Lehi taught his son Jacob that “salvation is free” (2 Nephi 2:4). Jacob later quoted a passage from the book of Isaiah which teaches the same principle:
Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Nephi 9:50; compare Isaiah 55:1
Isaiah didn’t mean that we are automatically saved. He meant that our salvation has already been paid for, and we simply have to receive it. Isaiah asked why we put so much energy into things of no value, when something of infinite value is available to us:
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Isaiah 55:2; compare 2 Nephi 9:51
Isaiah urged his people to take the actions which will allow them to receive this gift: “seek ye the Lord,” “call ye upon him,” “return unto the Lord” (Isaiah 55:6-7). Jacob gave similar counsel to his people: “remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice” (2 Nephi 9:52).
Today I will spend time and energy on things of eternal value. I will remember that God has made salvation available to me, and if I draw near to Him, I will receive His greatest blessings “without money and without price.”
Leave a Reply