2 Nephi 9:1-26
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You can probably see why I split this chapter across two days. It is chock full of so much good stuff! Even in these first 26 verses we read about the Fall, the adversary, Judgment, the two deaths,The Atonement, resurrection, the Spirit World, justice and mercy! It's kind of like a Gospel Principles Class on spiritual steroids!
Jacob was so full of faith and knowledge. I love reading his teachings. He lays it out so plainly, so logically. He must have gleaned some of that from his brother, Nephi.
I love you, more that a couple times here, he praised the "great plan of our God," and the great goodness and wisdom of Him. Jacob was filled with gratitude because he truly understood the plan, and our precarious situation, and our need for a Savior- THE Savior.
We often talk about what our lives could be like because of Him, but here Jacob spends 2 verses laying out how awful our lives would be like without the Atonement (8-9). Grim is an understatement.
What I love is that this chapter makes it clear that there was a PLAN from the foundation of the world. The Fall (wasn't a trip- but a purposeful choice) was necessary, and brought 2 deaths, spiritual (being away from the presence of God) and physical. The Savior saved us from both through His Atonement (spiritual rebirth) and resurrection (physical 'rebirth'). We will see God in our flesh, and be judged, and will be found lacking. The Savior will intercede for us. Thus, justice and mercy are both met and we will be free to become like Him. Amazing!!
Below is a 10 minute video depicting that law of Justice and Mercy. It typically goes with Alma 34, as it is taught there, but I thought I'd add it here for good measure.
You can probably see why I split this chapter across two days. It is chock full of so much good stuff! Even in these first 26 verses we read about the Fall, the adversary, Judgment, the two deaths,The Atonement, resurrection, the Spirit World, justice and mercy! It's kind of like a Gospel Principles Class on spiritual steroids!
Jacob was so full of faith and knowledge. I love reading his teachings. He lays it out so plainly, so logically. He must have gleaned some of that from his brother, Nephi.
I love you, more that a couple times here, he praised the "great plan of our God," and the great goodness and wisdom of Him. Jacob was filled with gratitude because he truly understood the plan, and our precarious situation, and our need for a Savior- THE Savior.
We often talk about what our lives could be like because of Him, but here Jacob spends 2 verses laying out how awful our lives would be like without the Atonement (8-9). Grim is an understatement.
What I love is that this chapter makes it clear that there was a PLAN from the foundation of the world. The Fall (wasn't a trip- but a purposeful choice) was necessary, and brought 2 deaths, spiritual (being away from the presence of God) and physical. The Savior saved us from both through His Atonement (spiritual rebirth) and resurrection (physical 'rebirth'). We will see God in our flesh, and be judged, and will be found lacking. The Savior will intercede for us. Thus, justice and mercy are both met and we will be free to become like Him. Amazing!!
Below is a 10 minute video depicting that law of Justice and Mercy. It typically goes with Alma 34, as it is taught there, but I thought I'd add it here for good measure.
An interesting tid-bit I hadn't picked up on before in verse 13- it says men will "become incorruptible" after the resurrection. What do you think that means? Does that mean that one we are resurrected we will not be influenced by the Adversary any more?
Perhaps one of the most important words in the first half of this chapter is found in verse 21: "And he cometh into the world that he may save all men IF they will hearken unto his voice..."
The Plan is laid out and has been put into action. The Fall has taken place, the Atonement has been fulfilled. It truly rests upon us, and our choice to believe, have faith, and follow Him. We can have all that He has IF we have perfect faith in Him. It is our choice.
This fullness is why I joined the Church. There was nothing left out in God's plan for me nor anyone else. This plan of happiness provided a way for me to go home and for my family to be together forever. I had not heard nor felt such before nor since. What a gift the gospel & scriptures are to me.
ReplyDeleteYes, incorpupable we will be with the veil removed, our bodies & spirits joined forever and we be FREE from sin. How I look forward to that time!
I am grateful for the gospel plan. It makes sense to me. I am grateful to know we always have a way to get back on the right path through Christ. That we are loved and forgiven by our Father in Heaven. That we can overcome the stress of this world and have something better to get to. I, for one, want to stay as far away from the fire and brimstone side as I can. This world can be hard enough with the gospel in my life, I really cannot imagine the torment it could be without it.
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