Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

D&C 19

It is in this revelation we begin to understand, not only the consequences of our own sins if we do not repent, but what may have been the cause of the suffering required for the infinite atonement.  The Savior teaches of those that do not repent -

"...I command you to repent, and keep the commandments which you have received by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., in my name;
14  And it is by my almighty power that you have received them;
15  Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:13 - 15)

We learn in other revelations where this suffering comes from -

"...the soul that sins against this covenant, and hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with according to the laws of my church, and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:21)

Even -

"Inasmuch as ye are cut off for transgression, ye cannot escape the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption."   (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 104:9)

It seems in this life protected with the light of Christ, His Spirit, and the power of the priesthood that Satan is not allowed to "buffet" those here on earth.  It will only be later that this buffeting of Satan will be allowed.  Buffeting would persistent blows or painful attacks.  Such buffeting will not be eternal, but again until the day of redemption or until the price has been paid for -

"Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:6)

Where endless is an adjective for "God's" torment.  It is my opinion that the Savior had no protection and felt the full wrath of buffeting in the atonement.  We know he had no protection for He asked -

"...My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"  (New Testament | Matthew 27:46)

And thus the Savior tells us -

"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17  But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18  Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
19  Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:16 - 19)

Even though He experienced a so called to desire to avoid this great pain and suffering, He chose to do the will of the Father and partook.  Having experienced such an incomprehensible suffering, He warns us in such a manner that we may possibly comprehend a little -

"...I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:20)

When we lose His Spirit, Satan is allowed to punish us in the least degree. 

I hope to remain faithful so I do not suffer.  I am so greatful for the atonement of Jesus Christ.