Enoch saw the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and connected it to his own sanctification and that of his people. Like subsequent prophets, he saw the Atonement of Jesus Christ as a manifestation of God's love that defied temporal constraints, blessing him and the people he loved millennia before it happened.
“I Am a Child of God”
Identity confers confidence and purpose. Moses declared his identity as a child of God. Mormon identified himself as a disciple of Christ. And Jesus taught the Nephites that they were "children of the covenant." We can draw strength from our connection with God, in spite of our weaknesses and shortcomings.
Four Foundational Strategies
Book of Mormon authors modeled four strategies which can enhance our study of the Old Testament: (1) search for precious things in plain sight, (2) prioritize holistic over selective reading, (3) synthesize themes across the books, and (4) find Christ in the writings of all the prophets.
Contents of the Brass Plates
Eight of the 39 books in the Old Testament were definitely in the brass plates, and another 16 may have been included. For Book of Mormon prophets, the brass plates were an essential part of their identity: connecting them to intergenerational covenants, testifying of the Savior, and bringing them closer to God.
Speak Often One with Another
Jesus prophesied of the gathering of Israel and instructed church members to meet together often. Those two concepts are more closely connected than we might realize. When we accept the gospel, we become part of a community of saints who strengthen one another by talking often about our faith.
“I Will Be in the Midst of You”
After the Savior's resurrection, He stood "in the midst" of His apostles in Jerusalem and later "in the midst" of a large multitude in the Americas. When He returns to the earth, He will be in our midst. We will not only know He has returned; we will feel close to Him.
Because Ye Are of Abraham
God changed Abram's name to Abraham in order to emphasize that His covenant would bless innumerable people in future generations. As the Lord taught Joseph Smith, we are the beneficiaries of Abraham's faithfulness, and we in turn bless others as we make and keep covenants with God.
What is the Gospel of Abraham?
God promised Abraham that through his seed, all nations would be blessed. Paul considered this a prophecy that everyone would be eligible for Abraham's blessings. Jesus reaffirmed this principle in the Book of Mormon. Once we recognize our identity as children of Abraham, we should do what God said Abraham's seed would do: Bless everyone!
Tender Blades, Lawful Heirs
Commenting on the parable of the Wheat and the Tares, the Lord taught the following principles: 1. Be grateful for the good things you have inherited. 2. You are "hid with Christ." 3. God restores all things, but not all at once. 4. Wheat can be a light to tares.
The Lord Hath Brought Again Zion
The millenial hymn in Doctrine and Covenants 84:99-102 conveys the joy we will feel when the Savior returns. It acknowledges the roles of grace and covenants. It lists blessings which we will enjoy. It delights in the earth's triumph. And it praises God, listing nine of His divine attributes, including mercy.