Today, I studied all 56 passages in the Book of Mormon which use some form of the word "diligent." To be diligent is to "[show] care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties" (Oxford English Dictionary). The word also carries a connotation of eagerness. It comes from the Latin word diligere, which means to "esteem,"... Continue Reading →
What Is the Relationship Between the Family and the Church?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson has pointed out that the gospel was originally taught in families. The organization of the church came later: Beginning with Adam, the gospel of Jesus Christ was preached, and the essential ordinances of salvation, such as baptism, were administered through a family-based priesthood order. As societies grew more complex than simply... Continue Reading →
What Is the Gathering of Israel?
When Lehi taught his family about the scattering of Israel, he reassured them that the Lord would gather them again: And after the house of Israel should be scattered they should be gathered together again; or, in fine, after the Gentiles had received the fulness of the Gospel, the natural branches of the olive tree,... Continue Reading →
Why Were the Children of Israel Scattered?
When the children of Israel arrived in the promised land, Moses told them that they would one day be scattered because of persistent disobedience. But he also told them that, when they humbled themselves and repented, God would remember His covenant with their ancestors (Leviticus 26). By the time Lehi and his family left Jerusalem,... Continue Reading →
Why Is Firsthand Spiritual Knowledge Important?
After the first prophet in the Book of Mormon, Lehi, described a dream or a vision which he had experienced, one of his sons—Nephi—wanted to have the same experience. He tells us that he wanted "to see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost" (1 Nephi 10:17). Later,... Continue Reading →
How Do Book of Mormon Prophets Use the Title “Savior?”
The atonement of Jesus Christ is universal. He saves us by revealing the gospel to us and entering into a covenant relationship with us. He is both willing and able to save us.
What Is the Significance of the Title “the Lamb of God?”
The ancient sacrifices of Adam and Eve, Abraham, and others symbolized the "great and last sacrifice" which Jesus Christ made when He offered Himself for us.
What Is the Significance of the Names and Titles of Jesus in the Book of Mormon?
Other names and titles: The Messiah, the God of Nature, the Son of God, God Himself, Jesus Christ, and other names
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Baptism of Jesus?
In the Bible, the first mention of baptism is in reference to the baptism of Jesus Christ. All four of the Gospel writers tell the story (Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:19-34). In all four cases, they use the word "baptism" or "baptize" without explanation. They take it for granted that their readers... Continue Reading →
What Do Book of Mormon Prophets Teach Us About Coming Unto the Savior?
Over the last two days, I've looked at invitations to come unto Christ in the Book of Mormon. Two days ago, we reviewed Amaleki's and Moroni's final admonitions to "come unto Christ." Yesterday, we looked at passages where the Savior says, "come unto me." Today, I'm pondering the passages where prophets use the phrase "come... Continue Reading →