Several times in the Book of Mormon, people pray with such intensity that they are described as "pouring out [their] whole [souls] unto God." After Enos's sins were forgiven, he "began to feel a desire for the welfare of...the Nephites." As a result, he says, "I did pour out my whole soul unto God for... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Forgiving?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi's brothers treat him very badly. As they travel with the family of Ishmael to their camp in the wilderness, the brothers become angry with Nephi, tie him up, and threaten to leave him to die in the wilderness. Nephi prays for help, and God gives him... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Forgiving Others?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Laman and Lemuel feel remorse for something they have done to their brother Nephi. They plead with him to forgive them. Nephi tells us that he "did frankly forgive them all that they had done." He encourages them to pray to God for forgiveness, which they do... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be “Baptized Unto Repentance?”
Some form of the phrase "baptized unto repentance" appears twelve times in the Book of Mormon (Mosiah 26:22, Alma 5:62, Alma 6:2, Alma 7:14, Alma 9:27, Alma 48:19, Alma 49:30, Helaman 3:24, Helaman 5:17, 19, 3 Nephi 1:23, 3 Nephi 7:26). John the Baptist also used this phrase to describe the baptisms he performed (Matthew 3:11). What does... Continue Reading →
They Would Not Be Redeemed – Mosiah 26:26
26 And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed. (Mosiah 26:26) A consistent theme in the Book of Mormon is the assurance that salvation is available to everyone who chooses it. As the Savior instructs Alma on how to deal... Continue Reading →
The Spirit of Alma Was…Troubled – Mosiah 26:6-7, 13
6 For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be admonished by the church. 7 And it came to pass that... Continue Reading →
Thou Art My Servant – Mosiah 26:19-20
19 And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed. 20 Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep. (Mosiah 26:19-20) King Benjamin taught his people that... Continue Reading →
They Would Not Be Baptized – Mosiah 26:4-6
4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God.5 And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not... Continue Reading →
Because of Their Unbelief They Could Not Understand – Mosiah 26:3
3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.(Mosiah 26:3)Mormon teaches us a profound principle as he describes some of the people of King Mosiah. They were young, he tells us, when King Benjamin gave his speech. They were too young to grasp its... Continue Reading →
And They Were Also Admonished – Mosiah 26:38-39
38 And now all these things did Alma and his fellow laborers do who were over the church, walking in all diligence, teaching the word of God in all things, suffering all manner of afflictions, being persecuted by all those who did not belong to the church of God.39 And they did admonish their brethren;... Continue Reading →