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"The Knowledge of the Goodness of God," Mosiah 4:4-12

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 contrasts the nothingness of man with the goodness of God. (King Benjamin is much more descriptive than I am being.) A realization of this contrast compels us to repent, to walk in humility, to pray daily, and to stand steadfastly in faith of that which is to come. The prize that results from this course of action is 1) joy, 2) the love of God, 3) a remission of personal sins, and lastly (and this seems to me to be the grand prize) 4) growth in the knowledge of God.

Stepping back to verse 9, Benjamin reminds his people to "Believe in God" and that His wisdom and power far supersede  the wisdom of man. This is yet another reason why we would want to grow in the knowledge and power of God. Godly power and knowledge work hand in hand. In fact, it seems impossible to be possessor of one without the other.

And now I say to myself, if you believe all these things, see that you do them! (see verse 10)
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