The Parable of Wheat and the Tares teaches that God doesn't right every wrong immediately. We can flourish even when surrounded by negative influences by studying the Savior, making covenants with Him, and safeguarding the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The Valley of Decision
When Ahab, king of Israel, asked Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to join him in battle against the Syrians, Jehoshaphat responded with solidarity: "I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses" (1 Kings 22:4, see also 2 Chronicles 18:3). However, Jehoshaphat insisted on consulting with a prophet first. Ahab... Continue Reading →
The Books
In Babylon, Daniel experienced a dream full of symbolism. He saw the Final Judgment. Ten thousand times ten thousand people stood before a throne. "The judgment was set," he wrote, "and the books were opened" (Daniel 7:9-10). Many years later, the apostle John received a revelation on the Isle of Patmos. Here's how he described... Continue Reading →
Brimstone
When God warned Abraham that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah would be destroyed, Abraham pleaded with Him to spare the righteous. God agreed. If there be ten righteous people in those cities, He promised, I will not destroy them. (See Genesis 18:17-32.) Messengers from God subsequently warned Lot and and his family to leave... Continue Reading →
“According to His Desires” – Alma 41:5-6
Ammon told King Lamoni that God "knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Alma 18:32). Alma explained to his son Corianton that we will be judged not only according to our works, but also according to our desires: The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to... Continue Reading →
“That I Might Rid My Garments of Your Blood” – Mosiah 2:27-28
Blood on our clothing is a metaphor for unresolved sins at the Final Judgment. Alma asked the people of Zarahemla, "How will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness?" (Alma 5:22). He urged them to turn to the... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Affirm?
This is the second in a series of posts answering a set of questions recommended by President Russell M. Nelson. In yesterday's post, I discussed what the Book of Mormon is. Today, I will discuss what the Book of Mormon affirms. The Book of Mormon affirms many truths. As I've pondered this question today, I've... Continue Reading →
Will We Be Judged by the Apostles?
During His mortal ministry, Jesus told His twelve apostles that they would one day "sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19:28). An angel explained to the prophet Nephi that the apostles would judge the tribes of Israel and that the twelve disciples chosen on the American continent would in turn... Continue Reading →
Mine Eyes Have Seen the King – 2 Nephi 16:1, 5
1 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.... 5 Then said I: Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a... Continue Reading →
The Judgment-Seat of Christ – Mormon 3:20, 22
20 And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 