Nephi taught that “the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not” (2 Nephi 25:28-29). Two Book of Mormon prophets, Jacob and Alma, denounced charismatic teachers who denied Christ, even though both of those teachers—Sherem and Korihor—prevaricated in their denials. (See Jacob 7:9, Alma 30:39, 48.) Both Mormon and Moroni warned us against denying the Christ. (See 3 Nephi 29:5, Mormon 9:1-3.)
That warning has particular impact coming from Moroni, because of the price he paid to remain true to his convictions:
[The Lamanites] put to death every Nephite that will not deny the Christ.
And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life.
Moroni 1:2-3
The Come, Follow Me manual asks the following question about this passage: “What are some ways a person might ‘deny the Christ’?”
Here are some thoughts about that question:
- We deny Christ when we try to do everything on our own, refusing to seek or accept His help. (See Matthew 11:29.)
- We deny Christ when we fail to forgive others. (See Ephesians 4:32.)
- We deny Christ when we reject His servants. (See Matthew 10:40.)
- We deny Christ when we are unwilling to receive His power and gifts. (See Moroni 10:7-8.)
Today, I will follow Moroni’s example by choosing not to “deny the Christ.” I will open my heart and allow His power to enter my life. I will forgive others as a testament to the power of His forgiveness. I will honor His servants, recognizing that my behavior toward them is indicative of my attitude toward Him.
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