Mosiah 18

King Benjamin taught his people -

"...because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:7)

It appears as we make the covenant of baptism, we become "born" of him and his sons and daughters. In my mind, born would suggest we are yet babes as his children for -

"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (New Testament | John 3:5)

Thus we become His seed where -

"...whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:11)

But at this stage, even though we may be even as small "child", we are not yet fully mature. Thus Alma taught his priests and his followers and -

"...commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:21)

and -

"...that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.
28 And thus they should impart of their substance of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul.
29 And this he said unto them, having been commanded of God; and they did walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:27 - 29)

It seems that as the followers of Christ continued in this manner, Alma suggests -

"...And thus they became the children of God." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:22)

"Became the children of God" would then suggest a process towards growth and maturity. It seems after a life of faithfulness and covenant making, taking upon us the name of Christ, that the day will come where we will not be just children but adult sons and daughters of God and joint-heirs with Christ. Paul suggested the same saying -

"...if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ..."
(New Testament | Romans 8:17)

Mosiah 18

While at the waters of Mormon, Alma teaches the very core of commitments and promised blessing of the baptismal covenant. To be worthy or willing to accept the baptismal covenant, Alma asks -

"...here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:8)

First, one must have a rightouse desire -

"...and to be called his people..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:8)

Must be willing to take upon them the name of Christ -

"...and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:8)

"...and are willing to mourn with those that mourn..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:9)

"...and comfort those that stand in need of comfort..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:9)

"...and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:9)

And -

"...that ye will serve him..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:10)

"...and keep his commandments..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:10)

I count eight commitment and promises that we covenant at baptism. In turn, the Lord promises -

"...that ye may be redeemed of God..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:9)

"...be numbered with those of the first resurrection..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:9)

"...that ye may have eternal life..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:9)

Eternal life is exaltation. And finally and of greatest importance to receive these blessings is -

"...that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:10)

I count four great promises. In just three verses, Alma teaches the doctrine of the baptismal and sacrament covenant.

Mosiah 17

From the experience of Abinadi with Noah and his wicked priests, we can learn the impact on our eternal progression by those we befriend and associate with. As Abinadi prophecied the truth to king Noah, he testified -

"...I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands.
10 Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 17:9 - 10)

It appears that these words must have penetrated his heart, maybe recalling the teachings of his father for -

"...king Noah was about to release him, for he feared his word; for he feared that the judgments of God would come upon him." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 17:11)

It is obvious that at one time, Noah had an understanding of the plan of salvation but because of his close associates -

"...the priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him, saying: He has reviled the king. Therefore the king was stirred up in anger against him, and he delivered him up that he might be slain." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 17:12)

Isn't it interesting that when we are at the point where we might repent, it may be our wicked associates that may lead us (in this case to anger) away from good and righteousness. The friends we choose can have impact on our eternal progression.

Mosiah 16

I've blogged recently about "envy". It seems to be a common vise in our day where many feel entitled by the work of others. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines envy as -

"...painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage."

It doesn't suggest any kind of joy in the good fortune of others, but more hatred and misery. I seem to feel that this hatred and resentment may have more to do with an unwillingness to work towards the same. I've mentioned that I thought that this is what "fire and brimstone" means. As Abinadi concludes his "message" to the wicked priests of king Noah he teaches much the same saying -

"...the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 16:2)

It is interesting to me that the weeping and howling has more to with blaming others for their bad state of affairs where Abinadi specifically tells them it was "because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord". This is why envy causes so much pain. The blessings of the infinite atonement is available to all. It is their own fault if one does not take advantage for Abinadi taught of the resurrection -

"If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation, being delivered up to the devil, who hath subjected them, which is damnation—" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 16:11)

Why?

"Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires; having never called upon the Lord while the arms of mercy were extended towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and they would not; they being warned of their iniquities and yet they would not depart from them; and they were commanded to repent and yet they would not repent." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 16:12)

It is as simple as that.

Mosiah 15

To answer the wicked priests question that I previously blogged about, Abinadi, provides one of the clearest responses to the the same question asked of Isaiah -

"...who shall declare his generation?" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:10)

Or in other words, in my mind, those that He will give Eternal Life, for -

"...when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:10)

Or, in my mind, His generation for -

"...who shall be his seed?" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:10)

These are His seed or His generation for -

"...whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God.
12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed?
13 Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:11 - 13)

Those that "hearkened unto their words" are those that keep His commandments. Thus Abinadi explains the question given by the priests -

"...these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!
15 And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!
16 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
17 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:14 - 17)

Clearly, Abinadi was one that brought good tidings, that published peace and salvation. How greatful we are for his faithfulness and sacrifice.

Mosiah 15

Ther are many of the so called "Christians" of our day that question whether members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are Christians are not. If the definition of a Christian is one that believes in the Christ of the Old and New Testament, follows His doctrine, and is His organization, then so called "Mormons" are Christians. If the definition is one of the 4th century Christian Churches where great religious leaders (men) of that day gathered to establish a uniformity of creeds and definitions of diety such as the "Trinity", then "Mormons" are not Christians for -

"WE believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:1)

And that -

"The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 130:22)

These are three distinct and seperate personages. Yet they are one as a husband and wife -

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh." (New Testament | Mark 10:7 - 8)

It is clear that this unity is not necessarily one personage.

As Abinadi addresses the wicked priests, he asks them several questions -

"...did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?
34 Have they not said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth?
35 Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted?" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 13:33 - 35)

It becomes apparent that many plain and precious teachings have been removed from the Old Testament. And then Abinadi quotes the 53rd chapter of Isaiah which is one of the most informative and soul wrenching descriptions and purpose of the atonement. And then he explains the teachings of Isaiah and othe Old Testament prophets to the wicked priests -

"...I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.
2 And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son—
3 The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—
4 And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:1 - 4)

We begin to learn that the Savior created the heavens and earth under the direction of His Father. Thus the Savior is the great Jehovah. We also begin to understand that the Savior earns the title of "Father" (just as our earthly fathers earn their title) also because it is He, through His infinite atonement, that He gives us eternal life. Thus He becomes a "Father" as well as the literal mortal son of a Heavenly Father. One individual with two titles as well as two distinct and seperate beings that are one in unity and purpose. Though it may be confusing to some, it is made clear by Abinadi.

Mosiah 13

The scriptures teach much about eternal punishment and -

"...a lake of fire burning with brimstone." (New Testament | Revelation 19:20)

John the Revelator wrote -

"If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb..." (New Testament | Revelation 14:9 - 10)

Which suggests in my mind that this torment will be because of seeing the glory of God and His angels. Many have suggested this eternal punishment will be because of the thought of "what could have been?" But that is not what I think. As Abinadi reviewed the ten commandments with the wicked priests of king Noah, he quoted -

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 13:24)

I see this as a commandment to avoid this so called "fire and brimstone". I believe "fire and brimstone" to be "envy" or being in envy of another's possessions, lifestyle, and even goodness. Envy or to covet, in my mind, suggests an absence of love for another's hard work and good fortune. An more apparent, an unwilliness to put forth any effort to acquire such -

"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." (New Testament | James 3:16)

Where charity is -

"...charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not..." (Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:45)

This is important as Alma asked the saints in Zarahemla -

"Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? I say unto you that such an one is not prepared; and I would that he should prepare quickly, for the hour is close at hand, and he knoweth not when the time shall come; for such an one is not found guiltless." (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:29)

Mosiah 12

As Abinadi begins to call the people to repentance, we begin to see the resistance and methods of demagoguery of the wicked in order to maintain their power beginning with first -

"...they were wroth with him..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 11:26)

They then try to demean them or their principles saying -

"...Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him, or who is the Lord, that shall bring upon my people such great affliction?" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 11:27)

Next, they try to get rid of them -

"...for he has said these things that he might stir up my people to anger one with another, and to raise contentions among my people; therefore I will slay him.: (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 11:28)

And then they ignore them and continue their wicked ways for -

"Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 11:29)

In this case, Abinadi would not go away, and returned several years away. Finally they, (wicked priests) had to confront him in order to cross him to condemn him. I find it very interesting the first question poised by these men. Because Abinadi had come to condemn their wickedness and call them to repentance, it seemed the priests tried to use a gospel truth to suggest that Abinadi was causing contention and confilect and not in accordance to the teachings of the prophets... in other words, attempting to -

"... call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:20)

The priest asked -

"...What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, saying:
21 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 12:20 - 21)

Obviously, he was suggesting that Abinadi was not bringing "good tidings".

But I love how Abinadi turned the tables -

"And now Abinadi said unto them: Are you priests, and pretend to teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying, and yet desire to know of me what these things mean?
26 I say unto you, wo be unto you for perverting the ways of the Lord! For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them; therefore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord.
27 Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 12:25 - 27)

From then on, Abinadi was in charge of this hearing and conducted it in such a manner to not only call the priests to repentance, but in a manner to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ in responding to the very question asked of the priest. We witness a marvelous and spiritual discourse inspired by the Holy Ghost. It was sufficient to convert one of the great lleaders of the Book of Mormon...Alma.

Mosiah 11

One thing that we learn as Zeniff turns the leadership of his kingdom over to his son, Noah, is how "quickly" a people can fall from keeping the commandments and fall into lustful wickedness when justified by leaders and entertainers for -

"...it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (New Testament | 2 Peter 2:22)

But in contrast when this happens,even though the Lord will always accept repentance, he does not do it quickly for -

"...I am the Lord their God, and am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of my people.
23 And it shall come to pass that except this people repent and turn unto the Lord their God, they shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver them, except it be the Lord the Almighty God.
24 Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall cry unto me I will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and I will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 11:22 - 24)

When those that fall quickly into inquity, when they are in the depths of affliction, the Lord will "be slow to hear their cries". But only -

"...except they repent in sackcloth and ashes, and cry mightily to the Lord their God, I will not hear their prayers, neither will I deliver them out of their afflictions; and thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 11:25)

It is clear that he will still deliver them but only after true and full repentance which may require and extended time of affliction. I feel He responds in this manner in hopes that it would not happend again. The more pain, the better we remember.

Mosiah 10

As we read the history of Zeniff and his people, we learn a great deal about the nature of people and how it is apparently the same today. The first thing we learn is that a righteous and religious people are generally more industrious and prosperous where an an unrighteous people tends to be more lazy, more dependent upon others, blameful, hateful, and envious. As Zeniff was over-zealous to again obtain the land of Nephi, Zeniff confesses -

"...I went again with four of my men into the city, in unto the king, that I might know of the disposition of the king, and that I might know if I might go in with my people and possess the land in peace.
6 And I went in unto the king, and he covenanted with me that I might possess the land of Lehi-Nephi, and the land of Shilom." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 9:5 - 6)

Though we receive no detail of what the deal was where Laman was willing to give Zeniff and his people this land, we soon learn Laman's deceptive motive that -

"...it was the cunning and the craftiness of king Laman, to bring my people into bondage, that he yielded up the land that we might possess it." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 9:10)

Obviously, very little "transparency". But as a righteous people, Zeniff records -

"...we began to till the ground, yea, even with all manner of seeds, with seeds of corn, and of wheat, and of barley, and with neas, and with sheum, and with seeds of all manner of fruits; and we did begin to multiply and prosper in the land." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 9:9)

We learn of the Lamanites that -

"...they were a lazy and an idolatrous people; therefore they were desirous to bring us into bondage, that they might glut themselves with the labors of our hands; yea, that they might feast themselves upon the flocks of our fields." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 9:12)

It is then that we learn a little bit more about the Lamanites in that they were very envious and considered themselves an oppressed people and therefore were entitled to take from the prosperous because of -

"...believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea;
13 And again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea, and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness.
14 And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord.
15 And again, they were wroth with him when they had arrived in the promised land, because they said that he had taken the ruling of the people out of their hands; and they sought to kill him.
16 And again, they were wroth with him because he departed into the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him, and took the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, for they said that he robbed them.
17 And thus they have taught their children that they should hate them, and that they should murder them, and that they should rob and plunder them, and do all they could to destroy them; therefore they have an eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 10:12 - 17)

And because of this attitude and belief, Zeniff records -

"For this very cause has king Laman, by his cunning, and lying craftiness, and his fair promises, deceived me, that I have brought this my people up into this land, that they may destroy them; yea, and we have suffered these many years in the land." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 10:18)

I couldn't help but note that because of envy and this false sense of oppression that king Lamn used the concept of "fair promises" to deceive.

It is apparent that somethings never change.

Mosiah 8

As Limhi and Ammon discussed the finding of 24 plates made of pure gold filled with engravings, Ammon responded -

"...I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 8:13)

Not to necessarily overlook these so called "interpreters", what my mind seem to focus on this morning is one called a "seer", which Ammon suggests must be commanded or in my mind, called to become such. It is clear that no one takes this honor until themselves or they may perish. Many prophets were called as seers. But not all prophets were seers. For it is a -

"...high gift from God." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 8:14)

To King Limhi, it was apparent -

"...that a seer is greater than a prophet." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 8:15)

For a -

"...a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 8:16)

And as a revelator and a prophet -

"...a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 8:17)

As we read the Old and New Testaments and the Book of Mormon, we recognize many prophets that were called to be seers in that they "saw" and prophecied ofthings that were to come and revealed many great and hidden things, even the mysteries of God -

"Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 8:18)

In our day, because of restored priesthood keys, we sustain members of the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. There brethren are a great benefit to our fellow man warning us of conditions that will come.

Mosiah 7

After Limhi recounts the history and choices made Zeniff and his son Noah, many symbolisms can be extracted form these events from the plan of salavation and keeping the commandents to being over-zealous in personal acquisitions and debt and the consequences that follow from not following the counsel of prophets. As I pondered these things, Limhi, from experience provides great counsel and warning to people of our day saying -

"...the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them.
30 And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison.
31 And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction.
32 And now, behold, the promise of the Lord is fulfilled, and ye are smitten and afflicted.: (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 7:29 - 32)

We talk much of the condition of our nation at this time. We look for all sorts of secular solutions. But the truth of the matter is the Lord will not succor us or allow us to prosper in the day of our transgressions. But it doesn't have to be that way. Again Limhi knows -

"But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 7:33)

I would expect that "according to His will and pleasure" will have a great deal of the magnitude of trangression and the duration that it has continued.

Mosiah 5

The doctrine of Christ requires us to make and keep sacred covenants. One of those covenants is that we are willing to take upon us the name of Christ or in other words, be born again through His grace and atonement for -

"...under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:8)

As we make these covenants we learn that our right hand is the covenant hand for King Benjamin taught -

"...that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.
10 And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some other name; therefore, he findeth himself on the left hand of God." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:9 - 10)

And as we covenant with our right hand and we partake of the sacrament to be willing to take upon ourselves His name, for -

"...this is the name that I said I should give unto you that never should be blotted out, except it be through transgression; therefore, take heed that ye do not transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts.
12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:11 - 12)

I think there is a significant difference between knowing of Christ and knowing Christ -

"For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:13)

Mosiah 4

As the people of King Benjamin received the Spirit and experienced a mighty change of heart or in a sense, received a remission of the sins, King Benjamin teaches -

"...as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.
12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 4:11 - 12)

And then King Benjamin proceeds to teach his people how they may retain a remission of their sins. He concludes how this is done with a simple summary, in that -

"...for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 4:26)

It seems as we keep His commandments by ministering to others, we retain a remission of our sins.

Mosiah 3

As King Benjamin continued to speak to his people, he makes an interesting point -

"...men drink damnation to their own souls except they humble themselves and become as little children, and believe that salvation was, and is, and is to come, in and through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.
19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:18 - 19)

First, it becomes clear that men are not born as a "natural man". We are born as children, "submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit" to our parents. It is as we grow and use are agency that men become natural men. Enoch taught this same doctrine explaining that -

"...Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempteth them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 6:49)

King Benjamin explains the key in not becomeing "carnal, sensual, and devilish" or in other words, the "natural man" in that -

"...he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit..."(Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:19)

As his people -

"...viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: 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..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 4:2)

"...the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 4:3)

And thus they became as little children "willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him" -

"...because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:2)

The key is to receive the Holy Ghost.

Mosiah 3

Sometime ago I blogged of the teachings of Lehi -

"...the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:21)

I believe that for the judgement to be just, our days much be prolonged or time lengthened sufficiently to repent...even if this extends into the world of spirits. King Benjamin adds a interesting teaching of the Savior's atonement that -

"...his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:11)

At first, one may think that salvation is a slam dunk for these, but again,even thought the atonement atoneth for these sins, a time must be provided to allow agency and repentance for a just judgement. In speaking of the world of spirits of those that had passed on, an understanding of this was revealed to President Joseph F. Smith where upon the Saviors death -

"...the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been faithful;
19 And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.
20 But unto the wicked he did not go, and among the ungodly and the unrepentant who had defiled themselves while in the flesh, his voice was not raised;
21 Neither did the rebellious who rejected the testimonies and the warnings of the ancient prophets behold his presence, nor look upon his face.
22 Where these were, darkness reigned, but among the righteous there was peace..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:18 - 22)

President Smith then saw that -

"...from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.
31 And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
32 Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.
33 These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,
34 And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:30 - 34)

With this revelation, it becomes clear that through the mercy and atonement of Jesus Christ as well as the justice of God, there will be a fair or just judgement -

"For behold he judgeth, and his judgment is just; and the infant perisheth not that dieth in his infancy; but men drink damnation to their own souls except they humble themselves and become as little children, and believe that salvation was, and is, and is to come, in and through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:18)

Wherefore -

"...at the judgment day; whereof they shall be judged, every man according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:24)

Mosiah 3

As King Benjamin spoke concerning the mortal life of the Savior, he prophecied that -

"...he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:7)

Thus as explained later by Alma -

"...he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Book of Mormon | Alma 7:11 - 12)

Thus having a full understanding how to succor his people, He -

"...shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:5)

And as he did -

"...he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:6)

Knowing that evil spirits are personages of spirit, it is obvious that they could not literally dwell in the hearts of men. I beleive then that the wording "dwell in the hearts of the children of men" would suggest evil thoughts, anger, hatred, contention, wicked desires and so forth. Thus the Savior not only had the ability to cast out spirits but also change and heal ones heart or desires. Alma would later share of his father's followers speaking of the Savior, that -

"...he changed their hearts..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:7)

Thus King Benjamin would later acknowledge to his people -

"...he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:7)

I believe this is synomous to the Savior casting out evil spirits in the heart of men. I believe this is more of a process than a single event Thus, as evil is cast out by faith in his name, though we may not be perfect, King Benjamin taught -

"...the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy righteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:4)

Though we may not yet be perfect, we may still rejoice in the process.

Mosiah 2

As King Benjamin taught his people, two of his points seemed to touch my heart this morning. First, as he laid out evidence of his life long service, sacrifice, and commitment to his people, he tells them -

"...that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:16 - 17)

Therefore -

"...if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:18)

And then what touched me was this comment on expressing appreciation -

"...if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!" (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:19)

I believe what King Benjamin is suggesting that we should recognize that when anyone blesses our lives, they are serving God, therefore, not only should we express gratitude to the individual but also to our Father in Heaven in that he has worked through the individual. President Spencer W. Kimball taught -

"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom." (June Conference, 1974)

The second thought is that sometimes we have a tendency to suggest that we have been faithful and we "deserve" a specific blessing. King Benjamin taught his people -

"...my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another—
21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:20 - 21)

Why?

"...in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.
24 And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:23 - 24)

We have to be very careful when we start believing the Lord "owes us".

Mosiah 1

As King Benjamin instructed his son Mosiah to gather the people at the temple that he might speak to them, he shares one of his motives -

"...I shall give this people a name, that thereby they may be distinguished above all the people which the Lord God hath brought out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I do because they have been a diligent people in keeping the commandments of the Lord.
12 And I give unto them a name that never shall be blotted out, except it be through transgression." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 1:11 - 12)

We see in Old Testament times, Abram, Sarai, and Jacob (Abraham, Sarah, and Israel) all received new names as they took upon them sacred covenants and promises. Saul later took upon him the name of Paul. Isaiah said the same of those that receive celestial glory that they -

"...shalt be called by a new name..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 62:2)

And to him that overcometh or keeps the covenants and commandments of the Lord, John writes -

"...will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (New Testament | Revelation 2:17)

But this name that would be given to his people if they were faithful had more to do, which in my mind is a last name, much like the name we take on us acknowledging our parents, was as King Benjamin would teach his people was Christ for -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:17)

Much as we did at our birth in the mortal existance, King Benjamin taught -
"...now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:7)

As we make and keep sacred covenants, we receive new names or covenant names. Not only a new name but also the name of Christ as we are born of Him. Thus as we renew our covenants weekly, we covenant that we -

"...are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son..." (Book of Mormon | Moroni 4:3)

Mosiah 1

King Benjamin undstood the great importance of the scriptures to his sons as -

"...he caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the hand of the Lord." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 1:2)

"The language" then, in my mind, would be more than just learning a language as we think, but more, a language,communication, or how the Holy Ghost speaks the the words of Christ through His holy prophets. For the purpose that they -

"...might read and understand of his mysteries..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 1:5)

I believe a "mystery" as referred to is knowledge that only come by revelation to an individual or to a prophet and confirmed to the individual by the Holy Ghost. The wisdom of King Benjamin is manifest as he teaches his sons -

"...my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 1:7)

I think the word "search" is significant. It suggest more than reading. It suggests that as one reads, one is asking themselves - "what is it that the Lord would have me learn and understand?" in other words, what is the mystery contained herein. This is the very reason I continue with this scripture blog.