by
the
Holy
Ghost?
Why
not
simply
baptism
by
the
Holy
Ghost?
Are
they
the
same
thing?
Have
you
received
the
baptism
of
fire
and
of
the
Holy
Ghost?
If
youre
unsure,
have
you
studied
it
out
and
inquired
of
the
Lord?
Fire
is
often
associated
with
the
opening
of
the
heavens
or
with
heavenly
manifestations
(e.g.
Lehi
and
the
pillar
of
fire
on
the
rock,
pillar
of
fire
in
Josephs
First
Vision,
tongues
of
fire
on
the
day
of
Pentecost,
Moses
and
the
burning
bush,
Kirtland
temple,
etc.).
God
dwells
on
a
globe
like
a
sea
of
glass
and
fire
(D&C
130:7).
Christ
gives
us
a
key
to
receiving
this
baptism.
He
said,
And
ye
shall
offer
for
a
sacrifice
unto
me
a
broken
heart
and
a
contrite
spirit.
And
whoso
cometh
unto
me
with
a
broken
heart
and
a
contrite
spirit,
him
will
I
baptize
with
fire
and
with
the
Holy
Ghost...53
In
Old
Testament
times,
fire
consumed
(accepted)
the
sacrifice
offered
to
the
Lord.
Part
of
our
receiving
the
baptism
of
fire
and
the
Holy
Ghost
likewise
requires
us
to
make
an
acceptable
offering
unto
the
Lord,
that
of
a
broken
heart
and
a
contrite
spirit.
Christ
continues,
even
as
the
Lamanites,
because
of
their
faith
in
me
at
the
time
of
their
conversion,
were
baptized
with
fire
and
with
the
Holy
Ghost,
and
they
knew
it
not.54
How
is
this
possible?
How
could
the
Lamanites
be
baptized
with
fire
and
with
the
Holy
Ghost
and
know
it
not?
Were
they
unaware
of
the
experience?
Or
were
they
aware
but
didnt
understand
what
it
was?
And
which
group
of
Lamanite
converts
is
Christ
referring
to?
The
Lamanites
who
were
in
the
prison
with
Nephi
and
Lehi
who
were
literally
encircled
about
by
a
pillar
of
fire55
about
60
years
prior
to
Christs
statement?
Or
is
it
the
other
Lamanites
who
were
subsequently
converted
through
their
testimonies?
Or
is
He
speaking
of
both
groups?
Is
this
baptism
of
fire
a
process
or
an
event
or
both?
Is
it
a
process
that
is
highlighted
and
punctuated
along
the
way
by
specific
spiritual
events?
When
Christ
visited
the
Nephites,
he
called
twelve
disciples
and
gave
them
power
to
baptize.
He
then
promised
the
multitude
that
after
they
were
baptized
by
water,
53
3
Nephi
9:20
54
3
Nephi
9:20 55
Helaman
5:43
Page 14 of 34
that
He
(Christ)
would
baptize
them
with
fire
and
the
Holy
Ghost.56
Undoubtedly,
most
if
not
all
of
the
audience
had
previously
been
baptized.57
Why
the
need
for
re- baptism?
Was
it
simply
part
of
a
new
gospel
dispensation?
Was
it
also
to
renew
their
covenants
and
re-dedicate
themselves
to
the
Lord?
To
cleanse
them
once
again
in
preparation
for
the
baptism
of
fire?
Were
there
multiple
purposes
for
the
Lords
command?
After
Christ
departed,
the
disciples
followed
his
instructions.
They
first
prayed
for
that
which
they
most
desired
which
was
the
Holy
Ghost.
Following
this
prayer,
they
entered
the
water
and
were
baptized.
And
it
came
to
pass
when
they
were
all
baptized
and
had
come
up
out
of
the
water,
the
Holy
Ghost
did
fall
upon
them,
and
they
were
filled
with
the
Holy
Ghost
and
with
fire.
And
behold,
they
were
encircled
about
as
if
it
were
by
fire;
and
it
came
down
from
heaven.58
Why
is
fire
literally
present
on
this
occasion?
Can
there
be
a
baptism
of
fire
and
the
Holy
Ghost
without
it?
Why
or
why
not?
A
comparison
of
these
two
Book
of
Mormon
accounts
reveals
some
interesting
parallels.
(See
Helaman
Chapter
5
for
the
Lamanite
conversion
and
3
Nephi
11
&
17
for
the
later
experience
with
the
Savior.)
Common
elements
between
the
two
events
include
darkness/destruction,
repentance,
a
voice
that
pierces
them
to
their
souls,
the
voice
repeats
three
times,
pillars
of
fire,
ministering
of
angels,
communication
and
understanding
of
great
and
marvelous
things,
and
unspeakable
joy.
Have
you
experienced
these
things?
These
Book
of
Mormon
accounts
are
dramatic
and
sudden.
Perhaps,
most
often
the
process
of
receiving
the
Holy
Ghost
in
our
lives
grows
and
unfolds
over
time.
Clearly,
however,
there
is
much
more
that
can
be
associated
with
this
baptism
than
we
generally
recognize
or
expect.
It
is
certainly
more
than
merely
an
ordinance.
In
Doctrine
and
Covenants
section
109
we
learn
that
one
of
the
purposes
of
the
temple
is
that
we
may
grow
up
in
thee,
and
receive
a
fullness
of
the
Holy
Ghost.59
Are
these
Book
of
Mormon
events
descriptive
of
receiving
a
fullness
of
the
Holy
Ghost?
Are
you
engaged
in
the
process
of
growing
up
in
the
Lord
and
receiving
the
Holy
Ghost
in
your
life?
Are
you
experiencing
the
power
of
godliness
in
your
life?60
It
is
this
lack
of
power
that
leaves
historic
Christianity
an
abomination
in
the
Lords
sight.61
If
we
receive
the
gospel
but
do
not
also
receive
power
from
on
high
then
are
we
too
an
abomination
in
the
Lords
sight?
Do
we
become
as
salt,
which
has
lost
its
savor?62
56
3
Nephi
12:1
57
3
Nephi
7:23-26
59
D&C
109:15
60
D&C
84:20
58
3
Nephi
19:13-14
Page 15 of 34
We
speak
often
of
the
Holy
Ghosts
role
as
a
comforter.
Equally,
and
perhaps
more
important,
is
the
Holy
Ghosts
role
as
a
sanctifier.
To
sanctify
means
to
set
apart,
to
make
holy,
to
purify
and
to
free
from
sin.
Now
this
is
the
commandment:
Repent,
all
ye
ends
of
the
earth,
and
come
unto
me
and
be
baptized
in
my
name,
that
ye
may
be
sanctified
by
the
reception
of
the
Holy
Ghost,
that
ye
may
stand
spotless
before
me
at
the
last
day.63
We
need
the
sanctifying
and
purifying
influence
of
the
Spirit
in
our
lives
daily.
The
Holy
Ghost
is
also
a
revelator.
Joseph
Smith
recorded
that
after
he
and
Oliver
Cowdery
were
baptized,
the
Holy
Ghost
fell
upon
them.
Their
minds
were
enlightened
and
the
Holy
Ghost
began
to
open
the
scriptures
to
their
understandings.64
Joseph
later
taught
This
first
Comforter
or
Holy
Ghost
has
no
other
effect
than
pure
intelligence.65
Nephi
taught
that
one
purpose
of
the
Holy
Ghost
is
to
show
unto
us
all
things
that
we
should
do.66
What
does
all
things
include?
How
personal
is
the
involvement
of
the
Holy
Ghost
in
our
daily
lives?
Is
the
Lord
concerned
with
the
details
of
your
life?
Are
you
led
by
the
spirit
not
knowing
beforehand
the
things
you
should
do?67
How
often
will
the
Spirits
direction
be
something
other
than
what
you
had
planned?
How
do
we
recognize
the
voice
of
the
spirit
in
our
lives?
Can
we
receive
it
and
recognize
it,
if
we
have
not
paid
attention
to
the
pre-requisites
outlined
in
the
scriptures?
How
do
you
respond
when
the
Spirits
direction
is
something
you
dont
expect
and
maybe
dont
want
to
do?
I
share
the
following
personal
experience
in
the
hopes
that
the
lesson
learned
will
be
helpful
to
you.
My
current
job
in
the
temple
is
working
with
those
who
come
to
receive
their
own
ordinances.
It
is
an
assignment
I
enjoy
very
much.
Some
time
ago,
a
new
missionary
came
through
with
his
father
to
receive
his
own
endowment.
As
I
visited
with
his
father,
I
learned
that
this
young
man
had
lost
his
mother
while
he
was
a
young
teenager.
Since
that
time
his
single
father
had
raised
him
alone.
Im
sure
it
had
not
been
easy
for
this
young
man
or
his
father.
As
we
were
concluding
our
discussion
and
the
young
man
joined
us,
the
spirit
prompted
me
to
share
a
scripture
with
him.
Regrettably,
I
ignored
the
prompting.
In
doing
so,
I
missed
an
opportunity
to
bless
this
young
mans
life
in
a
way
that
the
Lord
wanted
him
blessed
and
that
I
believe
would
have
helped
him
on
63
3
Nephi
27:20
64
Joseph
Smith
History
1:73-74 65
TPJS
66
2
Nephi
32:5
67
1
Nephi
4:6
Page 16 of 34
his mission. I didnt do it, because doing so would have been against the rules and the training we receive as ordinance workers. I have deeply regretted it since that day. Pondering on this experience has taught me something valuable. The promptings we receive from the Spirit are often for something we are not planning to do. If we were going to do such and such anyway, the Spirit would have no need to prompt us. Many promptings will be to do something we are not considering or may even be something we dont want to do. Perhaps this is why it is often easy to ignore or argue with the promptings we receive. They require us to alter our plans or what we are doing. Understanding this, however, may also help us to recognize and respond to these promptings especially when they are subtle. We had a good discussion in our teachers quorum about how the Spirit operates in our lives. I believe this is something we all must learn and experience for ourselves. It probably varies somewhat from individual to individual. It grows and expands over time as we give heed to that which we receive from the Lord. It is a little difficult to describe adequately to another person. Elder Packer once described it as trying to explain what salt tastes like. You know it, but how do you explain it to someone else who maybe had never tasted salt.68 If you seek it; if you follow the pre-requisite steps with full purpose of heart, you will receive the Holy Ghost. You will recognize it. This experience often begins very humbly. As we nurture its influence in our lives, follow the direction we receive, our ability to recognize and respond increases. As we continue to follow this path, the influence increases in our lives and we begin to grow up in the Lord. This requires diligence and effort on our part. Nephis experience is again instructive. His first experiences with the Holy Ghost were simply feelings that softened his heart and allowed him to believe. Later he was able to hear the voice of the Lord in the quiet promptings he received. After being true to these promptings and after further development, he eventually saw visions, entertained angels and was ministered to by the Savior. If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peacable thingsthat which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.69
68 His talk The Candle of the Lord (Ensign Jan 1983 or search on church website) is one of the best I
have read on how the Spirit works in our lives. 69 D&C 42:61 The Doctrine of Christ Page 17 of 34
Returning
to
the
Doctrine
of
Christ,
Nephi
asks
And
now,
my
beloved
brethren,
after
ye
have
gotten
into
this
strait
and
narrow
path,
I
would
ask
if
all
is
done?70
Great
question.
Once
one
has
properly
arrived
at
this
pointmeaning
they
have
shown
great
faith
in
Christ,
have
repented
of
their
sins
with
full
purpose
of
heart,
have
begun
obeying
the
commandments,
and
have
received
baptism
by
water
and
the
Holy
Ghostwhat
else
is
required?
Is
everything
done?
The
answer
from
Nephi
is
no.
He
continues,
for
ye
have
not
come
thus
far
save
it
were
by
the
word
of
Christ
with
unshaken
faith
in
him,
relying
wholly
upon
the
merits
of
him
who
is
mighty
to
save.
Wherefore,
ye
must
press
forward
with
a
steadfastness
in
Christ,
having
a
perfect
brightness
of
hope,
and
a
love
of
God
and
of
all
men.
Wherefore,
if
ye
shall
press
forward
feasting
upon
the
word
of
Christ,
and
endure
to
the
end,
behold,
thus
saith
the
Father:
Ye
shall
have
eternal
life.71
According
to
Nephi,
unshaken
faith
in
Christ
has
brought
you
to
this
point.
What
is
unshaken
faith?
Can
we
have
unshaken
faith
at
one
point
in
our
lives
and
then
have
our
faith
shaken
later?
What
does
it
mean
to
rely
wholly
upon
the
merits
of
Christ?
What
role
do
our
own
efforts
play
in
the
process?
What
is
the
role
of
grace
and
works?
What
is
steadfastness
in
Christ?
What
is
a
perfect
brightness
of
hope?
Where
does
this
kind
of
hope
come
from?
Is
it
related
to
meekness
and
humility?
To
our
being
accepted
of
the
Lord?
Is
it
internal
to
us?
Or
something
that
comes
from
God?
Can
our
hope,
like
our
faith,
grow
over
time
until
it
is
perfect
and
sure?
Why
must
we
love
God
and
ALL
men?
What
about
our
enemies?
Those
who
are
difficult
to
love?
Once
again,
here
in
this
verse
from
Nephi
we
find
the
two
great
commandments
of
the
gospel.
What
does
it
mean
to
feast
upon
the
word
of
Christ?
Is
showing
up
at
gospel
doctrine
class
and
a
few
hours
of
church
once
a
week
enough?
Does
the
word
of
Christ
refer
to
the
scriptures?
Or
to
his
word
to
us
delivered
by
the
Spirit
(as
individual
guidance
in
our
lives)?
Is
it
both?
Why
does
Nephi
point
out
that
angels
speak
the
words
of
Christ?72
Are
you
feasting
upon
his
word?
What
does
it
mean
to
endure
to
the
end?
This
is
a
critical
question.
The
promise
is
that
by
so
doing,
we
shall
have
eternal
life.
Is
it
merely
surviving
or
something
more?
70
2
Nephi
31:19
72
2
Nephi
32:3
71
2
Nephi
31:19-20
Page 18 of 34
The obstacles we encounter to our endurance are many, but I believe they fall into four general categoriesthe four enemies of endurance: 1 Trials 2 Deception 3 Sin/Iniquity 4 Apathy Interestingly, the gift of the Holy Ghost is key in overcoming these obstacles and in enduring to the end. Lets examine them individually.
Trials
Carbon
is
the
fourth
most
common
element
in
the
universe
after
hydrogen,
helium
and
oxygen.
It
is
abundant
in
our
sun,
stars,
and
in
the
atmosphere
of
most
planets.
Our
bodies
are
composed
partly
of
carbon
(about
18%
of
our
mass).
Because
carbon
bonds
easily
with
other
molecules
it
forms
the
chemical
basis
of
all
known
life
on
earth.
Carbon
occurs
in
different
forms
depending
upon
the
arrangement
of
the
carbon
molecules.
Consider
for
a
moment
two
different
forms
of
carbondiamonds
and
coal.
Both
diamonds
and
coal
are
formed
from
the
same
element,
carbon.
One
is
rare
and
very
valuable.
The
other
is
ordinary
and
commonplace.
Diamonds
are
only
formed
by
just
the
right
combination
of
heat,
pressure
and
time.
Trials
help
provide
the
same
conditions
for
us.
They
are
a
necessary
part
of
putting
off
the
natural
man
(coal)
and
becoming
a
saint
(diamond).
Yet
in
the
furnace
of
affliction
some
allow
their
trials
to
cause
them
to
question
Gods
justice
or
his
love
and
mercy.
To
their
limited
view,
life
is
just
not
fair.
Rather
than
turning
to
god
in
their
suffering
and
receiving
strength,
support
and
comfort
from
Him,
they
turn
away
from
Him.
Alma
notes
that
as
a
result
of
a
lengthy
war
between
the
Nephites
and
Lamanites
that
many
were
hardened
while
others
were
softened
because
of
their
afflictions
and
humbled
themselves
before
God.73
Same
circumstances
for
both
groups
but
very
different
responses.
Likewise
Laman,
Lemuel,
Sam
and
Nephi
went
through
roughly
the
same
experiences
(leaving
their
home,
travel
in
the
wilderness,
etc.)
but
again
experienced
very
different
results
in
their
lives
based
upon
their
responses
and
their
faith.
Likewise,
our
trials
can
be
a
great
blessing
to
us
and
bring
us
closer
to
God,
or
they
can
be
a
great
hindrance
depending
upon
our
choices
and
actions.
73
Alma
62:41
Page 19 of 34
Sometimes this is seen in marriage as well. Under stress marriage partners can chose to turn TO each other for comfort, support, etc. or they can choose to turn ON each other in a spirit of blame, criticism and fault-finding. The marriage may be strengthened by the challenges or weakened and perhaps destroyed. This becomes even more difficult when one or both of the parties are partially or fully to blame for the problem. Perhaps with greater perspective, we would recognize our trials to be among the greatest blessings the Lord can give us. I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflictedYet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels. Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son. For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified. (D&C 101:2-5)
Deception
And
the
great
dragon
was
cast
out,
that
old
serpent,
called
the
Devil,
and
Satan,
which
deceiveth
the
whole
world.74
And
he
became
Satan,
yea
even
the
devil,
the
father
of
all
lies,
to
deceive
and
to
blind
men,
and
to
lead
them
captive
at
his
will.75
To
lie
and
deceive
is
one
of
Satans
greatest
tools.
One
he
uses
very
effectively.
We
see
examples
all
around
us
today.
It
requires
obedience
to
God,
the
Spirit,
the
word
of
God
and
discernment
to
cut
through
the
lies
and
find
the
truth
that
makes
us
free.
Satan
presents
himself
as
the
God
of
this
world
and
as
the
only
Begotten76
whenever
he
can.
It
is
interesting
that
the
serpent
is
actually
a
true
symbol
for
the
Savior.77
(Numbers
21:8).
One
wonders
if
Satan
usurped
this
symbol
in
approaching
Eve
in
an
attempt
to
pass
himself
off
as
the
only
Begotten.
We
live
in
a
world
filled
with
deceptions
from
the
blackest
of
lies
to
all
shades
of
gray
to
almost
white.
It
is
the
latter
ones
that
are
more
difficult
to
detect,
those
which
contain
a
lie
amidst
much
truth.
It
is
in
this
category
that
we
often
find
the
philosophies
of
men
mingled
with
scripture.
Recently
an
LDS
friend
recommended
a
book
to
me
called
Its
Your
Time:
Activate
your
Faith,
Achieve
your
Dreams,
Increase
in
Gods
Favor
by
Joel
Osteen.
The
internet
reviews
I
checked
gave
an
average
of
4.5
of
5
stars
on
over
300,000
reader
reviews.
Joel
boasts
he
is
Americas
#1
preacher
with
an
audience
of
45,000
weekly
at
his
church
in
Houston.
He
preaches
a
gospel
of
success.
His
74
Revelation
12:9
75
Moses
4:4
76
Moses
1:19
77
Numbers
21:8
Page
20
of
34
book
is
full
of
false
doctrine.
Sure
it
sounds
good
and
has
some
inspiring
stories
and
has
a
form
of
godliness,
but
it
is
full
of
the
philosophies
of
men
mingled
with
scripture.
Mr.
Osteen
brings
a
message
from
God
in
the
name
of
Christ,
but
it
is
a
false
message.
I
cannot
think
of
a
more
serious
way
to
take
the
name
of
the
Lord
in
vain.
Unless,
he
repents
I
believe
he
will
be
among
those
at
the
last
day
who
cry
Lord,
Lord,
have
we
not
prophesied
in
thy
name?
and
in
thy
name
done
many
wonderful
works?78
Nor
is
this
problem
limited
to
those
outside
the
LDS
church.
This
problem
finds
its
way
into
the
LDS
church
as
well.
I
recently
found
on
the
internet
a
fireside
given
by
Dr.
David
Cohen
to
a
group
in
St.
George
in
2007.
The
fireside
was
about
the
Second
Coming.
Dr.
Cohen
claims
to
be
a
descendant
of
Aaron
who
was
raised
by
his
father,
a
Jewish
Rabbi
who
later
converted
to
the
Church.
I
want
to
quote
to
you
a
portion
of
the
fireside
from
the
beginning:
Were
going
to
feast
on
the
word
of
God
tonight.
And
youre
going
to
be
blessed.
I
promise
you,
youre
going
to
leave
this
fireside
and
you
are
going
to
be
glad
you
attended
it.
The
Lord
is
going
to
bless
you
for
your
faith.
He
then
gives
a
talk
about
the
Adamic
language,
the
Lords
calendar
and
why
our
dates
are
wrong,
and
the
events
that
will
lead
up
to
the
second
coming.
(He
has
also
published
an
expanded
book
upon
these
topics
in
2009)
By
the
second
or
third
page
of
this
fireside
talk,
I
was
thinking
to
myself
this
guy
is
full
of
crap.
The
spirit
did
NOT
witness
that
it
was
true,
to
the
contrary,
while
some
of
it
seemed
reasonable,
it
also
contains
false
doctrine.
Towards
the
end
of
the
talk,
he
makes
a
wild
prophecy.
Again,
I
quote:
On
September
22nd
2011
there
is
going
to
be
a
Betel
Jeuce
Super
Nova.It
just
so
happens
that
Orion,
on
the
Fall
Equinox,
rises
at
midnight.
Can
you
imagine
what
the
world
is
going
to
say,
when
on
September
22nd,
at
midnight,
2011,
it
lights
up
at
midnight
as
if
it
is
dawn.
They
are
going
to
think
it
is
the
Second
Coming.
Oops,
sorry
Dr.
Cohen
looks
like
that
one
didnt
happen!
Keep
in
mind
though
this
fireside
was
given
in
2007.
If
you
had
been
in
the
audience
you
should
have
known
in
2007
that
it
wasnt
going
to
happen
because
of
all
of
the
false
doctrine
he
taught
before
these
outrageous
claims
and
by
the
absence
of
the
spirit
from
that
meeting.
The
absence
of
the
Spirit
didn't
seem
to
slow
or
impede
Dr.
Cohen,
however,
in
the
least.
He
finishes
by
stating,
Now
if
you
havent
been
filled
tonight,
I
dont
know
what
else
to
talk
about.
The
spirit
has
been
very
strong
tonight.
Im
really
impressed
with
your
responses.
I
can
tell
that
youre
in
tune
and
that
youre
following
the
promptings
of
the
spirit.
Hopefully
those
present
were
not
deceived.
The
admonition
that
we
should
not
teach
if
we
don't
have
the
Spirit79
does
not
deter
those
guilty
of
priestcraft
and
those
who
attempt
to
build
themselves
up
rather
than
78
Matthew
7:22
79
D&C
42:14
Page 21 of 34
lead
souls
to
Christ.
Obviously
the
Cohen
example
is
an
extreme,
but
there
are
false
doctrines
taught
in
the
church
frequently
and
at
all
levels
of
the
church.
The
book
of
Mormon
uses
the
word
unbelief
to
refer
to
everything
ranging
from
disbelief
to
belief
in
incorrect
doctrines,
principles
and
traditions.
As
we
grow
in
our
gospel
understanding,
we
all
have
unbeliefs
(incorrect
beliefs,
false
traditions
and
cultural
influences)
that
need
to
be
discarded
for
truth.
So
where
is
the
harm
in
all
of
this?
We
act
and
make
decisions
based
upon
our
beliefs.
To
be
deceived
is
to
believe
something
is
true
that
is
not
true.
Herein
lies
the
rub
and
why
deception
is
so
dangerous.
We
generally
dont
know
that
we
are
deceived.
We
dont
know
that
the
truth
we
believe
is
actually
false
and
in
error.
We
then
base
our
actions
upon
this
belief,
causing
our
actions
to
be
in
error
as
well.
Consequences
follow.
If
Satan
can
blind
us
with
his
lies,
he
can
lead
us
to
destruction.80
This
is
why
lying
and
deceiving
is
one
of
his
primary
tools.
He
and
his
minions
are
very
practiced
and
very
skilled.
Wherein
is
our
hope?
In
obtaining
truth
for
ourselves.
Wherefore,
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
more81
In
a
future,
millennial
day
truth
will
be
commonplace
and
cover
the
earth.
It
will
all
be
revealed,
and
Satan
will
have
no
more
power.
His
lies
will
have
no
more
influence
in
the
face
of
this
truth.
He
will
be
cast
out
because
he
can
no
longer
deceive.
We
needn't
wait,
in
fact
we
cannot
wait,
for
that
future
millennial
day.
This
can
happen
for
us
individually
much
sooner.
As
we
gather
enough
truth
and
light
and
conform
our
lives
to
it,
Satans
influence
over
us
ends.
Once
we
rise
above
the
telestial
world
that
surrounds
us
and
reach
a
terrestrial
state,
Satan
will
be
cast
out
of
our
lives.
We
can
join
the
ranks
of
those
who
are
sanctified
enough
that
they
can
only
look
upon
sin
with
abhorrence.
It
has
no
power
over
their
hearts
and
no
appeal
to
them.
God
has
given
us
two
great
tools
to
avoid
being
deceived.
The
first
is
the
scriptures.
It
is
the
rod
against
which
all
else
should
be
measured.
If
we
hearken
and
hold
fast
to
the
word
of
God
we
will
not
be
blinded
or
overcome.82
The
second
part
of
the
measuring
rod
is
the
Holy
Ghost.
By
its
power
we
may
know
the
truth
of
80
1
Nephi
15:24
81
2
Nephi
30:18
82 1 Nephi 15:24
Page 22 of 34
all
things.83
Anything
that
contradicts
the
scriptures
or
the
Holy
Ghost
is
not
a
true
message
regardless
of
its
source.
Recently,
I
learned
that
a
good
friend
and
his
wife
have
left
the
church.
These
two
both
served
missions,
have
a
wonderful
family,
and
are
very
good
people
whom
I
highly
respect,
admire
and
love.
Their
decision
saddens
me
greatly.
It
is
one
I
believe
they
will
regret
and
if
not
corrected
may
have
far
reaching
effects,
particularly
in
the
lives
of
their
children.
The
problem
began
when
they
learned
that
some
of
the
Churchs
history
is
different
than
what
they
had
believed
it
to
be.
This
caused
a
crisis
in
their
faith
and
led
to
them
eventually
throwing
out
the
baby
with
the
bath,
so
to
speak.
They
didnt
reach
their
decision
overnight
nor
without
considerable
distress
and
struggle.
The
past
few
years
have
probably
been
one
of
the
greatest
trials
of
their
lives.
Yet
ultimately,
they
reached
the
wrong
conclusion.
Hopefully,
they
will
repent
and
return.
They
are
not
alone.
Marlin
Jensen,
recently
released
as
the
Churchs
Historian,
stated
speaking
of
the
First
Presidency
and
Quorum
of
Twelve,
They
realize
that
maybe
since
Kirtland,
we
never
have
had
a
period
of,
Ill
call
it
apostasy,
like
were
having
right
now;
largely
over
these
issues.84
The
explosion
of
information
available
via
the
internet
has
resulted
in
many
people
leaving
the
Church
in
a
similar
manner
to
my
friends.
This
problem
stems
from
a
couple
of
sources:
1)
When
we
learn
math
or
biology
or
any
other
subject,
we
first
learn
the
basics
and
then
move
on
to
more
advanced
applications.
You
cant
do
calculus
without
first
understanding
algebra
and
geometry.
Otherwise,
calculus
is
gibberish.
It
is
the
same
in
the
gospel.
(It
is
one
reason
that
the
temple
is
kept
sacred.)
The
problem
that
we
encounter
as
we
move
from
the
milk
of
the
gospel
to
the
meat
is
that
we
inevitably
run
into
things
that
dont
make
sense
or
that
even
seem
wrong.
Sometimes
we
must
set
these
things
aside
for
a
time,
perhaps
even
for
years,
until
we
have
more
context
and
framework
to
finally
understand
them.
A
wise
religion
instructor
used
to
admonish
his
classes
to,
never
lose
faith
in
the
things
you
do
know,
because
of
the
things
you
dont
know.
This
obviously
applies
to
truths
testified
to
our
souls
by
the
spirit
and
by
spiritual
communications.
We
all
have
mistaken
beliefs
and
ideas
which
we
need
to
discard
over
time
as
we
gain
additional
light
and
knowledge.
One
reason
the
Savior
taught
in
parables
was
to
not
give
his
hearers
more
information
than
they
were
prepared
for.
Nowadays,
with
the
information
availability
of
the
internet,
this
precaution
is
gone
and
it
is
relatively
easy
to
find
things
out
of
proper
sequence.
83
Moroni
10:5
84
Dr.
Phillip
Barlow
interview
of
Marlin
K.
Jensen,
January
18,
2012
at
Utah
State
University
Page 23 of 34
Our
testimonies
should
be
based
not
upon
our
intellectual
understanding,
but
upon
personal
revelation
and
interaction
with
Heaven.
This
requires
effort
on
our
part.
We
must
first
ask
before
heaven
can
respond.
That
is
one
of
the
keys.
There
must
be
a
stirring
on
earth
below
before
there
can
be
a
stirring
in
heaven
above.
Otherwise
the
heavens
are
generally
silent.85
Even
Alma
who
had
been
raised
with
the
gospel
and
called
to
repentance
by
an
angel
from
heaven,
declared
that
his
testimony
came
by
the
Holy
Spirit
and
that
he
had
fasted
and
prayed
many
days
to
know
for
himself.86
That
is
how
we
gain
a
testimony.
These
spiritual
communications
may
not
be
frequent
in
our
lives
at
first,
but
they
are
real
and
unmistakable
when
they
occur.
They
are
private
and
individually
tailored
to
us,
and
like
the
oil
in
the
lamps,
cant
be
given
to
others.
We
should
treasure
and
cling
to
these
witnesses
from
heaven,
particularly
in
moments
of
doubt
and
confusion.
Oliver
Cowdery
was
admonished
by
the
Savior
to
cast
your
mind
upon
the
night
that
you
cried
unto
me
in
your
heart,
that
you
might
know
concerning
the
truth
of
these
things.
Did
I
not
speak
peace
to
your
mind
concerning
the
matter?
What
greater
witness
can
you
have
than
from
God?87
2)
Church
leaders
have
generally
portrayed
Church
history
in
the
most
positive
light
possible.
Sometimes
this
is
as
simple
as
only
telling
one
side
of
a
given
story
(e.g.
how
the
Saints
were
wronged
or
praising
their
virtues,
but
not
mentioning
their
errors,
mistakes,
sins
and/or
actions
that
may
have
stirred
the
pot
and
contributed
to
their
problems).
Other
times
in
a
Paul
Dunn
style,
stories
have
been
embellished
or
changed
to
be
more
faith
promoting.
Whether
this
occurred
intentionally
in
all
cases
or
not,
I
dont
know,
nor
do
I
wish
to
presume
to
judge
those
leaders.
However,
today
this
veneer
is
rapidly
coming
off.
Growing
up
in
the
Church,
to
me
Joseph
Smith
was
a
hero
set
upon
a
pedestal.
In
my
limited
view,
he
was
beyond
reproach
and
infinitely
far
above
me
and
everyone
else
I
knew.
I
gained
a
testimony
of
Joseph
as
a
prophet,
of
his
first
vision
and
some
of
the
experiences
he
had.
They
are
true!
Joseph
was
a
great
prophet!
In
many
ways,
He
was
a
hero
and
deserves
our
respect.
However,
he
was
also
a
man
who
struggled
with
his
temper,
who
often
didnt
receive
answers
from
God
when
he
felt
he
needed
them
and
was
sometimes
left
on
his
own
to
muddle
along,
who
made
mistakes
and
did
some
stupid
things,
who
trusted
people
he
shouldnt
have,
and
who
had
to
learn
many
things
line
upon
line
just
as
we
do.
God
also
used
many
of
the
circumstances
of
Josephs
environment
to
prepare
and
lead
him
along
naturally
and
almost
imperceptibly
to
where
God
wanted
him
to
85
Mormon
9:19-21
86
Alma
5:46
87
D&C
6:22-23
Page 24 of 34
be.
Joseph
often
didnt
know
the
end
from
the
beginning.
In
other
words,
Joseph
was
very
human
in
ways
that
we
all
can
relate
to.
Despite
his
weakness,
he
was
a
great
servant
and
the
Lord
used
him
to
restore
the
gospel.
Despite
our
weakness,
the
Lord
can
also
use
us
to
accomplish
His
work.
Richard
Bushmans
work
Joseph
Smith:
Rough
Stone
Rolling
was
the
first
book
on
Joseph
that
for
me
ever
gave
this
added
perspective.
Contrary
to
damaging
what
I
believed
about
Joseph,
he
is
that
much
more
relatable
and
dear
to
me.
3)
Joseph
recorded
an
incident
where
he
visited
with
a
brother
and
sister
who
thought
that
a
prophet
is
always
a
prophet.
Josephs
response
is
that
a
prophet
was
a
prophet
only
when
he
was
acting
as
such.88
To
a
large
extent,
weve
lost
sight
of
that
in
the
Church
today.
On
another
occasion,
a
man
expressed
disappointment
that
Joseph
was
only
a
man.
He
supposed
that
a
person
to
whom
the
Lord
revealed
his
will
must
be
something
more
than
a
man.
Joseph
reminded
him
that
Elias
was
also
a
man
subject
to
like
passions
as
we
are,
yet
had
such
power
with
God
as
to
shut
the
heavens
from
rain.89
These
mistaken
assumptions
are
common
in
the
church
today.
Some
accept
as
gospel
truth
anything
spoken
by
any
past
prophet,
Spencer
W.
Kimball
or
Brigham
Young
for
example,
without
concern
for
whether
the
statement
was
given
early
in
their
life
or
later
after
they
were
called
as
a
prophet.
Even
if
spoken
later,
were
they
giving
an
opinion
or
speaking
prophetically?
Some
saints
accept
everything
without
discernment.
Brigham
Young
often
gave
his
opinion
and
was
influenced
by
social
circumstances
and
prevailing
sentiments
of
his
day
in
many
areas
just
as
we
are
today.
Not
all
of
his
statements
are
gospel
truth
or
accurate.
Likewise,
not
everything
taught
by
Bruce
R.
McConkie,
Joseph
Fielding
Smith
or
others
is
completely
without
error.
I
am
not
saying
they
werent
great
leaders
or
werent
inspired.
I
am
saying
that
the
Lord
gives
all
of
us
agency;
that
sometimes
we
make
mistakes
even
when
acting
with
the
best
of
intentions;
that
this
applies
even
to
the
leaders
of
the
church
(from
bishops
to
the
President);
and
that
all
of
us
grow
in
our
understanding
over
time.
Im
sure
I
taught
things
ten
years
ago
in
Elders
quorum,
which
I
would
not
agree
with
today.
Another
great
example
is
found
in
D&C
74
which
clarifies
some
of
Pauls
teachings
in
the
New
Testament
which
were
not
of
the
Lord,
but
of
himself.90
Paul
gave
his
opinion
and
it
ended
up
recorded
and
believed
as
scripture.
We
need
to
rely
upon
the
Spirit
and
upon
the
Lord,
and
we
should
live
so
that
the
Spirit
can
confirm
or
deny
what
we
are
being
taught.
The
point
in
all
of
this
is
simple.
There
are
answers,
even
to
the
very
difficult
questions.
There
are
problematic
issues
in
Church
history.
These
can
be
reconciled.
There
are
answers.
Over
time,
everything
will
fit
into
its
proper
place.
As
you
learn
89
HC
2:302
90
D&C
74:5
88
History
of
the
Church
(HC)
5:265
Page 25 of 34
and grow in the gospel, you may encounter new truths that require you to learn, adapt and grow and to leave behind old errors and wrong beliefs. You may also have to deal with uncertainty, ambiguity, or even contradictory information. But let the Lord help you through these times. And dont lose faith in the experiences and witnesses that you have had and the things that you do know, because of the things that you dont yet understand. You need the scriptures. You need the Spirit. And you need oil in your own lamp. You need a relationship with the Lord. He is standing at the door of your life and knocking.91 Will you open up? Are you listening? Do you feel unworthy? Are you trying to do it all on your own? Or have you opened the door? His work today is YOUR eternal life.92 He will work with you wherever you are at.
Among
the
great
doctrines
restored
by
Joseph
is
the
doctrine
of
the
soul.
The
spirit
and
the
body
are
the
soul
of
man.93
Without
both
we
cannot
have
a
fullness
of
joy.94
Joseph
further
taught,
We
came
to
this
earth
that
we
might
have
a
body
and
present
it
pure
before
God
in
the
celestial
kingdom.
The
great
principle
of
happiness
consists
in
having
a
body.95
The
problem
is
that
we
live
in
a
fallen,
telestial
state.
When
Adam
fell,
he
fell
physically,
spiritually,
emotionally
and
mentally.
We
know
we
are
subject
to
the
Fall,
but
maybe
we
dont
appreciate
the
extent
to
which
it
affects
us.
Our
bodies
and
minds
arent
perfect.
We
are
afflicted
and
live
with
many
conditions
over
which
we
have
absolutely
no
control.
In
addition,
the
scriptures
teach
that
after
the
Fall
men
became
carnal,
sensual
and
devilish
by
nature.
The
dictionary
defines
carnal
as
relating
to
physical,
particularly
sexual,
needs
and
desires.
Sensual
is
related
to
gratification
of
the
physical
senses
and
seeking
pleasure.
Our
bodies
are
pretty
well
programmed
to
seek
pleasure
and
avoid
pain.
There
is
much
in
all
of
this
that
is
desirable
and
a
great
blessing
to
us,
provided
that
92
Moses
1:39.
In
D&C
19,
Christ
describes
his
sufferingswhat
we
usually
consider
to
be
the
atonement.
He
then
states
that
he
finished
his
preparations.
Thats
interesting.
His
work
isnt
done.
What
is
his
work
today?
You
are.
All
that
he
went
through
prepared
him
to
help
you
today.
I
used
to
think
he
had
done
his
part
and
was
now
waiting
for
me
to
get
my
act
together
and
do
mine.
I
couldnt
have
been
more
wrong.
It
does
require
all
that
we
can
do.
But
we
dont
walk
alone.
He
will
be
with
you
each
step
of
the
way,
if
you
will
let
Him.
93
D&C
88:15
94
D&C
93:33-34
95
TPJS
181,
emphasis
added
91
Revelation
3:20
Page 26 of 34
we
keep
our
desires,
appetites
and
passions
within
boundaries
defined
by
the
Lord.
When
we
are
outside
those
boundaries
we
are
off
track
and
Satan
has
greater
influence
over
us.
I
should
like
to
say
to
you,
my
brethren
and
sisters,
that
all
the
assaults
that
the
enemy
of
our
souls
will
make
to
capture
us
will
be
through
the
flesh,
because
it
is
made
up
of
the
unredeemed
earth,
and
he
has
power
over
the
elements
of
the
earth.
The
approach
he
makes
to
us
will
be
through
the
lusts,
the
appetites,
the
ambitions
of
the
flesh.
All
the
help
that
comes
to
us
from
the
Lord
to
aid
us
in
this
struggle
will
come
to
us
through
the
spirit
that
dwells
within
this
mortal
body.
So
these
two
mighty
forces
are
operating
upon
us
through
these
two
channels.
How
is
the
battle
going
with
you?...The
greatest
conflict
that
any
man
or
woman
will
ever
havewill
be
the
battle
that
is
had
with
self.96
We
all
have
a
dual
naturea
physical
side
and
a
spiritual
side.
Our
spirits
and
bodies
are
interconnected
to
a
greater
extent
than
we
probably
realize.
Our
spirits
are
intended
to
master
our
bodies.
When
we
commit
physical
sins,
we
damage
our
spirits
and
lessen
our
sensitivity
to
spiritual
communications.
The
scriptures
teach
that
he
that
committeth
adultery
destroyeth
his
own
soul.97
Gratifying
physical
urges
outside
of
the
Lords
bounds
turns
something
that
should
be
a
great
blessing
to
us
into
something
that
can
severely
damage
our
spirits.
When
we
allow
ourselves
to
become
addicted
to
such
behaviors
then
Satan
has
truly
grasped
us
in
the
chains
of
hell.
Deliverance
from
these
chains
is
possible
but
not
easy.
Addictions
can
advance
to
a
point
of
consuming
all
else
in
a
persons
life.
How
many
have
sacrificed
family,
friends,
loved
ones,
careers
and
other
good
things
in
seeking
to
feed
their
addictions?
It
is
not
just
the
world
that
struggles
with
these
problems.
I
recently
read
that
an
estimated
60%
of
adult
males
in
the
church
regularly
view
pornography.
Hopefully
that
estimate
is
much
higher
than
the
real
statistic,
but
regardless
of
the
actual
number
it
is
certainly
a
huge
problem,
which
destroys
marriages
and
leaves
a
trail
of
innocent
lives
damaged
in
its
wake.
In
addition
to
physical
passions,
we
must
watch
emotional
ones
as
well.
We
struggle
with
pride,
anger,
jealousy,
fear,
apathy,
pessimism
and
a
host
of
negative
emotions.
These
too
must
be
controlled
or
eliminated
from
our
lives.
I
love
this
quote
from
Sheri
Dew:
Sin
is
just
plain
stupid.
And
the
cost
is
off
the
chartsObedience,
on
the
other
hand,
is
brilliant
and
its
fruits
are
endlessone
of
which
is
happiness.
The
only
way
I
know
to
be
happy
is
to
live
the
gospel.
It
is
not
possible
to
sin
enough
to
be
happy.
It
is
not
possible
to
buy
enough
to
be
happy
or
to
entertain
or
indulge
yourself
enough
to
be
happy.
Happiness
and
joy
come
only
97
Proverbs
6:32 96
The
Struggle
for
the
Soul,
address
given
in
SL
Tabernacle
May
5,
1928
by
Elder
Melvin
J.
Ballard
Page 27 of 34
when you are living up to who you are. Jacob sums it up in these words: Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.98 In one sentence, Jacob captures the great battle of life. After baptism, we are given a great aid in this battle. It is the Holy Ghost. We speak often of the Holy Ghosts role as a comforter. Equally important is the Holy Ghosts role as a sanctifier.99 To sanctify is to make holy. The more we have the Holy Ghost in our life, the less appeal and hold sin has upon us. How goes the battle within you?
Apathy
In
our
endurance,
Mosiah
gives
us
wise
counsel
to
do
all
things
in
wisdom
and
in
order;
not
running
faster
than
we
have
strength
but
being
diligent.100
There
are
many,
many
demands
upon
our
time
and
attention.
Keeping
balance
in
life
is
something
I
struggle
with.
In
a
training
meeting,
President
Hinckley
once
observed
that
we
have
four
main
areas
of
focus:
our
families,
our
employment,
our
church
callings
and
ourselves.
He
counseled
us
not
to
neglect
any
of
them.
It
is
easy
to
get
too
caught
up
in
the
things
of
the
world
and
become
somewhat
apathetic
towards
the
church.
We
can
show
up
to
our
meetings
each
Sunday
and
then
forget
about
the
gospel
until
the
following
Sunday.
To
the
extent
we
fall
into
this
trap,
we
become
like
the
apostate
Zoramites101
and
need
to
repent.
Some
Latter-day
Saints
are
more
concerned
about
appearing
good
than
actually
being
good.
Others
become
overly
engaged
rather
than
anxiously
engaged.
These
souls
sprint
but
soon
tire
and
sometimes
fall
by
the
wayside.
They
run
faster
than
they
have
strength
and
burn
out.
Each
of
us
needs
rather
to
press
diligently
forward.
Im
inspired
by
the
story
of
Cliff
Young.
Every
year
in
Australia,
world-class
athletes
assemble
to
compete
in
a
grueling
543.7
mile
(875
kilometer)
endurance
race
from
Sydney
to
Melbourne.
It
is
one
of
the
worlds
toughest
ultra-marathons.
In
1983,
a
61
year
old
farmer
named
Cliff
Young
showed
up
at
the
start
of
the
race
in
overalls
and
work
boots.
To
everyones
shock,
Cliff
wasnt
there
as
a
spectator
but
picked
up
a
race
number
and
joined
the
other
runners,
most
of
whom
were
under
30
and
sponsored
by
big
name
companies
like
Nike.
98
2
Nephi
9:39
99
3
Nephi
27:20
100
Mosiah
4:27-28
101
Alma
31
Page 28 of 34
Cliff was told, Youre crazy. There is no way you can finish this race. His response was simply, Yes I can. I grew up on a farm where we couldnt afford horses or tractors, and the whole time I was growing up, whenever the storms would roll in, Id have to go out and round up the sheep. We had 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but Id always catch them. Well no one took him very seriously, and as the race started Cliff was quickly left behind by the pros. Some mocked him because Cliff didnt even run properly. He shuffled along in an awkward gait. Others feared for his safety. The runners ran all day long, about 18 hours before stopping for 6 hours of sleep. When dawn came on the second day, everyone was in for a surprise. Not only was Cliff still in the race, but he had continued jogging all through the night without sleeping. Cliff kept running. Each night he continued to run without stopping while the others slept, gradually moving up the ranks of the runners. Cliff ended up finishing the race in 5 days 15 hours and 4 minutes. Not only had he won, but he beat the prior course record by 2 full days. When he was awarded the winning prize of $10,000, he gave it away to some of the other runners whom he had met and felt needed it more than he did. He stated that he hadnt known there was a prize, he just wanted to see if he could do it. Today, the Young-shuffle has been adopted by many ultra-marathon runners because it is considered more energy-efficient than a more traditional gait. Furthermore, competitors since Cliff do not sleep. Winning the race requires runners to go all night as well as all day, just as Cliff Young first did. Whereforelet us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.102 In eternal life, the race is not to the swift but to those who persevere. We are capable of more than we sometimes believe.
102
Hebrews
12:1
Page 29 of 34
Nephi
concludes
his
ministry
with
important
counsel
and
pleading.
He
states:
Wherefore,
I
said
unto
you,
feast
upon
the
words
of
Christ;
for
behold,
the
words
of
Christ
will
tell
you
all
things
what
ye
should
do.103
We
shouldn't
be
confused
or
deceived.
We
have
the
words
of
Christ
to
guide
us.
Behold,
again
I
say
unto
you
that
if
ye
will
enter
in
by
the
way,
and
receive
the
Holy
Ghost,
it
will
show
unto
you
all
things
what
ye
should
do.104
What
a
marvelous
promise!
What
a
glorious
gift
we
are
given
after
baptism!
Of
all
the
things
the
Father
could
give
us,
he
chooses
to
give
us
the
gift
of
the
Holy
Ghost.
The
right
to
have
its
companionship
with
us
always.
How
do
you
experience
this
gift
in
your
life?
We
need
guidance
in
our
lives.
We
need
the
Spirit.
Avoid
things
that
offend
or
drive
the
spirit
from
your
life.
"Pray
always
and
I
will
pour
out
my
spirit
upon
you."105
103
2
Nephi
32:3
104
2
Nephi
32:5 105
D&C
19:38
Page 30 of 34
Nephi
continues:
Behold,
this
is
the
doctrine
of
Christ,
and
there
will
be
no
more
doctrine
given
until
after
he
shall
manifest
himself
unto
you
in
the
flesh.
And
when
he
shall
manifest
himself
unto
you
in
the
flesh,
the
things
which
he
shall
say
unto
you
shall
ye
observe
to
do.106
Is
Nephi
here
referring
to
the
appearance
of
the
Savior
to
the
Nephites?
Or
is
he
referring
to
a
personal
appearance?
Or
is
it
both?
And
now
I,
Nephi,
cannot
say
more;
the
Spirit
stoppeth
mine
utterance,
and
I
am
left
to
mourn
because
of
the
unbelief,
and
the
wickedness,
and
the
ignorance,
and
the
stiffneckedness
of
men.107
Nephi
has
reached
the
end
of
what
he
is
allowed
to
say.
He
understands
much
more.
He
knows
what
unbelief,
ignorance
and
wickedness
cause
us
to
miss
and
he
mourns.
He
gives
us
one
last
clue,
however:
If
ye
would
hearken
unto
the
Spirit
which
teacheth
a
man
to
pray
ye
would
know
that
ye
must
pray.108
We
need
to
have
contact
with
heaven
ourselves.
This
is
established
through
prayer.
If
we
read
books
like
the
Book
of
Enos
and
see
only
what
happened
to
Enos
we
miss
the
point.
We
each
need
to
have
our
own
experiences
like
Enos.
Where
does
this
path,
outlined
by
Nephi,
ultimately
lead?
To
the
tree
of
life.
It
will
lead
us
to
the
Savior.
Joseph
Smith
taught:
After
a
person
has
faith
in
Christ,
repents
of
his
sins,
and
is
baptized
for
the
remission
of
his
sins,
and
receives
the
Holy
Ghost,
(by
the
laying
on
of
hands),
which
is
the
first
Comforter,
then
let
him
continue
to
humble
himself
before
God,
hungering
and
thirsting
after
righteousness,
and
living
by
every
word
of
God,
and
the
Lord
will
soon
say
unto
him,
Son,
thou
shalt
be
exalted.
When
the
Lord
has
thoroughly
proved
him,
and
finds
that
the
man
[or
woman]
is
determined
to
serve
Him
at
all
hazards,
then
the
man
[or
woman]
will
find
his
[or
her]
calling
and
election
made
sure,
then
it
will
be
his
[her]
privilege
to
receive
the
other
Comforter,
which
the
Lord
hath
promised
the
Saints....Now
what
is
this
other
106
2
Nephi
32:6
107
2
Nephi
32:7
108
2
Nephi
32:8
Page
31
of
34
Comforter?
It
is
no
more
nor
less
than
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
Himself;
and
this
is
the
sum
and
substance
of
the
whole
matter;
that
when
any
man
obtains
this
last
Comforter,
he
will
have
the
personage
of
Jesus
Christ
to
attend
him,
or
appear
unto
him
from
time
to
time,
and
even
He
will
manifest
the
Father
unto
him,
and
they
will
take
up
their
abode
with
him,
and
the
Lord
will
teach
him
face
to
face.109
In
D&C
19,
the
Savior
recounts
his
sufferings
in
accomplishing
the
atonement.
He
then
states
that
he
has
"finished
[his]
preparations
unto
the
children
of
men."110
It
is
interesting
that
he
categorizes
his
atonement
as
his
"preparations".
The
Savior's
work
with
and
for
us
is
not
finished.
He
has
a
ministry
which
he
reserves
to
himself.
That
ministry
involves
preparing
us
to
be
re-introduced
to
the
Father.
How
do
we
grow
in
our
relationship
with
the
Savior?
How
do
we
increase
our
ability
to
hear
his
voice?
We
find
a
formula
in
section
93
of
the
Doctrine
and
Covenants.
We
are
given
this
section
to
know
how
to
worship
and
to
know
what
we
worship.111
Verse
one
contains
the
formula.
Verily,
thus
saith
the
Lord:
It
shall
come
to
pass
that
every
soul
who
forsaketh
his
sins
and
cometh
unto
me,
and
calleth
on
my
name,
and
obeyeth
my
voice,
and
keepeth
my
commandments,
shall
see
my
face
and
know
that
I
am.112
Verily,
thus
saith
the
Lord:
That
should
catch
our
attention.
What
follows
is
something
you
can
absolutely
rely
on.
Gods
word
cannot
return
unfulfilled.113
His
word
becomes
the
law
upon
which
the
universe
operates.
Every
Soul
This
includes
everyone,
young
or
old,
male
or
female.
It
includes
you.
What
follows
is
not
limited
to
prophets,
apostles,
men,
or
any
other
category.
It
is
open
to
all
of
our
Fathers
children.
All
are
alike
unto
God.
Who
Forsaketh
His
Sins
When
we
are
young,
we
often
see
this
backwards.
We
may
see
commandments
as
restrictions.
In
reality,
it
is
our
sins,
which
hold
us
back.
And
Cometh
Unto
Me
There
is
a
spark
of
the
Divine
in
each
of
us
that
longs
for
home.
Christ
descended
to
make
that
return
possible.
We
come
unto
him
through
the
laws
and
ordinances
of
his
gospel.
This
path
is
the
Doctrine
of
Christ,
which
we
have
been
discussingfaith,
repentance,
baptism,
Holy
Ghost,
and
enduring
to
the
end.
Note
how
ordinances
are
associated
with
the
steps.
Repentance
is
associated
109
TPJS
150-151
110
D&C
19:19
111
D&C
93:19
112
D&C
93:1
Page 32 of 34
with
baptism;
confirmation
and
the
sacrament
with
receiving
the
Holy
Ghost;
and
the
ordinances
of
the
endowment
with
enduring
to
the
end.
And
Calleth
On
My
Name
Prayer
is
essential.
You
must
connect
with
Heaven.
We
are
given
the
Holy
Ghost
as
a
guide.
One
of
the
keys
to
receiving
revelation
is
asking
for
it.
If
you
dont
ask,
most
often
you
wont
receive.
This
is
why
the
scriptures
repeatedly
admonish
us
to
ask,
seek,
and
knock.
Even
in
something
as
crucial
as
the
restoration
of
the
gospel,
most
of
the
revelations
came
to
Joseph
AFTER
he
went
to
the
Lord
with
a
question.
Take
your
questions
to
the
Lord.
Let
him
teach
you.
Learn
to
receive
revelation.
Learn
to
recognize
his
voicehow
he
speaks
to
you.
And
Obeyeth
My
Voice
In
response
to
your
earnest
prayers,
youll
receive
direction.
Follow
it.
As
you
act
upon
the
answers
you
receive,
your
belief
becomes
faith.
Especially
when
the
answers
arent
what
you
want
to
hear
or
arent
what
you
expect.
Have
the
faith
to
follow
them
anyway,
even
when
those
answers
dont
make
sense
to
you.
It
is
crucial
for
us
to
have
the
guidance
of
the
spirit
in
our
lives.
Joseph
Smith
taught,
That
which
is
wrong
under
one
circumstance,
may
be,
and
often
is,
right
under
another.
God
said,
Thou
shalt
not
kill;
at
another
time
He
said,
Thou
shalt
utterly
destroy.
This
is
the
principle
on
which
the
government
of
heaven
is
conducted revelation
adapted
to
the
circumstances
in
which
the
children
of
the
kingdom
are
placed.
Whatever
God
requires
is
right,
no
matter
what
it
is,
although
we
may
not
see
the
reason
thereof
till
long
after
the
events
transpire.114
As
you
step
into
the
dark
and
move
from
belief
to
faith
by
your
obedience,
confirmation
that
you
are
doing
Gods
will
and
understanding
of
the
purpose
eventually
follows.
And
Keepeth
My
Commandments
The
commandments
are
given
to
bless,
protect
and
to
elevate
us.
Obedience
is
key
to
our
growth
and
receiving
additional
light.
Later
in
section
93
we
read
He
that
keepeth
his
commandments
receiveth
truth
and
light,
until
he
is
glorified
in
truth
and
knoweth
all
things115,
and
also,
that
wicked
one
cometh
and
taketh
away
light
and
truth
through
disobedience
from
the
children
of
men116 .
Obedience
doesnt
require
us
to
become
a
new,
rigid
form
of
latter-Day
Pharisees.
It
is
ironic
that
while
many
of
them
kept
their
Word
of
Wisdom,
paid
tithing
on
herbs
and
spices,
and
kept
the
Sabbath
day
Holy
to
the
point
of
counting
how
many
steps
they
took,
they
missed
the
Savior
and
rejected
him.
Their
obedience
left
them
arrogant,
proud
and
judgmental
of
others.
114
TPJS
115
D&C
93:28
116
D&C
93:39
Page
33
of
34
We can never DO enough but we can BE enough. As we humble ourselves, repent, love, serve and sincerely try to follow the will of our Savior we are keeping his commandments. As you continue working on the 5 parts of this formula, you will grow in light and truth, in your relationship with the Savior, and in your ability to recognize and receive revelation, until the day the promise is that you Shall See My Face and Know That I Am Again this isnt to satisfy some curiosity. The Savior has a ministry, which he reserves to himself. It is about your redemption from the Fall and preparing you to be reintroduced to the Father. We are meant to move from unbelief to belief to increasing levels of faith until we at last arrive at knowledge. Moses sought diligently to bring his people to this point.117 So did Nephi and Jacob.118 So did Moroni.119 So did Joseph. And virtually all others who received this blessing during their lives. Their invitation is to Come Unto Christ. The Doctrine of Christ is all about our return to Him. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen. (2 Nephi 31:21) In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
117
D&C
84:23-24
119
Ether
12:41 118
1
Nephi
6:4,
Jacob
1:7
Page 34 of 34