An angel taught King Benjamin that we are saved through faith in the Savior's name. Why His name? Because names represent our essence, and the way we treat people's names reflects our relationship with them.
Mercy
1. God is merciful. 2. He extends "arms of mercy" toward us. 3. The Savior's bowels are filled with mercy because of what He suffered. 4. He earned the right to offer us mercy. We claim that mercy by repenting. 5. Mercy is central to God's plan for us.
Belonging
One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to assure us that we belong, that because of "the covenants of the Lord," we "are not cast off forever." Jesus taught that we belong to the covenants God made with our ancestors, and that He will not forget us.
The Root and the Offspring
Jesus was a descendant of King David, but was also his progenitor, the source of his life and spiritual strength. Jesus highlighted these contrasting roles of Creator who lived among us by calling Himself "the root and the offspring of David."
Divine Nature
Peter testified that God is willing to share His nature with us, helping us overcome the corrupting inflluences of the world. In truth, we all have a divine nature, in the sense that we are children of God with a potential to become like Him.
Without the Camp
When sacrifices were performed in ancient Israel, the bodies of the animals were burned "without the camp." Jesus was similarly crucified outside of the walls of Jerusalem. We must meet Him there: outside of our comfort zone and our usual social circles.
Increase and Abound in Love
Even as Paul expressed gratitude for the love demonstrated by the Thessalonians, he urged them to "increase and abound in love." The same pattern appears in a sermon by Mormon. We can increase in love both by loving more people and by loving people more.
Sufficient and Abounding Grace
God's grace is sufficient to meet our needs. We can be settled and stable knowing this. His grace also abounds toward us. For what purpose? So that we can in turn abound in good works, sharing that grace with other people.
None Other Name
Peter taught that there is "none other name" by which we can be saved, except the name of Jesus Christ. When we use His name properly, and when we take His name upon ourselves, we receive His power.
“That They Might Know Thee”
Knowing, loving, and following God are more interconnected than we realize. We come to know Him as we serve Him. We love Him more when we keep His commandments. As our relationship with Him grows, we become more like Him, so that we can see Him as He is.