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	dguthrie Bruce R. McConkie “All men shall gain physical perfection in the resurrection; that is, being raised from mortality to immortality, from corruption to incorruption, they shall shuffle of... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:52)
	February 21, 2012 at 06:36 PM

Note: Bruce R. McConkie “All men shall gain physical perfection in the resurrection; that is, being raised from mortality to immortality, from corruption to incorruption, they shall shuffle off all disease, deformities, bodily disorders, and physical imperfections of every nature, and shall stand thenceforth without physical impairments or deficiencies of any sort. There will be no eyes that do not see, no ears without hearing, no crippled arms or legs, no club feet, no ulcers, no physical pain, no diseases, no corruption, no death. As Alma said: ‘The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.’ (Alma 40:23.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-1973], 2: 401.)

1 Corinthians 15:52
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

	dguthrie Bruce R. McConkie “Christ is the Second Adam. As the first mortal man is called Adam (Moses 1:34), so the first Man to come forth in resurrected immortality is also called Adam, or more sp... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:45)
	February 21, 2012 at 06:34 PM

Note: Bruce R. McConkie “Christ is the Second Adam. As the first mortal man is called Adam (Moses 1:34), so the first Man to come forth in resurrected immortality is also called Adam, or more specifically the Second Adam. Adam's mortal body was a natural body, Christ's immortal one a spiritual body, meaning a body in which flesh and bones and spirit are inseparably connected. (D&C 88:26-28; D&C 93:33.) “Paul uses this comparison between Adam and Christ to teach some of the basic truths about the resurrection, to teach some of the basic events that take place when a body is sown a natural body and raised a spiritual body. ‘There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body,’ he says. ‘And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.’ (1 Cor. 15:44-49.)” (Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 685.)

1 Corinthians 15:45
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

	dguthrie This section of Corinthians is often referenced to demonstrate the doctrine of three degrees of glory. However, Paul is not directly referencing those three kingdoms, rather he is talking ab... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:40)
	February 21, 2012 at 06:31 PM

Note: This section of Corinthians is often referenced to demonstrate the doctrine of three degrees of glory. However, Paul is not directly referencing those three kingdoms, rather he is talking about three different gradations in resurrected bodies. He is answering the question, ‘with what body do they come?’ (v. 35) Naturally, a celestial body belongs in a celestial kingdom, but it is important to understand the differences between the glories of the resurrected bodies of the three kingdoms. The bodies themselves differ in glory, power, and luminescence. For instance, when Moroni first visited Joseph Smith, the record indicates that a brilliant light filled the entire room. The messenger was dressed in a robe of brilliant white, but ‘his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning’ (JS-Hist. 1:32). This is a great description of what a celestialized body appears like. The source of Moroni’s internal light and glorious physical appearance came not from a heaven sent power, but emanated from his glorious, resurrected, and celestialized body. All who receive this glory can similarly expect a perfected body. While we came into mortality to gain a body, we also knew that we would have a chance, if faithful, to receive an even greater and more glorious body in the resurrection. If we were excited then to receive a mortal body, how excited are we now to receive a celestial one? M. Russell Ballard “…if we exercise faith in Him, repent, and are faithful to the gospel covenants we make in the ordinances of salvation, our body will be glorified like the sun (see 1 Cor. 15:40–41).” (M. Russell Ballard, “Building Bridges of Understanding,” Ensign, June 1998, 65) Brigham Young “Those who attain to the blessing of the first or celestial resurrection will be pure and holy, and perfect in body. Every man and woman that reaches to this unspeakable attainment will be as beautiful as the angels that surround the throne of God.” (Journal of Discourses, 26 vols. [London: Latter-day Saints' Book Depot, 1854-1886], 10: 24 - 25.)

1 Corinthians 15:40
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

	dguthrie Brigham Young “Since my last letter to you I have received two of your ever welcome communications. I am especially pleased to note the remarks in your last, with regard to the habits of t... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:33)
	February 21, 2012 at 06:23 PM

Note: Brigham Young “Since my last letter to you I have received two of your ever welcome communications. I am especially pleased to note the remarks in your last, with regard to the habits of those students with whom you are the most intimate. The old saying is no doubt a true one that ‘a man is known by the company he keeps,’ as is also the statement made by Paul the apostle that evil communications corrupt good manners. None of us are so strong in well doing that we can afford to associate with the depraved, keep company with the dissolute, and pick out our friends from amongst those who love sin and delight in iniquity. It is a mockery to pray to God to ‘leave us not in temptation,’ and then seek the companionship of the tempter. However strong in the Lord men may feel, it is always the wisest policy to drive as far as possible from the precipices of sin, and in handling coal, to remember that that which will not burn may probably blacken. By choosing your companions from those of correct morals and temperate habits you manifest your comprehension of these truths, and altogether I must acknowledge I am very much pleased with the course you are taking.” (Letters of Brigham Young to His Sons, edited and introduced by Dean C. Jessee [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], 227.)

1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

	dguthrie The true disciple must place the natural man on the altar of sacrifice on a daily basis in order to truly submit to the Father’s will. Paul’s argument is that placing the Lord first on a... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:31)
	February 21, 2012 at 06:20 PM

Note: The true disciple must place the natural man on the altar of sacrifice on a daily basis in order to truly submit to the Father’s will. Paul’s argument is that placing the Lord first on a daily basis is a waste of time if there is no hope of a resurrection. Henry B Eyring “I can recall thinking, at the student stage of life, of consecrating my life in one grand, heroic gesture. But as life progresses, our moments for consecration are specific, finite, and simple…We should be ready to consecrate our talents to the task at hand, whether or not it is a task we have envisioned for ourselves. Consecration is not a once-in-a-lifetime event; it is a daily devotion. As Paul says, we ‘die daily’ in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:31).” (On Becoming a Disciple Scholar [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1995], 78.)

1 Corinthians 15:31
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

	dguthrie “Epiphanius, a writer of the fourth century, in speaking of a sect of Christians to whom he was opposed, said: ‘In this country—I mean in Asia—and den in Galatia, their school flouri... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:29)
	February 21, 2012 at 06:17 PM

Note: “Epiphanius, a writer of the fourth century, in speaking of a sect of Christians to whom he was opposed, said: ‘In this country—I mean in Asia—and den in Galatia, their school flourished eminently; and a traditional fact concerning them has reached us that when any of them had died without baptism, they used to baptize others in their name, lest in the resurrection they should suffer punishment as unbaptized.’ (B. H. Roberts, The Gospel, p. 247.)” (Ye Are the Light of the World: Selected Sermons and Writings of Harold B. Lee [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974], chap. 24) “For many Christian churches the text of 1 Cor. 15:29 presents such an anomaly: ‘Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?’ For most churches it's not a question of whether to believe Paul on the subject of baptism for the dead; it's a question of knowing exactly what Paul meant by this cryptic reference. Since the Bible gives no further information on the subject, many conclude that they just don't know enough about what Paul meant to formulate a doctrine, and so they set the passage aside as an anomaly. ‘Whatever Paul intended was undoubtedly correct,’ they say: ‘We just aren't sure we know what he intended.’… “…Scholars and theologians have proposed many different theories to try and explain this verse. Yet honest scholars, both Catholic and Protestant (even those hostile to the LDS doctrine), are forced to admit that the passage describes vicarious baptism for the dead, and that proposed alternatives are really just attempts to avoid the clear meaning of the text because of its theological implications.” (Are Mormons Christians? [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], 19, 98.)

1 Corinthians 15:29
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

	dguthrie Paul is teaching the order of the resurrection and hinting at the three degrees of glory. He is speaking of three phases of the resurrection. Phase 1 is the resurrection of those to receive ... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:23)
	February 21, 2012 at 02:58 PM

Note: Paul is teaching the order of the resurrection and hinting at the three degrees of glory. He is speaking of three phases of the resurrection. Phase 1 is the resurrection of those to receive a celestial glory. They are termed the firstfruits, ‘They are Christ’s, the first fruits, they who shall descend with him first’ (DC 88:98). They are those who are resurrected in the morning of the first resurrection. Phase 2 is the resurrection of those to receive terrestrial glory. They are termed ‘Christ’s at his coming.’ The D&C records, ‘then cometh the redemption of those who are Christ’s at his coming; who have received their part in that prison which is prepared for them’ (DC 88:99). They are those who are resurrected in the afternoon of the first resurrection. They will dwell on the earth during the Millenium because they are worthy of a terrestrial glory. Phase 3 is the resurrection of those to receive a telestial glory. Since the earth will abide a terrestrial glory during the millennium, they are not worthy of their resurrection until the thousand years are ended. Hence, they are resurrected at the end, ‘these are the rest of the dead; and they live not again until the thousand years are ended, neither again, until the end of the earth’ (DC 88:101)

1 Corinthians 15:23
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

	dguthrie The great symmetry of the gospel plan requires that if death came to mankind by one, then immortality should come to mankind by One. Man cannot be held accountable for what Adam did, and God... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:22)
	February 21, 2012 at 02:48 PM

Note: The great symmetry of the gospel plan requires that if death came to mankind by one, then immortality should come to mankind by One. Man cannot be held accountable for what Adam did, and God has made provision that death would not forever have power over us. Again, the symmetry of the gospel will not hold us accountable if we are not responsible. While many theologians blame Adam for the miseries of mortality, the latter-day saints hold him in high regard, knowing that without his decision to partake of the fruit, none of us would be here. We understand that mortality should be viewed as a great opportunity. Indeed, both mortality and immortality have been given to us as free gifts—the former from Adam, and the latter from Christ. Ezra Taft Benson “The greatest events of history are those that affect the greatest number for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important to individuals or nations than the resurrection of the Master. The eventual resurrection of every soul who has lived and died on earth is a scriptural certainty, and surely there is no event for which one should make more careful preparation. A glorious resurrection should be the goal of every man and woman, for it is a reality. Nothing is more absolutely universal than the resurrection. Every living being will be resurrected. ‘As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.’ (1 Cor. 15:22.)” (“Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also,” Ensign, Apr. 1993, 4) Gordon B. Hinckley “Whenever the cold hand of death strikes, there shines through the gloom and the darkness of that hour the triumphant figure of the Lord Jesus Christ, He, the Son of God, who by his matchless and eternal power overcame death. He is the Redeemer of the world. He gave His life for each of us. He took it up again and became the firstfruits of them that slept. He, as King of Kings, stands triumphant above all other kings. He, as the Omnipotent One, stands above all rulers. He is our comfort, our only true comfort, when the dark shroud of earthly night closes about us as the spirit departs the human form.” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1997], 154.) Gordon B. Hinckley “The magnificent expression of His love came in His death when He gave His life as a sacrifice for all men. That Atonement, wrought in unspeakable pain, became the greatest event of history, an act of grace for which men gave nothing but which brought the assurance of the Resurrection to all who have or would walk the earth. “No other act in all of human history compares with it. Nothing that has ever happened can match it. Totally unselfish and with unbounded love for all mankind, it became an unparalleled act of mercy for the whole human race…He not only granted the blessing of the Resurrection to all, but opened the way to eternal life to those who observe His teachings and commandments.” (“At the Summit of the Ages,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 73)

1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

	dguthrie Gordon B. Hinckley “’If a man die, shall he live again?’ (Job 14:14). This is the great universal question framed by Job. He spoke what every other living man or woman has pondered. Th... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:20)
	February 21, 2012 at 02:42 PM

Note: Gordon B. Hinckley “’If a man die, shall he live again?’ (Job 14:14). This is the great universal question framed by Job. He spoke what every other living man or woman has pondered. The Christ alone, of all the millions who up to that time had walked the earth, was the first to emerge from the grave triumphant, a living soul complete in spirit and body. He became ‘the firstfruits of them that slept’ (1 Cor. 15:20). Were greater words ever spoken than those of the angel that first resurrection morn—‘Why seek ye the living among the dead?’ (Luke 24:5). ‘He is not here: for he is risen, as he said’ (Matt. 28:6).” (“The Victory over Death,” Ensign, Apr. 1997, 2)

1 Corinthians 15:20
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

	dguthrie Gordon B. Hinckley “What meaning would life have without the reality of immortality? Otherwise life would become only a dismal journey of ‘getting and spending,’ only to end in utter a... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:19)
	February 21, 2012 at 02:39 PM

Note: Gordon B. Hinckley “What meaning would life have without the reality of immortality? Otherwise life would become only a dismal journey of ‘getting and spending,’ only to end in utter and hopeless oblivion.

1 Corinthians 15:19
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

	dguthrie Speaking of the first and second commandments, the Savior said, ‘on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets’ (Matt 22:40). Of the reality of the resurrection, we declare... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:12)
	February 21, 2012 at 02:24 PM

Note: Speaking of the first and second commandments, the Savior said, ‘on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets’ (Matt 22:40). Of the reality of the resurrection, we declare the doctrinal corollary, “on Christ’s redemption and resurrection hang all the gospel and the apostles.” Elder Albert E. Bowen “(Speaking of 1 Cor. 15:12-20) That doctrine is the center and pivot of Christian theology, the foundation of the Christian religion, the very basis of Christian hope. Strip that dogma from your creed, and you destroy Christianity. Take it away, and you devitalize your New Testament, for it is the fundamental fact of that whole record.” (Conference Report, April 1944, Third Day—Morning Meeting 130.) Joseph Fielding Smith “[An individual] has no conception of the doctrines of true Christianity when he declares that Jesus is not the Son of God; that there is no resurrection of the dead, and that we are not redeemed from our sins through the blood of Christ, for this is the foundation of Christianity. Destroy these teachings and what is left? Any man who denies these great truths is in the gall of bitterness and gross darkness concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is no wonder, however, that blind teachers will hold to these ideas, for they are without the Spirit of God, and therefore, I suppose, we can afford to be charitable unto them and pity them.” (Conference Report, October 1914, Afternoon Session. 97 - 98.)

1 Corinthians 15:12
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

	dguthrie “Paul referred to himself as the ‘chief of sinners’ (1 Tim. 1:15), and as ‘the least of the apostles’ (1 Cor. 15:9)… He professed his own nothingness (1 Cor. 3:5-7), but explaine... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:9)
	February 21, 2012 at 02:20 PM

Note: “Paul referred to himself as the ‘chief of sinners’ (1 Tim. 1:15), and as ‘the least of the apostles’ (1 Cor. 15:9)… He professed his own nothingness (1 Cor. 3:5-7), but explained also that he could ‘do all things through Christ which strengtheneth’ him (Philip. 4:13). Paul felt that of his own self he was weak, but that with the assistance of Jesus he could accomplish whatever was necessary.” (Robert J. Matthews, Behold the Messiah [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], 334.)

1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

	dguthrie Gordon B. Hinckley “Can anyone doubt the veracity of that account? No event of history has been more certainly confirmed. There is the testimony of all who saw and felt and spoke with the ... (note for 1 Corinthians 15:5)
	February 21, 2012 at 02:19 PM

Note: Gordon B. Hinckley “Can anyone doubt the veracity of that account? No event of history has been more certainly confirmed. There is the testimony of all who saw and felt and spoke with the risen Lord. He appeared on two continents in two hemispheres and taught the people before His final ascension. Two sacred volumes, two testaments speak of this most glorious of all events in all of human history. But these are only accounts, the faithless critic says. To which we reply that beyond these is the witness and the testimony, borne by the power of the Holy Ghost, of the truth and validity of this most remarkable event. Through the centuries untold numbers have paid with the sacrifice of their comforts, their fortunes, their very lives for the convictions they carried in their hearts of the reality of the risen, living Lord.” (“This Glorious Easter Morn,” Ensign, May 1996, 67)

1 Corinthians 15:5
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

	dguthrie Joseph Smith “The gift of tongues is the smallest gift perhaps of the whole, and yet it is one that is the most sought after.” (History of the Church, 5:28-30.) Joseph Smith “Be not ... (note for 1 Corinthians 12:11)
	February 21, 2012 at 08:02 AM

Note: Joseph Smith “The gift of tongues is the smallest gift perhaps of the whole, and yet it is one that is the most sought after.” (History of the Church, 5:28-30.) Joseph Smith “Be not so curious about tongues, do not speak in tongues except there be an interpreter present; the ultimate design of tongues is to speak to foreigners, and if persons are very anxious to display their intelligence, let them speak to such in their own tongues. The gifts of God are all useful in their place, but when they are applied to that which God does not intend, they prove an injury, a snare and a curse instead of a blessing.” (History of the Church 5:31-32) Joseph F. Smith “There is perhaps no gift of the Spirit of God more easily imitated by the devil than the gift of tongues Where two men or women exercise the gift of tongues by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, there are a dozen perhaps who do it by the inspiration of the devil … “I believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit unto men, but I do not want the gift of tongues, except when I need it… “So far as I am concerned, if the Lord will give me ability to teach the people in my native tongue, or in their own language to the understanding of those who hear me, that will be sufficient gift of tongues to me. Yet if the Lord gives you the gift of 178 tongues, do not despise it, do not reject it. For if it comes from the Spirit of God, it will come to those who are worthy to receive it, and it is all right.” (Conference Reports, April 1900, p. 41)

1 Corinthians 12:11
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

	dguthrie Dallin H. Oaks “This power of discernment is essential if we are to distinguish between genuine spiritual gifts and the counterfeits Satan seeks to use to deceive men and women and thwart ... (note for 1 Corinthians 12:10)
	February 20, 2012 at 08:17 AM

Note: Dallin H. Oaks “This power of discernment is essential if we are to distinguish between genuine spiritual gifts and the counterfeits Satan seeks to use to deceive men and women and thwart the work of God. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, ‘Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the spirit of God.’ (Teachings, p. 205.) He also taught that ‘no man nor sect of men without the regular constituted authorities, the Priesthood and discerning of spirits, can tell true from false spirits.’ (Teachings, p. 213.) “Satan-inspired and man-made counterfeits of spiritual gifts have been present throughout our religious history. This is evident from the enchantments wrought by Pharoah’s sorcerers and magicians (see Ex. 7:11, 22; Ex. 8:7), and from Isaiah’s warnings against ‘wizards that peep, and that mutter’ and ‘them that have familiar spirits’ (Isa. 8:19). The Savior warned against false Christs and false prophets who ‘shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect … according to the covenant.’ (JS—Matthew 1:22.) The Apostle John said, ‘Try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.’ (1 Jn. 4:1.) “Just a few months after the Church was organized, Hiram Page, one of the earliest members, was receiving revelations through a seer stone. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith to tell Hiram Page privately that ‘those things which he has written from that stone are not of me and that Satan deceiveth him.’ (D&C 28:11.) The receipt of revelation had not been ‘appointed unto’ Hiram Page, the Lord explained, ‘neither shall anything by appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants. For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.’ (D&C 28:12–13.) “Here we learn that Satan gives revelations to deceive the children of men and that our protection is in following the order of the Church on who should receive revelation for what subject. In this, both men and women have equal responsibility to follow the duly ordained leaders of the church who have the obligation to lead and, on occasion, to correct.” (“Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign, Sept. 1986, 72)

1 Corinthians 12:10
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

	dguthrie Wisdom, in the gospel sense, can be defined as the correct application of knowledge or correct judgment. Such was the gift which Solomon requested and received. “I have sat in administra... (note for 1 Corinthians 12:8)
	February 20, 2012 at 07:23 AM

Note: Wisdom, in the gospel sense, can be defined as the correct application of knowledge or correct judgment. Such was the gift which Solomon requested and received. “I have sat in administrative meetings…when extremely difficult matters were being considered, when it appeared that no resolution was possible. I have become frustrated, weary in the realization that we simply could not handle the matter. Then a man would speak, briefly, softly, but powerfully, and suddenly the issue was settled. It was as though he had poured oil on troubled waters, had gotten to the essence of the issue rapidly, and had drawn upon a guiding principle in making his particular recommendation. It was an obvious illustration of the gift of wisdom or divine judgment. “Such gifts are of almost infinite worth.” (Robert L. Millet, Alive in Christ: The Miracle of Spiritual Rebirth [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1997], 58.) Stephen L. Richards “The fundamental knowledge which the Church brings to you will bring you understanding. Your testimony, your spirit, and your service will direct the application of your knowledge; that is wisdom. Every man needs it a hundred times a day. Every woman needs it. Every youth needs it. The foolish and the wise are the antipodes of mankind as are the two poles of the earth. The foolish build on the sand; the wise on the rock. The one perishes; the other endures. Thank God for the gift of wisdom.” (Where Is Wisdom? [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1955], 201.) Joseph F. Smith “…if you want wisdom, ask for it, as Solomon did; if you want knowledge and the testimony of the spirit in your hearts, seek for it earnestly. Put yourself in a position whereby you will be worthy to receive it, then it will come to you as a gift of God, and His name should be praised for the same.” (Conference Report, October 1903, 97.) “The greatest knowledge is that which opens the way to exaltation. As with wisdom, there are varying degrees of knowledge, temporal and spiritual, greater and smaller. The ultimate and sublime purpose of knowledge is ‘for the salvation of our souls.’ (Jacob 4:13.) “Firsthand knowledge comes with the aid of the Spirit. To read the scriptures gives one knowledge of what others have said. That is secondhand knowledge. When the Spirit bears witness to the truth of what the prophets have written, it becomes the personal and firsthand knowledge of the reader. The knowledge thus obtained is a gift of God.” (S. Brent Farley, Studies in Scripture, Vol. 8: Alma 30 to Moroni, ed. by Kent P. Jackson, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1988], 307.)

1 Corinthians 12:8
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

	dguthrie Although the Savior could heal all whom He would heal, this is not true of those who hold His priesthood authority. Mortal exercises of that authority are limited by the will of Him whose ... (note for 1 Corinthians 12:9)
	February 20, 2012 at 07:11 AM

Note: Although the Savior could heal all whom He would heal, this is not true of those who hold His priesthood authority. Mortal exercises of that authority are limited by the will of Him whose priesthood it is. Consequently, we are told that some whom the elders bless are not healed because they are "appointed unto death". Similarly, when the Apostle Paul sought to be healed from the "thorn in the flesh" that buffeted him, the Lord declined to heal him. Paul later wrote that the Lord explained, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness". Paul obediently responded that he would "rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me ... for when I am weak, then am I strong" Neal A. Maxwell “Faith is a gift, of course, and reason, by itself, cannot lead man out of the apparent maze. Man does not understand the mind of God and his timetable; nor do we have his perspective. The gift of faith, then, often gives form to what has been called ‘tacit knowledge,’ that form of knowledge that lies just below the level of the individual's powers of articulation, which whispers things to him that are true but which are difficult to share and can seldom be put in persuasive form for the ears of others. Nevertheless, without the gift of faith or the perspective-giving insights of the gospel, man's reason will sweep him into sadness and cynicism.” The gift of healing can be one of the most dramatic examples of a spiritual manifestation. However, the gift can apply to spiritual as well as physical blessings. The gift of healing can be applied to any ailment, whether physical spiritual, or emotional. Unlike many other gifts, the application of this gift depends upon the faith of the administrator and the recipient (see DC 46:19). In the early days of the Church, some sisters practiced the gift of healing by laying hands on the sick and praying for them. Joseph Smith remarked that such a practice should not be condemned. This may surprise many since we are so used to receiving blessings only at the hands of the elders. Indeed, the elders not the sisters should be requested when a blessing is needed. The scriptures expressly instruct us, ‘Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord’ (James 5:14). While not in frequent practice today, this principle underscores in important, albeit poorly understood, principle regarding the gifts of the Spirit. It is important to understand that the gifts of the Spirit are independent of the priesthood. The gift of healings, working of miracles, and prophecy (all of which we usually associate with the priesthood) are in fact gifts of the Spirit not products of the Priesthood. When they are performed by Priesthood brethren, then Priesthood power is inherently connected. Nevertheless, the sisters are as entitled to these gifts as the brethren. As President Heber J. Grant noted, “I rejoice … that every Latter-day Saint, every humble son and daughter of God that has embraced the gospel and become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has received the witness of the Holy Spirit, that the gift of tongues, the gift of prophecy, of healing, and other gifts and blessings, are found in the Church, and are not confined to men that hold responsible positions in the Church.” (Conference Reports, p. 64, April 1901) Joseph Smith “He said the reason of these remarks being made was, that some little foolish things were circulating in the society, against some sisters not doing right in laying hands on the sick. Said that if the people had common sympathies they would rejoice that the sick could be healed…No matter who believeth, these signs, such as healing the sick, casting out devils, etc., should follow all that believe, whether male or female. He asked the Society if they could not see by this sweeping promise, that wherein they are ordained, if it is the privilege of those set apart to administer in that authority, which is conferred on them; and if the sisters should have faith to heal the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let everything roll on. “…Respecting females administering for the healing of the sick he further remarked, there could be no evil in it, if God gave His sanction by healing; that there could be no more sin in any female laying hands on and praying for the sick, than in wetting the face with water; it is no sin for anybody to administer that has faith, or if the sick have faith to be healed by their administration.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 223-224)

1 Corinthians 12:9
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

	dguthrie I would likely have protected Paul against his woes if my power were boundless. I would surely have healed his "thorn in the flesh." [2 Corinthians 12:7.] And in doing so I might have foiled... (note for 2 Corinthians 12:9)
	February 20, 2012 at 07:08 AM

Note: I would likely have protected Paul against his woes if my power were boundless. I would surely have healed his "thorn in the flesh." [2 Corinthians 12:7.] And in doing so I might have foiled the Lord's program. Thrice he offered prayers, asking the Lord to remove the "thorn" from him, but the Lord did not so answer his prayers [see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10]. Paul many times could have lost himself if he had been eloquent, well, handsome, and free from the things that made him humble. ... Spencer W Kimble

2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

	dguthrie (note for Chapter 4)
	February 19, 2012 at 10:25 AM

Note:

Chapter 4
It was a very natural thing that Joseph Smith should seek the Lord. He came of a ... people who believed in our Heavenly Father, in the divine mission of the Savior, in the efficacy of prayer, and that God would hear and answer his people if they went before him with a proper spirit. It was easy for this young man to believe, because he had been born and reared in a believing household; and when he went out into the woods in response to the injunction of the scripture (James 1:5): "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him," he believed that his prayer would be answered, and our Heavenly Father has promised his children from the beginning, that, "by faith ye may know all things." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1921, 158-59.)

	dguthrie D&C 25:12 (note for Chapter 4)
	February 19, 2012 at 10:15 AM

Note: D&C 25:12

Chapter 4
They later went to the site of the First Vision, in Palmyra, New York. Elder Smith recalled: "We went into the grove where Joseph had knelt down and asked the Lord to inform him which one of the churches he should join. We were impressed to sing, in that hallowed place, the beautiful ... hymn, 'Joseph Smith's First Prayer.'" (In Conference Report, Apr. 1906, 56.)

	dguthrie John 10:18 (note for John 19:11)
	February 19, 2012 at 09:54 AM

Note: John 10:18

John 19:11
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

	dguthrie John 19:11 (note for John 10:18)
	February 19, 2012 at 09:54 AM

Note: John 19:11

John 10:18
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

	dguthrie Orson Pratt “No one who has been born of the Spirit, and who remains sufficiently faithful, is left destitute of a spiritual gift.” (Masterful Discourses and Writings of Orson Pratt, p. ... (note for 1 Corinthians 12:7)
	February 16, 2012 at 08:32 AM

Note: Orson Pratt “No one who has been born of the Spirit, and who remains sufficiently faithful, is left destitute of a spiritual gift.” (Masterful Discourses and Writings of Orson Pratt, p. 570.) LeGrand Richards “The Lord has not left any without some gift and as you look about you, you will find that where one is strong in one way he may be weak in another. The Lord never did give all His gifts to any one individual…You remember how Alma of old said he would that he had the voice of an angel, that he might cry repentance to all the world, but the Lord did not grant his desire, even though he was a prophet. Paul carried a thorn in his flesh all his days, but the Lord did not see fit to remove it; and the Book of Mormon says thereto are we given weaknesses that we might remain humble. Is there one among you who does not feel his weakness and would that he had greater power than he possesses for achievement in this great and mighty latter-day work? And yet you have to satisfy yourselves to do the things that are within your own reach and with the gifts that the Lord has seen fit to bestow upon you. But remember, ‘The manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal’—that is why the Lord gave the parable of the talents. To one He gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one. And remember the Lord will return and expect an accounting according to the talents given.” (Conference Report, April 1943, Second Day—Morning Meeting 48.)

1 Corinthians 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

	dguthrie Joseph Smith taught that 1 Cor. 12:3 which reads, “’ No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost,’ should be translated ‘no man can know that Jesus is the Lord, but ... (note for 1 Corinthians 12:3)
	February 16, 2012 at 08:16 AM

Note: Joseph Smith taught that 1 Cor. 12:3 which reads, “’ No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost,’ should be translated ‘no man can know that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.’” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 223.) Indeed, a careful review of history will reveal that it is possible to say that Jesus is the Lord but still deny the Holy Ghost. The remnants of apostate Christianity give us many examples. Those who draw near to the Lord ‘with their lips, but their hearts are far from’ him (JS-Hist 1:19). For ‘not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven’ (Matt. 7:21). Therefore, we cannot truly know that ‘Jesus is the Lord’ nor can we obtain a testimony that Jesus is the Christ without the power of the Holy Ghost. Spiritual knowledge can be obtained in no other way. Marion G. Romney “Without the gift or revelation, which is one of the gifts or the Holy Ghost, there could be no Church of Jesus Christ. This is apparent from the obvious fact that in order for his Church to exist, there must be a society of people who individually have testimonies that Jesus is the Christ. According to Paul, such testimonies are revealed only by the Holy Ghost, for said he, ‘. . . no man can [know] say that Jesus is the Lord. but by the Holy Ghost.’ (See 1 Cor. 12:3.) In the 46th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord specifically lists such knowledge as one of the gifts of the Holy Ghost, as follows: ‘To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God’ (D & C 46:13.) Everyone who has a testimony of Jesus has received it by revelation from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a revelator, and everyone who receives him receives revelation. “Wherever and whenever revelation is operative, manifestations of other gifts of the Holy Ghost are prevalent.” (Conference Report, April 1956, Afternoon Meeting 69.) Henry D. Moyle “Paul enumerates many gifts of the Spirit. The greatest gift, however, is not the performing of miracles or talking in tongues, or prophesying, etc.; but the inception of an individual testimony is the greatest of all gifts of the Spirit. And that is a gift which comes from God through the Holy Ghost and can be received by any man, woman, or child in the world who desires to know the truth.” (Conference Report, April 1957, Afternoon Meeting 32.)

1 Corinthians 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

	dguthrie Bruce R. McConkie “It is true that the words predestinate and predestinated are found in the King James translation of some of Paul's writings (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:5, 11), but Biblical re... (note for Romans 8:29)
	February 15, 2012 at 07:31 AM

Note: Bruce R. McConkie “It is true that the words predestinate and predestinated are found in the King James translation of some of Paul's writings (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:5, 11), but Biblical revisions use the words foreordain and foreordained, which more accurately convey Paul's views. However, even as the King James Version renders the passages, there is no intimation of any compulsion or denial of free agency, for one of the dictionary definitions of foreordination is predestination, meaning the prior appointment (in pre-existence) of particular persons to perform designated labors or gain particular rewards.” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., pp. 588-589.) The Joseph Smith Translation avoids the pitfall of predestination that Calvinism fell into. Specifically, the verse is altered to refer to Christ’s predestination as God’s Son. Yet, we know that the Lord’s servants are also called from the foundation of the world. We could even say that the time and place of our birth have been predestined. According to Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill, ‘[God] hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of [our] habitation.‘ (Acts 17:26) While God may have predetermined the bounds of our habitation, he has not predetermined the bounds of our every action. What Calvinism misunderstands is that such a calling does not predestinate the act, the thought, or the final reward of the individual. Harold B. Lee “…about this matter of foreordination. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that ‘every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was’ (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938], p. 365). So likewise declared the Apostle Paul, ‘For whom he did foreknow them he also called’ (Romans 8:29-30). But do not misunderstand that such a calling and such foreordination pre-determine what you must do. A prophet on this western continent has spoken plainly on this subject, ‘Being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil’ (Alma 13:3). This last passage makes the others preceding more understandable. God may have called and chosen men in the spirit world or in their first estate to do a certain work, but whether they will accept that calling here and magnify it by faithful service and good works while in mortality is a matter in which it is their right and privilege to exercise their free agency to choose good or evil.” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, edited by Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 31.)

Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

	dguthrie The mother of the sons of Zebedee, James and John, approached the Savior and asked that they be on His right hand and left hand in the world to come. Jesus' tutoring but disapproving respons... (note for Romans 8:27)
	February 14, 2012 at 07:04 PM

Note: The mother of the sons of Zebedee, James and John, approached the Savior and asked that they be on His right hand and left hand in the world to come. Jesus' tutoring but disapproving response was: ‘Ye know not what ye ask.’ (Matthew 20:22.) Clearly, when our prayers are uninspired, we petition for things we should not ask for, even though we do so innocently. This is, in effect, what we do when we pray and ‘ask amiss.’ (James 4:3.)

Romans 8:27
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

	dguthrie “Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ‘we know not what we should pray for as we ought’ (Rom. 8:26). But we read that the Nephite Twelve, while praying, ‘did not multiply many wo... (note for Romans 8:26)
	February 14, 2012 at 06:59 PM

Note: “Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ‘we know not what we should pray for as we ought’ (Rom. 8:26). But we read that the Nephite Twelve, while praying, ‘did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they were filled with desire’ (3 Ne. 19:24). Our most productive prayers will include all three members of the Godhead; we will address our prayers to our Father in Heaven, pray in the name of Jesus Christ, and pray as prompted by the Holy Ghost. Having the Holy Ghost express God’s will for us through our prayers should be the goal of all Latter-day Saints. That way, ‘the time will come when we shall know the will of God before we ask. Then everything for which we pray will be right. That will be when, as a result of righteous living, we shall so enjoy the companionship of the Spirit that he will dictate to us what we should ask.’ (Marion G. Romney, Learning for the Eternities, 117)” (Donald W. Parry, “After This Manner … Pray Ye,” Ensign, Jan. 1996, 38)

Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

	dguthrie Neal A. Maxwell “Real hope, said Paul, is a hope for things that are not seen that are true. (See Romans 8:24.)…Christ-centered hope, however, is a very specific and particularized hope... (note for Romans 8:24)
	February 14, 2012 at 06:56 PM

Note: Neal A. Maxwell “Real hope, said Paul, is a hope for things that are not seen that are true. (See Romans 8:24.)…Christ-centered hope, however, is a very specific and particularized hope. It is focused on the great realities of the resurrection, eternal life, a better world, and Christ's triumphant second coming ‘things as they really will be.’ (Jacob 4:13. Italics added.) “Moroni asked rhetorically, ‘What should we hope for?’ and, responding, said: ‘Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.’ (Moroni 7:41.)” (Notwithstanding My Weakness [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981], 41.)

Romans 8:24
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

	dguthrie Joseph Smith “’The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but Christ subjected the same in hope.’ We are all subject to vanity while we travel through the crooked paths a... (note for Romans 8:20)
	February 14, 2012 at 06:52 PM

Note: Joseph Smith “’The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but Christ subjected the same in hope.’ We are all subject to vanity while we travel through the crooked paths and difficulties which surround us. Where is the man that is free from vanity? None ever were perfect but Jesus, and why was he perfect? Because he was the Son of God and had the fulness of the Spirit and greater power than any man. But notwithstanding our vanity, we look forward with hope (because ‘we are subjected in hope’) to the time of our deliverance.” (Kent P. Jackson, comp. and ed., Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1994], 156.)

Romans 8:20
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

	dguthrie This is the understatement of understatements, for ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him�... (note for Romans 8:18)
	February 14, 2012 at 06:50 PM

Note: This is the understatement of understatements, for ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him’ (1 Cor. 2:9).

Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

	dguthrie This is the only use of the word "atonement" in the New Testament. However that is only because the King James translators chose to use other words for the Hebrew word atonement such as reco... (note for Romans 5:11)
	February 14, 2012 at 06:47 PM

Note: This is the only use of the word "atonement" in the New Testament. However that is only because the King James translators chose to use other words for the Hebrew word atonement such as reconciliation or propitiation

Romans 5:11
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

	dguthrie One of the most common criticisms of LDS theology is that we believe that man has a divine potential. The biblical evidence for this is more than ample (see below), but still we are misrepre... (note for Romans 8:17)
	February 14, 2012 at 08:20 AM

Note: One of the most common criticisms of LDS theology is that we believe that man has a divine potential. The biblical evidence for this is more than ample (see below), but still we are misrepresented. Paul’s declaration that we will be joint-heirs with Christ is one of the foundational scriptures which point to man’s potential to rise above and even ‘pass by the angels, and the gods…to [our] exaltation’ (D&C 132:19). Being a joint-heir with Christ does not make us equal to Christ, but it does entitle us to all that he inherits from the Father, ‘he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him’ (DC 84:38). “It should be noted here that the LDS doctrine of deification is often misrepresented. Despite what our critics claim, the Latter-day Saints do not believe that human beings will ever become the equals of God, or be independent of God, or that they will ever cease to be subordinate to God. For Latter-day Saints, to become gods means to overcome the world through the atonement of Christ (1 Jn. 5:4-5; Rev. 2:7, 11). Thus we become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17; Gal. 4:7) and will inherit all things just as Christ inherits all things (1 Cor. 3:21-23; Revelation 21:7). There are no limitations on these scriptural declarations; we shall inherit all things-including the power to create and to beget. In that glorified state we shall look like our Savior (1 Jn. 3:2; 1 Cor. 15:49; 2 Cor. 3:18) we shall receive his glory and be one with him and with the Father (John 17:21-23; Philip. 3:21). Sitting with God upon the throne of God, we shall rule over all things (Luke 12:44; Rev. 3:21 ). “Now, if the Christian scriptures teach that we will look like God, receive the inheritance of God, receive the glory of God, be one with God, sit upon the throne of God, and exercise the power and rule of God, then surely it cannot be un-Christian to conclude with C. S. Lewis and others that such beings as these can be called gods, as long as we remember that this use of the term gods does not in any way reduce or limit the sovereignty of God our Father. That is how the early Christians used the term; it is how C. S. Lewis used the term; and it is how the Latter-day Saints use the term and understand the doctrine.” (Stephen E. Robinson, Are Mormons Christians? [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], 65.) Joseph Smith “To become a joint heir of the heirship of the Son, [one] must put away all [one's] traditions. “What is it? To inherit the same glory, power, and exaltation, with those who are gone before. “[You will] enjoy the same rise, exaltation, and glory, until you arrive at the station of a God. “They are exalted far above principalities, thrones, dominions, and angels, and are expressly declared to be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, all having eternal power.” (Kent P. Jackson, comp. and ed., Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1994], 155.) Delbert L. Stapley “In the important doctrinal discourse known as the ‘King Follet Sermon’ [Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 342-62], the Prophet Joseph Smith, referring to those who ‘shall be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ,’ described the joint heirship as inheriting the same power, the same glory, and the same exaltation, until an individual ascends to the station of Godhood and rises to the throne of eternal power, sharing the rewards with all the faithful who have preceded him. “A joint-heir legally inherits and shares all equities and gifts in equal interest with all other heirs. Nothing is excluded nor adjusted in value between the participating joint-heirs. . . . “If we are led by the Spirit of God in our lives, we are promised heirship with him and joint-heirship with Christ our Lord in the great estate of God's kingdom and glory. [Rom. 8:17.] We ‘suffer with Christ’ as we sacrifice the things of the world and yield complete obedience to every truth, principle, and ordinance of the gospel plan. Whatever we contribute in honest tithes and other contributions along with unselfish participation and service to our fellow men to build the kingdom off God on the earth, increases our personal joy and happiness in heirship with Christ the Lord. . . . “The Father has promised his sons who receive the Holy Priesthood and faithfully abide by the conditions of its oath and covenant that they are to share in all that which the Father hath. The Father possesses kingdoms, thrones, principalities, powers, dominions, and exaltations. These the faithful will receive of him as heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. This promise—and the Lord will not fail—is a challenging encouragement for all to do his will. It is natural for a father to share his estate with his children. Our Heavenly Father is no exception. He does so with a binding covenant with his faithful sons: Listen to the words of this promise: [Sec. 84:40, quoted.] “The number sharing these great and choice blessings will be limited. It is unfortunate that so few will worthily prepare themselves and enter the strait gate and faithfully follow the narrow way to the end to earn the promising reward of eternal life and its joint-heirship with Christ of all that God the Father possesses.” (CR, April 1961, pp 66-67 as taken from Roy W. Doxey, comp., Latter-day Prophets and the Doctrine and Covenants [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978], 3: 80-81) George Q. Cannon “There is nothing that the Savior has attained unto that God's faithful children are not promised. They are promised the same blessings, the same power, the same authority, the same gifts, the same graces. I know that we are apt to think that heaven is a sort of spiritual place. It is spiritual; but God our Eternal Father is a being of power. He controls the earth and the inhabitants thereof; He controls the elements of the earth; and we are promised that we shall be sharers with Him. He will give us an equal interest in all this power and authority.” (CR, April 1899, pp. 64-65 as taken from Roy W. Doxey, comp., Latter-day Prophets and the Doctrine and Covenants [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978], 3: 274.)

Romans 8:17
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

	dguthrie Bruce R. McConkie “In one sense, the sons of God are the spirit offspring of the Father, the ones who ‘shouted for joy’ when ‘the foundations of the earth’ were laid. (Job 38:1-7.... (note for Romans 8:14)
	February 13, 2012 at 06:42 PM

Note: Bruce R. McConkie “In one sense, the sons of God are the spirit offspring of the Father, the ones who ‘shouted for joy’ when ‘the foundations of the earth’ were laid. (Job 38:1-7.) But in a more particular and express sense, they are the ones who accept Christ and his laws and press forward in devotion to truth and righteousness, living ‘by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God’ (D. & C. 84:44), until they become new creatures of the Holy Ghost and are thus spiritually begotten of God. They become by adoption ‘the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters’ (Mosiah 5:7), and also, through him, they are begotten sons and daughters unto his Father. (D. & C. 76:22-24.) “Those who receive the gospel and join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have power given them to become the sons of God. (D. & C. 11:30; 35:2; 39:1-6; 45:8; John 1:12.) Sonship does not come from church membership alone, but admission into the Church opens the door to such high status, if it is followed by continued faith and devotion. (Rom. 8:14-18; Gal. 3:26-29; 4:1-7.)” (Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 745.)

Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

	dguthrie “’Mortify’ is a simple Greek word meaning ‘put to death,’ so Paul is asking the Roman saints to destroy their evil works as a condition of living in God's kingdom.” (Richard L. A... (note for Romans 8:13)
	February 13, 2012 at 06:40 PM

Note: “’Mortify’ is a simple Greek word meaning ‘put to death,’ so Paul is asking the Roman saints to destroy their evil works as a condition of living in God's kingdom.” (Richard L. Anderson, Understanding Paul [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 187 - 188.)

Romans 8:13
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

	dguthrie Bruce R. McConkie “In the full and eternal sense, even in the true church, only those saints who enjoy the companionship of the Spirit belong to the Lord; they are the only ones who are th... (note for Romans 8:9)
	February 13, 2012 at 06:39 PM

Note: Bruce R. McConkie “In the full and eternal sense, even in the true church, only those saints who enjoy the companionship of the Spirit belong to the Lord; they are the only ones who are the Lord's people in the sense of gaining salvation.” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985], 286.) Joseph Smith “…if any man has not the testimony of Jesus or the Spirit of God, ‘he is none of his’ [Rom. 8:9], namely Christ's. And if not his, he must be damned.” (Kent P. Jackson, comp. and ed., Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1994], 227.)

Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

	dguthrie “Sometimes we do not submit because we are preoccupied with the choking, consuming cares of the world. ‘And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of ot... (note for Romans 8:8)
	February 13, 2012 at 06:36 PM

Note: “Sometimes we do not submit because we are preoccupied with the choking, consuming cares of the world. ‘And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful’ (Mark 4:19; see also Luke 8:14; 21:34). “Being preoccupied with the cares of the world, we have no time for God and for spiritual things.” (Not My Will, But Thine [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], 100.)

Romans 8:8
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

	dguthrie Neal A. Maxwell “Spiritual submissiveness is not blind faith but deliberate obedience. It consists of proceeding on the basis of what we already know—proceeding to further subordination... (note for Romans 8:7)
	February 13, 2012 at 06:34 PM

Note: Neal A. Maxwell “Spiritual submissiveness is not blind faith but deliberate obedience. It consists of proceeding on the basis of what we already know—proceeding to further subordination of the self within us. To begin to live with God in the world requires the expulsion of what is unacceptable in the old self—no minor adjustment. ‘Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be’. ‘They are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness’ (Alma 41:11). “Sometimes we do not submit because we are preoccupied with the choking, consuming cares of the world. ‘And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful’ (Mark 4:19; see also Luke 8:14; 21:34). “Being preoccupied with the cares of the world, we have no time for God and for spiritual things.” (Not My Will, But Thine [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], 100.)

Romans 8:7
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

	dguthrie Dallin H. Oaks “Each of us has a personal lens through which we view the world. Our lens gives its special tint to all we see. It can suppress some features and emphasize others. It can al... (note for Romans 8:6)
	February 13, 2012 at 06:30 PM

Note: Dallin H. Oaks “Each of us has a personal lens through which we view the world. Our lens gives its special tint to all we see. It can suppress some features and emphasize others. It can also reveal things otherwise invisible. Through the lens of spirituality, we can know ‘the things of God’ by ‘the Spirit of God.’ (1 Cor. 2:11.) As the Apostle Paul taught, such things are ‘foolishness’ to the ‘natural man.’ He cannot see them ‘because they are spiritually discerned.’ (See 1 Cor. 2:14.) “How we interpret our experiences is also a function of our degree of spirituality. Some interpret mortality solely in terms of worldly accomplishments and possessions. In contrast, we who have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ should interpret our experiences in terms of our knowledge of the purpose of life, the mission of our Savior, and the eternal destiny of the children of God. “Spirituality is not a function of occupation or calling. A scientist may be more spiritual than a theologian; a teacher may be more spiritual than an officer. Spirituality is determined by personal outlook and priorities. It is evident in our words and actions.” (“Spirituality,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 61)

Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

	dguthrie Neal A. Maxwell “If one ‘mind[s] the things of the flesh’ (Rom. 8:5), he cannot ‘have the mind of Christ’ (1 Cor. 2:16) because his thought patterns are ‘far from’ Jesus, as ... (note for Romans 8:5)
	February 13, 2012 at 06:22 PM

Note: Neal A. Maxwell “If one ‘mind[s] the things of the flesh’ (Rom. 8:5), he cannot ‘have the mind of Christ’ (1 Cor. 2:16) because his thought patterns are ‘far from’ Jesus, as are the desires or the ‘intents of his heart’ (Mosiah 5:13). Ironically, if the Master is a stranger to us, then we will merely end up serving other masters. The sovereignty of these other masters is real, even if it sometimes is subtle, for they do call their cadence. Actually, ‘we are all enlisted’ (Hymns, 1985, no. 250), if only in the ranks of the indifferent.” (“Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 22) Neal A. Maxwell “Gross sins arise ominously and steadily out of the swamp of self-indulgence and self-pity. But the smaller sins breed there, too, like insects in the mud, including the coarsening of language. But why should we expect those who ‘mind the things of the flesh’ to mind their tongues? (Rom. 8:5.) “For some, their god ‘is their belly,’ as are other forms of anatomical allegiance! (Philip. 3:19.) A few hedonists actually glory in their shame, and there is even a ‘greediness’ in their ‘uncleanness’ (Eph. 4:18–19). Sadly, too, a few envy the wicked. Still others complain that the wicked seem to get away with it! (See Prov. 23:17; Mal. 3:14–15.) “Ironically, in all their eagerness to experience certain things, hedonists, become desensitized. People who wrongly celebrate their capacity to feel finally reach a point where they lose much of their capacity to feel! In the words of three different prophets, such individuals become ‘past feeling’ (see 1 Ne. 17:45; Eph. 4:19; Moro. 9:20).” (“Deny Yourselves of All Ungodliness,” Ensign, May 1995, 67–68)

Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

	dguthrie Chieko N. Okazaki “We all have challenges to face that test our courage. I want you to know that the Savior is with us in our difficult moments. And I urge you to take courage and be of go... (note for Romans 8:2)
	February 13, 2012 at 06:19 PM

Note: Chieko N. Okazaki “We all have challenges to face that test our courage. I want you to know that the Savior is with us in our difficult moments. And I urge you to take courage and be of good cheer. It's hard enough to bear our burdens and go about our duty without weighting our steps down even more by a downcast countenance and by a mournful consciousness of how sad we are. I'm not saying we should put on a facade or lie to ourselves or others, but I am saying that we should choose the path of courage and cheer just as much as we possibly can. It will strengthen us. And we certainly don't need to take on the totally unnecessary burden of inappropriate guilt and feelings of inadequacy that come from comparing ourselves to others.” (Aloha! [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], 122.)

Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

	dguthrie Paul tells us that those who walk after the Spirit are under no condemnation. But often, we don’t really believe him. So frequently we see members who try their best yet are overcome with ... (note for Romans 8:1)
	February 13, 2012 at 06:18 PM

Note: Paul tells us that those who walk after the Spirit are under no condemnation. But often, we don’t really believe him. So frequently we see members who try their best yet are overcome with feelings of guilt and inadequacy. How is this possible when they are under no condemnation? Paul is whispering in one ear, “your free from the power of sin by the Savior’s atonement.” Satan is whispering in the other ear, “you’re not good enough; Sister So-and-so is more spiritual than you; you missed your visiting teaching again.” It would seem that many—too many—listen to Satan’s alluring siren rather than Paul’s liberating declaration of truth—that living by the Spirit makes one ‘free from the law of sin and death.’ That should also mean that we are free from feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and self-deprecation.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

	dguthrie Bruce R. McConkie “Satan pays his servants with death, spiritual death, death as pertaining to the things of righteousness; Christ rewards those who serve him with life, spiritual life, et... (note for Romans 6:23)
	February 13, 2012 at 08:48 AM

Note: Bruce R. McConkie “Satan pays his servants with death, spiritual death, death as pertaining to the things of righteousness; Christ rewards those who serve him with life, spiritual life, eternal life, life in the presence of God, enjoying and possessing all that Deity himself has.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-1973], 2:252) Bernard P. Brockbank “President Harold B. Lee gave this counsel: ‘The heaviest burden that one has to bear in this life is the burden of sin.’ (Ensign, July 1973, p. 123.) The apostle Paul taught, ‘The wages of sin is death.’ (Rom. 6:23.) The wages of sins that are not repented of is death—death to man’s potential godliness, death to man’s opportunity for eternal life with his Heavenly Father.” (“The Divine Power of Repentance,” Ensign, Nov. 1974, 57) Elaine L. Jack “There are some who are not satisfied with the peace that comes from the Lord. Seeking gratification in unholy places, they hang out—usually on a limb—and play into the hands of Satan and his evil designs. ‘Stand ye in holy places,’ we are told, for ‘the wages of sin is death’ (Rom. 6:23), and the road back from sin is a long one (see D&C 87:8). “Some break what they view as the lesser commandments, hoping that such infractions will be only minor deductions in the final exam. They don’t keep the Sabbath day holy, they invite temptation, they seek release from the pressures of school with drugs or alcohol, they don’t fulfill their callings. They lie—just a little; they cheat—just when they need to; and they miss Church meetings—only when they’re tired. “’Never take no cutoffs’ means to enter in at the strait gate and to stay on the straight and narrow path. Just as the Donner party set off with the best of intentions but strayed into disaster, we too can be led into blind canyons and forced to cross treacherous desert sands if we relax our devotion to the Lord’s cause.” (“Never Take No Cutoffs,” Ensign, Aug. 1994, 65–66)

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

	dguthrie Neal A. Maxwell “We cannot obey, of course, unless we have faith. Paul said that ‘by faith’ Abraham obeyed. (Hebrews 11:8-9, 17.) There is an immense insight given by Paul in his epi... (note for Romans 6:17)
	February 13, 2012 at 08:43 AM

Note: Neal A. Maxwell “We cannot obey, of course, unless we have faith. Paul said that ‘by faith’ Abraham obeyed. (Hebrews 11:8-9, 17.) There is an immense insight given by Paul in his epistle to the Romans in which he praised them and then said, ‘But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.’ (Romans 6:17.) Obeying ‘from the heart’ is one great key. It is obedience because of the word and not because of imposed circumstances.” (Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977], 45.)

Romans 6:17
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

	dguthrie Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? “The doctrine of grace is susceptible to misunderstanding or distortion in several ways. Perhaps t... (note for Romans 6:15)
	February 13, 2012 at 08:37 AM

Note: Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? “The doctrine of grace is susceptible to misunderstanding or distortion in several ways. Perhaps the most serious distortion is to argue that since in the covenant relationship Christ makes up what I lack, I don't need to work as hard anymore. I can relax and let Jesus do everything for me; I can just coast along with a token effort, clinging tenaciously to my favorite sins, and still expect to be ‘saved by grace.’ “In the early Christian Church, the Apostle Paul was confronted by those who thought grace would be a license and a shield for sin: ‘What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness.’ (Rom. 6:15-16.) “The false doctrine of salvation by grace without commitment or loyalty violates the terms of the gospel covenant by asking Jesus to do for me what I could very well do for myself—but don't want to. Anyone can pretend to be doing their best and pretend to be justified by faith in Christ and to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, while in truth they remain obstinately committed to their sins. No one but God knows they are lying. I wish I could offer an objective test for distinguishing between the honest in heart who strive to do what they can and the pretenders who expect to be carried when they could walk, but I don't know how to do it. I am content that God knows the difference.” (Stephen E. Robinson, Believing Christ: The Parable of the Bicycle and Other Good News [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1992], 85.)

Romans 6:15
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

	dguthrie Delbert L. Stapley “’Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourself unto God, . . . and your members as instruments of righteousness unto Go... (note for Romans 6:14)
	February 13, 2012 at 08:34 AM

Note: Delbert L. Stapley “’Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourself unto God, . . . and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.’ (Rom. 6:12-13.) “By comprehending what to avoid, we will understand that which we must do. Our first step is to make certain that our thoughts are clean and pure. Then we can give attention to our bodies, since they house a spirit child of God both here in mortality and in eternity. The spirit of man should have ascendancy and control over the physical body, for the spirit is the power that quickens and animates the body and gives it life and intelligence. “We have the challenge; we ought now to concentrate on developing and improving our present physical house, which tabernacles a spirit child of God, and prepare it for eternal glory.” (Conference Report, October 1967, Afternoon Meeting 71.)

Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

	dguthrie Russell M. Nelson “Many so-called experts give advice for the body—without thought for the spirit. Anyone who accepts direction contrary to the Word of Wisdom, for example, forsakes a ... (note for Romans 6:12)
	February 13, 2012 at 08:22 AM

Note: Russell M. Nelson “Many so-called experts give advice for the body—without thought for the spirit. Anyone who accepts direction contrary to the Word of Wisdom, for example, forsakes a law revealed to bring both physical and spiritual blessings. Some recommendations regarding use of our reproductive organs are based solely—and inadequately—upon physical considerations. Beware of such one-sided views! Paul taught that ‘if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.’ (Rom. 8:13) “That caution pertains to pornography, which is highly addictive. Scriptural warning is clear: ‘Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.’ (Rom. 6:12) In time, addictions enslave both the body and the spirit. Full repentance from addiction is best accomplished in this life, while we still have a mortal body to help us. “As children of God, we should not let anything enter the body that might defile it.” (“We Are Children of God,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 87)

Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

	dguthrie Bruce R. McConkie “Sometimes the spiritual struggle to slay sin, that the new convert may be free therefrom, is as savage a warfare as death by crucifixion. But when sin is destroyed in ... (note for Romans 6:11)
	February 13, 2012 at 08:19 AM

Note: Bruce R. McConkie “Sometimes the spiritual struggle to slay sin, that the new convert may be free therefrom, is as savage a warfare as death by crucifixion. But when sin is destroyed in our lives, it is no longer our master. We are ‘dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (Rom. 6:3-11.)” (The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978], 389.) Neal A. Maxwell “Discipleship turns on our spiritual sensitivities. It increases the ‘aliveness’ in each of us. These sensitivities are enhanced, not diminished, with discipleship. It’s part of what the scriptures call becoming ‘alive in Christ because of our faith’ (2 Ne. 25:25; see also Rom. 6:11; 1 Cor. 15:22). In contrast, there’s a dullness and a sameness about sin.” (“Becoming a Disciple,” Ensign, June 1996, 18–19)

Romans 6:11
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

	dguthrie Lehi is obviously quoting the passage from Proverbs, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov 22:6). His use of this scripture is intere... (note for 2 Nephi 4:2)
	February 12, 2012 at 12:21 PM

Note: Lehi is obviously quoting the passage from Proverbs, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov 22:6). His use of this scripture is interesting because his two sons, Laman and Lemuel, seem to be an exception to this general rule. There is nothing from the record of Nephi which would indicate that Lehi had done a poor job as a father. On the contrary, on many occasions he plead with them, with all the feeling of a tender parent and with the entreaty, hear the words of a trembling parent (1 Ne 8:37, 2 Ne 1:14).

2 Nephi 4:2
For behold, he truly prophesied concerning all his seed. And the prophecies which he wrote, there are not many greater. And he prophesied concerning us, and our future generations; and they are written upon the plates of brass.

	dguthrie “There is strong presumptive evidence in the blessings given by Israel to his son Joseph, and his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh, as recorded in Genesis, that they were to inherit a land f... (note for 2 Nephi 10:10)
	February 12, 2012 at 11:35 AM

Note: “There is strong presumptive evidence in the blessings given by Israel to his son Joseph, and his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh, as recorded in Genesis, that they were to inherit a land far from Jerusalem and become a multitude of nations. Joseph was promised that his inheritance should be to the ‘utmost bounds of the everlasting hills’; (Genesis 49:26.) that he was ‘a fruitful bough by a well whose branches run over the wall.’ (Genesis 49:22.) Moreover, he was to receive a greater inheritance than his progenitors, who were given the land of Palestine.

2 Nephi 10:10
But behold, this land, said God, shall be a land of thine inheritance, and the Gentiles shall be blessed upon the land.

	dguthrie Jacob is referring to the prophecy of Isaiah 49:22-3. The meaning of these phrases has already been beautifully explained by Nephi, see 1 Ne 22:6-12. (note for 2 Nephi 10:9)
	February 12, 2012 at 11:32 AM

Note: Jacob is referring to the prophecy of Isaiah 49:22-3. The meaning of these phrases has already been beautifully explained by Nephi, see 1 Ne 22:6-12.

2 Nephi 10:9
Yea, the kings of the Gentiles shall be nursing fathers unto them, and their queens shall become nursing mothers; wherefore, the promises of the Lord are great unto the Gentiles, for he hath spoken it, and who can dispute?

	dguthrie In 70 AD, the Romans sieged Jerusalem. During this siege, the Jews suffered terrible things—even destructions, famines, and pestilences. For a detailed account of what happened, see commen... (note for 2 Nephi 10:6)
	February 12, 2012 at 11:31 AM

Note: In 70 AD, the Romans sieged Jerusalem. During this siege, the Jews suffered terrible things—even destructions, famines, and pestilences. For a detailed account of what happened, see commentary for 2 Ne 6:10. After this, they were scattered all over the Roman Empire. This event is sometimes called the Diaspora.

2 Nephi 10:6
Wherefore, because of their iniquities, destructions, famines, pestilences, and bloodshed shall come upon them; and they who shall not be destroyed shall be scattered among all nations.

	dguthrie The carnal man must die in order for the spiritual man to flourish. Figuratively speaking, the strait gate of baptism should be surrounded by the remains of millions of crosses. Ideally, at ... (note for Romans 6:6)
	February 12, 2012 at 11:28 AM

Note: The carnal man must die in order for the spiritual man to flourish. Figuratively speaking, the strait gate of baptism should be surrounded by the remains of millions of crosses. Ideally, at baptism the natural man is killed. However, this process is never easy. The ‘old man’ just doesn’t want to go. He must be dragged, kicking and screaming, to the place of execution. He fights, biting and spitting, to be saved from death. Furthermore, we must be our own executioner. We can’t hire a hit man. We must take the hammer ourselves and drive in the nails ourselves. Putting ‘off the natural man’ (Mosiah 3:19) means crucifying the ‘old man’ so that the “new man” can take his place. Now Satan can’t stand to see his old men get killed. And so, in desperation, the ‘old man’ argues, “take me with you. We’ll walk the strait and narrow path together. You don’t have to kill me to be a disciple.” But he is lying. Those who take his advice—beginning to walk with the old man instead of crucifying him by the gate—eventually find out that they cannot continue until he is killed. Hence, the gate of baptism is surrounded by old crosses and the path of discipleship is littered with them like a cemetery for old men. “Christ says 'Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked—the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.” (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 167). Neal A. Maxwell “Behold the natural man! Selfish, impatient, short-tempered, easily offended, unforgiving, proud, envious, covetous, carnal, and drenched in ego! No wonder he is to be ‘put off.’ (Mosiah 3:19; Colossians 3:8; Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22.) Nevertheless, he is very difficult to put off. The old ways, so pleasing to the carnal man, are really hard to set aside. Actually, these ways are not really fulfilling and not really satisfying. But they are preoccupying, for pleasing the natural man is a full-time business. He sees to that!” (That Ye May Believe [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], 18.) Neal A. Maxwell “So it is that real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed! Such is the ‘sacrifice unto the Lord … of a broken heart and a contrite spirit,’ (D&C 59:8), a prerequisite to taking up the cross, while giving ‘away all [our] sins’ in order to ‘know God’ (Alma 22:18) for the denial of self precedes the full acceptance of Him.” (“Deny Yourselves of All Ungodliness,” Ensign, May 1995, 68)

Romans 6:6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

	dguthrie We agree with our critics on at least that point-that such a formulation for divinity is truly incomprehensible. (note for Chapter 3)
	February 12, 2012 at 11:08 AM

Note: We agree with our critics on at least that point-that such a formulation for divinity is truly incomprehensible.

Chapter 3
Not only do we believe that Jesus of Nazareth lived upon the earth, but we believe that he still lives, not as an essence, not as something incorporeal or intangible, but we believe in him as an exalted man; for he arose with the same body that was laid in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea, the same body that was ministered to there by those who loved him. The same Jesus Christ who came forth from the tomb, brought with him that body which had been purified and cleansed, ... and he took it with him when he disappeared from the gaze of humanity at Jerusalem when the two men in white raiment said: "As you see him go, so likewise will he return again." [See Acts 1:10-11.]

	dguthrie So any criticism that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not hold the contemporary Christian view of God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost is not a comment about our commitment t... (note for Chapter 3)
	February 12, 2012 at 11:07 AM

Note: So any criticism that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not hold the contemporary Christian view of God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost is not a comment about our commitment to Christ but rather a recognition (accurate, I might add) that our view of the Godhead breaks with post-New Testament Christian history and returns to the doctrine taught by Jesus Himself.b

Chapter 3
The ticket agent said, "They do not even believe in Jesus Christ."

	dguthrie By and large any controversy in this matter has swirled around two doctrinal issues-our view of the Godhead and our belief in the principle of continuing revelation leading to an open scrip... (note for Chapter 3)
	February 12, 2012 at 11:05 AM

Note: By and large any controversy in this matter has swirled around two doctrinal issues-our view of the Godhead and our belief in the principle of continuing revelation leading to an open scriptural canon.

Chapter 3
In his travels as a General Authority, George Albert Smith occasionally met those who thought that the Latter-day Saints do not believe in Jesus Christ. This misconception amazed and worried President Smith, and he tried to correct it by sharing his personal witness of the Savior.

	dguthrie Such was the wickedness of the Jews in the meridian of time. As Jacob explains, For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they would repent, and know that he be their God... (note for 2 Nephi 10:5)
	February 12, 2012 at 09:22 AM

Note: Such was the wickedness of the Jews in the meridian of time. As Jacob explains, For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they would repent, and know that he be their God. But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified (v. 4-5). Not only were the Jews particularly wicked at this time, but the Lord explained to Enoch that the inhabitants of this world were more wicked than any of the other creations of God, among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren (Moses 7:36).

2 Nephi 10:5
But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified.

	dguthrie “Such knowledge could only be had by revelation. The fulfillment of the prophecy required not only that the Jews reject and kill their Messiah but also that he die by crucifixion. The pr... (note for 2 Nephi 10:4)
	February 12, 2012 at 09:18 AM

Note: “Such knowledge could only be had by revelation. The fulfillment of the prophecy required not only that the Jews reject and kill their Messiah but also that he die by crucifixion. The prophecy was the more remarkable because crucifixion was unknown to Hebrew law. The Mosaic code prescribed the penalty of death in four forms: stoning, burning, beheading, and strangling.” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 266)

2 Nephi 10:4
For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they would repent, and know that he be their God.

	dguthrie Some have criticized the Book of Mormon because Book of Mormon prophets use the term “Christ” before the birth of the Savior. The word “Christ” is the Greek form of the Hebrew word f... (note for 2 Nephi 10:3)
	February 12, 2012 at 09:15 AM

Note: Some have criticized the Book of Mormon because Book of Mormon prophets use the term “Christ” before the birth of the Savior. The word “Christ” is the Greek form of the Hebrew word for Messiah and means literally “the anointed one.” As the critics point out, this word was not used in the Old Testament. Some of the Old Testament terms for Christ are Shiloh (Gen 49:10), Prophet (Deut 18:15), Holy One of Israel (Ps 16:10), King (Ps 24:10, Zech 9:9), Immanuel (Isa 7:14), Redeemer (Isa 59:20), Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), righteous Branch (Jer 23:5, Zech 3:8), and Messiah (Dan 9:26). Jacob helps us understand this apparent “anachronism.” He explains that the angel of the Lord told him what his name should be. The Book of Mormon prophets often speak plainly about the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. Their writings and prophecies were inspired by direct revelation and the Spirit of God. The Book of Mormon prophets will continue to use the term Christ or Christians long before the terms are found in the Bible. Edward J. Brandt, in the Book of Mormon Symposium Series, explains the use of these names in the Book of Mormon in a lecture entitled, “The Name Jesus Christ Revealed to the Nephites:” “The use of the sacred name of Christ in a record of Hebrew origin (see 1 Nephi 1:2; Mosiah 1:4; and Mormon 9:32-34) is of some unusual significance since the name, Jesus Christ, is of Greek derivation. The English form Jesus is a transliteration via Latin and Greek of the Aramaic name Yeshua given him at birth1 The older Hebrew form, Joshua in English, originally meant ‘Savior’ (Talmage 35). The title Christ is an English transliteration via Latin of the Greek translation of the ancient Hebrew title ‘the Anointed One’ (Grundmann 493-509; Durham 16). The direct English transliteration of that Hebrew term is Messiah (Durham 15; Talmage 35-36). “Did the prophet Joseph Smith, as translator, substitute these later and more familiar names and titles, or were they terms precisely known and used by the Book of Mormon prophets? If they knew, how did they come to know them? Those names were supposed to be of much later usage. The record itself reveals the remarkable way the ancient prophets learned these terms. All the scriptures contain many names and titles for the Messiah. The Book of Mormon alone provides over 100 names and titles for Christ (Easton 60-61) However, the name ‘Christ’ does not appear until Jacob's sermon to the Nephites in 2 Nephi 10:3. “….Jacob had seen the Savior as a youth and on a later occasion reaffirmed his experience of receiving the ministering of angels (2 Nephi 2:3-4; Jacob 7:5; compare Moroni 7:22). The language of this manifestation uses the future designation of the term Christ for covenant Israel. “The name Jesus first appears in the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi 25:19. As Nephi was teaching the people concerning the Jews and their eventual acceptance of the Messiah, he declared: “…For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel of God, his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God (2 Nephi 25:16, 18-19; emphasis added). “Here Nephi acknowledges that through the ministry of an angel it was revealed to him that in the future ‘his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’ Verse 19 contains both the English transliteration of the Hebrew term for ‘the anointed one’-Messiah-and also the transliteration of the Greek term extended to the English for ‘the anointed one’- Christ. “The continued use of the name Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon, in view of all the other names and titles used in the scriptures, shows it had an important influence on the Nephites throughout their history. Centuries later the prophet leader Benjamin taught what the future name of the Lord would be: “And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary (Mosiah 3:8, emphasis added; see also Mosiah 4:3). “…Other Book of Mormon prophets also bore testimony that the Savior would be known by these names in future records. Abinadi testified before the wicked priests of Noah concerning the resurrection of Christ, ‘for so shall he be called’ (Mosiah 15:21). The prophet Alma (formerly one of Noah's priests) organized those who entered the gospel covenant of baptism, and they were called ‘the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward’ (Mosiah 18:17; see also Mosiah 26:18, 24). In teaching the people, he often reminded them of the future atonement and mission of this Christ (see Alma 5:48; Alma 6:8; Alma 7:11-13; Alma 45:4 [his son Alma]). “The effect of calling the members of the church after this future title-Christ-led to calling them as ‘Christians.’ “And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come (Alma 46:15; emphasis added.)” (Edward J. Brandt, Book of Mormon Symposium Series, edited by PR Cheesman, MS Nyman, and CD Tate, Jr., 1988, p. 201-4) Neil L. Andersen As a young missionary, I had a most interesting discussion with a clergyman. He told us that he could not accept the Book of Mormon because it openly spoke of Jesus Christ, using His name and events of His life hundreds of years before His birth. He found this transparency uncharacteristic of the pattern of the Old Testament that referenced the Savior more subtly. To me the bold declaration of Jesus Christ is the very power of the Book of Mormon. Of course, we must receive a spiritual witness that the book is of God. But once that is obtained, the purposes of Christ, the reality of His life and Resurrection, and the clarity of what is necessary to follow Him and obtain eternal life with Him are strikingly tangible before us. (Ensign, Oct. 2011, 41)

2 Nephi 10:3
Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name—should come among the Jews, among those who are the more wicked part of the world; and they shall crucify him—for thus it behooveth our God, and there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God.

	dguthrie The righteous branch to which Jacob is referring is the family of Lehi. This doctrine began with the prophecy of Joseph of Egypt regarding a righteous branch that the Lord would restore to t... (note for 2 Nephi 10:1)
	February 12, 2012 at 09:07 AM

Note: The righteous branch to which Jacob is referring is the family of Lehi. This doctrine began with the prophecy of Joseph of Egypt regarding a righteous branch that the Lord would restore to the gospel in the latter days, Joseph…obtained a promise of the Lord, that…God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off, nevertheless, to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light (2 Ne 3:5). Jacob will make reference to this branch again in the allegory of the olive tree. In that passage, there is a branch which is planted in good ground and produces part wild fruit and part good fruit. See Jacob 5:25. As Jacob makes clear, the Nephites understood that they were part of scattered Israel. Their writings concentrate on the promises of the Lord to the house of Israel because those promises apply directly to them and their descendants.

2 Nephi 10:1
And now I, Jacob, speak unto you again, my beloved brethren, concerning this righteous branch of which I have spoken.

	dguthrie (Jacob 1:12-13). The Book of Mormon record states that there were Lamanites among the Nephites and Nephites among the Lamanites. These had chosen their allegiance based on religious and poli... (note for 2 Nephi 9:53)
	February 12, 2012 at 09:04 AM

Note: (Jacob 1:12-13). The Book of Mormon record states that there were Lamanites among the Nephites and Nephites among the Lamanites. These had chosen their allegiance based on religious and political lines and not racial lines. Therefore, it should not be surprising that the promise was given to Joseph (in 2 Ne 3:3) that some of his seed would be preserved even after the final destruction of the Nephites. This means that some Josephites and Jacobites who had defected to the Lamanite side would merge with Lamanite society (see Alma 45:13-4) and their blood would be preserved. DC 3:16-17 explains that the blood of Joseph, Jacob, Nephi and Zoram was preserved and that the testimony of the Book of Mormon was to come to their descendants in the last days.

2 Nephi 9:53
And behold how great the covenants of the Lord, and how great his condescensions unto the children of men; and because of his greatness, and his grace and mercy, he has promised unto us that our seed shall not utterly be destroyed, according to the flesh, but that he would preserve them; and in future generations they shall become a righteous branch unto the house of Israel.

	dguthrie It takes a lot of purification and sanctification before there is no more room in your soul for even the entertainment of a sinful thought. This is the state of God for he cannot look upon s... (note for 2 Nephi 9:49)
	February 12, 2012 at 09:02 AM

Note: It takes a lot of purification and sanctification before there is no more room in your soul for even the entertainment of a sinful thought. This is the state of God for he cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance (Alma 45:16). This is the degree of godliness we must strive for while on the earth. It is a state reached by few. Immediately after their conversion, king Lamoni and his servants had a change of heart so dramatic that they had no more desire to do evil (Alma 19:33). Jacob had developed this as a permanent quality. The qualities of godliness and purity exemplified by this phrase are difficult to master. We are not likely to be successful in this endeavor without divine help. “The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier….One who lives worthy of the guidance and cleansing influence of the Spirit will, in process of time, become sanctified. Sanctification is the process whereby one comes to hate the worldliness he once loved and love the holiness and righteousness he once hated. To be sanctified is not only to be free from sin but also to be free from the effects of sin, free from sinfulness itself, the very desire to sin. One who is sanctified comes to look upon sin with abhorrence (cf .Mosiah 5:2; Alma 13:12; Alma 19:33).” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 263)

2 Nephi 9:49
Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God.

	dguthrie The watchman on the tower has a responsibility to warn the people of impending danger. Ezekiel taught that the watchman was responsible if he did not fulfill his responsibility, if the watch... (note for 2 Nephi 9:44)
	February 12, 2012 at 09:00 AM

Note: The watchman on the tower has a responsibility to warn the people of impending danger. Ezekiel taught that the watchman was responsible if he did not fulfill his responsibility, if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand…if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way…his blood will I require at thine hand (Ezek 33:6-8). Jacob echoed these words, we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments (Jacob 1:19). Jacob is always concerned that he cry repentance to the people so that he is not held accountable for their sins. In the next several verses, he explains that he would not be calling them to repentance if they were pure, Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the truth if ye were freed from sin (v. 47)? He did not enjoy this duty, but he couldn’t shrink from it without being responsible, it grieveth my soul and causeth me to shrink with shame before the presence of my Maker, that I must testify unto you concerning the wickedness of your hearts (Jacob 2:6). Those bishops, stake presidents, and higher authorities must follow the example of Jacob in their respective stewardships.

2 Nephi 9:44
O, my beloved brethren, remember my words. Behold, I take off my garments, and I shake them before you; I pray the God of my salvation that he view me with his all-searching eye; wherefore, ye shall know at the last day, when all men shall be judged of their works, that the God of Israel did witness that I shook your iniquities from my soul, and that I stand with brightness before him, and am rid of your blood.

	dguthrie Brigham Young “Let me give you a definition in brief. Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this... (note for 2 Nephi 9:41)
	February 12, 2012 at 08:56 AM

Note: Brigham Young “Let me give you a definition in brief. Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, compiled by John A. Widstoe, p. 416)

2 Nephi 9:41
O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.

	dguthrie (1 Ne 16:2, Mor 9:4, Heb 4:12) The word of God can cut the wicked to the very center. This concept is taught with the imagery of the sword, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and s... (note for 2 Nephi 9:40)
	February 12, 2012 at 08:53 AM

Note: (1 Ne 16:2, Mor 9:4, Heb 4:12) The word of God can cut the wicked to the very center. This concept is taught with the imagery of the sword, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow. Mormon tried to speak with the sharpness of a two edged sword to his people in a desperate attempt to get them to repent. But when he speaks the word of God with sharpness they tremble and anger against me; and when I use no sharpness they harden their hearts against it; wherefore, I fear lest the Spirit of the Lord hath ceased striving with them. Nephi learned this principle firsthand from his older brothers. He was left to conclude, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center .

2 Nephi 9:40
O, my beloved brethren, give ear to my words. Remember the greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Do not say that I have spoken hard things against you; for if ye do, ye will revile against the truth; for I have spoken the words of your Maker. I know that the words of truth are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken.

	dguthrie When Paul said, the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10), he understood the trap that the rich often fall into. They are guilty of violating the first commandment, thou shalt h... (note for 2 Nephi 9:30)
	February 12, 2012 at 08:45 AM

Note: When Paul said, the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10), he understood the trap that the rich often fall into. They are guilty of violating the first commandment, thou shalt have no other gods before me (Ex 20:3). Loving money more than God is one of the best latter-day examples. We worship other gods when we fail to place the Lord first in our lives. One clue is seen in our speech, conversation, and desires. If we have placed the Lord first in our lives, we will talk about spiritual matters, we will be concerned with the spiritual development of our children and family members, we will not be Sunday-only Christians. If you listen to the conversations and concerns of people, you will see that they often talk about material goods, cars, houses, etc. Often times the “concern for other people” is really a cloak for the opportunity to share gossip and frivolous speculations. If we love money and gossip more than God, we are unlikely to be able to hide it. Our love of the mammon of unrighteousness will be evident in our conversations and actions. The Lord has promised us, however, that if we seek the kingdom first, He will take care of the rest, But seek ye first the kingdom of god, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt 6:33).

2 Nephi 9:30
But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also.

	dguthrie Ezra Taft Benson “The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and proud who are rich. The learned may feel the prophet is only in... (note for 2 Nephi 9:28)
	February 12, 2012 at 08:44 AM

Note: Ezra Taft Benson “The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and proud who are rich. The learned may feel the prophet is only inspired when he agrees with them otherwise, the prophet is just giving his opinion—speaking as a man. The rich may feel they have no need to take counsel of a lowly prophet.” (1980 BYU Speeches of the year, p. 29 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 120) Ezra Taft Benson “Increasingly the Latter-day Saints must choose between the reasoning of men and the revelations of God. This is a crucial choice, for we have those within the Church today who, with their worldly wisdom, are leading some of our members astray. President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., warned that the ‘ravening wolves amongst us from our own membership and they, more than any others, are clothed in sheep’s clothing, because they wear the habiliments of the Priesthood….We should be careful of them.’” (Conference Report, Oct. 1967, p.34 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 121) Ezra Taft Benson “Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.” (Ensign, Nov. 1993, p.16) Boyd K. Packer “There is almost a universal tendency for men and women who are specialists in an academic discipline to judge the Church against the principles of their profession. There is a great need in my mind for us, as students and as teachers, to consciously and continually subjugate this tendency and relegate our professional training to a position secondary to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, rather than to judge the Church and its program against the principles of our profession, we would do well to set the Church and its accepted program as the rule, then judge our academic training against this rule.” (BYU Speeches of the year, 1969, p. 6 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 119-20) Theodore M. Burton “A university education, I believe, would be desirable for every intelligent man and woman….A little learning is a dangerous thing, and too many men and to many women who have become experts in a tiny field of learning think that because they are trained in that field of learning, they are experts in all fields of learning. Many men who are well-trained in one limited field feel that this equally qualifies them to express learned opinions in the field of faith and religion…Now, brothers and sisters, in our Church in this day and age, when education is becoming more and more popular and more and more necessary, there is grave danger of intellectual apostasy…(2 Ne 9:28-9). What causes intellectual apostasy?…Principally out of vanity and pride. They want to impress others with their learning. To put it indelicately, it is the problem of the swelled head, because that is exactly what the Prophet said” (Conference Report, Apr. 1961, pp. 128-9 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 121)

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.

	dguthrie Both of the scriptures in the book of Mosiah which teach of the redemption of those who were ignorant the laws of God are followed by warnings to those who have the law given to them. Jacob ... (note for 2 Nephi 9:27)
	February 11, 2012 at 08:18 AM

Note: Both of the scriptures in the book of Mosiah which teach of the redemption of those who were ignorant the laws of God are followed by warnings to those who have the law given to them. Jacob does the same thing. The Lord is merciful with the ignorant because they don’t know better. For those who have the law given, obedience is the best option. For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation (DC 82:3). Mosiah 3:12 states, But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! When Abinidi was teaching the wicked king Noah and his priests, he warned them against their sinful state, because they had the law given to them. Their sin was particularly heinous because of their willful rebellion against God: But behold, and fear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection. Therefore ought ye not to tremble? For salvation cometh to none such; for the Lord hath redeemed none such; yea, neither can the Lord redeem such; for he cannot deny himself; for he cannot deny justice when it has its claim (Mos 15:27-8).

2 Nephi 9:27
But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!

	dguthrie The Book of Mormon teaches this principle in several different locations. King Benjamin’s sermon teaches it (Mosiah 3:11). Mormon teaches that both children and those without the law will ... (note for 2 Nephi 9:26)
	February 11, 2012 at 08:12 AM

Note: The Book of Mormon teaches this principle in several different locations. King Benjamin’s sermon teaches it (Mosiah 3:11). Mormon teaches that both children and those without the law will be saved (Moroni 8:22).

2 Nephi 9:26
For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them, that they are delivered from that awful monster, death and hell, and the devil, and the lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment; and they are restored to that God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel.

	dguthrie Orson F. Whitney “What is Sin? Sin is the transgression of divine law. A man sins when he violates his conscience, going contrary to light and knowledge—not the light and knowledge tha... (note for 2 Nephi 9:25)
	February 11, 2012 at 08:08 AM

Note: Orson F. Whitney “What is Sin? Sin is the transgression of divine law. A man sins when he violates his conscience, going contrary to light and knowledge—not the light and knowledge that comes from his neighbor, but that which has come to himself. He sins when he does the opposite of what he knows to be right. Up to that point he only blunders. One may suffer painful consequences for only blundering, but he cannot commit sin unless he knows better than to do the thing in which the sin consists.” (Cowley & Whitney on Doctrine, pp. 435-436 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 119)

2 Nephi 9:25
Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no condemnation; and where there is no condemnation the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him.

	dguthrie “The teachings of Jacob clearly indicate that the early Nephites considered baptism an essential ordinance of the gospel. (2 Nephi 9:23-24.) Nephi also taught the necessity of baptism (2 N... (note for 2 Nephi 9:23)
	February 11, 2012 at 08:01 AM

Note: “The teachings of Jacob clearly indicate that the early Nephites considered baptism an essential ordinance of the gospel. (2 Nephi 9:23-24.) Nephi also taught the necessity of baptism (2 Nephi 31:5-13), and then, referring to the baptism of the Savior, he counseled his followers (2 Nephi 31:17). “The Lord indicates in the Pearl of Great Price that baptism has been practiced as an ordinance of the gospel since the fall of Adam (Moses 5:58; 6:52), with Adam himself being baptized (Moses 6:64-65). The purpose and necessity of baptism is clearly and beautifully explained by the Lord in this scripture. (Moses 6:52-63.) “Concerning baptisms by the early Nephites, Joseph Fielding Smith has written: The Book of Mormon teaches us that baptism for the remission of sins was a fundamental principle of the gospel among the Nephites from the time of Lehi all through their history. ... All through the Book of Mormon there are references to baptism as an ordinance for the remission of sins. What their word for baptism was is not revealed, but in the translation the Prophet Joseph Smith used the familiar expression of our time. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:66.)

2 Nephi 9:23
And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.

	dguthrie James E. Talmage “Christ's agony in the garden is unfathomable by the finite mind, both as to intensity and cause. The thought that He suffered through fear of death is untenable. Death to... (note for 2 Nephi 9:21)
	February 11, 2012 at 07:57 AM

Note: James E. Talmage “Christ's agony in the garden is unfathomable by the finite mind, both as to intensity and cause. The thought that He suffered through fear of death is untenable. Death to Him was preliminary to resurrection and triumphal return to the Father from whom He had come, and to a state of glory even beyond what He had before possessed; and, moreover, it was within His power to lay down His life voluntarily. He struggled and groaned under a burden such as no other being who has lived on earth might even conceive as possible. It was not physical pain, nor mental anguish alone, that caused Him to suffer such torture as to produce an extrusion of blood from every pore; but a spiritual agony of soul such as only God was capable of experiencing. No other man, however great his powers of physical or mental endurance, could have suffered so; for his human organism would have succumbed, and syncope would have produced unconsciousness and welcome oblivion. In that hour of anguish Christ met and overcame all the horrors that Satan, ‘the prince of this world’ could inflict. The frightful struggle incident to the temptations immediately following the Lord's baptism was surpassed and overshadowed by this supreme contest with the powers of evil. “In some manner, actual and terribly real though to man incomprehensible, the Savior took upon Himself the burden of the sins of mankind from Adam to the end of the world. Modern revelation assists us to a partial understanding of the awful experience. In March 1830, the glorified Lord, Jesus Christ, thus spake: ‘For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent, but if they would not repent, they must suffer even as I, which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit: and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink -- nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.’ (DC 19:16-9) “From the terrible conflict in Gethsemane, Christ emerged a victor. Though in the dark tribulation of that fearful hour He had pleaded that the bitter cup be removed from His lips, the request, however oft repeated, was always conditional; the accomplishment of the Father's will was never lost sight of as the object of the Son's supreme desire. The further tragedy of the night, and the cruel inflictions that awaited Him on the morrow, to culminate in the frightful tortures of the cross, could not exceed the bitter anguish through which He had Successfully passed.” (Jesus the Christ, pp. 613-4).

2 Nephi 9:21
And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.

	dguthrie This phrase suggests a willful rebellion against God. The D&C teaches this principle beautifully: ‘he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory; theref... (note for 2 Nephi 9:16)
	February 11, 2012 at 07:48 AM

Note: This phrase suggests a willful rebellion against God. The D&C teaches this principle beautifully: ‘he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory; therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory. (D&C 88:24,35) ‘…That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still.’

2 Nephi 9:16
And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end.

	dguthrie We always imagine that Christ will be our judge. However, He is not the only one who will judge us at the judgment-seat. Nephi declared, I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat... (note for 2 Nephi 9:15)
	February 9, 2012 at 06:00 PM

Note: We always imagine that Christ will be our judge. However, He is not the only one who will judge us at the judgment-seat. Nephi declared, I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat…and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things (2 Ne 33:7,11). Moroni also will be at the judgment-seat, we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood (Ether 12:38). The Savior gave the responsibility of judging the twelve tribes of Israel to his apostles (Matt 19:28) and the responsibility of judging the descendants of Lehi to the disciples of the Americas (3 Ne 27:27). Therefore, the Savior and his servants, who wrote the scriptures before us, will judge us according to our faithfulness to the light we had received in mortality.

2 Nephi 9:15
And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment-seat of the Holy One of Israel; and then cometh the judgment, and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment of God.

	dguthrie Through the atonement death and hell are overcome. Death is overcome for all who live on the earth. Hell is overcome for all but the sons of perdition (D&C 76:43-44). Even those of the tel... (note for 2 Nephi 9:11)
	February 9, 2012 at 05:53 PM

Note: Through the atonement death and hell are overcome. Death is overcome for all who live on the earth. Hell is overcome for all but the sons of perdition (D&C 76:43-44). Even those of the telestial kingdom will be redeemed in the due time of the Lord (D&C 76:31-44). They also are blessed with the ministration of the Holy Ghost and are therefore not cast out of God’s presence forever (DC 76:86). For the sons of perdition, it is a different story. They are cast out of the presence of God to rule with the devil and his angels in eternity (DC 76:44).

2 Nephi 9:11
And because of the way of deliverance of our God, the Holy One of Israel, this death, of which I have spoken, which is the temporal, shall deliver up its dead; which death is the grave.

	dguthrie Satan can mimic a true angel in his appearance. In this manner he can convince individuals to preach the doctrine of Satan while they believe that they are doing the work of the Lord. This i... (note for 2 Nephi 9:10)
	February 9, 2012 at 05:50 PM

Note: Satan can mimic a true angel in his appearance. In this manner he can convince individuals to preach the doctrine of Satan while they believe that they are doing the work of the Lord. This is what happened to two anti-Christs in the Book of Mormon. Sherem admitted that he had been deceived by the power of the devil (Jacob 7:18). Korihor said, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God (Alma 30:53). Joseph Smith gave us a key to be able to detect Satan when he appears in this form, If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him (DC 129:8).

2 Nephi 9:10
O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit.

	dguthrie While in Gesthemane, Christ prayed Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done (Luke 22:42). What would have happened if the Fat... (note for 2 Nephi 9:9)
	February 9, 2012 at 05:46 PM

Note: While in Gesthemane, Christ prayed Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done (Luke 22:42). What would have happened if the Father had removed this cup? What would have happened if Jesus had decided not to go through with it? Jacob encapsulates the answer in his explanation, our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil. What does it mean to become as Satan, to be an angel to a devil? Again the scriptures tell us of several unpalatable consequences: 1) We would have remained in a lost and fallen state (Mosiah 16:4) 2) We would remain with the father of lies, in misery (v. 9) 3) Like the sons of perdition, we would be cast into the lake of fire, or the second death (Rev 20:14) 4) We would return again to [our] own place (to live in the kingdom of Satan) (DC 88:32) 5) We must remain filthy (DC 88:35) 6) We would have a perfect recollection of all our guilt (Alma 11:43) 7) Our words, works, and thoughts will condemn us (Alma 12:14) 8) We will not dare to look up to our God (Alma 12:14) 9) We would be shut out of the presence of God (v. 9) 10) We would be forced, by the justice of God, to suffer as Christ did (DC 19:17-20) Fortunately, neither the Father nor the Son wanted these terrible things to happen. According to the mercy of the Father, who watched from the heavens as his son plead for another way, He required His Only-Begotten to suffer the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam (v. 21). He was only able to comfort His son by sending him an angel, And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him (Lu 22:43). Because of Christ’s great love for us, He partook and finished [His] preparations unto the children of men (DC 19:19). For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that thy might not suffer if they would repent (DC 19:16) Because of His great sacrifice, we do not need to worry about whether the flesh will rise no more. It will—for every person who ever lived on the earth. We are left to rejoice, as did Paul and Jacob, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:55,57). O how great the goodness of our God… O how great the plan of our God!… O the greatness and the justice of our God! (vs. 10,13,17).

2 Nephi 9:9
And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness.

	dguthrie While Christ suffered on the cross, the rulers of the Jews mocked him saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God (Luke 23:35). What would have happened... (note for 2 Nephi 9:8)
	February 9, 2012 at 05:46 PM

Note: While Christ suffered on the cross, the rulers of the Jews mocked him saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God (Luke 23:35). What would have happened if Jesus had taken the opportunity to save himself? That he had power over death and more that 12 legions of angels at his disposal is without dispute (Matt 26:53). So what would have happened if he used this power? If he got down from the cross, killed the Roman soldiers, the chief priests, and rulers of the people? This would have saved him from death and the resurrection. All these acts would have been acceptable to the justice of God but they would have destroyed his plan of mercy. The fall of Adam would have remained in force, and all of God’s children would have been left as Adam was—cast out of the presence of God—forever. The scriptures teach us of several different things that would happen if the flesh should rise no more: 1) All faith is vain (1 Cor 15:17) 2) We could not receive a fullness of joy (DC 93:34) 3) Those who had died in Christ would inevitably perish (1 Cor 15:18) 4) We would have remained in our sins (1 Cor 15:17) 5) We would become angels to a devil (v. 9) 6) We would become like Satan (v. 9)

2 Nephi 9:8
O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.

	dguthrie Russell M. Nelson “His Atonement is infinite—without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death (2 Ne 9:7,2 Ne 25:16; Alma 34:10,12,14). It... (note for 2 Nephi 9:6)
	February 9, 2012 at 05:40 PM

Note: Russell M. Nelson “His Atonement is infinite—without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death (2 Ne 9:7,2 Ne 25:16; Alma 34:10,12,14). It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering. It was infinite in time, putting an end to the preceding prototype of animal sacrifice. (Heb 10:10) It was infinite in scope—it was to be done once for all . And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him (see DC 76:24; Moses 1:33). It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension. Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being.” (Ensign, Nov. 1996, p. 35 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 114)

2 Nephi 9:6
For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.

	dguthrie Bruce R. McConkie “When the prophets speak of an infinite atonement, they mean just that. Its effects cover all men, the earth itself and all forms of life thereon, and reach out into th... (note for 2 Nephi 9:7)
	February 9, 2012 at 05:33 PM

Note: Bruce R. McConkie “When the prophets speak of an infinite atonement, they mean just that. Its effects cover all men, the earth itself and all forms of life thereon, and reach out into the endless expanses of eternity….Now our Lord’s jurisdiction and power extend far beyond the limits of this one small earth on which we de\well. He is under the Father, the creator of worlds without number (Moses 1:33). And through the power of his atonement the inhabitants of these worlds, the revelation says, ‘are begotten sons and daughters unto God’ (DC 76:24), which means that the atonement of Christ, being literally and truly infinite, applies to an infinite number of earths.” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 64-5 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 113-4)

2 Nephi 9:7
Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.

	dguthrie It is amazing to Jacob and Nephi that the being they know as Jehovah, the creator of the heavens and the earth, will be subject to Jewish and Roman political authority. There is a tone of in... (note for 2 Nephi 9:5)
	February 9, 2012 at 05:27 PM

Note: It is amazing to Jacob and Nephi that the being they know as Jehovah, the creator of the heavens and the earth, will be subject to Jewish and Roman political authority. There is a tone of incredulity in Nephi’s statement, The Son of the everlasting god was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record (1 Ne 11:32). The events near the end of the Savior’s life reflect the fact that He had power over those who became his judges in mortality. He said to Pilate, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above (Jn 19:11). Of his power over death, Christ said, I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again (Jn 10:18). Therefore, the Jewish and Roman authorities would have had no power to take the life of Jesus Christ unless he allowed them to. He was the One who was to lay his own life down, that all men might become subject unto him. “Modern revelation speaks of our Lord as he that ‘ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth ‘ (D&C 88:6). Christ's rise to the throne of exaltation was preceded by his descent below all things. Only by submitting to the powers of demons and death and hell could he, in the resurrection, serve as our exemplar of a saved being, one who had placed all things beneath his feet. ‘I am Alpha and Omega,’ he said, ‘Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world. I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me—having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself—retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment.’ (D&C 19:1-2.)” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 234)

2 Nephi 9:5
Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

	dguthrie This comment sparks Jacob’s discussion of the resurrection. He knows that there is something after heaven and hell. He understands that heaven and hell end in the resurrection to be replac... (note for 2 Nephi 9:4)
	February 9, 2012 at 05:23 PM

Note: This comment sparks Jacob’s discussion of the resurrection. He knows that there is something after heaven and hell. He understands that heaven and hell end in the resurrection to be replaced by kingdoms of different glories. Since the Bible speaks mostly of heaven and hell, and rarely speaks of events thereafter, this concept is important. It was taught by Job who said, And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God (Job 19:26). The context is clearly talking about seeing God after one is resurrected, but Nephi and Jacob have both learned by personal experience that one who exhibits enough faith and purity of heart can see God while in the flesh. This can only occur when the mortal body undergoes a transfiguration so that it can withstand the presence of God. As Moses explained, But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him (Moses 1:11).

2 Nephi 9:4
For I know that ye have searched much, many of you, to know of things to come; wherefore I know that ye know that our flesh must waste away and die; nevertheless, in our bodies we shall see God.

	dguthrie “This is a promise of the restoration of the Jews to the true Church and fold of God ‘when they shall be gathered home.’ “The Lands of their Inheritance (See map #5). When Israel e... (note for 2 Nephi 9:2)
	February 9, 2012 at 05:21 PM

Note: “This is a promise of the restoration of the Jews to the true Church and fold of God ‘when they shall be gathered home.’ “The Lands of their Inheritance (See map #5). When Israel entered Canaan under Joshua, the country was divided by lot ‘for an inheritance’ among the families of the various tribes. In the division the larger tribes received a larger territory than those with a smaller number of families. The country east of the Jordan was allotted to Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh. The rest of the people were settled between the Jordan and the Mediterranean. To the descendants of Levi, who were devoted to the temple service and literary pursuits, a certain number of cities with surrounding land for grazing purposes were to be allotted. (See Numb. 33:54–34:1–15) The total number of Levitical cities was to be 48, six of which were to be cities of refuge, where one guilty of manslaughter, but accused of murder, might find protection against the ‘avenger,’ which was the next of kin to the victim. (Numb. 35:1–8) This was the land of their inheritance. The southern boundary was the ‘River of Egypt’ (Numb. 34:5), which is a brook running through the Sinai peninsula to the Mediterranean south of Gaza. The northern boundary was a line drawn through Hazarenan, which some have identified as the modern Kuryetein, sixty miles northeast of Damascus. “Their Lands of Promise. This, probably, refers to the entire territory which the Lord promised the descendants of Abraham. (Gen. 15:18–21)” (Reynolds and Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 297)

2 Nephi 9:2
That he has spoken unto the Jews, by the mouth of his holy prophets, even from the beginning down, from generation to generation, until the time comes that they shall be restored to the true church and fold of God; when they shall be gathered home to the lands of their inheritance, and shall be established in all their lands of promise.

	dguthrie “The new life in Christ entails a new energy, a new dynamism, a new source of strength and power. That power is Christ. So often people simply go through the motions, do good and perform t... (note for Romans 6:4)
	February 9, 2012 at 08:29 AM

Note: “The new life in Christ entails a new energy, a new dynamism, a new source of strength and power. That power is Christ. So often people simply go through the motions, do good and perform their duties, but find little satisfaction in doing so. One Christian writer offered this thought: ‘There are few things quite so boring as being religious, but there is nothing quite so exciting as being a Christian!’” (Robert L. Millet, Selected Writings of Robert L. Millet: Gospel Scholars Series [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 2000], 75 - 76.)

Romans 6:4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

	dguthrie The ordinance of baptism is symbolic of death and rebirth in two ways; Christ’s triumph over physical death and spiritual death are both represented. First, the natural man, the carnal man... (note for Romans 6:5)
	February 9, 2012 at 08:29 AM

Note: The ordinance of baptism is symbolic of death and rebirth in two ways; Christ’s triumph over physical death and spiritual death are both represented. First, the natural man, the carnal man must die. He is an enemy to God. Baptism symbolizes that death as the body is laid in the water just as a corpse is laid in the tomb. The result is the birth of a new man, the man of Christ, a son or daughter of Christ. If one walks in ‘a newness of life,’ enduring to the end, he or she overcomes spiritual death. Joseph Fielding Smith said of Romans 6:6, “Here is a very definite statement that through baptism we have been transplanted from the life of sin to the life of faith and obedience to the kingdom of God. In other words obtained a spiritual resurrection, or transfer from the life of sin to the kingdom of God, where sin should no longer abound.” (Take Heed to Yourselves [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1966], 312.) The second symbolic element is Christ’s triumph over physical death. All of us will die and our physical bodies will be laid in the tomb like the body is laid under water at baptism. Being brought out of the water at baptism represents being brought out of the grave by the power of the Resurrection. Hereby, we overcome physical death. Both physical death and spiritual death must be overcome for us to live in the celestial kingdom. The very act of baptism by immersion beautifully symbolizes Christ’s triumph over the all the consequences of the Fall, allowing us to return to the presence of the Father. Rudger Clawson “Oh! how simple is this ordinance, to some perhaps even foolishness, that a man or woman, by going down into the water and being immersed can have his or her sins washed away. . . By study and reflection, we can see the beauty of the ordinance. We can see that it is typical of death and the resurrection, and that as man goes out of the grave to a newness of life, to immortality and eternal life, so he goes into the water of baptism, is buried therein, and comes forth again to a newness of life upon the earth. Being relieved of his sins, he is a new creature, with a new heart, with new prospects, and with bright and glorious hopes before him.” (Roy W. Doxey, comp., Latter-day Prophets and the Doctrine and Covenants [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978], 2: 187.) Rulon S. Wells “How completely then are the crucifixion and the resurrection of our Lord, these two historic events the greatest events of human history how beautifully are they symbolized in the holy ordinance of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. And what an unjustifiable change the sectarian world has perpetrated by substituting sprinkling in lieu of immersion, thus destroying utterly its sacred meaning, its beautiful symbolism of the death and burial of our Redeemer on the one hand and on the other his glorious resurrection.” (Conference Report, April 1937, Afternoon Meeting 69.) Orson F. Whitney “This shows that baptism, when properly administered, is a symbol of burial and resurrection—rebirth. But the symbolism must be perfect or the ordinance is void. To sprinkle or pour water upon the candidate for baptism, destroys the symbolism, or the poetry of the ordinance. It does not represent a birth—a burial and a resurrection. When the body is immersed, however,—and that is the meaning of the Greek term to baptize—descent into the grave is typified; and when the body is brought up out of the water, birth or coming forth from the grave is symbolized. To be baptized or resurrected is equivalent to being ‘born again.’ The soul, cleansed from sin, is typical of the soul raised to immortality. Such is the poetry of baptism and the resurrection.” (Latter-day Tracts [Pamphlets], “The Strength of the ‘Mormon’ Position,” 29.)

Romans 6:5
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

	dguthrie “Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, ... (note for Romans 6:2)
	February 9, 2012 at 07:27 AM

Note: “Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the Kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in vain.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 198) D&C 20:29 Joseph Fielding Smith “…[an investigator] must forsake all of his sins. Does that mean merely until he gets into the Church, and then he may return to them again? I call your attention to the words of Paul, speaking himself in regard to baptism and membership, and rather rebuking some of the members of the Church when he said: ‘How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?’ “Every baptized person who has fully repented, who comes into the Church with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, has made a covenant to continue with that broken heart, with that contrite spirit, which means a repentant spirit. He makes a covenant that he will do that. “Then again we read here, in this admonition and commandment, that he is to endure to the end. It is essential that we endure to the end. In the revelation that was given to the Church, this same revelation, at the time the Church was organized, the Lord said this: ’And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.’ (DC 20:29) “Now, I believe the Lord meant what he said. I think this is true. Baptism is not merely a door into the kingdom, which entitles us to enter, bringing with us a trail of sins unrepented of. It is not that at all. We must not enter that door until our hearts are humble, our spirits contrite, and we give the assurance that we will serve the Lord in faithfulness and righteousness to the end.” (Take Heed to Yourselves [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1966], 125-126.)

Romans 6:2
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

	dguthrie “As hard as it was for Judaizers to accept the end of the Law of Moses, there were those in the ancient Church who went to the other extreme. These people have been called ‘antinomians,�... (note for Romans 6:1)
	February 9, 2012 at 07:23 AM

Note: “As hard as it was for Judaizers to accept the end of the Law of Moses, there were those in the ancient Church who went to the other extreme. These people have been called ‘antinomians,’ and they believed that the end of the Law gave them license to do as they pleased as long as they professed a belief in Christ. Some went so far as to claim that Christians, who were no longer bound by the Law of Moses, were even under an obligation to behave contrary to the commands of the Law. (See Rom. 6:15.) Particularly among the gentile churches, a misunderstanding of Paul’s teachings about the end of the Law of Moses caused some to believe that for Christians all laws and rules had been abolished.” (Stephen E. Robinson, “The Law after Christ,” Ensign, Sept. 1983, 73) Nothing makes Satan happier than for the believers to think they can sin without consequences. This egregious error has persisted through the ages. It is a classic example of Satan taking a true doctrine—in this case the gift of grace—and distorting it for his evil purposes. Elder Talmage quoted one false teacher as follows: “Even adultery and murder do not hurt the pleasant children, but rather work for their good. God sees no sin in believers, whatever sin they may commit…Though I blame those who say, let us sin that grace may abound, yet adultery, incest, and murder, shall upon the whole, make me holier on earth, and merrier in heaven.” (James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981], 432.) Joseph Smith “…it is not right to sin that grace may abound.” (History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4:494)

Romans 6:1
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

	dguthrie “The commandment to avoid contention applies to those who are right as well as to those who are wrong. It is not enough for the Savior's followers to have a correct understanding of doctri... (note for Acts 15:2)
	February 8, 2012 at 08:13 AM

Note: “The commandment to avoid contention applies to those who are right as well as to those who are wrong. It is not enough for the Savior's followers to have a correct understanding of doctrine and procedure. They must also be harmonious in their personal relationships and in the way they seek to serve him. “In the years following the Savior's personal ministry to his followers on the American continent, (4 Ne 1:2) all were converted and enjoyed a golden age of righteousness, peace, and prosperity. I find it significant that the scriptural description of this period stresses that ‘there were no contentions and disputations among them suggesting, that the absence of contention is a most significant bellwether of righteousness.” (The Lord's Way, p. 142)

Acts 15:2
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

	dguthrie The law of circumcision was given to Abraham more than 400 years prior to the ministry of Moses (Gen 17:9-14). Circumcision was performed as a token of the covenant of Abraham, the permanent... (note for Acts 15:1)
	February 8, 2012 at 08:11 AM

Note: The law of circumcision was given to Abraham more than 400 years prior to the ministry of Moses (Gen 17:9-14). Circumcision was performed as a token of the covenant of Abraham, the permanent change in the flesh being representative of the everlasting covenant (Gen 17:13). When the Law of Moses was given, the law of circumcision was repeated (Lev 12:3), but over the many subsequent centuries, it became the preeminent symbol, not of the everlasting covenant, but of the Law of Moses. With this association, it also represented Jewish nationalism, political allegiance, and divine approbation. The Judean brethren even asserted that circumcision was a necessary prerequisite for salvation—a doctrine which would necessarily damn Adam, Enoch, Noah, and Melchizedek, who were never circumcised. “This problem would always plague Paul and be a topic in many letters…The problem was not salvation by faith alone; it was not a question of freedom from gospel requirements and ordinances. Instead, it was a question of whether Gentile converts to Christianity had also to obey the law of Moses. As we have seen, the Gentile ‘disciples’ had already been baptized and taught strictly to ‘continue in the faith’ as a condition of salvation (Acts 14:22). But this did not satisfy Jewish Christians strictly observing the Law of Moses. Circumcision symbolized this issue, but Judaizers were talking about hundreds of obligations beyond circumcision. The orthodox Jews count 613 commandments in the five books of Moses, and the Rabbinical rules of the Mishnah multiply the commandments to thousands. So it is a gross simplification to see Paul advocating a gospel without rules. Instead, he opposed a tradition of too many rules.” (Richard Lloyd Anderson, Understanding Paul [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 51)

Acts 15:1
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

	dguthrie Sergius Paulus was the Roman proconsul for Cypress (note for Acts 13:7)
	February 8, 2012 at 08:00 AM

Note: Sergius Paulus was the Roman proconsul for Cypress

Acts 13:7
Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

	dguthrie “Elders are mentioned also in the New Testament, where they are called, in Greek, presbyteros, which is sometimes translated ‘presbyter’ in English: ‘And when they had ordained them ... (note for Acts 14:23)
	February 7, 2012 at 07:24 AM

Note: “Elders are mentioned also in the New Testament, where they are called, in Greek, presbyteros, which is sometimes translated ‘presbyter’ in English: ‘And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.’ (Acts 14:23.) Mosheim wrote of elders: ‘Three or four presbyters, men of remarkable piety and wisdom, ruled these small congregations in perfect harmony....’ (Mosheim, Ecclesiastical History, vol. 1, Cent. I, p. 76.) Even today, each ward and branch of the Church is generally governed by three holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood.” (John A. Tvedtnes, The Church of the Old Testament [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1980], 29.)

Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

	dguthrie “And the next morning Paul left with Barnabas for Derbe, the farthest point of the first mission. Yet this final city was not the final scene of the mission. If conversion were salvation, ... (note for Acts 14:22)
	February 7, 2012 at 07:18 AM

Note: “And the next morning Paul left with Barnabas for Derbe, the farthest point of the first mission. Yet this final city was not the final scene of the mission. If conversion were salvation, following up of converts would not be necessary. The close of the first mission was revisiting, a process that Paul later repeated when he had opportunity. Obviously, he considered growth in the gospel as much a critical part of salvation as first belief. Years later he would write to the Ephesians that general and local priesthood offices were given ‘for the perfecting of the saints’ (Eph. 4:12), a constant goal for Paul in addition to conversion. Such work could continue only by the general authority raising up local authority. Thus, at the risk of their lives, Paul and Barnabas returned to the cities of opposition and violence, ‘confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed’ (Acts 14:22-23). “Thus Paul and Barnabas established branches of the Church of Christ in every city of their converts, returning to Antioch not with some sort of mailing list but after the bold achievement of organized local churches with priesthood leaders.” (Richard Lloyd Anderson, Understanding Paul [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 49 - 51.)

Acts 14:22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

	dguthrie Paul had just been stoned and dragged out of the city. His attackers had injured him so severely that they supposed he was dead. He was most likely unconscious from an unbelievably brutal be... (note for Acts 14:20)
	February 7, 2012 at 07:15 AM

Note: Paul had just been stoned and dragged out of the city. His attackers had injured him so severely that they supposed he was dead. He was most likely unconscious from an unbelievably brutal beating. Yet, miraculously, he survives only to continue his work the very next day. The rest of us would have taken a month off to recover from our wounds—wallowing in self-pity and righteous indignation, but Paul had time for neither. For him the work of the Lord could not wait. The story is reminiscent of one of the Lord’s other great servants, Joseph Smith, who was tarred and feathered one night and preaching to the saints the very next day. The narrative begins as his beating ends: “They then left me, and I attempted to rise, but fell again; I pulled the tar away from my lips, etc., so that I could breathe more freely, and after a while I began to recover and raised myself up, when I saw two lights. I made my way towards one of them and found it was Father Johnson's. When I had come to the door I was naked, and the tar made me look as though I was covered with blood; and when my wife saw me, she thought I was all mashed to pieces and fainted… “My friends spent the night in scraping and removing the tar, and washing and cleansing my body, so that by morning I was ready to be clothed again. This being Sabbath morning, the people assembled for meeting at the usual hour of worship, and among them came also the mobbers, viz., Simonds Rider, a Campbellite preacher and leader of the mob; one McClentic, who had his hands in my hair; one Streeter, son of a Campbellite minister; and Felatiah Allen, Esq., who gave the mob a barrel of whisky to raise their spirits; and many others. With my flesh all scarified and defaced, I preached to the congregation as usual, and in the afternoon of the same day baptized three individuals.” (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother [Salt Lake City: Stevens & Wallis, Inc., 1945], 221.)

Acts 14:20
Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

	dguthrie Unlike Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:20-23), Paul and Barnabas were careful not to take the credit for the Lord’s work. Such is the duty of the servants of the Lord. Peter would not allow Corneli... (note for Acts 14:15)
	February 7, 2012 at 07:13 AM

Note: Unlike Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:20-23), Paul and Barnabas were careful not to take the credit for the Lord’s work. Such is the duty of the servants of the Lord. Peter would not allow Cornelius to worship him (Acts 10:25-26); Nephi’s brethren, ironically, fell at his feet to worship until they were forbidden (1 Ne 17:55). Sometimes, while performing the work of the Lord, ordinary men are mistaken for something they are not. Boyd K. Packer taught: “It was true then, as it is true now, that the prophets were ‘ordinary men.’ Paul of Tarsus, the tent-maker, said it was true in his day, and he used words similar to those of James: ‘We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God.’ (Acts 14:15.) “Those references, and there are others we could cite, teach a lesson worth fixing in our minds. The prophets and the Apostles—for Apostles are prophets as well—are not uncommon men either in their backgrounds or in their physical appearance. They come from various walks of life. Some may be short of stature, others impressively tall, but in general appearance they are like other men.” (The Holy Temple [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980], 101.) On the other hand, Joseph Smith often met people who thought he should act more prophet-like. When they saw him behave as an ordinary man, they became offended and fell away. “The story is told that he (Joseph Wakefield) became critical of the Prophet Joseph because Wakefield observed the Prophet leaving his study, where inspired work was taking place, and immediately playing with children. Wakefield did not see the activity of playing with children as being compatible with the role a true prophet should occupy, and thus became disaffected with the Church.” (Hoyt W. Brewster, Jr., Doctrine and Covenants Encyclopedia [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 623.)

Acts 14:15
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

	dguthrie “The apostles: Luke, for the first time, so designates Paul and Barnabas…Only Barnabas, Paul, Matthias, James the Lord's brother, and the original Twelve are singled out to carry the apo... (note for Acts 14:14)
	February 7, 2012 at 07:10 AM

Note: “The apostles: Luke, for the first time, so designates Paul and Barnabas…Only Barnabas, Paul, Matthias, James the Lord's brother, and the original Twelve are singled out to carry the apostolic appellation. The clear inference thus is that the name is being reserved for those who were ordained to the office of apostle in the Melchizedek Priesthood and therefore that Paul and Barnabas were members of the Council of the Twelve, having filled vacancies in the normal course of events. President Joseph Fielding Smith has written: ‘Paul was an ordained apostle, and without question he took the place of one of the other brethren in that Council.’ (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, p. 153.)” (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-1973], 2: 130.)

Acts 14:14
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

	dguthrie A brief review of Greek and Roman mythology is in order. The Romans adopted much of Greek culture, including their gods. Their mythology and powers remained the same but their names were cha... (note for Acts 14:12)
	February 7, 2012 at 07:09 AM

Note: A brief review of Greek and Roman mythology is in order. The Romans adopted much of Greek culture, including their gods. Their mythology and powers remained the same but their names were changed. Jupiter was the Roman god of the sky who ruled the other gods. He is the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Zeus. Mercury, or the Greek god, Hermes, was the god of commerce and acted as the messenger of the gods. Barnabas was probably larger in stature than Paul (Joseph Smith taught that Paul was only five feet tall) and was therefore was assumed to be Jupiter. Paul, it seems, did most of the talking—making him “the messenger of the gods.” From a latter-day perspective, the idea that these apostles were Greek gods is absurd. But the influence of Greek culture, Hellenism, on the people of Asia Minor cannot be overemphasized. While the theocracy of Hellenism as adopted by the Roman world seems to us like a polytheistic caricature, much of the rest of Greek culture has withstood the test of time. Of the powerful influence of Hellenism, Alfred Edersheim noted: “Jews of the West are known by the term Hellenists…it was, in the nature of things, impossible that the Jewish communities in the West should remain unaffected by Grecian culture and modes of thought…Witness here the many converts to Judaism among the Gentiles; witness also the evident preparedness of the lands of this ‘dispersion’ for the new doctrine which was to come from Judaea…That restless, searching subtle Greek intellect would penetrate everywhere, and flash its light into the innermost recesses of his home and Synagogue…when the Jew stepped out of the narrow circle which he had drawn around him, he was confronted on every side by Grecianism. It was in the forum, in the market, in the counting-house, in the street; in all that he saw and in all to whom he spoke. It was refined; it was elegant; it was profound; it was supremely attractive.” (Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 12-14)

Acts 14:12
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

	dguthrie Healings are performed by virtue of the priesthood, but they are really a manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. There are four gifts of the Spirit which are operative in this particular ... (note for Acts 14:9)
	February 7, 2012 at 07:06 AM

Note: Healings are performed by virtue of the priesthood, but they are really a manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. There are four gifts of the Spirit which are operative in this particular miracle. To the crippled man it was ‘given to have faith to be healed.’ To Paul it was ‘given to have faith to heal,’ as well as the gift of ‘the working of miracles.’ The fourth gift was also operative in Paul as he perceived by the Spirit that he had faith to be healed—evidence of ‘the discerning of spirits’ (D&C 46:19-23).

Acts 14:9
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

	dguthrie Luke 11:20 There is something completely indisputable about healing an individual who has been afflicted since birth. Such an affliction is obviously beyond the powers of the physicians of t... (note for Acts 14:8)
	February 7, 2012 at 07:04 AM

Note: Luke 11:20 There is something completely indisputable about healing an individual who has been afflicted since birth. Such an affliction is obviously beyond the powers of the physicians of the time. Such an affliction is known to all the townspeople so that there can be no detractors who could accuse the man of faking his healing for the sake of Paul’s reputation. Indeed, this healing, like so many others performed by Christ, Peter, or others, was no magic trick—it was evidence of the power of God. As Christ warned the people, ‘But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.’

Acts 14:8
¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

	dguthrie By this verse we know that many details Luke left out of the book of Acts (note for Acts 14:3)
	February 7, 2012 at 07:03 AM

Note: By this verse we know that many details Luke left out of the book of Acts

Acts 14:3
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

	dguthrie “In the Book of Genesis [ Genesis 2:7 ] we are told that Adam obtained his body from the dust of the earth, and that he was not subject to death is inferred in the commandment the Lord gav... (note for Genesis 2:17)
	February 5, 2012 at 11:41 AM

Note: “In the Book of Genesis [ Genesis 2:7 ] we are told that Adam obtained his body from the dust of the earth, and that he was not subject to death is inferred in the commandment the Lord gave him, that if he transgressed the divine commandment and ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he should surely die [ Genesis 2:17 ]. In the Book of Mormon [ 2 Ne 2:22 ] we are positively informed that Adam would have lived forever in the garden if he had not partaken of the forbidden fruit. So Adam was in no sense mortal until after his transgression. That his immortal spirit came from another world is verily true, just as it is true of each one of us, for we all lived in the spirit existence before we came into this world and obtained bodies which inherited mortality through the fall of Adam” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 1:6).

Genesis 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

	dguthrie “In the Book of Genesis [ Genesis 2:7 ] we are told that Adam obtained his body from the dust of the earth, and that he was not subject to death is inferred in the commandment the Lord gav... (note for 2 Nephi 2:23)
	February 5, 2012 at 11:38 AM

Note: “In the Book of Genesis [ Genesis 2:7 ] we are told that Adam obtained his body from the dust of the earth, and that he was not subject to death is inferred in the commandment the Lord gave him, that if he transgressed the divine commandment and ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he should surely die [ Genesis 2:17 ]. In the Book of Mormon [ 2Nephi 2:22 ] we are positively informed that Adam would have lived forever in the garden if he had not partaken of the forbidden fruit. So Adam was in no sense mortal until after his transgression. That his immortal spirit came from another world is verily true, just as it is true of each one of us, for we all lived in the spirit existence before we came into this world and obtained bodies which inherited mortality through the fall of Adam” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 1:6).

2 Nephi 2:23
And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.

	dguthrie Christ’s infinite atonement frees us from the fall of Adam. It allows us to exercise our agency in choosing right and wrong. The term, “free agency” is redundant. It is not found in th... (note for 2 Nephi 2:27)
	February 5, 2012 at 11:14 AM

Note: Christ’s infinite atonement frees us from the fall of Adam. It allows us to exercise our agency in choosing right and wrong. The term, “free agency” is redundant. It is not found in the scriptures. Rather, the scriptures use the term, “agency of man” (Moses 4:3). People only remain free as long as they exercise this agency wisely. Lehi makes it clear that if they choose the plan of Satan, they are choosing captivity and death. Thus, the wicked voluntarily give up their freedom so that Satan can drag them down to his miserable level. Joshua tried to help the children of Israel decide how to use their agency righteously, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Josh 24:15). It is only through serving the Lord that we remain free, for we are able to avoid the bondage of sin and the captivity of the devil.

2 Nephi 2:27
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

	dguthrie Bruce R. McConkie “Lineage alone does not guarantee the receipt of whatever birthright privileges may be involved in particular cases. Worthiness, ability, and other requisites are also ... (note for 2 Nephi 1:29)
	February 5, 2012 at 09:08 AM

Note: Bruce R. McConkie “Lineage alone does not guarantee the receipt of whatever birthright privileges may be involved in particular cases. Worthiness, ability, and other requisites are also involved. Jacob prevailed over his older brother Esau because ‘Esau despised his birthright.’ (Gen. 25:24-34; 27; Rom. 9:10-12.) The Lord placed Ephraim (the younger) before Manasseh to fulfil his own purposes (Gen. 48); and Nephi, junior in point of birth to Laman and Lemuel, was made a ruler and a teacher over them, a circumstance that became the cause of much contention for many generations. (1 Ne. 2:22; 16:37-38; 18:10; 2 Ne. 5:3; 19; Mosiah 10:11-17.)” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 88)

2 Nephi 1:29
But if ye will not hearken unto him I take away my first blessing, yea, even my blessing, and it shall rest upon him.

	dguthrie The word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow (D&C 6:2). There are times when using the word with sharpness is appropriate, especially... (note for 2 Nephi 1:26)
	February 5, 2012 at 09:05 AM

Note: The word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow (D&C 6:2). There are times when using the word with sharpness is appropriate, especially when the audience is particularly wicked. Jacob grieved that he had to speak with such boldness to the wicked of his day (Jacob 2:6), Mormon used the sharpness of the word until it had no more effect among his people (Moroni 9:4), the Savior offended the scribes and Pharisees because he called them to repentance (Lu 11:37-54), the Savior even used sharpness with Peter when he said, Get thee behind me Satan (Matt 16:23). In the last instance, the Lord was chastening Peter for suggesting that He should not go through with His death and resurrection--the things which would bring about the Atonement. This is what the Savior came into the world to do. Peter’s spiritual shortsightedness was appropriately chastised by the Lord. In using sharpness, we would do well to follow the counsel found in DC 121:41-4: No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile-- Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. Laman and Lemuel’s response to Nephi’s sharpness was like that among Mormon’s people, they accused him of being angry with them. Mormon wrote, when I speak the word of God with sharpness they tremble and anger against me (Mormon 9:4). And so it is that the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center (1 Ne 16:2).

2 Nephi 1:26
And ye have murmured because he hath been plain unto you. Ye say that he hath used sharpness; ye say that he hath been angry with you; but behold, his sharpness was the sharpness of the power of the word of God, which was in him; and that which ye call anger was the truth, according to that which is in God, which he could not restrain, manifesting boldly concerning your iniquities.

	dguthrie Paul taught about the armor of righteousness, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefor... (note for 2 Nephi 1:23)
	February 5, 2012 at 09:00 AM

Note: Paul taught about the armor of righteousness, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph 6:13-17). See also DC 27:15-18). The “armor of righteousness” is thought of as a New Testament doctrine even though Isaiah hints at it in Isaiah 59:17. Here we see another instance in which the language and doctrine of the Book of Mormon more closely resembles the New Testament than its contemporary, the Old Testament. This is not an anachronism because a careful study of the Old Testament reveals that “New Testament” ideas were known to the prophets, like Abraham, Isaiah, Moses, Elijah, etc., but the plain and precious truths were not described in plain and precious ways because the Jews preferred to have a riddle. But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble. (Jacob 4:14)

2 Nephi 1:23
Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust.

	dguthrie “This expression does not have reference to the annihilation of the body and spirit of the wicked. Such an interpretation would contradict many passages of scripture, the better part of w... (note for 2 Nephi 1:22)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:58 AM

Note: “This expression does not have reference to the annihilation of the body and spirit of the wicked. Such an interpretation would contradict many passages of scripture, the better part of which have been spoken by Nephite prophets. The Book of Mormon is most emphatic that the resurrection is universal and that it consists of the inseparable union of body and spirit. (See Alma 11:44-45; Alma 40:19-23.) The body and soul could properly be thought of as having been destroyed in the sense that they come forth in some resurrection other than the first or celestial resurrection. Such was Lehi's meaning in this instance (see 1 Nephi 14:3).” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 189)

2 Nephi 1:22
That ye may not be cursed with a sore cursing; and also, that ye may not incur the displeasure of a just God upon you, unto the destruction, yea, the eternal destruction of both soul and body.

	dguthrie D. Todd Christofferson The prophet Lehi pled with his rebellious sons, saying, "Arise from the dust, my sons, and be men" (2 Nephi 1:21; emphasis added). By age, Laman and Lemuel were men, b... (note for 2 Nephi 1:21)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:56 AM

Note: D. Todd Christofferson The prophet Lehi pled with his rebellious sons, saying, "Arise from the dust, my sons, and be men" (2 Nephi 1:21; emphasis added). By age, Laman and Lemuel were men, but in terms of character and spiritual maturity they were still as children. They murmured and complained if asked to do anything hard. They didn't accept anyone's authority to correct them. They didn't value spiritual things. They easily resorted to violence, and they were good at playing the victim. We see some of the same attitudes today. Some act as if a man's highest goal should be his own pleasure. Permissive social mores have "let men off the hook" as it were, so that many think it acceptable to father children out of wedlock and to cohabit rather than marry. Dodging commitments is considered smart, but sacrificing for the good of others, naive. For some, a life of work and achievement is optional. A psychologist studying the growing phenomenon of what he calls "young men stuck in neutral" describes this scenario: "Justin goes off to college for a year or two, wastes thousands of dollars of his parents' money, then gets bored and comes home to take up residence in his old room, the same bedroom where he lived when he was in high school. Now he's working 16 hours a week at Kinko's or part time at Starbucks. "His parents are pulling their hair out. 'Justin, you're 26 years old. You're not in school. You don't have a career. You don't even have a girlfriend. What's the plan? When are you going to get a life?' " 'What's the problem?' Justin asks. 'I haven't gotten arrested for anything, I haven't asked you guys for money. Why can't you just chill?' " How's that for ambition? We who hold the priesthood of God cannot afford to drift. We have work to do (see Moroni 9:6). We must arise from the dust of self-indulgence and be men! (“Let Us Be Men,” Ensign, Nov. 2006, 46)

2 Nephi 1:21
And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;

	dguthrie This is the great promise to all those who inhabit this land of promise. It applied to those who lived before the flood. It applied to the Jaredites. It applied to the Nephites, Lamanites, a... (note for 2 Nephi 1:20)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:53 AM

Note: This is the great promise to all those who inhabit this land of promise. It applied to those who lived before the flood. It applied to the Jaredites. It applied to the Nephites, Lamanites, and Mulekites. It applies to the current inhabitants of North and South America. It is repeated many times in the Book of Mormon because the people keep forgetting the promises of the Lord. Like the covenant given to the children Israel by Moses (Lev 26), this promise was associated with a blessing and a cursing. The history of the Book of Mormon shows the fulfillment of both portions of the promise. At times the people are prospered, at times they are cut off from the presence of the Lord. The Book of Mormon acts as a voice of warning for us--to remind us what happens to those who live on this land and neglect to keep the commandments.

2 Nephi 1:20
And he hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence.

	dguthrie Why would a righteous man like Lehi say, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell? The only reason any of the righteous in spirit paradise were lucky enough to escape the chains of hell ... (note for 2 Nephi 1:15)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:50 AM

Note: Why would a righteous man like Lehi say, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell? The only reason any of the righteous in spirit paradise were lucky enough to escape the chains of hell was because they had faith in the Holy One of Israel and repented from their sins. Otherwise, they would have been doomed to suffer with the devil and his angels, our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery (2Ne 9:9). Lehi understood what would have happened to all of God’s creation without the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ. Because of this infinite atonement, almost all the wicked will eventually be redeemed from hell. To be resurrected with a telestial body constitutes redemption from hell. A soul redeemed from hell has, in this sense, been saved. It is the sons of Perdition which, although they will be resurrected, will not be resurrected with any glory whatsoever. Of these the scriptures say, the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power; Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord after the sufferings of his wrath. For all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb (DC 76:37-39).

2 Nephi 1:15
But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.

	dguthrie Lehi is only days from death. This amounts to his deathbed testimony or sermon. The content, as expected, is a last minute plea to his wayward sons. Lehi has lectured them several times in t... (note for 2 Nephi 1:14)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:47 AM

Note: Lehi is only days from death. This amounts to his deathbed testimony or sermon. The content, as expected, is a last minute plea to his wayward sons. Lehi has lectured them several times in the past but to little avail. Nephi has previously recorded, he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words (1 Ne 8:37). Lehi longed for the day when his sons would return to the Lord, like the prodigal son. He longed to celebrate their return, to “kill the fatted calf” for them. Unfortunately, this day never came.

2 Nephi 1:14
Awake! and arise from the dust, and hear the words of a trembling parent, whose limbs ye must soon lay down in the cold and silent grave, from whence no traveler can return; a few more days and I go the way of all the earth.

	dguthrie The Savior taught, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin (Jn 8:34). When a man hardens his heart and sins, Satan wraps him gently and quietly in his chains of hell (Alma 12:10-11) S... (note for 2 Nephi 1:13)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:46 AM

Note: The Savior taught, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin (Jn 8:34). When a man hardens his heart and sins, Satan wraps him gently and quietly in his chains of hell (Alma 12:10-11) Satan waits in anxious anticipation for any opportunity to bind us with his great chain. Moses saw Satan, and he had a great chain in his hand, and it veiled the whole face of the earth with darkness; and he looked up and laughed, and his angels rejoiced. These chains both pull the individual down into the eternal gulf and they remain tightly bound to the individual in hell, or spirit prison, the remainder were reserved in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day (Moses 7:57). Carlos E. Asay “Shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound indicates the need to overcome bad habits, even the seemingly little habits that grow into strong ‘chains of hell.’” (Ensign, May 1992, p. 41 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 83) Marvin J. Ashton “Who among us hasn’t felt the chains of bad habits? These habits may have impeded our progress, may have made us forget who we are, may have destroyed our self-image, may have put our family life in jeopardy, and may have hindered our ability to serve our fellowmen and our God. So many of us tend to say. ‘This is the way I am. I can’t change….’Lehi warned his sons to ‘shake off the chains’ because he knew that chains restrict our mobility, growth, and happiness. They cause us to become confused and less able to be guided by God’s Spirit…Samuel Johnson wisely shared, ‘The chains of habit are too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken’ (International Dictionary of Thoughts, p. 348)….Living a life of righteousness is a chainbreaker. Many of us today are shackled by the restrictive chains of poor habits. We are bound by inferior self-images created by misconduct and indifference. We are chained by an unwillingness to change for the better….Shaking off restrictive chains requires action….It requires commitment, self-discipline, and work. Chains weigh heavily on troubled hearts and souls. They relegate us to lives of no purpose or light. They cause us to become confused and lose the spirit….These chains cannot be broken by those who live in lust and self-deceit. They can only be broken by people who are willing to change. We must face up to the hard reality of life that damaging chains are broken only by people of courage and commitment who are willing to struggle and weather the pain….To change or break some of our chains even in a small way means to give up some behavior of habits that have been very important to us in the past….Even if our present way of life is painful and self-destructive, some of us…become comfortable with it. Those who are committed to improvement break chains by having the courage to try.” (Ensign, Nov. 1985, pp. 13-5 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 83-4)

2 Nephi 1:13
O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe.

	dguthrie Mark E. Petersen “…We Americans must learn that [our nation] can continue to exist only as it aligns itself with the powers of heaven. If we turn our back upon the Almighty, even by igno... (note for 2 Nephi 1:7)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:42 AM

Note: Mark E. Petersen “…We Americans must learn that [our nation] can continue to exist only as it aligns itself with the powers of heaven. If we turn our back upon the Almighty, even by ignoring him, we jeopardize our national future. If we deliberately oppose his purposes, we place ourselves in danger of destruction. These stern facts have been taught to Americans from the beginning of our national history, starting with our first President, George Washington. He realized and he publicly announced that we obtained our independence through an act of providence, since we were far too weak to gain it by ourselves. Knowing this, he warned that if we are to survive as a free and independent nation, we must obey the Almighty God who brought us into being. Abraham Lincoln, another inspired President, said virtually the same thing, warning that if we fail to obey the commandments of God, we shall go down to ruin….It is no imaginary ruin that faces our nation if we reject Jesus Christ, as Lincoln pointed out so dramatically. And it is possible that our greatness can be buried in profound obscurity if we refuse to turn to God.” (Conference Report, Apr. 1968, pp. 59, 61, 62 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p.81)

2 Nephi 1:7
Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.

	dguthrie My dear brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood, there are a couple of lessons to be learned from this: First, a basic purpose of your life, as Lehi taught, is "[to] have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). In... (note for Acts 17:29)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:32 AM

Note: My dear brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood, there are a couple of lessons to be learned from this: First, a basic purpose of your life, as Lehi taught, is "[to] have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). In order to have joy, you need to understand that, as a child of your Heavenly Father, you inherited divine traits and spiritual needs-and just like a fish needs water, you need the gospel and the companionship of the Holy Ghost to be truly, deeply happy. Because you are the offspring of God (see Acts 17:28), it is incompatible with your eternal nature to do wrong and feel right. It cannot be done. It is part of your spiritual DNA, as it were, that peace, joy, and happiness will be yours only to the degree you live the gospel.

Acts 17:29
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

	dguthrie “In his famous address on Mars Hill, Paul quoted from the ‘Phaenomena,’ a work by Aratus, a Cilician poet: ‘As certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his [i.e., Go... (note for Acts 17:28)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:29 AM

Note: “In his famous address on Mars Hill, Paul quoted from the ‘Phaenomena,’ a work by Aratus, a Cilician poet: ‘As certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his [i.e., God’s] offspring.’ (Acts 17:28) Almost these identical words occur in the ‘Hymn to Zeus’ written by Cleanthes. Both men were Stoics. In citing such poets, Paul was probably not attempting to impress his audience with his intellect and training; no doubt he was trying to place himself on a common footing with his listeners in order to gain their confidence and thus win a listening ear for his message.” (Institute Manual, The Life and Teachings of Jesus & his Apostles, 2nd ed., p. 265)

Acts 17:28
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

	dguthrie “I think often of Longfellow's couplet: ‘There is so much of bad in the best of us, and so much of good in the worst of us, that it ill becomes any of us to talk about the rest of us.’... (note for Acts 17:26)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:23 AM

Note: “I think often of Longfellow's couplet: ‘There is so much of bad in the best of us, and so much of good in the worst of us, that it ill becomes any of us to talk about the rest of us.’ “My heart has resonated with Paul's declaration to the men of Athens: ‘And [God] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth’ (Acts 17:26). Each of us [from various religious denominations] believes in the fatherhood of God, although we may differ in our interpretations of Him. Each of us is part of a great family, the human family, sons and daughters of God, and therefore brothers and sisters. We must work harder to build mutual respect, an attitude of forbearance, with tolerance one for another regardless of the doctrines and philosophies which we may espouse. Concerning these you and I may disagree. But we can do so with respect and civility. “To those who are members of the church of which I am a member, I call attention to these words of Joseph Smith spoken in July of 1843: ‘If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a 'Mormon,' I am bold enough to declare before heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination . . .’ (History of the Church, vol. 5, pp. 498.) This, I hope, can be my standard. . . . “Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, Greek Orthodox, Muslims, and people of various racial backgrounds and ethnic origins: Thank you for the respect you exemplify and cultivate, for the tolerance you nourish, for the spirit of forbearance and civility which you demonstrate. We must continue, even more vigorously, to work unitedly for the common good, teaching our children to do likewise, so that the world, at least in some small measure, may be healed of its wounds and spared the scars of further conflict. (National Conference of Christians and Jews Banquet, February 21, 1995.) “I plead with our people everywhere to live with respect and appreciation for those not of our faith. There is so great a need for civility and mutual respect among those of differing beliefs and philosophies. We must not be partisans of any doctrine of ethnic superiority. We live in a world of diversity. We can and must be respectful toward those with whose teachings we may not agree. We must be willing to defend the rights of others who may become the victims of bigotry. ("This Is the Work of the Master," Ensign, May 1995, p. 71.)” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1997], 665 - 666.)

Acts 17:26
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

	dguthrie Paul reminds us that the Lord doesn’t need anything from us. He doesn’t need us to worship him ‘with men’s hands’. He doesn’t need us to make temples. He doesn’t need us to kee... (note for Acts 17:25)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:14 AM

Note: Paul reminds us that the Lord doesn’t need anything from us. He doesn’t need us to worship him ‘with men’s hands’. He doesn’t need us to make temples. He doesn’t need us to keep the commandments. He doesn’t need us to go to church. We are the ones who need Him. We need His mercy. We need His commandments. We need the power of His Atonement. We are the ones who need to realize our true relationship to God, ‘O how you ought to thank your heavenly King! I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess…I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.’ (Mosiah 2:19-21).

Acts 17:25
Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

	dguthrie Elder John G. Allred “Many people believe that ‘Mormonism’ doesn't bring anything of importance to the inhabitants of the earth, but those of us who have become acquainted with its t... (note for Acts 17:23)
	February 5, 2012 at 08:11 AM

Note: Elder John G. Allred “Many people believe that ‘Mormonism’ doesn't bring anything of importance to the inhabitants of the earth, but those of us who have become acquainted with its teachings, are convinced more and more that we stand in the same relationship to the world that the Apostle Paul occupied when he went on to Mars Hill and saw the inscription ‘To the unknown God’ and said to the people on that occasion: ‘You are altogether too superstitious, for whom you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.’ The elders and missionaries of this Church are in the world to tell the people of this generation that they are altogether too superstitious and that they have an unknown God whom they are ignorantly worshiping, and him we are declaring unto this generation, for be it remembered that the angel whom John saw fly through the midst of heaven was carrying the Everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea and the fountains of water.” (Conference Report, October 1925, 80 - 81.)

Acts 17:23
For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

	dguthrie Neal A. Maxwell “Why are a few members, who somewhat resemble the ancient Athenians, so eager to hear some new doubt or criticism? (See Acts 17:21.) Just as some weak members slip across... (note for Acts 17:21)
	February 4, 2012 at 07:20 PM

Note: Neal A. Maxwell “Why are a few members, who somewhat resemble the ancient Athenians, so eager to hear some new doubt or criticism? (See Acts 17:21.) Just as some weak members slip across a state line to gamble, a few go out of their way to have their doubts titillated. Instead of nourishing their faith, they are gambling ‘offshore’ with their fragile faith. To the question ‘Will ye also go away?’ these few would reply, ‘Oh, no, we merely want a weekend pass to go to a casino for critics or a clubhouse for cloakholders.’ Such easily diverted members are not disciples but fair-weather followers.” (Ensign, November 1988, pp. 32-33.) Neal A. Maxwell “We can dissolve the stress of wearily listening to ‘so many kinds of voices in the world’ (1 Corinthians 14:10). A true disciple need tune in on only one channel: ‘My sheep hear my voice’ (John 10:27). Like ancient Athenians, some today spend their energies and ‘their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing’ (Acts 17:21). A true disciple will not listen to the voices that deny the divinity of Jesus or of His latter-day work, that deny the apostolic foundations of the Restoration, or that suggest compromising with the world. “So it is that we can end much stress in life, if we will. Genuine discipleship is a way of shedding the sources of stress discussed above.” (Men and Women of Christ [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], 26.)

Acts 17:21
(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

	dguthrie “Epicureanism was named for Epicurus, who lived just before and after 300 B.C. According to his philosophy, the world came into existence by chance and was without either purpose or design... (note for Acts 17:18)
	February 4, 2012 at 07:17 PM

Note: “Epicureanism was named for Epicurus, who lived just before and after 300 B.C. According to his philosophy, the world came into existence by chance and was without either purpose or design. The highest good to which man could attain was that which brought him the greatest pleasure or the greatest absence of sorrow and pain. Contrary to popular notions then and now, Epicureanism did not advocate wholesale licentiousness as an objective in life, but rather those enjoyments which gave to man the longest and fullest personal satisfactions. “Stoicism, on the other hand, recognized a supreme governing power in the universe. According to this philosophy, all things have been ordered and set in motion by a Divine Mind, and the wise man, the true Stoic, is he who accepts conditions as he finds them rather than changes them to be as he wished them to be. Such acceptance requires great courage and self-control, for man is locked into a never-ending battle with nature. The body is no a vessel to be punished or catered to; it is to be ignored.” (Institute Manual, The Life and Teachings of Jesus & his Apostles, 2nd ed., p. 265)

Acts 17:18
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

	dguthrie “The Acts of the Apostles record that Paul ‘disputed’ in the synagogue. (See Acts 17:17; 19:8.) In light of his own teachings on contention, those accounts surely describe reasoned dis... (note for Acts 17:17)
	February 4, 2012 at 07:13 PM

Note: “The Acts of the Apostles record that Paul ‘disputed’ in the synagogue. (See Acts 17:17; 19:8.) In light of his own teachings on contention, those accounts surely describe reasoned discussions, not angry confrontations. “In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he gave them the same advice: ‘If any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.’ (1 Cor. 11:16.) In his second letter, he expressed the fear that when he came to them he would find ‘debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.’ (2 Cor. 12:20.) “Similarly, Paul advised Titus to ‘avoid foolish questions, . . . and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.’ (Titus 3:9.) He instructed Timothy, ‘Foolish and unlearned questions avoid,’ because ‘they do gender strifes.’ He continues: ‘And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.’ (2 Tim. 2:24-25.)” (The Lord's Way [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1991], 146.)

Acts 17:17
Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

	dguthrie “There is no man, there is no people, without a God. That God may be a visible idol, carved of wood, or stone, to which sacrifice is offered in the forest, in the temple, or in the market-... (note for Acts 17:16)
	February 4, 2012 at 07:11 PM

Note: “There is no man, there is no people, without a God. That God may be a visible idol, carved of wood, or stone, to which sacrifice is offered in the forest, in the temple, or in the market-place; or it may be an invisible idol, fashioned in a man's own image and worshiped ardently at his own personal shrine. Somewhere in the universe there is that in which each individual has firm faith, and on which he places steady reliance. The fool who says in his heart, ‘There is no God’ really means there is no God but himself. His supreme egotism, his colossal vanity, have placed him at the center of the universe which is thereafter to be measured and dealt with in terms of his personal satisfactions. So it has come to pass that after nearly two thousand years much of the world resembles the Athens of St. Paul's time, in that it is wholly given to idolatry; but in the modern case there are as many idols as idol worshipers, and every such idol worshiper finds his idol in the looking-glass. The time has come once again to repeat and to expound in thunderous tones the noble sermon of St. Paul on Mars Hill, and to declare to these modern idolaters ‘Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you.’” (Heber J. Grant, Conference Report, April 1922, 11.)

Acts 17:16
¶ Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

	dguthrie Perhaps Saul was still Saul to the Jews and was Paul (a gentile name) to the Gentiles (note for 1 Corinthians 9:20)
	February 4, 2012 at 07:03 PM

Note: Perhaps Saul was still Saul to the Jews and was Paul (a gentile name) to the Gentiles

1 Corinthians 9:20
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

	dguthrie Perhaps Saul was still Saul to the Jews and was Paul (a gentile name) to the Gentiles (note for 1 Corinthians 9:20)
	February 4, 2012 at 07:03 PM

	dguthrie “This America is no ordinary country. It is a choice land, ‘choice above all other lands’ (q Ne.2:20). It has a tragic and bloody past, but a glorious and peaceful future if its inhabi... (note for 2 Nephi 1:5)
	February 4, 2012 at 12:41 PM

Note: “This America is no ordinary country. It is a choice land, ‘choice above all other lands’ (q Ne.2:20). It has a tragic and bloody past, but a glorious and peaceful future if its inhabitants really learn to serve their God. It was consecrated as a land of promise to the people of the Americas, to whom God gave these great promises: ‘It will be a land of liberty to its people’ (2 Ne 1:7). ‘They shall never be brought down into captivity’ (2 Ne 1:7). ‘And there shall be none to molest them’ (2 Ne 1:9). ‘It is a land of promise’ (1 Ne 2:20). ‘It shall be free from all nations under heaven.’ ‘There shall be no enemies come into this land.’ ‘It shall be free from bondage’ (Ether 2:12). ‘There shall be no kings upon the land’ (2 Ne 10:11). ‘I will fortify this land against all other nations’ (2 Ne 10:11). ‘He that fighteth against Zion shall perish’ (2 Ne 10:13).

2 Nephi 1:5
But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.

	dguthrie “This America is no ordinary country. It is a choice land, ‘choice above all other lands’ ( 2 Ne 2:20). It has a tragic and bloody past, but a glorious and peaceful future if its inhab... (note for 2 Nephi 1:5)
	February 4, 2012 at 12:41 PM

Note: “This America is no ordinary country. It is a choice land, ‘choice above all other lands’ ( 2 Ne 2:20). It has a tragic and bloody past, but a glorious and peaceful future if its inhabitants really learn to serve their God. It was consecrated as a land of promise to the people of the Americas, to whom God gave these great promises: ‘It will be a land of liberty to its people’ (2 Ne 1:7). ‘They shall never be brought down into captivity’ (2 Ne 1:7). ‘And there shall be none to molest them’ (2 Ne 1:9). ‘It is a land of promise’ (1 Ne 2:20). ‘It shall be free from all nations under heaven.’ ‘There shall be no enemies come into this land.’ ‘It shall be free from bondage’ (Ether 2:12). ‘There shall be no kings upon the land’ (2 Ne 10:11). ‘I will fortify this land against all other nations’ (2 Ne 10:11). ‘He that fighteth against Zion shall perish’ (2 Ne 10:13).

2 Nephi 1:5
But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.

	dguthrie “While Lehi and his company were still wanderers in the Arabian wilderness, the Lord gave him the promise that he would receive word of the destruction of Jerusalem. (1 Ne. 17:14) Now, aft... (note for 2 Nephi 1:4)
	February 4, 2012 at 12:37 PM

Note: “While Lehi and his company were still wanderers in the Arabian wilderness, the Lord gave him the promise that he would receive word of the destruction of Jerusalem. (1 Ne. 17:14) Now, after their arrival in America, the Lord gave them a vision in which the fate of that city was revealed.” (Reynolds and Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 232) It is only by revelation from God that Lehi could know of Jerusalem’s destruction. It is only by revelation that Lehi could know that if his family had stayed in Jerusalem, they would have been destroyed. Many of the rich and wise were killed but many, like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azaraiah were preserved by the Babylonians, the king spake unto Ashpenaz…that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science (Dan 1:3-4). The Lord knew that Lehi would not be preserved as Daniel would be, had he remained in Jerusalem.

2 Nephi 1:4
For, behold, said he, I have seen a vision, in which I know that Jerusalem is destroyed; and had we remained in Jerusalem we should also have perished.

	dguthrie “The expression used here has reference to the day of Christ's mortal ministry, usually designated as the meridian of time. Using the same expression as Nephi, Paul wrote, ‘When the ful... (note for 2 Nephi 2:26)
	February 4, 2012 at 09:23 AM

Note: “The expression used here has reference to the day of Christ's mortal ministry, usually designated as the meridian of time. Using the same expression as Nephi, Paul wrote, ‘When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons’ (Galatians 4:4-5). Paul also spoke of ‘the dispensation of the fulness of times’ as the day in which we live- the day in which all things are to be restored (see Ephesians 1:10). Those living before Christ's earthly ministry would properly see his coming as a time of fulness or a time of completion not only of the law of Moses but also of thousands of messianic prophecies. In the revelations of the Restoration the phrase is used to identify our dispensation as the fulness of all past dispensations (see D&C 27:13; D&C 121:31; D&C 124:41; D&C 128:18, 20).” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 191)

2 Nephi 2:26
And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

	dguthrie The fall of Adam initiates a cascade of events—events predicted and planned for in the pre-mortal sphere. The Plan of Redemption goes into effect after the Fall. Without the Fall, there ... (note for 2 Nephi 2:25)
	February 4, 2012 at 09:15 AM

Note: The fall of Adam initiates a cascade of events—events predicted and planned for in the pre-mortal sphere. The Plan of Redemption goes into effect after the Fall. Without the Fall, there is no mortality. Without mortality, there is no need for a Resurrection. Without the Fall, there is no spiritual death. Without spiritual death, there is no need for Redemption. Without the Fall, there is no need for a Savior. In other words: Adam fell that men might be; Christ ascended that men might be made perfect. Adam fell that men might be; Christ ascended that men might be in God’s presence.

2 Nephi 2:25
Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

	dguthrie This doctrine is taken for granted by latter-day saints. Search the record of Genesis! You will not find this doctrine taught in Genesis or anywhere else in the Bible. The implications of a ... (note for 2 Nephi 2:22)
	February 4, 2012 at 09:13 AM

Note: This doctrine is taken for granted by latter-day saints. Search the record of Genesis! You will not find this doctrine taught in Genesis or anywhere else in the Bible. The implications of a different interpretation are enormous. Many Christian denominations believe that Adam and Eve could procreate prior to partaking of the forbidden fruit but that they didn’t. According to this doctrine, without their transgression, all of humanity would have been born into the paradise of the Garden of Eden. They conclude that the Fall of Adam forces all of mankind to live in a dark and dreary world instead of paradise. This is where our doctrine differs. Thanks to Lehi, and other sources, we understand that they could not have children in their state of innocence. In fact, the entire plan of salvation would be spoiled if they had never partaken of the fruit. If they hadn’t, we would all still be in the pre-mortal existence while Adam and Eve remained in the Garden renaming the animals. Adam’s decision, prompted by the wise counsel of his wife, made it possible for all mankind to experience mortality and learn of the opposition in all things that Lehi spoke of. It was only in this way that they could become as God, knowing good and evil. Russell M. Nelson The Fall of Adam (and Eve) constituted the mortal creation and brought about the required changes in their bodies, including the circulation of blood and other modifications as well. They were now able to have children. They and their posterity also became subject to injury, disease, and death. And a loving Creator blessed them with healing power by which the life and function of precious physical bodies could be preserved. For example, bones, if broken, could become solid again. Lacerations of the flesh could heal themselves. And miraculously, leaks in the circulation could be sealed off by components activated from the very blood being lost. (“The Atonement,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 33) Joseph Fielding Smith “ Adam and Eve therefore did the very thing that the Lord intended them to do…The Lord said to Adam that if he wished to remain in the garden, then he was not to eat the fruit, but if he desired to eat it and partake of death he was at liberty to do so. So really it was not in the true sense a transgression of a divine commandment….It was the divine plan from the very beginning that man should be placed on the earth and be subject to mortal conditions and pass through a probationary state as explained in the Book of Mormon.” (Answers to Gospel Questions, vol. 4, pp. 79-82 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p.92)

2 Nephi 2:22
And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.

	dguthrie Lehi is referring to the state of probation which began with the fall of Adam. He is also making reference to the long lifespan of those who lived in the days of Adam. Adam lived 930 years, ... (note for 2 Nephi 2:21)
	February 4, 2012 at 09:08 AM

Note: Lehi is referring to the state of probation which began with the fall of Adam. He is also making reference to the long lifespan of those who lived in the days of Adam. Adam lived 930 years, Seth lived 912 years, Methusaleh has the record with 969 years, and Noah lived 950 years. After the flood, something happened. Lifespans began to be cut much shorter. This was according to will of God, And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years (Gen 6:3). This can be seen in the lifespans of Abraham-180 years and Joseph-110 years. Lehi’s reference is instructive because he gives us at least one reason why the lifespans were so long for the early fathers, that they might repent while in the flesh…and their time was lengthened. For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world. (Alma 34:32-24)

2 Nephi 2:21
And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.

	dguthrie The Latter-day Saint doctrine regarding Lucifer comes from multiple sources (Moses 4:1-4, Abr 3:27-28, Rev 12:7-9, Rev 12:4, Isa 14:12-13) Many different scriptures, and doctrine taught in ... (note for 2 Nephi 2:17)
	February 4, 2012 at 08:23 AM

Note: The Latter-day Saint doctrine regarding Lucifer comes from multiple sources (Moses 4:1-4, Abr 3:27-28, Rev 12:7-9, Rev 12:4, Isa 14:12-13) Many different scriptures, and doctrine taught in the temple, combine to paint a clear picture of his origins and intentions. Here, Lehi explains that he was “an angel of God.” Other scriptures which teach of him are listed: AND I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying--Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me--Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.(Moses 4:1-4) And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first. And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.(Abr 3:27-28) And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Rev 12:7-9) And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth (Rev 12:4) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God (Isa 14:12-13)

2 Nephi 2:17
And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God.

	dguthrie The Latter-day Saint doctrine regarding Lucifer comes from multiple sources. Many different scriptures, and doctrine taught in the temple, combine to paint a clear picture of his origins and... (note for 2 Nephi 2:17)
	February 4, 2012 at 08:23 AM

Note: The Latter-day Saint doctrine regarding Lucifer comes from multiple sources. Many different scriptures, and doctrine taught in the temple, combine to paint a clear picture of his origins and intentions. Here, Lehi explains that he was “an angel of God.” Other scriptures which teach of him are listed: AND I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying--Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me--Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.(Moses 4:1-4) And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first. And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.(Abr 3:27-28) And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Rev 12:7-9) And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth (Rev 12:4) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God (Isa 14:12-13)

2 Nephi 2:17
And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God.

	dguthrie Reynolds and Sjodahl expounded on the grand philosophical question, “Is there a God?”: “Only a ‘fool’-that is, one who is deficient in moral qualities (see Rom 1:22)-contradicts t... (note for 2 Nephi 2:12)
	February 4, 2012 at 08:17 AM

Note: Reynolds and Sjodahl expounded on the grand philosophical question, “Is there a God?”: “Only a ‘fool’-that is, one who is deficient in moral qualities (see Rom 1:22)-contradicts this self-evident truth, and his negation is determined by the heart rather than the intellect; that is to say, he wishes that there were no God, and he talks accordingly. ‘The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.’ (Psalm 14:1) That is his wish, his desire. “Such an individual may, perhaps, find comfort in the conclusion of Kant, that the existence of God, a First Cause, cannot be proved by any argument known to logic, since every cause seems to require a previous cause to account for it, wherefore a First Cause can never be located. But St. Paul does not agree with this conclusion. His assertion is that all that which can be known by mortal man concerning God has been made manifest by our Lord himself, for ‘God has showed it unto them.’ Paul is also of the opinion that his eternal power and Godhead ‘are clearly seen in the creation.’ (Rom. 1:19, 20) The Hebrew poet expresses the same thought: “The heavens declare the Glory of God. And the firmament showeth his handywork. Day unto day poureth forth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language; Their voice cannot be heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the World." (Psalm 19:1–3) (Reynolds and Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 245) “It is also recognized by a majority of the great scientists that there is a God and that he is the source of truth. As Albert Einstein said, ‘The harmony of natural law reveals an intelligence of such