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 13, 2016

D&C 52

After the Savior declared that He would give a pattern in all things, He follows with a pattern leaders should demonstrate in their callings so the people are not deceived, giving -

"Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances.
16 He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.
17 And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 52:15 - 17)

He then adds the contrary -

"And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 52:18)

For my own reference, I am adding some comments by David J. Ridges -

Now, we will list these seven points again, along with brief commentary on each. In effect, if a person who is trying to persuade you toward a certain conclusion, course of action, belief, or whatever, conforms to all seven points in this pattern, then you can rest assured that you will not be deceived by him or her.

(1) The person prays to God faithfully.
(2) The person humbly desires correction as needed.
(3) The person is living in harmony with the covenants he or she has made with God, including faithful church attendance, tithe paying, temple attendance, and so forth.
(4) The person’s language is gentle and pleasant, not caustic and bitter.
(5) What you are hearing edifies you—in other words, brings you peace, light, and understanding (see D&C 50:22-24).
(6) The person is humble and respects and carefully follows the leaders of the Church, through whom the Lord extends His power and authority to all the world.
(7) The person’s teachings and life is in strict harmony with the scriptures and the words of the modern prophets and Apostles.  (Ridges, David J.. Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier Volume 2)