A Study of the Book of Mormon

Mosiah 4:4-12 In verse 6 , king Benjamin talks of an Atonement which had been prepared from the foundation of the world. There are two other prophets in the Book of Mormon that also make reference to this: "...the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world," ( Mosiah 15:19 ) "...through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world."( Mosiah 18:13 ) How does this change my attitude or feelings towards the Atonement, knowing that it was prepared from the beginning of the world? In chapter 18, instead of saying the Atonement, Alma says it was Christ who was prepared to redeem us. How does this change my attitudes towards my Savior, knowing that he was the one who was prepared and did prepare to accomplish the Atonement on my behalf, and on behalf of all? Verses 11 and 12 lead up to a prize which is beyond mortal comprehension. Throughout this group of verses, king Benjamin contra...

Mosiah 4: 1-3 The effect of King Benjamin delivering the angelic message caused the fear of the Lord to come upon the people. (I am trying to imagine how this happened.) It impresses me that this happened at the end of Benjamin's lifetime and reign as king. His people must have already had a deep love, a profound sense of respect, and absolute trust toward him to allow themselves to be influenced in this manner. This too then is testament to a lifetime of diligent labors. In verse 2 , the people cry: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.  This has always left me a little confused as to how this happened. How does a multitude of people "cry aloud with one voice?" Perhaps it was given them what to say? Or was it purely improvised?  Does it matte...

Mosiah 3:20-27 This is about faith and repentance. The time will come when everyone will be required to exercise faith on the Lord Jesus Christ or perish... there will be no more blameless , except those that King Benjamin had already addressed earlier in this chapter. Because the words which King Benjamin had shared with his people, they had become subject to the demands of justice. And every one of them were to be judged according to their works whether they be good or whether they be evil. ( see 22-24 ) Verses 25 to 27 address the horrible state of they that are evil. It impresses me that it is the choice to do evil, to be evil that consigns them (the wicked) to become keenly aware of their guilt and wicked works. Such a course of choice will disqualify anyone from the claims of mercy. Therefore, what we choose to do in this life does matter.

Mosiah 3:13-19 The purpose of a prophet is to afford the people the opportunity to exercise faith in Jesus Christ, and repent so that they may receive a remission of their sins. Their teaching makes it as if Christ himself were there among the people where a prophet is found. ( see vs 13 ) The law of Moses was calculated to remind the people of God of the coming of Christ. Additionally, the Lord sent signs, wonders, types, and shadows of his coming. Also, he sent prophets to testify of Christ and his coming. Yet, what was not understood was that there was no salvation  in the laws, rites, and rituals associated with the law of Moses, but salvation was to come through the atonement of  Jesus Christ. (see vs 14-15 ) The focus of this chapter keeps coming back to Christ and his atoning blood. Christ's blood atoned for those who have ignorantly sinned ( vs 11 ). It is the atonement, not the law of Moses, through which salvation comes ( vs 15 ). Little children are redeemed from th...

Mosiah 3:5-13 Having the recent General Priesthood Meeting fresh in my mind, the phrase "that with power" stands out in my mind. I'm thinking about my son who is a few years off yet from receiving the Aaronic priesthood. I'm thinking of Christ as a young man of twelve years old being found in the temple of God already aware of what his mission was and what his relationship to God was. I am reminded of what a young Aaronic priesthood holder can do at just 12 years old and the ministering of angels. Christ's blood atoned for the sins of those who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them (see verse 11 ). Then those that do know the will of God, what of them? "But wo, wo unto him that knoweth that he rebelleth against God! Salvation cometh unto none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ," ( verse 12 ). This group of verses specifically is centered on Christ, and consequently I find myself wondering can we ever t...