2 Nephi 9:1-26
Chapter 9
The Jews will be gathered in all their lands of promise—The Atonement ransoms man from the Fall—The bodies of the dead will come forth from the grave, and their spirits from hell and from paradise—They will be judged—The Atonement saves from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment—The righteous are to be saved in the kingdom of God—Penalties for sins are set forth—The Holy One of Israel is the keeper of the gate. About 559–545 B.C.
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What a great chapter! I broke it up into two days so I could really read it and take it in. I hope you all don't mind. I might do this from time to time, or combine two chapters if they are really short.
Anyway...
I love the first half of this chapter. The first few verses again clarify that there has been a plan from the beginning. We are of the house of Israel. The same people the in the Old Testament. Again, that makes me feel connected to the scriptures, but also very much connected to all those who have come before me and followed God in whatever way He has shown them.
I love scriptures about the Savior. Just the other night in Family Home Evening I asked the kids why we call Jesus our Savior. Little Grace answered and said, "Because he saved us from dying and never being with Him." Out of the mouths of babes.
I love my Savior. I know that I don't understand the power of the Atonement, the sacrifice that He made for me, or the love that He has for me. I don't know how. And sometimes I don't even know why He did it for me (I am so undeserving.) But, I do know that He did die for me, that He loves me, and that He did save me from spiritual and physical death- if I but follow Him.
What did you think/learn today?
Occasionally there is a lesson at church that just weighs on my heart for days. It was good to have this particular chapter today because it helps clarify, in a way, about the issue I have been struggling with because of the way a concept was presented. It's great to have the scriptures, because things are what they are, and not an interpretation from someone else's point of view.
ReplyDeleteFor the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them.... But wo unto him that has the law given....
If you have never been taught, you are covered under the atonement. If you have been taught you are under greater expectations, but you are still covered, IF you repent, take advantage of the atonement and change your ways.
I am grateful I am not the one who has to give final judgement on people and assign their place in eternity. I don't believe things are quite as black and white as they are sometimes presented. I am grateful to know and understand the Lord is much more forgiving and merciful than some people think. It is important for me to know and understand that, in the end, it is not my opinion of people or their behavior that counts. I cannot see into their heart. I do not know their intentions. Only the Lord does.