There is great destruction and chaos that covered the land. The scriptures talk about how the whole face of the land changed, and how many cities were destroyed in so many different ways. There is a good amount of fear and trauma that people feel after going through such a great destructive experience. In addition to that, the people had to go through quite a period of time where they couldn't even have any light.
I think there are a few different reactions to this kind of experience, one of which is referenced here in the scriptures.
"23 ...and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them.
24 And in one place they were heard to cry, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared, and they would not have been burned in that great city Zarahemla.
25 And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our mothers and our fair daughters, and our children have been spared, and not have been buried up in that great city Moronihah. And thus were the howlings of the people great and terrible." (3 Nephi 8: 23-25)
I think this implies some indication that people actually had a little bit of belief in the prophesies and also some belief that their actions were not right. They felt that if they had been more righteous, these things would not have happened, and all their loved ones would have been spared.
Unfortunately, sometimes bad things happen to good people too. You can't always avoid problems or trials, just by being righteous. In fact, sometimes it is going through those very trials that allows us to become stronger and better. Obviously, the Lord is more willing to support and help us if we trust him and have faith and do what is right, but He also knows how much we need to learn and grow as well.
We can learn and grow from going through trials, such as the destruction these people experienced, but we must be willing to do so, and we must choose to do so. These people, at least through the actions expressed here, it seems, just sat around and complained about what they had gone through, and expressed maybe a little regret for not living more righteously.
I may not live through such great destruction, but I do have my own challenges and trials that I have and will continue to live through. Hopefully I can see the opportunities for growth rather than just complaining about them.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
The Record is True
At this time, the people began to really think about some other prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite, who had accurately prophesied about the signs of Christ's birth. He had also prophesied concerning signs of Christ's death. People started to doubt those signs, even though Samuel's prophesies (and other prophets, too) had been fulfilled. I am sure wickedness played into their unbelief.
There is a comment at the beginning of this chapter that kind of jumped out at me. The writer here just gave a timeline, that according to the record, this was 33 years that had passed since the day/night/day event that marked Christ's birth. Then, a simple, quick testimony of the truthfulness of the record, based on the reputation of the person who kept the record:
"And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know our record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the record—for he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity" (3 Nephi 8:1)
I think that it is encouraging and testimony-strengthening to hear other people testify of the truthfulness of something. It allows for an opportunity to feel the Spirit testify, if I am paying attention, of it's truthfulness as well. And that's how I gain a testimony.
There is a comment at the beginning of this chapter that kind of jumped out at me. The writer here just gave a timeline, that according to the record, this was 33 years that had passed since the day/night/day event that marked Christ's birth. Then, a simple, quick testimony of the truthfulness of the record, based on the reputation of the person who kept the record:
"And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know our record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the record—for he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity" (3 Nephi 8:1)
I think that it is encouraging and testimony-strengthening to hear other people testify of the truthfulness of something. It allows for an opportunity to feel the Spirit testify, if I am paying attention, of it's truthfulness as well. And that's how I gain a testimony.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Another Look at Nephi's Righteousness
While the rest of the Nephites are becoming more and more wicked, you still have prophets and teachers that are trying to help people get back on the right track. Unfortunately, they have devolved so quickly and so far, that they tend to stone and kill the prophets rather than listen to them and become converted.
Mormon, who is abridging the records of this time, explains that Nephi "went forth...and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ." He goes on to explain that the amount of ministering was to much to try to relate in the book, presumably just because there was so much. He basically summarizes it by explaining that "Nephi did minister with power and great authority", and that "angels did minister unto him daily".
"And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people." (3 Nephi 7:19)
There were some people who were converted and were baptized, especially those who were helped out by Nephi's ministering, but mostly the people were just getting angry at Nephi for all the things he was doing.
I think that this is really a testament to how wicked the people had become. In a very short amount of time, they went from being a pretty righteous people to the point where a righteous person makes them angry. To watch someone perform these miracles and have them upset you to the point where you want to kill the miracle worker, that takes quite the hard heart.
I hope to be able to one day even have some of the descriptions given about Nephi said about me. What a great, righteous man that he was.
Mormon, who is abridging the records of this time, explains that Nephi "went forth...and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ." He goes on to explain that the amount of ministering was to much to try to relate in the book, presumably just because there was so much. He basically summarizes it by explaining that "Nephi did minister with power and great authority", and that "angels did minister unto him daily".
"And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people." (3 Nephi 7:19)
There were some people who were converted and were baptized, especially those who were helped out by Nephi's ministering, but mostly the people were just getting angry at Nephi for all the things he was doing.
I think that this is really a testament to how wicked the people had become. In a very short amount of time, they went from being a pretty righteous people to the point where a righteous person makes them angry. To watch someone perform these miracles and have them upset you to the point where you want to kill the miracle worker, that takes quite the hard heart.
I hope to be able to one day even have some of the descriptions given about Nephi said about me. What a great, righteous man that he was.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
They Did Wilfully Rebel
After only a few years, many of the people started to rapidly fall into wickedness. They were blessed, and then they began to be prideful, and there began to be a great inequality among the people, and that caused a lot of division, and eventually, wickedness and iniquity.
How does this happen so quickly?
"15 Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world.
16 And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years." (3 Nephi 6:15-16)
Satan is real. And he is actively "stirring up" the people. He can't force us to do anything, but he knows how to tempt us and push our buttons and try to take away our peace.
So pretty much everyone at this point--except for a few faithful Lamanites who stayed firm in the faith--was in a state of awful wickedness.
Something that stands out to me about the way they were acting, and how quickly they went from righteousness to wickedness.
"Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully rebel against God." (3 Nephi 6:18)
There is a difference between being raised without a knowledge of the Gospel and "wilfully" rebelling against God. When you have a testimony, and then decide to start to do things that are wrong, you are choosing to go against something you know. The phrase "wilfully rebel against God" sounds so ominous and dangerous. It is definitely not where I want to end up.
This story reminds us how quickly a whole group of people can go from righteous to wicked. I think it's important to remember that once we are converted, we are not "done". If we are not careful, we could end up like these Nephites who had so recently been righteous. We might find ourselves realizing that we are "wilfully rebelling against God", and not doing what we should be doing. We just need to always be actively working to increase our testimonies and doing what is right so we don't find ourselves in this state, wondering how we got there.
I think this is one of the reasons why we regularly do things, like go to Church, attend the temple, and other things like that. It just keeps us in the right path, doing what is right. I hope to stay on that path, and keep tabs with where I am, so I can course-correct when I need to.
How does this happen so quickly?
"15 Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world.
16 And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years." (3 Nephi 6:15-16)
Satan is real. And he is actively "stirring up" the people. He can't force us to do anything, but he knows how to tempt us and push our buttons and try to take away our peace.
So pretty much everyone at this point--except for a few faithful Lamanites who stayed firm in the faith--was in a state of awful wickedness.
Something that stands out to me about the way they were acting, and how quickly they went from righteousness to wickedness.
"Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully rebel against God." (3 Nephi 6:18)
There is a difference between being raised without a knowledge of the Gospel and "wilfully" rebelling against God. When you have a testimony, and then decide to start to do things that are wrong, you are choosing to go against something you know. The phrase "wilfully rebel against God" sounds so ominous and dangerous. It is definitely not where I want to end up.
This story reminds us how quickly a whole group of people can go from righteous to wicked. I think it's important to remember that once we are converted, we are not "done". If we are not careful, we could end up like these Nephites who had so recently been righteous. We might find ourselves realizing that we are "wilfully rebelling against God", and not doing what we should be doing. We just need to always be actively working to increase our testimonies and doing what is right so we don't find ourselves in this state, wondering how we got there.
I think this is one of the reasons why we regularly do things, like go to Church, attend the temple, and other things like that. It just keeps us in the right path, doing what is right. I hope to stay on that path, and keep tabs with where I am, so I can course-correct when I need to.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
A Missionary Calling
Mormon takes a minute to describe what he is doing with the record here. He talks about abridging and putting all the stuff together in the Book of Mormon as we know it now. He bears testimony of the truth of the words of those who have gone before him, and then he continues with the work at hand.
As part of this description, he talks about his calling as a missionary. He takes this calling from the Lord seriously. I remember as a missionary, I loved this scripture as a very concise, clear description of what a missionary does.
"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." (3 Nephi 5:13)
Being a missionary, where all my daily purpose and focus was on sharing the Gospel, is both difficult and yet very satisfying. To be able to devote that level of attention to spiritual things was perhaps the only time, at least until I'm much older, where I'll be able to do that. I love the Gospel, and I'm so grateful for all the things I have because of it. I can definitely do more to have more of the focus that I had as a missionary. And technically, while I don't serve in that capacity in any official way full time, I certainly can be a missionary to all those who I come in contact with.
As part of this description, he talks about his calling as a missionary. He takes this calling from the Lord seriously. I remember as a missionary, I loved this scripture as a very concise, clear description of what a missionary does.
"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." (3 Nephi 5:13)
Being a missionary, where all my daily purpose and focus was on sharing the Gospel, is both difficult and yet very satisfying. To be able to devote that level of attention to spiritual things was perhaps the only time, at least until I'm much older, where I'll be able to do that. I love the Gospel, and I'm so grateful for all the things I have because of it. I can definitely do more to have more of the focus that I had as a missionary. And technically, while I don't serve in that capacity in any official way full time, I certainly can be a missionary to all those who I come in contact with.
Everyone is a Believer
I read this and I was trying to imagine what society would be like if this were true now:
"1 And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken; for they knew that it must needs be that they must be fulfilled.
2 And they knew that it must be expedient that Christ had come, because of the many signs which had been given, according to the words of the prophets; and because of the things which had come to pass already they knew that it must needs be that all things should come to pass according to that which had been spoken.
3 Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night." (3 Nephi 5:1-3)
I mean, this is the next level after believing. We're not just talking about people who passively said they believe and that was where they left it. They put their belief into action. I definitely can't say that I "server God with all diligence day and night". I would love to be described that way, but I've got a long way to go before I get to that point. What a great example, even if (as we find out) it only ends up lasting a relatively short time.
"1 And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken; for they knew that it must needs be that they must be fulfilled.
2 And they knew that it must be expedient that Christ had come, because of the many signs which had been given, according to the words of the prophets; and because of the things which had come to pass already they knew that it must needs be that all things should come to pass according to that which had been spoken.
3 Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night." (3 Nephi 5:1-3)
I mean, this is the next level after believing. We're not just talking about people who passively said they believe and that was where they left it. They put their belief into action. I definitely can't say that I "server God with all diligence day and night". I would love to be described that way, but I've got a long way to go before I get to that point. What a great example, even if (as we find out) it only ends up lasting a relatively short time.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Reaction to Blessings of Protection From God
The Gadianton robbers finally decided to come out to battle against the Nephites, but the Nephites didn't make it easy for them. They had harvested everything and gathered all their food and animals and people into one central place. They had the ability to live there 7 years before they ran out of supplies. The robbers lived off the land, so they relied on wild animals and the spoils of war for their sustenance, but when they saw the Nephites hadn't left anything behind for them. They also were worried about attacking them openly because all the Nephites gathered together in once place was a pretty formidable group.
After a few battles, the Nephites were successful in driving out the Gadianton robbers.
"30 And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, protect this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of their God for protection.
31 And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and praising their God for the great thing which he had done for them, in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies.
32 Yea, they did cry: Hosanna to the Most High God. And they did cry: Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God.
33 And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction." (3 Nephi 4:30-33)
Their lives were spared. They knew that it was God that had spared them. They knew how to respond when God gave them a blessing.
Hopefully I can be more grateful and rejoice more in the things that God has given me.
After a few battles, the Nephites were successful in driving out the Gadianton robbers.
"30 And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, protect this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of their God for protection.
31 And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and praising their God for the great thing which he had done for them, in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies.
32 Yea, they did cry: Hosanna to the Most High God. And they did cry: Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God.
33 And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction." (3 Nephi 4:30-33)
Their lives were spared. They knew that it was God that had spared them. They knew how to respond when God gave them a blessing.
Hopefully I can be more grateful and rejoice more in the things that God has given me.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Still Good People
In general, the people had become more wicked, but the core of the people were still good. In fact, they had a good governor, Lachoneus.
Giddianhi, the leader of the Gadianton robbers, a wicked group of people who had created a society in the wilderness that was known for their secret combinations, and robbing, and murder, etc., sent a message to Lachoneus to basically surrender his people to Giddianhi. If they didn't, Giddianhi would send his armies to destroy the people of Lachoneus.
"Now behold, this Lachoneus, the governor, was a just man, and could not be frightened by the demands and the threatenings of a robber; therefore he did not hearken to the epistle of Giddianhi, the governor of the robbers, but he did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them." (3 Nephi 3:12)
I think this says a lot about the character of Lachoneus. He's not willing to subject his people to the wickedness of the Gadianton robbers, and he also has faith that God will protect them. In fact, the first thing he did was strengthen his people in the Lord, having them cry unto the Lord for strength. In fact, he went on to tell them:
"...As the Lord liveth, except ye repent of all your iniquities, and cry unto the Lord, ye will in nowise be delivered out of the hands of those Gadianton robbers." (3 Nephi 3:15)
Lachoneus knew that the only way to win against these wicked people was to repent and cry unto the Lord. Then they started making preparations for war, so they could protect themselves. He also appointed the chief captain to be a man named Gidgiddoni.
"Now it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their chief captains, (save it were in their times of wickedness) some one that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy; therefore, this Gidgiddoni was a great prophet among them, as also was the chief judge." (3 Nephi 3:19)
They went about preparing for the coming battle, with a focus on how the Lord would have them prepare.
I think our lives are like this sometimes. We occasionally get confronted by wickedness and temptation, much like Lachoneus did here. Our job in life is to be righteous and do the most we can to prepare for whatever upcoming battles that occur. The emphasis on following the Lord's way, and making sure we are preparing the way He would have us prepare is important here. The Nephites of course built strongholds and weapons, but first they prepared themselves spiritually.
Before the "battle" is at our doorstep, we need to prepare. We will be confronted with challenges in life, but if we are prepared, we will be OK. I have experienced this in my own life. That's where the phrase "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" comes from. When we prepare ourselves spiritually first, we will be ready for whatever comes our way.
Giddianhi, the leader of the Gadianton robbers, a wicked group of people who had created a society in the wilderness that was known for their secret combinations, and robbing, and murder, etc., sent a message to Lachoneus to basically surrender his people to Giddianhi. If they didn't, Giddianhi would send his armies to destroy the people of Lachoneus.
"Now behold, this Lachoneus, the governor, was a just man, and could not be frightened by the demands and the threatenings of a robber; therefore he did not hearken to the epistle of Giddianhi, the governor of the robbers, but he did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them." (3 Nephi 3:12)
I think this says a lot about the character of Lachoneus. He's not willing to subject his people to the wickedness of the Gadianton robbers, and he also has faith that God will protect them. In fact, the first thing he did was strengthen his people in the Lord, having them cry unto the Lord for strength. In fact, he went on to tell them:
"...As the Lord liveth, except ye repent of all your iniquities, and cry unto the Lord, ye will in nowise be delivered out of the hands of those Gadianton robbers." (3 Nephi 3:15)
Lachoneus knew that the only way to win against these wicked people was to repent and cry unto the Lord. Then they started making preparations for war, so they could protect themselves. He also appointed the chief captain to be a man named Gidgiddoni.
"Now it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their chief captains, (save it were in their times of wickedness) some one that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy; therefore, this Gidgiddoni was a great prophet among them, as also was the chief judge." (3 Nephi 3:19)
They went about preparing for the coming battle, with a focus on how the Lord would have them prepare.
I think our lives are like this sometimes. We occasionally get confronted by wickedness and temptation, much like Lachoneus did here. Our job in life is to be righteous and do the most we can to prepare for whatever upcoming battles that occur. The emphasis on following the Lord's way, and making sure we are preparing the way He would have us prepare is important here. The Nephites of course built strongholds and weapons, but first they prepared themselves spiritually.
Before the "battle" is at our doorstep, we need to prepare. We will be confronted with challenges in life, but if we are prepared, we will be OK. I have experienced this in my own life. That's where the phrase "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" comes from. When we prepare ourselves spiritually first, we will be ready for whatever comes our way.
Friday, April 6, 2018
How Quick to Forget
So we already established that most of the people around this time were pretty polarized. There were the good ones who were righteously doing their duty. Then there were the wicked people. The Gadianton robbers had become so established in the years to come that the people went to battle with them.
Anyway, we learned that in the 92nd year of the reign of the judges is when the sun went down but it didn't get dark. That miraculous sign that Christ was born.
Now, fast forward only a few years, to the 95th year of the reign of the judges, and this happens:
"...and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen" (3 Nephi 2:1)
A few things there. They forgot about the signs they had seen. They saw the sun go down but it stayed light all night and then the sun came back up the next day as normal. How do you forget something like that?!
Then, it also says they were still seeing signs and wonders, but it was now kind of commonplace, so they didn't see how amazing and special those things really are.
The people were hard in their hearts, meaning they couldn't plant a seed of faith and feel it grow. They were blind in their minds, meaning they weren't open to new ideas or thoughts. This led to a disbelief, where they just outright rejected the gospel.
It's amazing how quick we devolve as a society to the point where something amazing and miraculous can happen and we just shrug our shoulders and think, "what else is new". I hope to never get to that point ever in my life. I think the key is to have an open mind and open heart. Remember what great things have been done for me, and I'll be able to keep my testimony strong and long lasting.
Anyway, we learned that in the 92nd year of the reign of the judges is when the sun went down but it didn't get dark. That miraculous sign that Christ was born.
Now, fast forward only a few years, to the 95th year of the reign of the judges, and this happens:
"...and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen" (3 Nephi 2:1)
A few things there. They forgot about the signs they had seen. They saw the sun go down but it stayed light all night and then the sun came back up the next day as normal. How do you forget something like that?!
Then, it also says they were still seeing signs and wonders, but it was now kind of commonplace, so they didn't see how amazing and special those things really are.
The people were hard in their hearts, meaning they couldn't plant a seed of faith and feel it grow. They were blind in their minds, meaning they weren't open to new ideas or thoughts. This led to a disbelief, where they just outright rejected the gospel.
It's amazing how quick we devolve as a society to the point where something amazing and miraculous can happen and we just shrug our shoulders and think, "what else is new". I hope to never get to that point ever in my life. I think the key is to have an open mind and open heart. Remember what great things have been done for me, and I'll be able to keep my testimony strong and long lasting.
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Answer to Prayer
So Samuel had prophesied that in 5 years, there should be some signs to indicate Christ's birth. The most clear sign being that there would be a day and a night and a day where the night time would be bright as day. The more wicked people, seeing an opportunity, set a specific date where if the day/night/day with no night had not happened by that date, they would kill the believers.
A distraught Nephi prayed for help.
"And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand..." (3 Nephi 1: 12-13)
The Lord answers our prayers. It seems like His answers often start with something like "Lift up your head and be of good cheer." I think this makes sense because he is our Father in Heaven, and when we are distressed or upset or afflicted in any way, He wants us to know that He is in charge and aware of us and our needs.
The sign did come that night, and the believers were spared. In fact there were some unbelievers who were now convinced and repented and converted fully, and there began to be a peace among most of the people.
I appreciate the answers from the Lord, when He provides comfort and peace, along with the actual answer I am looking for. I am grateful that an all-powerful being has time to give me to listen and answer when I pray. I know that this is true.
A distraught Nephi prayed for help.
"And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand..." (3 Nephi 1: 12-13)
The Lord answers our prayers. It seems like His answers often start with something like "Lift up your head and be of good cheer." I think this makes sense because he is our Father in Heaven, and when we are distressed or upset or afflicted in any way, He wants us to know that He is in charge and aware of us and our needs.
The sign did come that night, and the believers were spared. In fact there were some unbelievers who were now convinced and repented and converted fully, and there began to be a peace among most of the people.
I appreciate the answers from the Lord, when He provides comfort and peace, along with the actual answer I am looking for. I am grateful that an all-powerful being has time to give me to listen and answer when I pray. I know that this is true.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Extreme Reactions
Samuel the Lamanite is still preaching to the Nephites from the city wall. He explained to them some of the signs that they would experience when Jesus is born in Jerusalem. There were people who listened and were converted. They all went to Nephi to get baptized.
But most people didn't believe, to the point of deciding that Samuel had to die.
I'll never understand that mentality. So many times in the scriptures people want to kill the righteous person or people because they called them to repentance or something.
In this case, a little good came of it because as they tried to kill Samuel with their slings and arrows, he was protected and couldn't be hit, and this actually converted some more people.
"But the more part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel; therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him." (Helaman 16:6)
To be so against God, as evidenced by the call to repentance, but so against the devil, as evidenced by the claim that Samuel must be using the power of the devil to protect himself, is just kinda crazy.
Samuel got away and went back to the Nephites, and we don't hear anything more about him. (Side note: Wouldn't it be fascinating to hear his side of the story?) But after Samuel left, there was a small group of believers. Mostly the people got more and more wicked and hard-hearted.
"And notwithstanding the signs and the wonders which were wrought among the people of the Lord, and the many miracles which they did, Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people upon all the face of the land." (Helaman 16:23)
But most people didn't believe, to the point of deciding that Samuel had to die.
I'll never understand that mentality. So many times in the scriptures people want to kill the righteous person or people because they called them to repentance or something.
In this case, a little good came of it because as they tried to kill Samuel with their slings and arrows, he was protected and couldn't be hit, and this actually converted some more people.
"But the more part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel; therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him." (Helaman 16:6)
To be so against God, as evidenced by the call to repentance, but so against the devil, as evidenced by the claim that Samuel must be using the power of the devil to protect himself, is just kinda crazy.
Samuel got away and went back to the Nephites, and we don't hear anything more about him. (Side note: Wouldn't it be fascinating to hear his side of the story?) But after Samuel left, there was a small group of believers. Mostly the people got more and more wicked and hard-hearted.
"And notwithstanding the signs and the wonders which were wrought among the people of the Lord, and the many miracles which they did, Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people upon all the face of the land." (Helaman 16:23)
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
What Happens at Conversion
Samuel the Lamanite is still preaching to the Nephites. He's explaining to them how the Lamanites, who have historically been a wicked and violent and bloodthirsty people, have been brought to the knowledge of the gospel. He explains some of the changes that have happened in them.
There's a lot here, but I think it's all good to show what happened to the Lamanites when they became converts:
"4 ...But behold, salvation hath come unto them through the preaching of the Nephites; and for this intent hath the Lord prolonged their days." (Helaman 15:4)
God knew that at least some of the Lamanites would be converted. This is one of the reasons they were never destroyed in their wickedness through all the earlier parts of the Book of Mormon.
"5 And I would that ye should behold that the more part of them are in the path of their duty, and they do walk circumspectly before God, and they do observe to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments according to the law of Moses." (Helaman 15:5)
Notice a few things that they are doing once they are converted. They are in the path of duty. A couple of synonyms for the word circumspectly are watchful, cautions, and prudent. So they are walking cautiously and prudently before God. They are obedient.
"6 Yea, I say unto you, that the more part of them are doing this, and they are striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth; therefore there are many who do add to their numbers daily." (Helaman 15:6)
Another few things to add to the list. They are striving with unwearied diligence to be missionaries, and more and more people are being converted.
"7 And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them—" (Helaman 15:7)
Faith and repentance bring about a change of heart. This is something that really indicates conversion. It's one thing to repent, or stop doing something you know you shouldn't do. Or start doing something you know you should do. But these things you can do sort of grudgingly. Don't get me wrong, you get points for doing it anyway, even if your heart's not in it. But the reality is that you are truly converted, you have a change of heart. The people who listened to King Benjamin described it by saying they had no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. When your nature is changed such that you really don't want to sin anymore, that is conversion.
"8 Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free.
9 And ye know also that they have buried their weapons of war, and they fear to take them up lest by any means they should sin; yea, ye can see that they fear to sin—for behold they will suffer themselves that they be trodden down and slain by their enemies, and will not lift their swords against them, and this because of their faith in Christ." (Helaman 15:8-9)
The Lamanites discovered true freedom when they surrendered their will to God. They buried their weapons and refused to do anything that could even be considered a sin.
Conversion is a funny thing. It is a real change, but it doesn't last unless you do like these Lamanites did, and stay in the right path, with unwearied diligence to do what you are supposed to be doing. I do want to be the best that I can be, and I have experienced that change of heart. I hope to do better, be more diligent, and deepen my conversion. I know it's right.
There's a lot here, but I think it's all good to show what happened to the Lamanites when they became converts:
"4 ...But behold, salvation hath come unto them through the preaching of the Nephites; and for this intent hath the Lord prolonged their days." (Helaman 15:4)
God knew that at least some of the Lamanites would be converted. This is one of the reasons they were never destroyed in their wickedness through all the earlier parts of the Book of Mormon.
"5 And I would that ye should behold that the more part of them are in the path of their duty, and they do walk circumspectly before God, and they do observe to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments according to the law of Moses." (Helaman 15:5)
Notice a few things that they are doing once they are converted. They are in the path of duty. A couple of synonyms for the word circumspectly are watchful, cautions, and prudent. So they are walking cautiously and prudently before God. They are obedient.
"6 Yea, I say unto you, that the more part of them are doing this, and they are striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth; therefore there are many who do add to their numbers daily." (Helaman 15:6)
Another few things to add to the list. They are striving with unwearied diligence to be missionaries, and more and more people are being converted.
"7 And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them—" (Helaman 15:7)
Faith and repentance bring about a change of heart. This is something that really indicates conversion. It's one thing to repent, or stop doing something you know you shouldn't do. Or start doing something you know you should do. But these things you can do sort of grudgingly. Don't get me wrong, you get points for doing it anyway, even if your heart's not in it. But the reality is that you are truly converted, you have a change of heart. The people who listened to King Benjamin described it by saying they had no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. When your nature is changed such that you really don't want to sin anymore, that is conversion.
"8 Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free.
9 And ye know also that they have buried their weapons of war, and they fear to take them up lest by any means they should sin; yea, ye can see that they fear to sin—for behold they will suffer themselves that they be trodden down and slain by their enemies, and will not lift their swords against them, and this because of their faith in Christ." (Helaman 15:8-9)
The Lamanites discovered true freedom when they surrendered their will to God. They buried their weapons and refused to do anything that could even be considered a sin.
Conversion is a funny thing. It is a real change, but it doesn't last unless you do like these Lamanites did, and stay in the right path, with unwearied diligence to do what you are supposed to be doing. I do want to be the best that I can be, and I have experienced that change of heart. I hope to do better, be more diligent, and deepen my conversion. I know it's right.
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