2 Nephi 24
Studying 2 Nephi 24, the thought impresses me that the one to whom Lucifer is telling the biggest lie is himself.
This chapter begins with this reminder: "For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel," (vs. 1). This is a reminder of the Covenant that God made with Abraham and his sons. In the day that this will be brought to pass, it says that "the land of the Lord will be servants and handmaidens; and they shall take them captives unto whom they were captives;" (vs. 2). This is evidence that rank and station are of no value in the eyes of the Lord. Especially within the Church, there is no hierarchy of authority that gives privilege or preference to an individual or family.
Studying 2 Nephi 24, the thought impresses me that the one to whom Lucifer is telling the biggest lie is himself.
For thou hast said in thy heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north;
There are two sides only to the battle in heaven and on earth. On the one side are those that serve the Lord, and on the opposite side are those that serve themselves, and think that of themselves they are able to attain some greater degree of glory than what God has promised to those that follow Him.I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. (vs. 13-14)
This chapter begins with this reminder: "For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel," (vs. 1). This is a reminder of the Covenant that God made with Abraham and his sons. In the day that this will be brought to pass, it says that "the land of the Lord will be servants and handmaidens; and they shall take them captives unto whom they were captives;" (vs. 2). This is evidence that rank and station are of no value in the eyes of the Lord. Especially within the Church, there is no hierarchy of authority that gives privilege or preference to an individual or family.
That has ever been Satan's problem and his modus operandi -- to seek and to suggest short-cuts to exaltation, or counterfeits.
ReplyDeleteHe told Eve that by eating of the fruit, she would become as the gods. Non-LDS Christians pounce on that as an outright lie and tag LDS with falling for the same lie. But a few verses later, God Himself confirms that Eve has by eating the fruit, become "as one of us,knowing good from evil."
Satan's critical omission was what is necessary between the eating of the fruit and theosis or exaltation, namely, the whole plan of salvation.