Mormon 7

If you had witnessed the deaths of almost everyone you knew, having almost lost your own life and knowing that death was very soon, what would be your final words?  As we read the 7th chapter of Mormon, this is what we find as Mormon chooses to speak to his people -

"...I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of this people who are spared, if it so be that God may give unto them my words, that they may know of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words which I speak:
2 Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel.
3 Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved.
4 Know ye that ye must lay down your weapons of war, and delight no more in the shedding of blood, and take them not again, save it be that God shall command you."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 7:1 - 4)

I am reminded of the the people of Ammon that buried their swords to aleviate any temptation to murder and plunder as they had previously done.  Symbolically, I think Mormon also is suggesting the same theing again that we should lay down our weakness and weapons and take them not again.  Mormon continues -

"Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up.
6 And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgment-seat.
7 And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 7:5 - 7)

Mormon again teaches the plan of happiness and then follow teaches the rock or doctrine of Christ upon which we must build -

"Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you..."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 7:8)

He suggests that this is not only the Book of Mormon but all scriptures including the teachings of the prophets -

"...therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment."  (Book of Mormon   Mormon 7:10)

What profound and complete closing words.  I personally feel pain each time I read the words of Moroni, Mormon's son -

"And my father also was killed by them..."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 8:3)