2 Nephi 15:20
"Wo..." The list of condemnations that Isaiah pronounces against the house of Israel in his day continues. Yet, these condemnations are so applicable to me in my day.
"unto them that call evil good..." There are footnotes on both "call" and "evil". The footnote that emphasizes "call" condemns those that would take judgment upon themselves, assuming that they know better than the Lord what is good and what is evil.
Moroni reminds us in chapter 7, verses 14 &18 that we should not judge wrongfully, judging the evil thing to be of God, or that which is of God to be evil. Most importantly, at the end of verse 18, Moroni states, "For with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged." This is a very interesting thought, that as I choose to treat and perceive others, so shall I be treated and perceived by God in the end. There is something of a secret in becoming like God in this simple observation.
"and good evil..." This happens when we are unable to perceive the works of God, not understanding their purpose or the intent for which a thing is given. One such thought is the calling of inexperienced persons to fulfill positions of leadership within the church. From the outside, one would never manage a business in such a fashion. Yet, the work of the Lord is brought to pass when man's weakness is refined. The purposes of God are completely different than any other worldly organization.
"that put darkness for light..." The footnote on "darkness" leads to 1 John 1:6 which reads, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:" This verse is a measuring stick. To have fellowship with Christ is to walk in light. If we are in darkness, confused, it is because we are lying (to ourselves at least) and do not what is right or true, or in other words, we do not that which Christ would do. We have in a few words "put darkness for light."
"and light for darkness..." That is to say that the light does not work, or that the light doesn't really produce the desired results. Therefore, the light, which is in Christ, is discounted as ineffective, irrelevant, or useless. Faith is assumed to be vain. These are the results of those that will put "light for darkness."
"that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" This last part of the verse reminds me of some of the erroneous "bitter" doctrines that have been adopted into Christian churches that are neither Christian nor the substance of hope. Such teachings as the eternal nature of the family unit, redemption for the dead, and sinless nature of little children are all "sweet" and beautiful doctrines that are only had through the restoration of the Gospel of Christ.
"Wo..." The list of condemnations that Isaiah pronounces against the house of Israel in his day continues. Yet, these condemnations are so applicable to me in my day.
"unto them that call evil good..." There are footnotes on both "call" and "evil". The footnote that emphasizes "call" condemns those that would take judgment upon themselves, assuming that they know better than the Lord what is good and what is evil.
Moroni reminds us in chapter 7, verses 14 &18 that we should not judge wrongfully, judging the evil thing to be of God, or that which is of God to be evil. Most importantly, at the end of verse 18, Moroni states, "For with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged." This is a very interesting thought, that as I choose to treat and perceive others, so shall I be treated and perceived by God in the end. There is something of a secret in becoming like God in this simple observation.
"and good evil..." This happens when we are unable to perceive the works of God, not understanding their purpose or the intent for which a thing is given. One such thought is the calling of inexperienced persons to fulfill positions of leadership within the church. From the outside, one would never manage a business in such a fashion. Yet, the work of the Lord is brought to pass when man's weakness is refined. The purposes of God are completely different than any other worldly organization.
"that put darkness for light..." The footnote on "darkness" leads to 1 John 1:6 which reads, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:" This verse is a measuring stick. To have fellowship with Christ is to walk in light. If we are in darkness, confused, it is because we are lying (to ourselves at least) and do not what is right or true, or in other words, we do not that which Christ would do. We have in a few words "put darkness for light."
"and light for darkness..." That is to say that the light does not work, or that the light doesn't really produce the desired results. Therefore, the light, which is in Christ, is discounted as ineffective, irrelevant, or useless. Faith is assumed to be vain. These are the results of those that will put "light for darkness."
"that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" This last part of the verse reminds me of some of the erroneous "bitter" doctrines that have been adopted into Christian churches that are neither Christian nor the substance of hope. Such teachings as the eternal nature of the family unit, redemption for the dead, and sinless nature of little children are all "sweet" and beautiful doctrines that are only had through the restoration of the Gospel of Christ.
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