3 Nephi 21 & 22
It just seemed natural to read both chapters this morning. Christ talks about the Book of Mormon, the signs of its coming forth, etc. In Chapter 22, he talks about stakes and the gathering of Israel.
I think one thing I find interesting about reading the Book of Mormon is the number of times the first principles of the gospel are mentioned. The gospel is not complicated. If we want to be included in the gathering, the requirements are simple:
Do I believe in your Savior, Jesus Christ?
Have I repented of your sins?
Have I been baptized?
Have I received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands?
I think this first hit me as I was doing initiatories one day in the temple. Then I began watching for this same pattern as I read the scriptures. There is a lot of history in the Book of Mormon, but it boils down to our belief in the Savior and will we keep His commandments. I suspect the more history I know and understand at some coming day, the better off I’ll be. Perhaps that’s the reason for reading and rereading the scriptures. However, I don’t believe it will be my ticket into the Celestial Kingdom as much as these four principles of the gospel. Interesting that these four principles are repeated in the 4th Article of Faith. Also interesting that the 3rd Article of Faith says “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ (whom we believe in), all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” The laws and ordinances are the first principles of the gospel.
I think the nugget I pick up this morning is this: Don’t make it too complicated. The gospel is quite simple. So what is the heritage of those who embrace the gospel? I love the last verse of Chapter 22:
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.
Every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
I have a note: We can’t do it without Christ’s Atonement!
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