“And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. in him,
“Once on the narrow path, are you done? Have you “arrived?” Is there “rest?”
No, you are on the path, but you cannot turn back. If you even look back, you risk moving on an uneven path. (Luke 9: 62.)
You could not get this far if you hadn’t followed “the word of Christ” and therefore you can only continue by following the word of Christ along the journey.
Your path is not just based on Christ’s words, but also “with unshaken faith in Him.” What is “unshaken faith?”
What does it mean to “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ?” How would “steadfastness” be lived?
What is a “perfect brightness of hope?” I’ve defined that kind of “hope” in Eighteen Verses
How does any person come into possession of “a love of God and of all men?” Would that come from within, or as a gift from God? Moroni prayed for the gentiles to receive grace that they might obtain charity. (Ether 12: 36.) The Lord replied that if the gentiles lack charity it would not cause any loss to Moroni, for he was saved. (Ether 12: 37.) [Once again reflecting the pessimism which the latter-day gentiles are consistently viewed by the Book of Mormon.]
Why “press forward?”
What does it mean for us to be “feasting upon the word of Christ?” Is “feasting” something more than participating in a gospel doctrine class discussion once a week? What would it require for you to “feast” upon the “word of Christ?” Is scripture study alone enough? Would you need to receive anything directly from Him to be included in the “feast?” How would that be obtained?
Did you notice once again we are reminded we must “endure to the end?” Once again, you must determine how “enduring” is to be accomplished, and what “enduring” will require.
If, however, you do these things then “behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” Notice the promise of eternal life comes from the office of “the Father.” It is because this final step comes from the authority to make you a son. His office is the only one which can declare “this day have I begotten thee.” (Psalms 2: 7.)
Very thought provoking. Thank you.
Which of these three qualities describes who I am?
“Self Driven”
or
“Leader Obedient”
or
“Spirit Lead/ Guided”
One who is “self-driven” is motivated to do or achieve something because of one’s own enthusiasm or interest, without needing others. He recieves the revelation from Self.
One who is “Leader-obedient” listens and obeys another authority figure and is dependent on the leader for direction. He is dependant on his peer leader for revelation.
One who is “Spirit-lead” is guided from the Third member of the Godhead, the voice of the Lord, and is in direct contact with the Divine. “For as many as are lead by the Spirit of God, they are sons of God” (Romans 8:14)
How easy it is for us to rely on ourselves, and others… instead of the counsels of God.
2 Nephi 9:28 “O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to learned is good if they hearken unto the counsel of God”
For us to be able to endure to the end will require us to be Spirit lead/guided.. for us to be called a son of God.