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"Lord, How Is It Done?" Enos1:1-8

Enos 1:1-8

As testament to his father Jacob, Enos begins his short account with a simple statement of tribute to his father: "knowing my father that he was a just man." (verse 1, emphasis added) How appropriate and how beautiful is the acknowledgment of a son of his father's goodness and righteousness. It might seem backwards that the testimony of a son towards his father would be such compelling evidence of his father's goodness, but on the other hand, who better to make such a statement.

Enos's account is different than Nephi's and Jacob's. Here is the first prophet in the Book of Mormon to make reference to his own repentance and conversion to Christ. He describes it in simple terms by saying, "I will tell you of the wrestle that I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins." (verse 2)

Enos's repentance process was, when it finally came, an all day ordeal. He was found in a quiet place, were betwixt him and God they could work through the sins that Enos had committed. I appreciate that Enos described repentance as a wrestle with God -- a labor intensive struggle that requires every ounce of effort that one has or is capable of possessing. As any interaction with God should require, this especially demanded all of his heart, might, mind, and strength. (See Doctrine and Covenants 4:2)

When the night finally came, Enos continued his struggle, but then was met with these words, that only the penitent can fully appreciate, "thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed."(verse 5)  I love what Enos concludes subsequently, "I knew that God could not lie, wherefore, my guilt was swept away." (verse 6)  

Simple terms really -- there is no other way to describe it. But the change that takes place is profoundly significant and life altering. To have one's guilt removed, the burden of sin, which hangs as an oppressive rock over one's soul, to return to a state of innocence and purity before God, there is nothing to compare with this transformation which takes place. (see also John 3:3)

The depth of the forgiveness that Enos received and its impact upon him seems to be the reason that prompts his subsequent question. Again, a very simple statement-- "Lord, how is it done?" (verse 7) Then, knowing that Enos had listening ears, the Lord answers him "because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou has never before heard nor seen... wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole." (verse 8

The simplicity of the repentance process and the profundity of the forgiveness and cleansing that resulted are made possible through faith in Christ. In just a few chapters later (though roughly 400 years later), King Benjamin teaches:
And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent. (Mosiah 3:17)

Comments

  1. Speaking of Enos' acknowledgement of his father, it's also interesting to note that he then says "blessed be the name of my God for it". You might expect him to praise his dad for teaching him, which I'm sure he feels too. But he praises God for giving him a righteous and diligent father and recognises it as a blessing to his own life.

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  2. Excellent point and reminder, Herdsman family. Credit was given where it ought to have been. Enos's remarks are very short, comparatively, with the other books in the Book of Mormon. Yet even so, his words are inspiring. Thanks!

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  3. verse 8: The words "thy faith hath made thee whole" were also said to 1) the woman with issue of blood, 2) blind Bartemaus, 3) the grateful Samaritan leper; often also saying "be of good comfort" and "go in peace" or "go thy way".

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