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"That Cunning Plan of the Evil One," 2 Nephi 9:28-39

2 Nephi 9:28-39

I don't know of anywhere else in the scriptures where a prophet lays out the designs of the adversary to destroy us, but this is exactly what Jacob does in these verses. I find in these verses applicable course correction and an appropriate understanding of sin so that I can repent and avoid the more serious sins.

Perhaps I don't struggle with all the major sins listed here, but the tendency is there. For instance, I think of how easy it is to glide into auto-pilot in prayers, Sunday School lesson preparation, or participation in Church meetings. If the metaphorical soil of the soul is not tilled periodically and frequently, it becomes harder to learn and receive counsel.

The uncircumcised, murderers, adulterers, idol-worshipers -- these all have they're consequences laid out in simple terms in these verses (see vs. 33-37). In being able to see the consequences of such actions, there is a strength in understanding the results of even allowing ourselves to think in such a manner.

At the end of these verses, Jacob first offers a reminder of what it means to die in our sins. "For they shall return to God, and behold his face, and remain in their sins," (vs. 38). The prospect is harrowing. Yet in verse 39, Jacob reminds us that there is an over-arching decision that can be made upfront that determines our approach to dealing with sin. "Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal."

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