2 Nephi 30-31
Today’s reading are two of the greatest chapters in the Book of Mormon as they illustrate the importance of obedience and the Doctrine of Christ!
There is so much salvation for the human soul in these chapters!
In PMG, page 62-63, it teaches -
Faith in Jesus Christ
Faith is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Faith in Jesus Christ includes having confidence that He is the Son of God and trusting in Him as our Savior and Redeemer.
Faith in Jesus Christ is a principle of action and power.
We strengthen our faith by praying, studying the scriptures, and obeying the commandments.
Repentance
Faith in Jesus Christ leads us to repent. Repentance is the process of turning to God and turning away from sin. As we repent, our actions, desires, and thoughts change to be more in harmony with God’s will.
When we sincerely repent, God forgives us. Forgiveness is possible because Jesus Christ atoned for our sins.
As we repent, we feel peace as our guilt and sorrow are healed.
Repentance is a lifelong process. God welcomes us back every time we repent. He will never give up on us.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead.
After we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through the ordinance of confirmation.
When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can have His companionship throughout our lives if we are faithful.
The Holy Ghost sanctifies us, guides us, comforts us, and helps us know the truth.
Endure to the End
Enduring includes continuing to exercise faith in Christ each day. We continue to keep our covenants with God, repent, seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and partake of the sacrament.
As we faithfully seek to follow Jesus Christ, God promises that we will have eternal life.
Here are some of our favorite themes from these two chapters -
1. The Example of Jesus Christ and Fulfilling All Righteousness
Before Nephi outlines what we must do, he establishes why we do it by pointing directly to our Savior and His obedience to the Father’s will in 2 Nephi 31.
Baptism - Nephi asks a profound rhetorical question - If Jesus Christ, being holy and sinless, required baptism by water to "fulfill all righteousness," how much more do we, being unholy, need it?
The Meaning of "Fulfilling All Righteousness" - Nephi breaks this down into simple terms. Christ fulfilled all righteousness by humbling Himself before the Father, witnessing to the Father that He would be obedient in keeping His commandments, and opening the gate for us to follow. Consider as you read these verses is there anything that you could give up that would bring the power of obedience into your mission life?
The Dual Witness - Nephi records a rare scriptural moment where both the voice of the Father and the voice of the Son speak directly to him, validating that following the Son's example is the only way back to Their presence.
2. The Doctrine of Christ and the Covenant Path
In the latter half of 2 Nephi 31, Nephi outlines the exact, step-by-step formula for salvation -The Gate (Faith, Repentance, and Baptism): We enter the "strait and narrow path" by exercising faith in Christ, repenting of our sins, and entering the water of baptism for a remission of those sins.
The Baptism of Fire - Following baptism, we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Nephi notes that the Spirit allows us to "speak with the tongue of angels" and shout praises to the Redeemer because of this sanctifying baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.
Enduring to the End - Nephi warns that entering the gate is not enough. He leaves us with the iconic charge to "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ," possessing a perfect brightness of hope, a love of God and all men, and feasting upon the words of Christ until the very end of our mortal probation.
Elders and Sisters, as we all strive to fulfill our missionary purpose, we will find great joy in humbling ourselves and being willing to do the will of the Father, just like Jesus Christ did! What a perfect example He is!
Then, as we’re striving to be obedient and follow the Doctrine of Christ, we’ll be such authentic teachers as we invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.
Have the greatest day, Elders and Sisters!