2 Nephi 31
And now at the end of his record, Nephi takes opportunity to write just a few more concerning the doctrine of Christ. Specifically, Nephi is addressing baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Verse 12 is an interesting argument given by the Lord himself. It reads, "And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do." (italics added)
In other words, what Christ is saying is that when we are baptized we are given the Holy Ghost, which is the same thing that happened to the Lord when he was baptized. Having the companionship of the Holy Ghost is the qualifier to being able to do the things which Christ was able to do. What strikes me is that following the influence of the Holy Ghost is the what enables us to be able to do what Christ did.
These ramification are deep, for if God is willing to give us the very same power that Christ himself had, then it is true that we can be expected to be able to do the same works which Christ himself did.
The other theme that is prevalent in this chapter is the discussion on enduring to the end. Nephi supports this argument with such strong statements as "if... after this [you] should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me," (vs 14). Nephi also quotes other revelations that he had received, "He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved," (vs 15).
Then in verse 20, Nephi details the terms by which we must endure to the end. As I re-read it this morning, the thought comes into my mind that this is surely obtainable. In the end we must have a complete reliance upon Christ, filled with a perfect brightness of hope, and be possessed with a love of God and of all men. These are the qualifiers for salvation. If we are found possessed of these things until the end of our lives, then we have won the race. Then have we qualified for eternal life. Though hard, as life proves to be, this actually seem obtainable.
And now at the end of his record, Nephi takes opportunity to write just a few more concerning the doctrine of Christ. Specifically, Nephi is addressing baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Verse 12 is an interesting argument given by the Lord himself. It reads, "And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do." (italics added)
In other words, what Christ is saying is that when we are baptized we are given the Holy Ghost, which is the same thing that happened to the Lord when he was baptized. Having the companionship of the Holy Ghost is the qualifier to being able to do the things which Christ was able to do. What strikes me is that following the influence of the Holy Ghost is the what enables us to be able to do what Christ did.
These ramification are deep, for if God is willing to give us the very same power that Christ himself had, then it is true that we can be expected to be able to do the same works which Christ himself did.
The other theme that is prevalent in this chapter is the discussion on enduring to the end. Nephi supports this argument with such strong statements as "if... after this [you] should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me," (vs 14). Nephi also quotes other revelations that he had received, "He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved," (vs 15).
Then in verse 20, Nephi details the terms by which we must endure to the end. As I re-read it this morning, the thought comes into my mind that this is surely obtainable. In the end we must have a complete reliance upon Christ, filled with a perfect brightness of hope, and be possessed with a love of God and of all men. These are the qualifiers for salvation. If we are found possessed of these things until the end of our lives, then we have won the race. Then have we qualified for eternal life. Though hard, as life proves to be, this actually seem obtainable.
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