Mosiah, Chapter 18

How important is baptism?

Alma baptizing

My baptismal covenants are important to me because they are a promise that I have made to God.  I want to keep them, so that I can have the blessings that He promises to give me.

“And now, it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants of king Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi (v. 1)—Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven (v. 2).  And as many as would hear his word he did teach. And he taught them privately, that it might not come to the knowledge of the king. And many did believe his words (v. 3).  And it came to pass that as many as did believe him did go forth to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name from the king, being in the borders of the land having been infested, by times or at seasons, by wild beasts (v. 4).  Now, there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket of small trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king (v. 5).  And it came to pass that as many as believed him went thither to hear his words (v. 6).  And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord (v. 7).”

Alma taught the words that he had heard from Abinadi.  He taught them in secret to any who would hear them.  He had to teach in secret so that the king would not find out and have him put to death as well.  Then those people chose to listen to all that he taught.  The people had great faith and belief in the words of Alma because they were willing to put their own lives at risk to hear them.

Alma explained the covenant of baptism to the people.

We covenant…

• to “come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light (v. 8 );”
• to be “… willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places (v. 9)…”
• to “… serve him and keep his commandments (v. 10)…”

That we may…

• “… be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life (v. 9)—”
• be blessed that God “… may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you (v. 10)…”

How did Alma’s people feel about the covenants they would make with the Lord?  ”And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts (v. 11).”  When we are willing to keep the covenants we made with the Lord, we show that we have faith in Him.  We show our desire to live with Him and to have His help to get their.  I think that as we are active members of His church, we are given many opportunities to mourn with, comfort, share a witness with, and bear the burdens of other people.  The key is to learn what being an active member truly is.

Bearing one another’s burdens

Verse 8 reads, “And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;”  When we stand together with others of our faith, we become stronger than we our alone.  The stronger we are, the harder it is for Satan to influence us with his temptations.  When we work together in the church, the church becomes stronger and can influence more for good.  In Moses 7:18 we read, “And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.”  We can become more christlike, when we are active in working together in the church.  We become one in purpose with each other and with the gospel.

Did Alma baptize himself?

“And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he being one of the first, and went and stood forth in the water, and cried, saying: O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart (v. 12).  And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world (v. 13).  And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit (v. 14).”

The manual explains the answer to this question in this way.  Alma, being a priest, was already baptized and had the priesthood.  He had just gone astray as he served King Noah.  When he was at the waters of Mormon, he did not need to be baptized, but was baptizing Helam and recommitting himself to God.  He was “buried in the water” as a symbol of his repentance.

How do we become the children of God?

It is the job of members of the church to help others find Jesus.  This is the way that we can take Christ’s name upon us and become the children of God.  We can help others find Jesus by bringing them into the church (v. 17), teaching them the gospel (v. 18 ), teaching them repentance and faith (v. 20), by loving one another (v. 21), keeping the sabbath day holy and giving thanks to God for everything (v. 23), working for ourselves and not burdening others for our benefit (v. 24), gathering together often to worship (v. 25), working in the Church without pay so that we can have the spirit to teach others (v. 26), and by giving what we can afford to the church so that others in need can be helped (v. 27-28).  These are the things that the people who followed Alma did and we can follow their example today to become children of God.

Alma once again escapes King Noah

“And these things were done in the borders of the land, that they might not come to the knowledge of the king (v. 31).  But behold, it came to pass that the king, having discovered a movement among the people, sent his servants to watch them. Therefore on the day that they were assembling themselves together to hear the word of the Lord they were discovered unto the king (v. 32).  And now the king said that Alma was stirring up the people to rebellion against him; therefore he sent his army to destroy them (v. 33).  And it came to pass that Alma and the people of the Lord were apprised of the coming of the king’s army; therefore they took their tents and their families and departed into the wilderness (v. 34).  And they were in number about four hundred and fifty souls (v. 35).”

King Noah noticed his people changing their ways and sent his servants out to find out why.  When he found that they were getting together to be taught, he wanted them destroyed.  But Alma and his people learned of his plan and escaped into the wilderness.  The footnote in verse 34 references Mosiah 23:1 which reads, “Now Alma, having been warned of the Lord that the armies of king Noah would come upon them, and having made it known to his people, therefore they gathered together their flocks, and took of their grain, and departed into the wilderness before the armies of king Noah.”  This is a reoccurring thing in the scriptures.  The righteous are in danger and the Lord makes the leader aware, so that they can escape.  For example, Lehi was warned by the Lord that people were after him, so he escaped with his family into the wilderness.  The Lord’s work will not be stopped.  If we are righteous, we will be doing the Lord’s work and he will protect us if it is his will because He loves us.

And now, it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants of king Noah, arepented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi—

2 Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the aredemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and bdeath of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

3 And as many as would hear his word he did teach. And he taught them privately, that it might not come to the knowledge of the king. And many did believe his words.

4 And it came to pass that as many as did believe him did go forth to a aplace which was called Mormon, having received its name from the king, being in the bborders of the land having been infested, by times or at seasons, by wild beasts.

5 Now, there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket of small trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king.

6 And it came to pass that as many as believed him went thither to hear his words.

7 And it came to pass *after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did ateach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord.

Mosiah, Chapter 17

Only one convert?

I can imagine that a missionary who has devoted 2 years of his life to the Lord, may feel sad if they only found 1 person who believed what he had to say.  ”And now it came to pass that when Abinadi had finished these sayings, that the king commanded that the priests should take him and cause that he should be put to death (v. 1).  But there was one among them whose name was Alma, he also being a descendant of Nephi. And he was a young man, and he believed the words which Abinadi had spoken, for he knew concerning the iniquity which Abinadi had testified against them; therefore he began to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he might depart in peace (v. 2).  But the king was more wroth, and caused that Alma should be cast out from among them, and sent his servants after him that they might slay him (v. 3).  But he fled from before them and hid himself that they found him not. And he being concealed for many days did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken (v. 4).”

Sometimes we spend a lot of time thinking about numbers when it comes to the people we touch, instead of thinking about the value of how we touch them.  I know this is something that the general authorities are trying to help the leaders in the church understand.  If we think about it from the other perspective, that 1 missionary has given that person the tools to have eternal life and the blessings that come in the Celestial kingdom.  One convert is one more child of God returning to their Father in Heaven.  Alma was the only one converted by the words of Abinadi, but he in turn, he later saved so many souls because of the testimony he gained by hearing Abinadi’s words.  He tried to save Abinadi’s life, but was thrown out for it and then they tried to kill him.

Whenever I hear a good speaker that inspires me to change my life, I can’t help but share my thoughts with others.  These are the times when I have found that writing the thoughts down is the most important.  I’m sure that Alma felt the same way.  His life was just completely changed. He has just gained a testimony of Christ and the atonement.  He has just realized that there is a bigger plan than just this life and felt like he needed to write it down.  We should always write these things down as they happen in our own lives because our memories are not perfect and we will forget things that have been said to us.  When we write them down, we pass them on to others, but we also give ourselves the way to remember what was said that changed us.

When we are converted to the gospel it does not only affect us, but it also affects those around us.  In the case of Alma, his posterity would be great missionaries and leaders of the church.  Alma the younger, his son, became the first chief judge and a high priest.  His son, Helaman 2, became the prophet and a military commander who led converted lamanites into righteous battles.  Helaman 3, son of Helaman 2, became a chief judge.  His son, Nephi 2, was a great missionary.  And Nephi 3, his son, became one of the twelve Nephite disciples.  Each of these great men affected many Nephite and Lamanite souls for the better.  Abinadi’s missionary efforts were a blessing to thousands within only 5 generations.  I think this is why the scripture says, “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father (D&C 18:15)!”  It’s probably nearly impossible to only save one soul, because that one will effect more.  I can imagine Abinadi in heaven rejoicing at the number of people who are changed by his testimony.  It didn’t stop with those in ancient times, because even today we can read his words and be changed by what he said and his courage in saying it.  I am grateful for Abinadi and his missionary work.

Counting the cost

To buy a candy bar it costs about $1.00, a trip to the movies cost about $20.00 (matinee with no food or drinks), a dinner for two at a restaurant costs $30.00 or more, and a car costs thousands.  To share the gospel does not cost us the money of the world, but at times we feel there is the risk of the cost of a friendship.  The possible cost does not, however, outweigh the return on the investment we may make, if it means they find Christ and his gospel.

“And it came to pass that the king caused that his guards should surround Abinadi and take him; and they bound him and cast him into prison (v. 5).  And after three days, having counseled with his priests, he caused that he should again be brought before him (v. 6).  And he said unto him: Abinadi, we have found an accusation against thee, and thou art worthy of death (v. 7).  For thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men; and now, for this cause thou shalt be put to death unless thou wilt recall all the words which thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people (v. 8 ).  Now Abinadi said unto him: I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands (v. 9).  Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day (v. 10).  And now king Noah was about to release him, for he feared his word; for he feared that the judgments of God would come upon him (v. 11).  But the priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him, saying: He has reviled the king. Therefore the king was stirred up in anger against him, and he delivered him up that he might be slain (v. 12).  And it came to pass that they took him and bound him, and scourged his skin with faggots, yea, even unto death (v. 13).”

Abinadi paid a great price in order to take the Lord’s message to King Noah.  He paid with his life.  He was told to take back the words he had said and he would not be put to death.  I think that Abinadi knew going into this situation that the outcome was likely to be death, but he had a message to deliver and he was a faithful man who did not fear death.  Abinadi knew that he would be saved for doing what was expected of him.  I’m sure that Abinadi has seen the return on his investment and that he is happy with what he did.  His was a unique situation and we are not asked to give our lives to share the gospel every day.  It can be hard to talk to people about the gospel, but I know that I will be so glad that I have shared when I see my Savior again.

Trusting the prophet’s word

Abinadi was put to death by fire (“scourged his skin with faggots”), but before he died he had prophesied several things to King Noah and his priests.

• In Mosiah 12:3 Abinadi prophesied, “… that the life of king Noah shall be valued even as a garment in a hot furnace …”.  Later in Mosiah 19:20 we read, “And the king commanded them that they should not return; and they were angry with the king, and caused that he should suffer, even unto death by fire.”
• In Mosiah 17:15 Abinadi prophesied, “Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do suffer, even the pains of death by fire; and this because they believe in the salvation of the Lord their God.”  Then in Alma 25:5-7 we read, “And the remainder, having fled into the east wilderness, and having usurped the power and authority over the Lamanites, caused that many of the Lamanites should perish by fire because of their belief (v. 5)—For many of them, after having suffered much loss and so many afflictions, began to be stirred up in remembrance of the words which Aaron and his brethren had preached to them in their land; therefore they began to disbelieve the traditions of their fathers, and to believe in the Lord, and that he gave great power unto the Nephites; and thus there were many of them converted in the wilderness (v. 6).  And it came to pass that those rulers who were the remnant of the children of Amulon caused that they should be put to death, yea, all those that believed in these things (v. 7).”  (Amulon was the leader of the priests of Noah.)
• In Mosiah 17:16-18 Abinadi prophesied, “And it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted with all manner of diseases because of your iniquities (v. 16).  Yea, and ye shall be smitten on every hand, and shall be driven and scattered to and fro, even as a wild flock is driven by wild and ferocious beasts (v. 17).  And in that day ye shall be hunted, and ye shall be taken by the hand of your enemies, and then ye shall suffer, as I suffer, the pains of death by fire (v. 18 ).”  In Alma 25:8-12 we read, “Now this martyrdom caused that many of their brethren should be stirred up to anger; and there began to be contention in the wilderness; and the Lamanites began to hunt the seed of Amulon and his brethren and began to slay them; and they fled into the east wilderness (v. 8 ).  And behold they are hunted at this day by the Lamanites. Thus the words of Abinadi were brought to pass, which he said concerning the seed of the priests who caused that he should suffer death by fire (v. 9).  For he said unto them: What ye shall do unto me shall be a type of things to come (v. 10).  And now Abinadi was the first that suffered death by fire because of his belief in God; now this is what he meant, that many should suffer death by fire, according as he had suffered (v. 11).  And he said unto the priests of Noah that their seed should cause many to be put to death, in the like manner as he was, and that they should be scattered abroad and slain, even as a sheep having no shepherd is driven and slain by wild beasts; and now behold, these words were verified, for they were driven by the Lamanites, and they were hunted, and they were smitten (v. 12).”

All of the words of Abinadi came to pass because he was a prophet of the Lord who prophesied with the power of the spirit.  We need to listen to the prophet today and what he warns us of, because he is bringing us the warnings of the Lord and they will come to pass.

And now it came to pass that when Abinadi had finished these sayings, that the king commanded that the apriests should take him and cause that he should be put to bdeath.

2 But there was one among them whose name was aAlma, he also being a descendant of Nephi. And he was a young man, and he bbelieved the words which Abinadi had spoken, for he knew concerning the iniquity which Abinadi had testified against them; therefore he began to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he might depart in peace.

3 But the king was more wroth, and caused that Alma should be cast out from among them, and sent his servants after him that they might slay him.

4 But he fled from before them and ahid himself that they found him not. And he being concealed for many days did bwrite all the words which Abinadi had spoken.

Mosiah, Chapter 16

Who will be excluded from the redemption?

It’s hard to truly imagine what it will be like when the Savior comes again.  I think that the only way to come close is to think about the things that happened before that we read about in the scriptures.  How was it for the Nephites when the Savior appeared to them?  I pray that if it should happen in my lifetime, that I will be prepared and that my family will also.  If the Savior came tomorrow, I think I’m doing pretty well in my life, but there are always areas that I may be falling a little short, and I would hope that I would be in the process of becoming better.  I’m looking forward to His coming with hope and excitement.

“And now, it came to pass that after Abinadi had spoken these words he stretched forth his hand and said: The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgments are just (v. 1).”  Everyone in every nation will see the salvation of the Lord.

“And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not (v. 2).”  All the wicked will realize how they have lived and will be in torment as they are cast out.  They will be punished for not listening to the voice of the Lord and they will be really upset by this.

“For they are carnal and devilish, and the devil has power over them; yea, even that old serpent that did beguile our first parents, which was the cause of their fall; which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal, sensual, devilish, knowing evil from good, subjecting themselves to the devil (v. 3).”  If they have refused to obey, it is because have allowed Satan to have power over them.

“Thus all mankind were lost; and behold, they would have been endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state (v. 4).”  Had it not been for the Savior’s redemption, we all should have been lost.  If we do not use His redemption in our lives, we will be lost.

“But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God (v. 5).”  Those who choose this path, cannot be redeemed because they are an enemy to God along with Satan.  In order to be redeemed, we must deny the natural man and hearken to the voice of the Lord.  We hearken to the Lord by listening to the Holy Ghost, by reading the scriptures, by listening to the prophets and general authorities, and by listening to our parents who should be living righteously and guiding us in that path as well.  If we choose not to hearken to the voice of the Lord through these things, we choose to follow Satan and give Him our agency.

I am so grateful for the promptings of the spirit.  They are truly a blessing in my life.  I love the scriptures and I know that they are the words of the Lord.  I love the general authorities and I feel the spirit when they speak.  They have been called of the Lord to guide us today.  I love my parents and I know that they have always tried to help me to live a good life.  I know that if I follow these things I will not fear the coming of the Lord.  I will continue to be excited because those who are prepared, need not fear.

How can we see in the dark?

When I am in the dark, I feel a bit lost.  I look forward to the time when I can find a light switch so that I can find my way.  Sometimes darkness gives me an uneasiness and anxiety.  I could not imagine a world without the sun.  It gives me hope to know that the sun will rise in the morning each day.

“He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death (v. 9).”  Jesus Christ is the light of the world.  When the light of Christ is there, darkness fails.

Darkness is the wicked (v. 2), the devilish and carnal (v. 3), being lost (v. 4), being an enemy to God (v. 5), having no redemption (v. 6), and having death without the resurrection (v. 7).

People today are living in darkness as they give in to the natural man-by calling evil, good and good, evil.  Some are living in darkness because they have not yet heard of the gospel, while others are willing choosing to deny it.  Many deny that their is a God or Christ.

The Savior and His gospel bring light to the darkened world.  Their is a hope in the gospel through the sacrifice that the Savior gave for mankind.  When I have allowed Christ into my life, I have felt a safety and security that comes with nothing else.  Knowing why we are living this life, gives me direction and happiness.  Using the atonement in my life gives me peace and comfort when I am forgiven.  Christ is willing to give His light to all mankind.  All we have to do is receive it.  And when we have it, we need to share it with others so that they can find their way out of the darkness as well.

What if Christ had not come?

If Christ had not come, I think that the world would be a sad place.  Without Christ their is no hope for salvation after this life.  One sin would mean eternal misery, so everyone would live this life for the immediate pleasures that can be found here.  There would be so much more sin.  There would be no reason to be good, kind, and loving people.  Everyone would be a bit more selfish.  Satan would be in control of all of us.

According to Abinadi, if Christ had not come, there would be no redemption (v. 6) and no resurrection (v. 7).  Redemption is “the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ and our deliverance from sin (Bible Dictionary).”  Resurrection is “the uniting of a spirit body with a body of flesh and bones, never again to be divided… to become immortal, without blood, yet with a body of flesh and bone (Bible Dictionary).”

If their was no redemption, we would all live forever in our sins.  And if their was no resurrection than no one could ever live again, but we would remain in death.  Without these things, there would be no joy to have in a life after this one on Earth.  In 2 Nephi, chapter 9 we read, “O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more (v. 8 ).  And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness (v. 9).”  Without the Savior, we would all become subject to Satan and be his angels.  We would never be allowed to see our Father in Heaven again.

Jesus made joy in the eternities possible for us all.  ”But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ (v. 8 ).”  Jesus sacrifice for our sins and died for us so that we could be forgiven of all our wrongs.  Then he was resurrected so that we could all live again.  We owe all that we have to Him and all He asks of us is that we try our best to live worthy of this gift.  We will always fall just short of perfect, but He will make up the differences for us if we are truly trying to do what is right.

Why do we need to be saved from our sins?

Being lost is not an enjoyable experience for me.  It gives me a feeling of fear, because I don’t know what to do next.  In the past several years I’ve gotten lost a few times as I have driven somewhere new by myself.  Thankfully, I’ve had a cellphone and with a prayer in my heart, I’ve called my husband who could look up where I was and lead me to my destination safely.

“Thus all mankind were lost; and behold, they would have been endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state (v.4).”  We would be lost spiritually and endlessly if it weren’t for the Savior and the atonement. President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Just as a man does not really desire food until he is hungry, so he does not desire the salvation of Christ until he knows why he needs Christ.  No one adequately and properly knows why he needs Christ until he understands and accepts the doctrine of the Fall and its effect upon mankind.”  According to President Benson, we cannot fully appreciate Christ and the salvation he brings if we don’t understand the effects of the Fall.  When we understand that because Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden of Eden because they were no longer perfect.  They could no longer be in the presence of our Father in Heaven, because no unclean thing can dwell with him.  Without the salvation that Christ has given to man through His atonement, no man could be forgiven of his sins.  No one could be saved without Christ.

“And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved (v. 13)?  Therefore, if ye teach the law of Moses, also teach that it is a shadow of those things which are to come (v. 14)—Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father. Amen (v. 15).”  Abinadi has told King Noah and his priests that they should fear unless they teach the people that the law of Moses is only to prepare them for the coming of Christ and that it is only through Christ that man can be saved.  I feel blessed to live now, when Christ has already come and we are preparing for His second coming.  I am so grateful to have the scriptures in my life to teach me how to live and what has happened in the past that I should learn from.  I am grateful for the testimony of people like Abinadi.  I pray that I can be as strong in the face of adversity and that the knowledge of the purpose of life continues to get clearer for me.  I know that Jesus Christ has provided the only way for us to be saved.  I have felt the sense of peace and comfort that comes from using His atonement in my life to be forgiven of my sins.  I am forever grateful for what He has done for me as an individual.  I am so glad that I have the opportunity to live with my family forever if I can live righteously.

And now, it came to pass that after Abinadi had spoken these words he stretched forth his hand and said: The time shall come when all shall see the asalvation of the Lord; when bevery nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall cconfess before God that his djudgments are just.

2 And then shall the awicked be bcast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and cweep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not dhearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not.

3 For they are acarnal and devilish, and the devil has power over them; yea, even that old serpent that did bbeguile our first parents, which was the ccause of their fall; which was the cause of dall mankind becoming carnal, sensual, devilish, eknowing evil from good, fsubjecting themselves to the devil.

4 Thus all mankind were alost; and behold, they would have been endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state.

5 But remember that he that persists in his own acarnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the bdevil hath all power over him. Therefore he is as though there was no credemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the ddevil an enemy to God.

Mosiah, Chapter 15

Who is the God that is being referred to in Mosiah 15?

The Godhead is made up of three members, God the Eternal Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.  They are three separate beings who are one in purpose.  In D&C 130:22 we read, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.”

“And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people (v. 1).”

Jesus was the member of the Godhead, who came to earth and was born of a virgin.  In D&C 110:1-4 we read, “THE veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened (v. 1).  We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber (v. 2).  His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying (v. 3):  I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father (v. 4).”  In the old testament we know of Jesus as the Lord, Jehovah.  When Abinadi was saying that God himself would come down, he was talking about Jesus.

How is Jesus Christ both the Father and the Son?

“All fathers and are sons, but not all sons are fathers.”  This statement is true.  We must all be born to someone and are a son to them, but not all men have fathered children.  In this chapter we see how jesus Christ is both a son and a father.

“And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son (v. 2)— The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son (v. 3)— And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth (v. 4).”  Then in Alma 11:38-39 we read, “Now Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father (v. 38 )?  And Amulek said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; he is the beginning and the end, the first and the last (v. 39);”

To better understand this, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wrote of examples of how Christ is the Father:

1. Christ is the heir of all that the Father has.
2. Christ created the earth and is thus the Father of creation.
3. Christ atoned for our sins and thus becomes the spiritual Father of the redeemed.
4. Christ was the first resurrected and thus becomes the Father of the resurrection.  (Christ and the New Covenant)

This makes much better sense to me now.  ”Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds (Hebrews 1:2);”  God, our Father in Heaven, instructed His son, Jesus on what to create, but Jesus was the creator.  Fathers become such, when they create, so therefore, Jesus was the Father of all on the earth.  In the same way, he created the redemption.  ”For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent (D&C 19:16);”  And finally, he created the resurrection because he was the first to go through it.

What does it mean to be the seed of Christ?

I was eight when I was baptized, so I don’t remember a lot about it.  I have a little journal entry from that weekend and it seems that I was excited to be clean and to be a member of the church.

The sacrament is a reminder and a renewal of the covenants we make at baptism.  The bread represents the body of the savior and the water represents His blood.  In Moroni 4:3 we read, “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.”  As we take the sacrament we willingly take upon us the name of Christ, which we did at baptism.

Christ will do several things for those who are willing to take upon themselves His name.  ”Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain… (v. 7)”, He will “… make intercession for the children of men (v. 8 )-”, and He will have ”… the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice (v. 9).”  His soul will also be “… an offering for sin (v. 10) …”.  Those who take upon them His name will be “… his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God (v. 11).”

Abinadi says that two groups of people are Christ’s seed, those who have heard and hearkened unto the words of His prophets and believed in Christ and His coming (v. 11), “… and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression… since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed (v. 13).”  When we are baptized and accept all that the prophets have taught, we are born again into Christ’s family.  Elder Russell M. Nelson said that with this He becomes “the Father of our new life.”

What does “How beautiful . . . are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace” mean?

In Mosiah 12 the priests of Noah asked Abinadi, “What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, saying (v. 20):  How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth (v. 21);”  In chapter 15, Abinadi gives his explanation of this meaning.

“Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed (v. 13).  And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth (v. 14)!  And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet (v. 15)!  And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace (v. 16)!  And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever (v. 17)!  And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people (v. 18 ); For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished (v. 19).”

Those who have “published peace” are the prophets that have come before Abinadi.  They publish peace because they bring people the gospel, which gives them a peace in their lives.  Those who publish peace now are the prophets and church leaders today, the missionaries who are serving throughout the world, and even those members who are introducing others to the gospel of Christ.  If Christ’s message had never been published or if Christ’s life had not gone the way that it did, no person could ever be saved.  It is because of His redemption that we have the opportunity to gain eternal life and return to live with our Father in Heaven again.  Missionaries are a wonderful instrument in the Lord’s hand, in publishing peace to the world.  Those who are converts to the gospel, usually express a great love for the Missionaries that taught them, because they introduced them to a better and happier life.  I never had missionary discussions myself, because I was raised in the gospel, so I do not exactly know what that is like.  I do know that I am ever grateful for the words that are spoken in conferences, by the prophet and other general authorities.  I am so grateful for the spirit that touches me when they speak and for all the inspiration that it gives me in my life, to be better and work harder.  I agree with Abinadi when he said, “O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!”  How wonderful it is to have the gospel shared with me so that I can be truly happy. I pray that someday I can make others feel this way as well.

Who will come forth in the first resurrection?

Winter is a darker, colder time of year.  The plants and animals around us, hide and hibernate during the cold. Then spring comes and things begin to bloom.  Animals become busy and full of life again, creating families of animals also.  Gardens become more colorful and fragrant.  Browns of winter turn into greens of spring.  It is a beautiful time of renewal and growth.  I think my favorite part about spring is all the wonderful smells of different flowers as they bloom.

These seasons are a lot like the death and resurrection of the Savior.  When he died, the earth became dark, cold and still.  But when He was resurrected, new life came.  And with it came a new found happiness and joy from the knowledge of the atonement and resurrection.

“And there cometh a resurrection, even a first resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of Christ—for so shall he be called (v. 21).  And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection (v. 22).  They are raised to dwell with God who has redeemed them; thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has broken the bands of death (v. 23).  And these are those who have part in the first resurrection; and these are they that have died before Christ came, in their ignorance, not having salvation declared unto them. And thus the Lord bringeth about the restoration of these; and they have a part in the first resurrection, or have eternal life, being redeemed by the Lord (v. 24).  And little achildren also have eternal life (v. 25).  But behold, and fear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection (v. 26).”

The promise of the first resurrection is even greater than spring because spring will always fade into the other seasons and eventually winter comes again, but with the first resurrection comes eternal life which will never fade and is forever.

There are three groups that Abinadi says are part of the first resurrection.  First, the prophets and their followers, second, those who die in ignorance of the gospel, and third, the little children.  The footnote for “Salvation” on verse 24 refers to D&C 137: 7, where we read, “Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;”  The Lord knows are thoughts.  There are a lot of really good people who don’t know of the gospel.  If He knows that they would have accepted the gospel if they had been allowed to hear it, then they will be brought forth in part of the first resurrection.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie clarifies the meaning of the “first resurrection”.  Before Christ, the people knew the first resurrection to be the day that Christ was resurrected.  Since Christ, we have thought of the first resurrection as the beginning of the Second Coming.  No one knows when the first resurrection will take place, what we do know that Christ was resurrected and that Peter, James, and Moroni were also resurrected so that they could do what was required of them.

I look forward to the promises of the first resurrection and I hope and pray that I will be worthy of it and that those I know and love will also be a part of it with me.

THE aveil was taken from our minds, and the beyes of our cunderstanding were opened.

2 We asaw the Lord bstanding upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure cgold, in color like amber.

3 His aeyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his bcountenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his cvoice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of dJehovah, saying:

4 I am the afirst and the last; I am he who bliveth, I am he who was slain; I am your cadvocate with the Father.

Mosiah, Chapter 14

For anyone who may be reading this, I appologize for the extended break in posting that I have done.  I was asked to give a talk in church and spent the last few weeks doing that for my scripture study time.  The talk went well and now I am back.

******

(Compare to Isaiah 53)

What did the Savior look like?

In verse 2, Isaiah describes the mortal Jesus Christ in this way, “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him.”  When I think of a tender plant I think of the carrot I planted this year in my garden.  I planted several, but only one took root, and therefore it became more precious to me.  The birth of Jesus and his infancy was precious to those who knew of it.  He grew as a root out of dry ground because the spiritual condition of the Jews at the time of His birth was dry.  They did not have the living water to wet the ground.  The Savior took root among many unbelievers and taught them His gospel.

The Savior grew up to look like any other man.  He had nothing in his appearance that showed he was the Son of God, such as a halo or a glowing light.  He was not a man of great looks, but not comely either.  He looked like other men, but those who had faith in Him, could see the light of God in Him.  If the Savior had come in splendor and looked like he came straight from Heaven, everyone would have fallen at His feet to worship Him.  There would not have been the opportunity for the Jews to grow in faith.  God had his son come and live in a completely Mortal way, because only then would true believers have been able to show the amount of faith that they had in Him.  When He comes again, it will be in all His splendor.  All men will know that He is the Savior.  Those who have not believed that He has already come, will realize then that He is the Son of God.

In the words of the hymn, “O God, the Eternal Father” (no. 175),

“O God, th’Eternal Father, who dwells amid the sky, in Jesus’ name we ask thee to bless and sanctify, if we are pure before thee, this bread and cup of wine, that we may all remember that offering divine—

That sacred, holy off’ring, by man least understood, to have our sins remitted and take his flesh and blood, that we may ever witness the suff’ring of thy Son, and always have his Spirit to make our hearts as one.

When Jesus, the Anointed, descended from above and gave himself a ransom to win our souls with love—with no apparent beauty, that man should him desire—He was the promised Savior, to purify with fire.

How infinite that wisdom, the plan of holiness, that made salvation perfect and veiled the Lord in flesh, to walk upon his footstool and be like man, almost, in his exalted station, and die, or all was lost.”

I wonder how I what I would have done if I had lived when the Savior came.  Would I have realized what I had right there, or would I have denied Him.  I hope that I would have been one of those that knew Him and followed Him.

How do you feel about the Savior?

How would people treat the Savior?  They would despise and reject Him, turning their faces away from Him (v. 3).  They would oppress and afflict Him (v. 7).  Then he would be put in prison, tried and killed by the people (v. 8 ).  The people treated the Savior this way, because they were ashamed of their own sins.  People hurt those trying to do right, when they feel that how they are living is not right. The Savior preached of doing what was right.  He healed people, which probably made some jealous with their own ailments.  

How would the Savior respond?  He would bear the grief and sorrow of the people (v. 4).  Then he would be wounded for the sins of others and heal them with his pain (v. 5). He would bear the sins of the people (v. 11).  He would make intercession for all sinners (v. 12).  We know that God allowed the people to treat Him this way, because the Savior had to understand all the grief and sorrow that any man would feel.  He allowed His Son to be hurt because Jesus had to feel the pain that any man would feel.  In order for the Savior to pay the price for each of us and truly give us the atonement, He had to suffer all of these things.

 Many people today are despising and rejecting the Lord.  They openly deny that He could have been the Savior.  They refuse to believe His gospel.  Some say He was merely a prophet and deny that He is the Son of God.  Some use His holy name in vain.  Others deny Him, by refusing to repent and use the atonement in their lives.  We must not be a denier of Christ.  We can show our love for Him, by sharing His gospel and telling others that He is the Christ.  Teaching our children of Him is a wonderful way to show our love for Him.  We can also show our love personally by accepting the gift of the atonement, which He gave to each of us, so that we can live again.

Can you see what it means?

          

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not (v. 3).  Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted (v. 4).  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (v. 5).  All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all (v. 6).”

The Savior bore our grief and sorrows as he prayed in Gesthemene.  We can be healed by His stripes because He has allowed each of us to use the atonement in our lives.  He has already taken on Himself all of our pain, sorrow and grief.  If we accept and use the atonement, these things will be removed from us.  So many times we turn away from this gift that he has given us.  We do things our way instead of the Lord’s way and we bring upon us this pain, sorrow and grief.  It is the natural man to do things our own way.

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth (v. 7).  He was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people was he stricken (v. 8 ).  And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no evil, neither was any deceit in his mouth (v. 9).”  The Savior was crucified along with two thieves and therefore made his grave with the wicked because He died along with them.  

The prophets often speak of the future.  Isaiah told of these things long before the Savior lived on the earth.  I know all of these things to be true and that we can study these things in the New Testament of the scriptures.  What a wonderful blessing it is to be given prophets to guide and direct us.  I am so glad that I know that we still have modern day prophets who receive revelation that is current for our day.  I am so grateful to these prophets, to God for giving us so much help to live righteously and for my Savior Jesus Christ who gave all for me and those I love to be together forever.

1. O God, th’Eternal Father,

Who dwells amid the sky,

In Jesus’ name we ask thee

To bless and sanctify,

If we are pure before thee,

This bread and cup of wine,

That we may all remember

That offering divine—

2. That sacred, holy off’ring,

By man least understood,

To have our sins remitted

And take his flesh and blood,

That we may ever witness

The suff’ring of thy Son,

And always have his Spirit

To make our hearts as one.

3. When Jesus, the Anointed,

Descended from above

And gave himself a ransom

To win our souls with love—

With no apparent beauty,

That man should him desire—

He was the promised Savior,

To purify with fire.

4. How infinite that wisdom,

The plan of holiness,

That made salvation perfect

And veiled the Lord in flesh,

To walk upon his footstool

And be like man, almost,

In his exalted station,

And die, or all was lost.1. O God, th’Eternal Father,

Who dwells amid the sky,

In Jesus’ name we ask thee

To bless and sanctify,

If we are pure before thee,

This bread and cup of wine,

That we may all remember

That offering divine—

2. That sacred, holy off’ring,

By man least understood,

To have our sins remitted

And take his flesh and blood,

That we may ever witness

The suff’ring of thy Son,

And always have his Spirit

To make our hearts as one.

3. When Jesus, the Anointed,

Descended from above

And gave himself a ransom

To win our souls with love—

With no apparent beauty,

That man should him desire—

He was the promised Savior,

To purify with fire.

4. How infinite that wisdom,

The plan of holiness,

That made salvation perfect

And veiled the Lord in flesh,

To walk upon his footstool

And be like man, almost,

In his exalted station,

And die, or all was lost

Mosiah, Chapter 13

“Touch me not!”

• Why was Abinadi sure he would not be “destroyed at this time?”  Because “…I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver; neither have I told you that which ye requested that I should tell; therefore, God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time (v. 3).”  Abinadi knew that his mission was to share gospel truths with them, and God would not allow him to be killed until he had done just that.
• How was Abinadi protected from King Noah’s men?  The men did not touch him because “…the Spirit of the Lord was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster (v. 5)…”.  The spirit protected Abinadi from the king’s men.
• Why were King Noah and his priests angry with Abinadi?  Abinadi was speaking with power from God and he said, “…I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts because I tell you the truth concerning your iniquities (v. 7).  Yea, and my words fill you with wonder and amazement, and with anger (v 8 ).”  King Noah could tell they were angry because Abinadi was telling them that their lives were full of sin.  I think we get defensive when others point out true flaws we have and it makes the natural man an angry man.

If we know that we are doing what the Lord wants us to do, by following promptings we are given and such, we can know that he will help us to accomplish it.  We are instruments in the Lord’s hands and His work will not be stopped.  This helps me to know that when I have been set apart in a calling, the Lord will help me to do what He needs me to do.  If I am living righteously, I will guided in the way that He needs me to serve, and I will be protected spiritually.

Writing the Ten Commandments in our hearts

In this chapter, Abinadi reminds the priests and King Noah, of the Ten Commandments.  They needed to hear these things, because they have admitted to teaching the people, but the Lord wants them to know His laws and live them because they were not written on their hearts (v. 11).  Therefore, they have taught the people to sin by their example that the word of God was not important to follow.

To have the commandments written in my heart, would me that I truly understand them, love them and have a desire to live them.  I think that in order to have them written in my heart, I need to be reminded of them often.  I need to be continually striving to do what is right, so that they are easy to follow.  I need to live by example and to teach others what they are and how to live them.  In 1 Nephi 2:16 we read, “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.”  If we have the desire to live them, and have the spirit to guide us, we will be able to live them.

I love the quote found in the manual in this section.  Harold B Lee said, “The most important of all the commandments of God is that one that you are having the most difficulty keeping today.  If it is one of dishonest, if it is one of unchastity, if it is one of falsifying, not telling the truth, today is the day for you to work on that until you have been able to conquer that weakness.  Put that aright and then you start on the next one that is most difficult for you to keep.  That’s the way to sanctify yourself by keeping the commandments of God.”  Each of us will be working on different things, because we each have different challenges in our lives.  If we try to take on all of our faults at once, we can become discouraged and ultimately fail in improving ourselves.  If we take this approach, one thing at a time, and if we listen to the spirit, we can write the teachings of God in our hearts and have an even greater security and even greater blessings will come.

How is anyone saved?

“The Gospel; The Scriptures; The Church; The Preisthood.”  Not one of these alone will save us, but all of them together will.  The gospel, without the priesthood, means no saving ordinances.  The scriptures without the gospel is just someone else’s family history.  The church without the scriptures is just a place to socialize and hear of stories passed down with man-made alterations.  And the Preisthood without the church is power without any organization.  Together these things give us the power, the knowlege, the organization and the plan for us to be saved in the Celestial kingdom, but we are still missing the most vital thing.

Abinadi said, “… salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish (v. 28)…”.  All of these things together, without the Savior’s atonement, are incomplete in the eternal plan.  The Savior made it possible for us to be saved in the Celestial kingdom.

The priests had said that the Law of Moses would save the people, but the law of moses was given to the children of Israel, so that they would have rules to follow to get them to live righteously.  ”And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God (v. 29); Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him (v. 30).”  This law would not save the people, the atonement of the Savior would save them.

I am so glad that these things are all available to me and my family.  I am so grateful to my Savior for the atonement.  I pray that I can live righteously and improve myself, so that through the use of the atonement, I can be saved and live with my family forever in the Celestial kingdom.

And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very astrict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, bquick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God;

  30 Therefore there was a alaw given them, yea, a law of performances and of bordinances, a law which they were to cobserve strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.