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Mosiah 5

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Mosiah 5

The Book of Mosiah is the eighth book in the Book of Mormon…

Mosiah is most likely linked to the Hebrew term; “Moshia”, which represents a Champion of Justice against oppression, appointed by God, whose Mission is to liberate a chosen people from oppression, especially by non-violent means.

Chapters 2-5 encompasses the speech given by King Benjamin to his people.

After speaking to the people in Chapters 2-4, King Benjamin desired to know if the people believed what he had been teaching, “…they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us…” (Mosiah 5:2)

The people were joyous for having heard the words of God through King Benjamin. The people decide they are willing to enter into a covenant with the Lord, “…to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he he shall command us, all the remainder of our days…” (Mosiah 5:5)

King Benjamin explains that because the people had entered into a covenant, “…ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters… for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.” (Mosiah 5:7)

Being born again, this is a phrase we hear often. But what does it mean? If you accept Jesus and have a change in your heart, through your faith in Jesus Christ you shall be saved. Is it that simple? Is that all the Jesus asks of us?

King Benjamin expands on what it means to have that change in your heart; “…There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ… that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.” (Mosiah 5:8)

There is NO other name that can give us Salvation! Only through Jesus Christ can we be saved. But, when we accept His name upon our hearts and we are born again, we must continue to have that change in our hearts. King Benjamin encourages those who have taken on the name of Christ, to be; “….steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that the Christ, the Lord Omnipotent… that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life.” (Mosiah 5:15)

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is something that we must live daily, not just at church and not just when we feel like it, but every single hour of every single day.

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Mosiah 4

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Mosiah 4

The Book of Mosiah is the eighth book in the Book of Mormon…

Mosiah is most likely linked to the Hebrew term; “Moshia”, which represents a Champion of Justice against oppression, appointed by God, whose Mission is to liberate a chosen people from oppression, especially by non-violent means.

Chapters 2-5 encompasses the speech given by King Benjamin to his people.effectiveleaders

 

Following from Mosiah 3, the people after hearing the words which King Benjamin shared with them, they immediately fell to the earth in fear, because “…they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.” (Mosiah 4:2) Upon speaking these words they were instantly filled with peace, knowing that they had received a remission of their sins, having a clean conscience.

After seeing the people fall to the earth and repent, King Benjamin continues his address…

“I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body—I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world. And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you.” (Mosiah 4:6-8)

This is a subject of contention for many, Salvation. How does it come? Some believe that you can be saved by simply allowing Jesus into your life. Is it really that simple though? King Benjamin makes it clear that Salvation comes only through obedience to the commandments that have been given to us. It is true that through the atonement of Jesus Christ all mankind have been loosed from the bonds of death and now have a path to return to our Heavenly Father. However, this “path” if you will is open for all, but it still requires someone to have the desire to stay on the path. It is not enough to simply step on the path and be done. You cannot be saved by simply accepting Jesus in your heart. It’s not that simple, accepting Him means more than just expressing this through words, it also takes an action. We must show our acceptance of Jesus Christ through our works. The great part about the atonement? We don’t have to be perfect, as we walk the path, there will be times we wonder off. But through repentance we can always jump back on the path and follow His commandments.

King Mosiah then explains that we must; “Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.” (Mosiah 4:9) Isn’t that interesting? Man does not comprehend all things, which the Lord comprehends. God has not asked any of us to be perfect. What He HAS asked us to do, is to try. To sincerely give it our all! He wants us to get on that path and stay there! The path is not easy, this life is not easy. But it is for our benefit, so that we can return to live with Him!

King Benjamin reminds them that they all must “…believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you.. if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.” (Mosiah 4:10;12)

King Benjamin explains that if we follow His path, we will be filled with joy and will not have a reason to harm others. In fact, if we follow His commandments, we will have only the greatest desires for our own children and loved ones. We shall even have a love for our neighbors, and spread that joy!

“…ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish. Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God. For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?” (Mosiah 4:16-19)

King Benjamin reminds those gathered and the readers in our day that everyone needs some help from time to time. For are we not all beggars? No one can honestly say that they have become wealthy and wise all on their own. Everyone stands in need of help, and everyone has had help in their success! He even chastises those who say; “…I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give.” (Mosiah 4:24) This is not an excuse, everyone has something to give, even if it is their time!

King Benjamin imparts some wisdom:

  1. Give of yourself, your talents and your wealth. If you do not have money to give, then lend a helping hand. Physically, mentally or emotionally help those in need. “I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.” (Mosiah 4:26)
  2. Do not run faster than you have strength! Everything has it’s time and place, there is no need to work harder than you are physically or mentally able. All that God asks of us is to do OUR best. “…see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. (Mosiah 4:27)
  3. If you borrow something, return it. This goes for something physical, like borrowing a a tool from a neighbor. But this also goes for something intangible. If you receive help from someone, return the favor! “…whosoever among you borroweth of his neighbor should return the thing that he borroweth, according as he doth agree, or else thou shalt commit sin…” (Mosiah 4:28)

Mosiah 3

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Mosiah 3

The Book of Mosiah is the eighth book in the Book of Mormon…

Mosiah is most likely linked to the Hebrew term; “Moshia”, which represents a Champion of Justice against oppression, appointed by God, whose Mission is to liberate a chosen people from oppression, especially by non-violent means.

Chapters 2-5 encompasses the speech given by King Benjamin to his people.

King Benjamin explains that an angel came to him to “…declare unto [him] the glad tidings of great joy.” (Mosiah 3:3) The angel instructed him to share this message with his people.

King Benjamin shares what the angel had shared with him, about the coming of a Savior. 

“For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay (a body of flesh and bones), and shall fo forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and during all manner of diseases. And he shall cast out devil’s, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men. And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people. And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary” (Mosiah 3:5-8)

King Benjamin goes on to explain that Salvation of men, comes only through Jesus Christ. Unfortunately he also explains that when Jesus Christ comes, the people will reject him and they will crucify him. This address happens roughly 124 years before the coming of Christ. King Benjamin explains that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ “…the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.” (Mosiah 3:11) 

For Salvation “…cometh to none such except be through repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Mosiah 3:12)

Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, no one else. But we have our part, we must repent and have faith in Jesus, and continue to live a faithful, Christ centered life. Remember, faith without works is dead.

Because the people were stiffnecked, the Lord appointed the Law of Moses, and through this many signs and wonders were given to the people, He even sent Prophets to teach them. Yet, they still hardened their hearts and did not follow the Law of Moses. They began to rebel against the Lord.

King Benjamin introduces an important piece of the Gospel, children cannot sin, and if they were to sin, they are “…blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for theirs sins.” (Mosiah 3:16) 

King Benjamin reiterates that ONLY THROUGH JESUS, CAN ONE BE SAVED, “…there shall be no name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.” (Mosiah 3:17) Many believe, falsely, that Mormons do not believe in Jesus Christ, nor do they believe that Salvation can only come through Him. No, it does not come through Joseph Smith.

King Benjamin goes on to explain the the “natural man”, is an enemy of God.

“For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord Seth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child dieth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19)

King Benjamin explains the a time will come in the future that the “…knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nations, hundreds, tongues, and people.” (Mosiah 3:20)

King Benjamin explains that when our time comes, and we stand before God, we will be judged “…every man according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil.” (Mosiah 3:24)

Those who choose to work in evil, shall be “…consigned to an awful view of their own guilt and abominations, which shall Roth cause them to shrink from the presence of the Lord into a state of misery and endless torment… And their torment is like of fire and brimstone, whose flame are unquenchable…” (Mosiah 3:24-27)

When we choose to sin, we are only trapping ourselves in torment. Our he’ll in the next life will be to re-live our own guilt and sufferings that has been caused by our sins and the pain and anguish we caused others in our sins.

Mosiah 2

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Mosiah 2

The Book of Mosiah is the eighth book in the Book of Mormon…

Chapters 2-5 encompasses the speech given by King Benjamin to his people.

Mosiah sends a message throughout the land to all the people to gather near the temple to hear the words of King Benjamin. The people also brought “…the firstlings of their flocks, that they might offer sacrifice and burnt offerings according to the law of Moses.” (Mosiah 2:3)

Everyone throughout the land pitched their tents round about the temple, so that the door of the tent was facing the temple, so that they might hear the words of King Benjamin.

“…the multitude being so great that King Benjamin could not teach then all within the walls of the temple, therefore he caused a tower to be erected, that thereby his people might hear the words which he should speak unto them.” (Mosiah 2:7)

After the tower was erected, King Benjamin began to speak to the people, however because the multitude of the people was so great, not everyone could hear his words. So, King Benjamin ordered that his words being written down and spread to those who were not in the sound of his voice.

King Benjamin addresses his people:

  • King Benjamin begins by inviting those listening to his words to “…open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.” (Mosiah 2:9) How important is this? We should not lean solely on our own understanding, we should listen with our minds and our hearts so that we can hear the words and accept them into our hearts with a clear mind. Then, and only then can we hear the still small voice whisper the truths of what is being taught. When we do this, the mysteries of God will be revealed unto us.
  • “…I am like as yourselves, subject to all  chosen by this people… I have been suffered to spend my days in your service… and have not sought gold nor silver, nor any manner of riches of you; Neither have I suffered that ye should be confined in dungeons, nor that ye should make slaves of on another, nor that ye should murder, or plunder, or steal, or committ adultery… I myself have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes…” (Mosiah 2:11-14) we learn so many important things from this. First, King Benjamin explains multiple times that he is a servant of his people, not the other way around. He was appointed to serve, just like any leader. Leaders need to lead by setting examples, as he explained he labored with his own hands and set an example by not participating in wickedness. Second, King Benjamin explains that he os human, and thereore not perfect, or in anyway superior to his peopke. Thirds, King Benjamin explains that we should not be taxed, or become slaves to him or to any one else. Societies should work to help one another and reduce the amount of tax that everyone should pay. We as humans beings only have one true master, Jesus Christ. Our rulers, kings, presidents, etc of today work to serve and guide us to do good. Unfortunately we know this is not true in today’s world. But King Benjamin testifies that it is how it should be.
  • King Benjamin explains that he does not say these things to boast, but rather to share his wisdom and his life experiences with his people, that they may learn wisdom and know that “…when ye are in the service of your fellow beings he are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17) King Benjamin then explains that if his people call him King and he still serves: “… ought not he to labor to serve one another?” (Mosiah 2:18)
  • King Benjamin explains that “…all that he [God] requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he promises you that if ye would keep his commandments that ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if he do keep his commandments he with bless you and prosper you.” (Mosiah 2:22) How great is that promise? If we follow God’s commandments we will be blessed! How simple, yet amazing is this doctrine?
  • “…beware lest there shall arise contentions among you, and he list to obey the evil spirit… For behold there is a wo pronounced upon him that listeth to obey him, and remaineth and dieth in his sins…” (Mosiah 2:32-33) We need to avoid contentions and strive to love one another and avoid sin.
  • King Benjamin warns his people and us as readers that from a young age we have been taught good from evil and that we will be held accountable for that knowledge; “…after ye have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord… I say unto you that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God…” (Mosiah 2:36-37) 
  • If we do stray away from God, we can always repent. However, King Benjamin warns us that “…if that man repententh not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy of God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which with cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and with fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever.” (Mosiah 2:38) Sin is so dangerous, because if we wait to repent it may be too late. It is interesting that King Benjamin explains the punishment, which one could attribute to a “hell” like torment as simply guilt. Is there a physical hell with fire and brimstone? The scriptures refer to one in many occasions throughout the Book of Mormon and the Bible, however, I personally believe that it is in reality more like King Benjamin describes, as a person torment that feels our bodies with guilt, like a fire. Have you ever done something wrong, and felt bad about it? I sure have, and it does feel like a fire burning on the insight, and the guilt tears you apart. Would you want that feeling forever? I sure wouldn’t.
  • On a positive note, King Benjamin asks his people to think about the “…blessed and happy state of those thst keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true: for the Lord God hath spoken it.” (Mosiah 2:41) Remember, wickedness never was happiness. Having a clean conscience helps anyone to sleep well at night. We should all strive to live a life free from guilt, and torment. This life is meant to be lived and the best way to do that is to follow God’s commandments.

Mosiah 1

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Mosiah 1

               The Book of Mosiah is the eighth book in the Book of Mormon…

Mosiah is most likely linked to the Hebrew term; “Moshia”, which represents a Champion of Justice against oppression, appointed by God, whose Mission is to liberate a chosen people from oppression, especially by non-violent means.

“And now there was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla…” (Mosiah 1:1), King Benjamin was the ruler during this time and he had three sons; “…Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman. And he caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding…” (Mosiah 1:2) This would give King Benjamin’s sons the ability to know of the prophecies of the prophets that had come before them.

Because Lehi had preserved the records and the language (Egyptian), they now benefit of these things and understand the mysteries of God. We too in our modern age benefit from the preservation of these records from Lehi, to King Benjamin, to his sons, etc. King Benjamin speaks to his sons, but also to us the reader, when he testifies that the words that have been written as part of the plates he know holds are true. Not only that, but King Benjamin testifies that if we “…search them [the scriptures] diligently… ye may profit…” (Mosiah 1:7) We must not only read, but study the scriptures. If we do this and follow God’s commandments we will prosper!

King Benjamin sees that his days are numbered and that he soon will pass on. He decides to choose one of his sons to become King. He chooses Mosiah and confers the power of the kingdom to him. He commands Mosiah to make a proclamation through the land that he is “…king and a ruler over this people…” (Mosiah 1:10) He also explains to his sons that because the records have been preserved throughout time, God has had mercy on them. The chapter ends with Mosiah commanding the people to come to the temple to hear the words of his father, King Benjamin.

Summary of The Words of Mormon + The Words of Mormon 1

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Summary of The Words of Mormon + The Words of Mormon 1

The Words of Mormon… is the seventh book in the Book of Mormon….

The Words of Mormon opens up by explaining that Mormon will soon deliver the plates into the hands of his son, Moroni. Mormon explains that it “…is many hundred years after the coming of Christ…” (The Words of Mormon 1:2).

Mormon was abridging the plates, in other words he was condensing down the stories to fit a smaller volume of scripture. He explains that he abridged the plates from the time of Nephi down to the reign of King Benjamin, and from Jacob down to King Benjamin. Mormon explains that he is very pleased of what he sees written on the plates; “…because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled… Wherefore, I chose these things, to finish my record upon them… [for] I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people.” (The Words or Mormon 1:4-5)

Mormon was being instructed and was on a mission from God to maintain the records of the Ancient Inhabitants of America. He explains that he wrote down only the most important parts “…for they are choice unto me [Mormon]; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren. And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirt of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.” (The Words of Mormon 1:6-7)

Mormon writes and abridges these records with the hope that “…they [the future readers of this Book] may once again come to the knowledge of God…” (The Words of Mormon 1:8) Mormon then informs us that the work he has in his hands originally came from Amaleki, and then to King Benjamin and then combined with other plates [books], the record was passed from one generation to another until it finally came to Him. (The Words of Mormon 1:9-11) Mormon warns that in the Last Days, the words that are preserved in this Book “…shall be judged at the great and last day…” (The Words of Mormon 1:11)

Finally, Mormon ends this book by explaining that there were false Christs among them and that through King Benjamin, righteousness and peace had been restored throughout the land.

Summary of Omni + Omni 1

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Summary of Omni + Omni 1

                The Book of Omni… is the sixth book in the Book of Mormon….

Omni opens up with Omni confessing that he fought many battles to keep his people, the Nephities from falling into the hands of their enemy the Lamanites. However, he confesses that he has failed to follow all the commandments of God, calling himself a wicked man. He passes the plates down to his son Amaron.

Because of the wickedness, explains Amaron; “…the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish…” (Omni 1:7) This shows that even during great wickedness in the world, God does spare the righteous. Amaron passes the plates down to his brother Chemish, who only writes one verse testifying of what his brother had wrote to be true.

The plates are then transferred to the son of Chemish, Adinadom. Abinadom opens up by explaining that he has, with his; “…own sword, have taken the lives of many of the Lamanites in the defence of my brethren.” (Omni 1:10) Here we learn that killing another human being in defense of yourself or others IS justified, even under God’s wrath. Abinadom goes on to testify of the writing that has been added to the plates so far, and makes note that he has no prophecy to add, but that he would continue to preserve them by passing them down to the next generation.

Amaleki, the son of Abinadom continues to write on the plates, opening up by testifying of Mosiah, who was the king of Zarahemla. Amaleki explains that when Mosiah discovered the people of Zarahemla, he knew that they came out of Jerusalem; “…Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out of Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah was carried away captive into Babylon. And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth.” (Omni 1:15-16)

                This is where things get very interesting, if we read in the Bible, in Jeremiah we learn that King Zedekiah was overtaken by the Chaldeans’ army in the plains of Jericho. Zedekiah is forced to watch his sons be murdered before his eyes, then having his own eyes removed and being bound in chains and sent to Babylon. (See Jeremiah 39:4-8). However, we learn from the Book of Mormon that one of the sons of Zedekiah escaped. Nephi testifies before corrupt judges who sought to incite the people against him, but Nephi testifies that Abraham, Moses, Zenock, Zenos, Ezias, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Lehi all testified of Christ. Nephi questions the judges; “… will you dispute that Jerusalem was destroyed? Will ye say that the sons of Zedekiah were not slain, all except it were Mulek? Yeah, and do ye not behold that the seed of Zedekiah are with us, and they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem…?” (Helaman 8:21) This and other instances throughout the Book of Mormon show how much it meshes with the stories of the Bible. The reason for this is simple, they are all interconnected. The people of the Book of Mormon have ancestral ties with the people of the “Old World” found in the Bible.

Mulek and his people traveled across the ocean to the “New World”, where they became numerous. However, with most civilization, eventually the prosperity ends. The people of Zarahemla had fallen away from the Gospel and denied that there was a Creator. Because of this they had many wars and contentions amongst themselves, they lost the record of their people and they even lost their own language. Mosiah taught the people of Zarahemla his own language and caused that a genealogy being written up based on his own memory. The people loved Mosiah and caused that he be there king. The people gave Mosiah a large stone that had engraving upon it, by the power of God he was able to translate these engravings.

The engravings gave an account of Coriantumr and the slaying of his people.  It also held a genealogy of his fathers, who came out from the tower, at the “…. time the Lord confounded the language of the people…” (Omni 1:22) Here we learn that more people going back thousands of years were living in the Americas that we know of today. Coriantumr’s father came from the Tower of Babel, when the Lord not only confounded the languages, but scattered the people around the World.

Amaleki continues to write that he was born in the days of Mosiah, after his death, his son Benjamin ruled in his placed. Amaleki, knowing that King Benjamin was a just and good man decides to pass the plates onto him upon his death. Amaleki explains that “…there is nothing which is good save it comes from the Lord: and that which is evil cometh from the devil.” (Omni 1:25) How simple of principle is that?  If it is good, it comes from God. If it is bad, it comes from the devil. Before his death, Amaleki exhorts anyone reading his testimony to; “…come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.” (Omni 1:26) Again, another simple principle. To be “saved” and return to the presence of God, we must come unto Him. It is NOT enough to simply confess that He is your savior. Coming unto Him means that you offer your whole soul unto him, continuing in fasting, prayer and enduring to the end. This is a process and something that is ongoing throughout your life. We must always follow in the footsteps of Jesus and do as He would do. Remember, faith without works is dead.

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of Jarom + Jarom 1

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Summary of Jarom + Jarom 1

                The Book of Jarom… is the fifth book in the Book of Mormon….

Jarom opens up explaining that his father, Enos, commanded him to continue writing that a record of their genealogy might be kept. Jarom explains that there are many among him that have hardened their hearts and have made their necks stiff. However, he explains that those who are not stiffnecked; “…have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men, according to their faith.” (Jarom 1:4) In other words, those who have Faith and do not harden their hearts or make their necks stiff can receive the Holy Ghost.

Jarom explains that 200 years have passed since Nephi, and the people of Nephi have been diligent in keeping the commandments of God. Because of their obedience, God has blessed them to be a mighty nation, with all manner of riches and weapons of war. The Lamanites on the other hand were larger in number, but stood no chance at overtaking the Nephites. The Nephites were blessed to have;
“…gold…silver… fine workmanship of wood, in buildings, and in machinery… iron… copper… brass… steel… [and] weapons of war…” (Jarom 1:8)

However, there were some among the Nephites that were not following all the commandments, and because of this God urged the Prophets to heed warnings to the people to avoid sin. God promised that if they fell into transgression that the Nephites would be wiped off the face of the land. These teachings were a success, because the people of Nephi were continually repenting of their sins. Jarom hands off the plates to his son Omni.

Looking at this from the point of view of the United States in 2015, we see a similar situation, where sin is rampant and the warnings of God are everywhere. If the people do not repent and change their ways, God will bring destruction to the United States and to many parts of the world.

Summary of Enos + Enos 1

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Summary of Enos + Enos 1

                The Book of Enos… is the fourth book in the Book of Mormon….

Enos opens up speaking of the knowledge his father had taught him, Enos goes out to hunt and while hunting finds himself pondering the words spoken by his father concerning eternal life and the joy of the saints.

                “And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens. And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. And I, Enos, know that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away. And I said: Lord, how is it done? And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Enos 1:4-8)

                Here, Enos cried out to God for his sins to be forgiven. God answered his prayer, just like he answers all of our prayers. God forgave Enos of his sins, because of his faith in Jesus Christ. This is the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Faith in Him!

After having felt this remission of his own sins, Enos desires this same for his people and asks God to deliver them from their sins as well. Enos desired that they would be spared and that the record which he had would not be destroyed; “…that the Lord God would preserve a record of my people, the Nephities… that it might be brought forth at some future day unto the Lamanites…” (Enos 1:13)

Enos goes on to explain how the Nephites had attempted on numerous times to reach out to the Lamanites to help them come unto Christ, but their labor was in vain. Enos explains that the Lamanites were “…a blood thirsty people, full of idolatry and filthiness…” (Enos 1:20) Enos saw many wars and contentions between the Lamanites and the Nephites.

Summary of Jacob

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Summary of Jacob

                The Book of Jacob is the third book in the Book of Mormon. Jacob, the brother of Nephi, was given the responsibility of writing down the history of his people. The purpose of this book, in the words of Jacob was to; “…persuade them [everyone] to come unto Christ…” (Jacob 1:7). The book is mainly the teachings between Jacob and his people, which include a lengthy Parable of the Olive Tree: which is an allegory of the scattering and gathering of Israel.

Around 545 BC, Jacob was given the task of continuing the history of the golden plates. At this time Nephi was  soon to pass on, but the people revered him so much that they desired all the kings of the land to be like him and even named after him. The Jacobites, Josephites, and Zoramites all became the people of Nephi or the Nephites, while the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites became the Lamanites.

The Nephites began to be lifted up in pride because they had been so blessed by God, and this led them to do wicked things. But Jacob and his brother Joseph tried as hard as they could to teach the people not to do wicked things. Jacob went to the temple to teach the Nephites. This temple was a copy of the one Solomon made in Jerusalem. Jacob said the people had begun to search for gold and silver. Some were better at locating the gold and silver and because of this, some would show that they were better or of a different social class, so they enhanced their apparel to show off that they were more ambitious and competent that their brothers.

Jacob then prophesied about events which would be fulfilled at the end of the Book of Mormon, around 385 AD, when the Nephites would be completely fallen away from God and wiped out to the last man by the Lamanites.

After a number of years a man named Sherem went around saying there would be no Christ, and for Jacob to preach the gospel of Christ instead of adherence to the Law of Moses was blasphemy. Jacob asserted that every prophesy ever made was really about Christ, and that it was revealed to him that if Christ does not make atonement, all humanity will be lost. Sherem demanded a sign to prove what Jacob said was true. Jacob explained that he would not tempt God.

God smote Sherem, making him fall unconscious for many days. When he eventually regained consciousness, he asked for the people to be assembled so he could make his last sermon. He confessed Christ, and said he had been deceived by the devil, and retracted everything he said about Jacob. He said he feared that he had committed the unpardonable sin, which is lying to God. Then he died.

When Jacob finished writing on the plates he bequeathed them to his son Enos.