The Greek word euaggelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means "good news" or "glad tidings." It appears 76 times in the New Testament, and it is always translated "gospel" in the King James Version of the Bible. The verb form of the word—euaggelizó (εὐαγγελίζω)—which appears 54 times, is usually translated "preach" or "preach the gospel." But six times, it... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to “Work Out Your Own Salvation?”
After teaching a group of Zoramites that Jesus Christ would atone for their sins and that they should exercise "faith unto repentance," Amulek made the following plea: I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the... Continue Reading →
What Is “the Immediate Goodness of God?”
When the people of Alma miraculously escaped their captors and arrived in the land of Zarahemla, the people there "knew not what to think" (Mosiah 25:8). They were filled with mixed emotions: They were horrified at the treatment which the people of Alma had endured, but they were grateful for the goodness of God in... Continue Reading →
What Do We Need to Do to Be Saved by Grace?
grace - the free and unmerited favour of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings (Oxford English Dictionary) Are we not all beggars? (Mosiah 4:19) After quoting a sermon by his brother Jacob, followed by thirteen chapters from the Book of Isaiah, all of which were intended to prove... Continue Reading →
How Does the Lord Strengthen Us?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi affirms that God will take care of the people who strive to obey Him. Nephi listed three ways that God does this: "He doth nourish them" - helps them maintain their physical and spiritual health "and strengthen them" - empowers them to do things they couldn't... Continue Reading →
Why Is It Important to Know That God’s Grace Is Sufficient?
While writing a history of the Jaredite people, the prophet Moroni experienced some self-doubt. "The Gentiles will mock at these things," he protested to God. He described the awkwardness of his hands, and compared the words he had written to the eloquent writings of the brother of Jared (Ether 12:23-25). God responded forcefully: "Fools mock,... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean That the Savior Is “Full of Grace and Truth?”
After explaining to his son Jacob the importance of the law, Lehi testified that redemption would come through the Messiah, "for he is full of grace and truth" (2 Nephi 2:6). What is it about those twin attributes—grace and truth—which qualified Him to be our Savior? Grace is a gift freely given because of love and... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be Saved by Grace “After All We Can Do?”
After sharing a sermon by his brother Jacob about the Atonement, Nephi quoted extensively from the book of Isaiah. He explained that his reason for quoting these two other witnesses was to "[prove] unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ" (2 Nephi 11:4). He then proceeded to share his own testimony "according... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Grace?
The word "grace" appears 31 times in the Book of Mormon. Today, I reviewed each of those passages and learned the following principles: Grace is an attribute of Jesus Christ. It is often listed with other attributes, including: mercy, truth, patience, equity, justice, power, and long-suffering (2 Nephi 2:6. 2 Nephi 2:8, 2 Nephi 9:8, 2... Continue Reading →
Lessons from the Teachings of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
During December, I studied all of the chapters in the Book of Mormon which contain the teachings of Jesus Christ. Here are some of the principles I learned, grouped by category: The Love of God God loves all of His children and will answer them when they call. We can ask for blessings with confidence... Continue Reading →
