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Friday, February 17, 2012

Wherefore, How Great the Importance to Make These Things Known

In second Nephi chapters one and two, the prophet Lehi is teaching his sons and daughters his last lesson because he knows his remaining time on earth is quickly coming to an end.
"Awake! and arise from the dust, and hear the words of a trembling parent, whose limbs ye must soon lay down in the cold and silent grave, from whence no traveler can return; a few more days and I go the way of all the earth."
He tells them,
"Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth."
What are these important things he is so anxious to tell his descendants?  He continues,
"Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.
Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.
Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.
And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him"
And finally he says,
“And now, my sons (and daughters), I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons (and daughters), in the last days of my probation; and I have chosen the good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen.”
This is the message of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, as well as the message of the Bible.  Jesus is our Mediator, Redeemer and Savior.  We will be judged for the choices we make in this life. This is the very essence of the temple and what it symbolizes for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  In the temple we make promises to follow the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ.  And this is why we share this message with our neighbors.

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