2 Nephi 33
Persuasive concluding arguments-- these final words of Nephi's are an irrefutable testimony of truth, and the reality of things as they really are (see Jacob 4:13).
I am reminded of the universality of the doctrine as I review Nephi's remarks. Verses 7 and 12 both express Nephi's hope that he expects to see many if not all saved in the kingdom of God.
This reminds me of the dialog between Joseph Smith, Sr. and his son, Joseph Smith, Jr. from the video about the First Vision. The father, who is depicted as being aloof from the churches of their day, says to his son, "I don't expect God intends to save just a few of his children."
This seems like such an important part of our doctrine, yet I can't find a word that describes it succinctly. Equality, maybe. But it's more than just the thought that all men are created equal. It's the reality that salvation is obtainable for all. The plan is setup so that we can expect salvation by being obedient to principles that we can understand.
The doctrine of the plan of God is such that it is universally accessible to all. God has not created a plan in which some are more privileged or more prone to repent of their sins than would be others. He surely is not foreordained any man to fail because of the conditions of the plan. In fact, it is just the opposite so that any man, having taken the effort to understand the plan of God, can -- wherever he is -- obtain salvation according to the principles of life.
I've spent a good amount of time crying lately. Nephi wrote, "...and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry." (vs. 3)
Persuasive concluding arguments-- these final words of Nephi's are an irrefutable testimony of truth, and the reality of things as they really are (see Jacob 4:13).
I am reminded of the universality of the doctrine as I review Nephi's remarks. Verses 7 and 12 both express Nephi's hope that he expects to see many if not all saved in the kingdom of God.
This reminds me of the dialog between Joseph Smith, Sr. and his son, Joseph Smith, Jr. from the video about the First Vision. The father, who is depicted as being aloof from the churches of their day, says to his son, "I don't expect God intends to save just a few of his children."
This seems like such an important part of our doctrine, yet I can't find a word that describes it succinctly. Equality, maybe. But it's more than just the thought that all men are created equal. It's the reality that salvation is obtainable for all. The plan is setup so that we can expect salvation by being obedient to principles that we can understand.
The doctrine of the plan of God is such that it is universally accessible to all. God has not created a plan in which some are more privileged or more prone to repent of their sins than would be others. He surely is not foreordained any man to fail because of the conditions of the plan. In fact, it is just the opposite so that any man, having taken the effort to understand the plan of God, can -- wherever he is -- obtain salvation according to the principles of life.
I've spent a good amount of time crying lately. Nephi wrote, "...and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry." (vs. 3)
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