My conceptualization for this week is a result of my study of Chapters 12 & 13 in the Book of Alma. The first portion is a great example of good teaching; the second provoked further thought as to what really is "the rest of the Lord."
1. While performing missionary work in the Land of Ammonihah, Alma and Amulek were met with resistance from the people. Alma Chapter 12 is a prime example, as Alma contends with Zeezrom, who had already just contended with Amulek on the existence of a Supreme Being. Amulek was successful at quieting Zeezrom, and Alma then took the opportunity to teach true doctrine.
In verse 8 Zeezrom, now convinced that Alma and Amulek can perceive the thoughts of his heart, asks what Amulek meant when he said that the just and unjust would rise again, and be brought before God to be judged according to their works. Here is Alma's response:
It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell. (v 9-11)
I like how Alma deflects Zeezrom's question in a manner that might be easier for him to understand, as well as for the people who had gathered to watch the exchange. Alma starts at a more basic level, because this is what Zeezrom needed. Alma then teaches more fully i
n verses 14-18, that there is a spiritual death that possibly accompanies temporal death, if our works are not works of righteousness. Then, with prompting from Antionah (a chief ruler who took watched the exchange), Alma then explains why the plan of redemption is so necessary, due to the transgressions of our first parents and our inherent imperfection upon living life on Earth. Nevertheless, it is given unto us to choose good or evil (verse 31), but we must be aware that the commandments are laid out for our benefit. If we repent, our sins will be remitted of us, and we will be able to enter into the rest of the Lord.
2. What is the rest of the Lord?
Chapters 12 & 13 are full of references to "the rest of the Lord." We find that the requirements to enter into His rest are purity, humility, sincere repentance, faith, hope, and love of God (Alma 13: 12-28). But what is it, exactly? Is it peace upon experiencing that temporal death to which we referred? Questions like these make me grateful for living revelation through study, prayer, and the voice of modern prophets. Joseph F. Smith, the sixth President of the Church, said the following:
What does it mean to enter into the rest of the Lord? Speaking for myself, it means that through the love of God I have been won over to Him, so that I can feel at rest in Christ, that I may no more be disturbed by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning and craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; and that I am established in the knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ, so that no power can turn me aside from the straight and narrow path that leads back into the presence of God, to enjoy exaltation in His glorious kingdom; that from this time henceforth I shall enjoy that rest until I shall rest with Him in the heavens.
President Smith goes further to speak on this matter, and I suggest that you go to http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=0327f48fa2d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=88021b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD to get the full account. I like how he explains the rest of the Lord as a peaceful reassurance that one is living according to God's commandments. But does this preclude us from continuing to work? It most certainly DOES
NOT. My thoughts are that the 'rest of the Lord' is just that--a rest! The reason we take rests is to be able to recharge ourselves to take on obstacles and challenges that we will face in real life! May we all keep this in perspective, myself first and foremost, that this time on Earth is appointed to all of us to WORK out our salvation. But, when we need it, we can become recharged sufficient so that we may work more efficiently. My favorite mode of recharging my spiritual batteries is through attending the temple. Often referred to as "the mountain of the Lord," it is a place of peace from the cares of the outside world, where we can gain further, undiluted perspective on our eternal worth and purpose. In the temples worthy members can receive that rest, and reassurance that God knows each one individually, better even than the individual knows him or herself. I know this because I have experienced it time and time again in my own life.
I know that God lives. I know that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer for our sins, that we might repent, overcome spiritual and temporal death, and have ultimate rest, which is eternal life. I know that we are taught line upon line, precept upon precept, and are only given that for which we are ready, like Zeezrom in the Book of Mormon. I know that that book is true scripture, and if we study it, we will be given a more effective and inspired route to eternal life.
Have a Great Week!
I like how Alma deflects Zeezrom's question in a manner that might be easier for him to understand, as well as for the people who had gathered to watch the exchange. Alma starts at a more basic level, because this is what Zeezrom needed. Alma then teaches more fully i
n verses 14-18, that there is a spiritual death that possibly accompanies temporal death, if our works are not works of righteousness. Then, with prompting from Antionah (a chief ruler who took watched the exchange), Alma then explains why the plan of redemption is so necessary, due to the transgressions of our first parents and our inherent imperfection upon living life on Earth. Nevertheless, it is given unto us to choose good or evil (verse 31), but we must be aware that the commandments are laid out for our benefit. If we repent, our sins will be remitted of us, and we will be able to enter into the rest of the Lord.2. What is the rest of the Lord?
Chapters 12 & 13 are full of references to "the rest of the Lord." We find that the requirements to enter into His rest are purity, humility, sincere repentance, faith, hope, and love of God (Alma 13: 12-28). But what is it, exactly? Is it peace upon experiencing that temporal death to which we referred? Questions like these make me grateful for living revelation through study, prayer, and the voice of modern prophets. Joseph F. Smith, the sixth President of the Church, said the following:
What does it mean to enter into the rest of the Lord? Speaking for myself, it means that through the love of God I have been won over to Him, so that I can feel at rest in Christ, that I may no more be disturbed by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning and craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; and that I am established in the knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ, so that no power can turn me aside from the straight and narrow path that leads back into the presence of God, to enjoy exaltation in His glorious kingdom; that from this time henceforth I shall enjoy that rest until I shall rest with Him in the heavens.
President Smith goes further to speak on this matter, and I suggest that you go to http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=0327f48fa2d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=88021b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD to get the full account. I like how he explains the rest of the Lord as a peaceful reassurance that one is living according to God's commandments. But does this preclude us from continuing to work? It most certainly DOES
NOT. My thoughts are that the 'rest of the Lord' is just that--a rest! The reason we take rests is to be able to recharge ourselves to take on obstacles and challenges that we will face in real life! May we all keep this in perspective, myself first and foremost, that this time on Earth is appointed to all of us to WORK out our salvation. But, when we need it, we can become recharged sufficient so that we may work more efficiently. My favorite mode of recharging my spiritual batteries is through attending the temple. Often referred to as "the mountain of the Lord," it is a place of peace from the cares of the outside world, where we can gain further, undiluted perspective on our eternal worth and purpose. In the temples worthy members can receive that rest, and reassurance that God knows each one individually, better even than the individual knows him or herself. I know this because I have experienced it time and time again in my own life.I know that God lives. I know that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer for our sins, that we might repent, overcome spiritual and temporal death, and have ultimate rest, which is eternal life. I know that we are taught line upon line, precept upon precept, and are only given that for which we are ready, like Zeezrom in the Book of Mormon. I know that that book is true scripture, and if we study it, we will be given a more effective and inspired route to eternal life.
Have a Great Week!
No comments:
Post a Comment