Moroni 7:38-48

Mormon continues, reminding us we cannot be saved unless we have faith in Christ’s names. If miracles have ceased and ministering angels no longer visit the Earth, then faith has ceased. We will be in an awful state because it would be as though there had been no redemption nor atonement.

But Mormon is optimistic. He judges us as having faith in Christ. If we did not have faith in him, we will not be numbered among those in His church.

Mormon again turns to hope. Hope is an important part of the gospel. “Now faith is the substance [GR assurance, basis, foundation] of things hoped for, the evidence [GR proof] of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

“Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4).

You cannot obtain faith without hope.

For what shall we hope? “All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious resurrection, through the grace of God the Father and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ” (D&C 138:14).

We are to have hope through Christ’s atonement and through the resurrection.  “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began” (Titus 1:2).

“And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ; thus they went out of the world rejoicing” (Alma 46:39).

In the resurrection, we will be raised to eternal life through our faith in Christ.

If we have, we must also have hope.  “Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity” (Moroni 10:20). Without faith, there can be no hope.

The only way you can have faith and hope it to be meek and lowly of heart. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12).

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10).

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth [GR opposes, is adverse to] the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

If we are not meek, our faith and hope is in vain. “And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works” (Alma 7:24). Nothing we do is acceptable before God unless we are meek and lowly in heart. We also must confess by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ. “Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8).

We must also have charity. If we do not, we are nothing. What is charity? “The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ. It is never used to denote alms or deeds of benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive” (Bible Dictionary).

“I testify that the efforts we make to become disciples of our Savior are truly added upon until we are ‘possessed’ of His love. This love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ.”[1]

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up” (1 Corinthians 13:14). It is not provoked and things no evil. It rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

“But what about the "faith, hope, and charity" passage in Moroni 7:45? Its resemblance to 1 Corinthians 13 is undeniable. This particular passage, recently singled out for attack in Christianity Today, is actually one of those things that turn out to be a striking vindication of the Book of Mormon. For the whole passage, which scholars have labeled the “Hymn to Charity,” was shown early in this century by a number of first-rate investigators working independently (A. Harnack, J. Weiss, R. Reizenstein) to have originated not with Paul at all, but to go back to some older but unknown source: Paul is merely quoting from the record.”[2]

If we have no charity, we are nothing as charity never fails. Embrace to charity, which is the greatest of all.

Charity is the pure love of Christ. “[It] worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:10).

“Serving Him requires all of our heart, might, mind, and strength. Consequently, selflessly serving others counteracts the self-centered and selfish tendencies of the natural man. We grow to love those whom we serve. And because serving others is serving God, we grow to love Him and our brothers and sisters more deeply. Such love is a manifestation of the spiritual gift of charity, even the pure love of Christ.”[3]

“Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish” (2 Nephi 26:30).

It endures forever. If we have charity at the last day, “it shall be well with them” (Moroni 7:47).

We are to pray to the Father with all our energy to be filled with his love.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons [GR children, people] of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

“Beloved, now are we the sons [GR children, people] of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:1-3).

“And know ye that ye shall be judges of this people, according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just. Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27).

This has been placed upon all true followers of Christ. When he comes, we will be like Him. We shall see Him as He is. We may have hope and be purified as He is pure.

“Father, I thank thee that thou hast purified those whom I have chosen, because of their faith, and I pray for them, and also for them who shall believe on their words, that they may be purified in me, through faith on their words, even as they are purified in me.

“Father, I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me out of the world, because of their faith, that they may be purified in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one, that I may be glorified in them” (3 Nephi 19:28-29).

“Mormon’s thinking is often similar to that of Paul, as we see in Moroni 7:40–48, where Mormon explains charity. We may see parallels here too between Moroni’s thinking about the Holy Ghost and Paul’s. But there are also differences. For Paul, the power of the Holy Ghost is the divine power to transform people, as he was transformed and as happens in resurrection. But that doesn’t seem to be Moroni’s meaning. Instead, he appears to be thinking in terms like those of Nephi₁, who said that Lehi saw things in a vision and spoke by the power of the Holy Ghost, ‘which power he received by faith on the Son of God . . . [and] which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him’ (1 Nephi 10:17). Moroni understands the power of the Holy Ghost as the power of divine revelation. Those who pray as they’ve been exhorted to pray will receive revelation through the Holy Ghost. Obviously, the power to be transformed is directly related to the power of revelation, but the two aren’t quite the same thing, and Moroni has the second in mind more than the first.”[4]

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[1] Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Robert D. Hales, April 2017 General Conference.

[2] Classics from the Past: Literary Style Used in Book of Mormon Insured Accurate Translation, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

[3] “If Ye Had Known Me.” Elder David A. Bednar, October 2016 General Conference.

[4] Sealings and Mercies: Moroni’s Final Exhortations in Moroni 10, James E. Faulconer, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 22/1 (2013): 12.

Moroni 7:33-37

Christ told us if we have faith in Him, we will have power to do whatever is appropriate in Him. “And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me” (Moroni 10:23).

“Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;

“And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation” (D&C 88:64-65).

The Lord has called all men to repent. “Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:20).

“Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and believe in my gospel, and be baptized in my name; for he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned; and signs shall follow them that believe in my name” (Ether 4:18).

“Because ‘no unclean thing can dwell with God,’ in order to live with Him again we will need to be cleansed of sin and sanctified. If we had to do this alone, none of us would make it. But we are not alone. In fact, we are never alone.

“We have heaven’s help because of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The Savior said, ‘If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.’ When faith is exercised, faith increases.”[1]

After they repent, they are to come to Him and be baptized. Then, have faith in Him to be saved.

Mormon tells us if the things which he has written are true, at the last day, God will show us with power and glory they are true. “And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; 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, notwithstanding my weakness” (2 Nephi 33:11).

“And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day.

“And if it so be that they repent and come unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom of God.

“And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen” (Ether 5:4-6).

He then asks a pointed question, “if they are true has the day of miracles ceased” (Moroni 7:35).

“And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles” (Mormon 9:15).

“For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name” (D&C 35:8).

Have angels ceased to appear to us? Had he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost? “[W]ill he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved” (Moroni 7:36).

No, for it is through faith miracles occur. “And no one need say they shall not come, for they surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it; for out of the earth shall they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall come in a day when it shall be said that miracles are done away; and it shall come even as if one should speak from the dead” (Mormon 8:36).

“And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust” (Mormon 9:20).

It is through faith, angles appear and minister to men. If these things have ceased it is because of our unbelieve. “And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men” (Moroni 10:19).

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[1] Your Next Step, Elder Randall K. Bennett, October 2015 General Conference.

Moroni 7:27-32

Mormon asks if miracles have ceased since Christ ascended into heaven. He claims the right of mercy upon the children of men.

“He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

“Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:11-12).

He has met the demands of the law and claim all who have faith in Him. They will hold to all good things. He will be the advocate for us with the Father eternally. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

“And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men” (Mosiah 15:8).

“And now I go unto the Father, because it is expedient that I should go unto the Father for your sakes” (3 Nephi 18:35).

Because He intercedes on our behalf with the Father, have miracles ceased? No! And angels continue to minister to men.

“But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

“Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life” (Acts 5:19-20).

Angels are subject to Christ. They minister to us through the word of his command. They appear to those who have strong faith.

“When God establishes his way among men it is by special divine messengers who come to men well prepared, ‘of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness’ (Moroni 7:30). Every restoration of the gospel has been accomplished through a series of heavenly visitations and glorious manifestations, with the divine plan fully and explicitly set forth for that dispensation, with all the divine authority and revealed knowledge necessary to establish the kingdom at that time.”[1]

The office of their ministry is to call us to repentance. They also fulfil and do the work of the Father and the covenants he has made with us. They prepare the way among us by declaring Christ to those chosen by the Lord and who bear testimony of Him. “Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them” (D&C 20:10).

By sending ministering angels, the Lord prepares the way that the residue of men will have faith in Christ.

“After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

“That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things” (Acts 15:16-17).

“To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful” (D&C 46:14).

We must have a place for the Holy Ghost in our heart. Through this manner the covenants the Father made with us will be fulfilled.

“It is interesting how these visions seem to get around, and the Book of Mormon casts some light on that problem too when it reports that after Lehi had described his vision to his family, his son Nephi was granted the identical revelation, only with a fuller explanation, including points that Lehi had overlooked. Thus we see how the same vision, far from being reserved to one man, might be shared by others with the intent that through the preaching of those thus favored the vision might become the common property and tradition of all the people (Moroni 7:29-32).”[2]

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[1] Beyond Politics, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Since Cumorah – Chapter 7: Checking on Long-Forgotten Lore, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

Moroni 7:20-26

Mormon now turns to teaching us about faith. “I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing” (Moroni 7:21).

“Faith is a conviction that spurs us on through hope to action and experimenting on the word. Mormon describes faith as the power by which we ‘may lay hold on every good thing’ (Moroni 7:21)-a power of action, of discerning truth from error and increasing our collection of truth as we grow in faith. Faith breaks down into two components: an emotional trust in God and a willingness to experiment and try his word.”[1]

God knows all thing from everlasting to everlasting. “And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God” (2 Nephi 26:12).

“And Amulek said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; he is the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Alma 11:39).

“For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity” (Moroni 8:18).

Angels have been sent to minister to the children of men, to reveal the coming of Christ. “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” (2 Nephi 10:3).

“And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words” (2 Nephi 11:3).

Through Christ will come all good things. God revealed to the prophets that Christ would come.

God manifested to us in various ways that all things good come from Christ. Without Christ, we would remain a fallen people and no good thing could come to us. “And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever” (2 Nephi 2:5).

Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God is brought by the ministering of angels.

“And after God had appointed that these things should come unto man, behold, then he saw that it was expedient that man should know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto them;

“Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory.

“And they began from that time forth to call on his name; therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption, which had been prepared from the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto them according to their faith and repentance and their holy works” (Alma 12:28-30).

Men began to exercise faith in Christ. Through their faith, they held every good thing until Christ came.

“What should we have faith in as we lay hold on gifts? Not in the gifts themselves, nor in our strength to receive them, but in Jesus Christ. As Mormon articulates faith, we hear the words of God and his messengers and then exercise faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice according to these words. This idea Mormon describes clearly: ‘Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ’ (Moroni 7:25). Laying hold thus begins at our first demonstration of faith in Jesus Christ. Christ offers a central, singular gift, himself-which comes to us initially through the medium of the divine or angelic or prophetic word. All other gifts manifest and extend the sacrifice of Christ’s life, his powers of redemption and resurrection. When we lay hold on faith in Christ’s resurrection and redemption, we effectually lay hold on every good thing Christ brings into the world through his great sacrifice.”[2]

After his atonement, we could be saved through faith in Christ. “And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen” (D&C 3:20).

After exercising our faith, we become sons of God. “And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you” (3 Nephi 18:20).

“The prophets have taught that faith begins by hearing the word of Christ. The words of Christ testify of His atoning sacrifice and tell us how we may obtain forgiveness, blessings, and exaltation.

“Upon hearing the words of Christ, we exercise faith by choosing to follow the teachings and example of the Savior. To do this, Nephi taught that we must rely ‘wholly upon the merits of [Christ,] who is mighty to save.’ Because Jesus was a God in the premortal existence, lived a sinless life, and during His Atonement satisfied all the demands of justice for you and me, He has the power and keys to bring about the resurrection of all men, and He made it possible for mercy to overpower justice upon conditions of repentance. Once we understand that we can obtain mercy through Christ’s merits, we are able to ‘have faith unto repentance.’ To rely wholly upon Christ’s merits then is to trust that He did what was necessary to save us and then to act upon our belief.”[3]

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[1] Science, Pseudoscience, and Religious Belief, Allen R. Buskirk, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Mormon’s Question, Candice Wendt, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 24 (2015): 251.

[3] The Doctrine of Christ, Elder Brian K. Ashton, October 2016 General Conference.

Moroni 7:14-19

It is given to us to be able to judge good from evil. “And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths” (Ezekiel 44:24).

The way to judge is plain, so we may know, “with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night” (Moroni 7:15).

“To judge, or not to judge—is that the question? The seemingly contradictory uses of the word judge in the Book of Mormon can be confusing. In 3 Nephi 14:1 the Savior says, ‘Judge not, that ye be not judged.’ Yet Moroni 7:15 says that ‘it is given unto you to judge.’ Fortunately, Moroni 7:18 clarifies the concept of judging: ‘Seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.’

“The real question seems to be whether we judge rightfully or wrongfully. The Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 7:1 confirms this interpretation: ‘Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged: but judge righteous judgment.’”[1]

We all receive the Spirit of Christ. This is how we know good from evil. “And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever” (2 Nephi 2:5).

Mormon shows us a way to judge. If it leads us to do good and to persuade others to believe in Christ, it is sent from Christ. This is how we “may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God” (Moroni 7:16).

“In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord taught, ‘The Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world … Every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father’ (D&C 84:46–47). The Lord, in a later revelation, further discussed the Light of Christ: ‘the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space’ (D&C 88:11–12).”[2]

What ever persuades us to do evil, deny Christ, and not serve God may know this knowledge comes from the devil. He persuades no one to do good.

It is through seeing the light we may judge, for the light is the light of Christ. “He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death” (Mosiah 16:9).

“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (D&C 50:24).

“The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things” (D&C 88:13).

Through the light of Christ, we must be carefully we do not judge wrongly. The same judgement by which we judge is how we will be judged.

Mormon asks us to search diligently using the light of Christ to know good from evil. “For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (D&C 84:45).

“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;

“Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made” (D&C 88 6-7).

If we “lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ” (Moroni 7:19).

“And the Lord said unto [Alma₂]: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters” (Mosiah 27:25).

“Importantly, Mormon and Moroni warn us of the dangers of lacking faith, but they do so chiefly by warning us against the dangers of misjudging, denying, and rejecting the gifts of God. We need to turn judgments away and ‘condemn [the gifts] not’ to become children of Christ (Moroni 7:19).”[3]

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[1] What's in a Word?, Cynthia L. Hallen, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Joseph Smith and the Problem of the Unevangelized, Reviewed by David L. Paulsen and Brent Alvord, Maxwell Institute website.

[3] Mormon’s Question, Candice Wendt, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 24 (2015): 252.

Moroni 7:8-13

Mormon continues telling us if an evil man gives a gift, he does it grudgingly. The Lord made it clear how he expects us to act. “Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days” (D&C 64:34).

The gift he gives will be considered evil and not accepted of the Lord. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 15:8).

If a man will pray without real intent, God will not receive such a prayer.

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering [GR doubting, hesitating]. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

“For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord” (James 1:6-7).

If a man is evil, he will not be able to give a good gift to the Lord. “Mormon, who had seen nothing all his life but ‘a continual scene of wickedness and abominations’ (Mormon 2:18), has a great yearning for peace and rest (Moroni 7:3-4), but he is convinced that unregenerate men are not capable either of receiving or giving good of themselves (Moroni 7:10), and must remain as nothing until they have charity, ‘the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:44-47).”[1]

A bitter found cannot bring forth good water. “The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death” (Proverbs 13:14). A good fountain cannot bring forth bitter water. James asked, “Doth a fountain [GR spring, well] send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter” (James 3:11).

He who serves the devil cannot follow Christ. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

He who serves Christ cannot serve the devil. “And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father” (2 Nephi 31:10). “And he that will not take up his cross and follow me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not be saved” (D&C 56:2).

“The polarized condition of the world today, however silly, is not to be denied. But is it consistent with the real polarity of good and evil? If God and Satan stand each surrounded by his host, they are not human hosts. The human race is placed not at either pole but squarely between the two. In that position each individual is free to gravitate in either direction; that is the testing to which all are subjected during this time of probation, every day of their lives. As long as they are living here they are subject to being tried and tested.”[2]

All things good come from God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

“We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error [GR deception, wandering sin]” (1 John 4:2, 4, 6).

“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (3 John 1:11).

That which is evil comes from the devil. The devil is an enemy of God, constantly fighting against Him, tempting us to sin and continually do evil.

 “For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.

“Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works he hearkeneth unto the voice of the good shepherd, and he doth follow him; but whosoever bringeth forth evil works, the same becometh a child of the devil, for he hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow him” (Alma 5:40-41).

“What [the devil] tempts [Adam and Eve] with is lunch. We can put the situation in terms of two employers who are competing for the services of the man Adam and his posterity, who are intentionally placed in the middle between them: on the one hand, ‘the devil ... inviteth and enticeth ... continually’ to work for him, while on the other, ‘God inviteth and enticeth ... continually’ to work for him (Moroni 7:12–13).”[3]

That which is of God invites us to do good continually. “And there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this generation” (D&C 35:12).

“And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father” (D&C 84:47).

It entices us to good and love God. “And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people. And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal” (2 Nephi 33:4).

Anything that makes us to desire to serve God is inspired of Him.

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[1] Since Cumorah, Hugh Nibley, Chapter 12: Good People and Bad People, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] The Prophetic Book of Mormon, Hugh W. Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

[3] Work We Must, But the Lunch Is Free, Hugh W. Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

Moroni 7:1-7

Chapter 7

An invitation is given to enter into the rest of the Lord—Pray with real intent—The Spirit of Christ enables men to know good from evil—Satan persuades men to deny Christ and do evil—The prophets manifest the coming of Christ—By faith, miracles are wrought and angels minister—Men should hope for eternal life and cleave unto charity. About A.D. 401–21.

Moroni shares teachings of Mormon on faith, hope, and charity to the Nephite people in the synagogue.

Mormon begins by telling the congregation he is permitted to speak to them “because of the gift of [God’s] unto me” (Moroni 7:2).

“Mormon, who abridged the record, laments when he sees his kinfolk descend into wickedness, because he ‘saw that the day of grace was past with them’ (Mormon 2:15). He seems to imply that there is a window of opportunity wherein one can obtain grace. He tells one audience that he is able to speak to them ‘by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Moroni 7:2), and tells his son, Moroni, that he prays that Jesus, ‘through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you’ (Moroni 8:3).”[1]

He is speaking to church members who “are the peaceable followers of Christ.” These are those who have a sufficient hope they will “enter into the rest of the Lord” (Moroni 7:3).

“Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4).

Mormon judges these things because of their “peaceable walk with the children of men” (Moroni 7:4). “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6).

“Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23).

“Mormon … for example, speaks to the ‘peaceable followers of Christ’ who have entered into the rest of the Lord, whom he recognizes because of their ‘peaceable walk’ with men (Moroni 7:3-4). Maybe peace has seemed like something that just happens if we are lucky; or it may seem like a luxury that we can sometimes live without. But learning to establish real inner peace is indispensable to spiritual progress.”[2]

He reminds them it is by their works they will know them. If their works are good, they are also good. “Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them” (3 Nephi 14:20).

An evil man cannot do good. If he makes an offering, it will do him no good.

“Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.

“Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name?” (D&C 132:8-9).

If he does not offer a prayer with real intent, it will do him no good. “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination” (Proverbs 28:9).

“And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith” (Alma 34:28).

“Mormon wove several crucial words and phrases from the Sermon on the Mount into his impassioned speech to his people, which is preserved in Moroni 7. The following echoes are unmistakable: “By their works ye shall know them” (Moroni 7:5) has changed only one word from 3 Nephi 14:20, “fruits” to “works.” “A man being evil cannot do that which is good” (Moroni 7:6) declaratively and deliberately answers the rhetorical question of 3 Nephi 14:16, “Do men gather grapes of thorns?” (inverting the good/evil to evil/good).”[3] (emphasis in original)

“For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness” (Moroni 7:7).

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[1] The Grace of Christ, John Gee, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Zion and the Spirit of At-One-Ment, Catherine Thomas, Maxwell Institute website.

[3] Worthy of Another Look: Reusages of the Words of Christ, John W. Welch, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 22/1 (2013): 68.

Moroni 5:1-2; Moroni 6:1-9

Chapter 5

The mode of administering the sacramental wine is set forth. About A.D. 401–21.

When the Savior instituted the sacrament among the Nephites, he gave them instructions about the manner in which the wine [today, water] is to be administered. “And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you” (3 Nephi 18:11).

Moroni then records the words of the blessing on the water.

“O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it.”

The church used wine as a part of the sacrament in the beginning. When in Harmony, PA, Joseph was going out to purchase the wine for the sacrament. He was met by a heavenly messenger and received a revelation concerning the use of wine as a part of the sacrament. He was told, “For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins” (D&C 27:2).

Since August 1830, the Church has used water to represent the blood of Christ.

When we partake of the water, we are to “do it in remembrance of the blood” of Christ (Moroni 5:2).

We promise to “always remember him” (Moroni 5:2). “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament [GR covenant] in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20).

“After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:25).

In return, we will “have his Spirit to be with [us]” (Moroni 5:2).

Chapter 6

Repentant persons are baptized and fellowshipped—Church members who repent are forgiven—Meetings are conducted by the power of the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 401–21.

In this chapter, Moroni outlines the procedures for administering baptism and conducting church meetings. He tells us “elders, priests, and teachers were baptized” (Moroni 6:1).

“The ‘priests and teachers’ referred to throughout the Book of Mormon are often—although not always—two distinct groups, even though, undeniably, the book often attributes teaching functions to its priests. ‘Priests’ and ‘teachers’ are mentioned in close proximity to one another twenty-two times in the Book of Mormon, and in every instance except one ‘teachers’ are mentioned after ‘priests,’ suggesting that they might represent a subordinate priesthood office among the Nephites as they do in the church today. (It is clear from Moroni 3 that the offices were distinct, at least in later Nephite practice.)”[1]

Those who are baptized would “[b]ring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:8).

Moroni taught only those who have “brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it” (Moroni 5:1). Moroni wording is similar to Matthew 3:8, those being baptized were to bring “forth therefore fruits meet [GR appropriate to, worthy of] for repentance.”

Jacob emphasized the importance of baptism early in Nephite history. “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” (2 Nephi 9:23).

Christ taught the Nephites, “ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God” (3 Nephi 11:38).

Those who were to be baptized were to come “forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (Moroni 6:2). Additionally, they were to witness to the church they had “truly repented of all their sins” (Moroni 6:2).

“Moroni helps us understand how we can teach by the Spirit without replacing, diluting, or dismissing the Holy Ghost as the real teacher. Moroni said the Saints conducted their experiences ‘after the manner of the workings of the Spirit.’ This requires more than just having the Spirit with us. To conduct ourselves “after the manner” of the Holy Ghost means that we may need to change our way of teaching to emulate the way the Holy Ghost teaches. As we align our manner with the Holy Ghost’s manner, then the Holy Ghost can teach and testify without restraint. This important alignment may be illustrated by the following example.”[2]

Those who were baptized “took upon them the name of Christ, serving Him to the end. Christ asked the Nephites, “Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name” (3 Nephi 27:5).

After being baptized, they were cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost. Their names were recorded, and were numbered among the church, that they might obey the word of God. “And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” (2 Nephi 31:19).

“A second key to ensuring those we teach and lead are ‘nourished by the good word of God’ (Moroni 6:4) is also found in the Savior’s direction ‘to preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth’ (D&C 50:14; emphasis added). Not only are the Savior’s words directing us to follow the guidance of the Spirit as we prepare and as we teach; He is also teaching that it is the Spirit that is the most effective teacher in any given situation.”[3] (emphasis in original)

“As Jesus had said, ‘I know my sheep, and they are numbered’ (3 Nephi 18:31). Being so numbered allowed them to partake of the sacrament, for Jesus had directed his disciples to give the sacrament only to ‘the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name’ (3 Nephi 18:5).”[4]

“In keeping with the fact that the power of the Holy Ghost is the way by which God works (3 Nephi 29:6), ordinations took place by the power of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 3:4), those baptized were cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 6:4), and the power of the Holy Ghost led the worshippers “whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing” (Moroni 6:9). The power of the Holy Ghost enables one to confess that Jesus is the Christ (Moroni 7:44).”[5]

The church met together frequently to fast and pray. “And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the law of Moses; but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord” (4 Nephi 1:12).

“Also, I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth” (D&C 88:76).

They also spoke “one with another concerning the welfare of their souls” (Moroni 6:5).

“Moroni reports that ‘the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus’ (Moroni 6:5–6). In doing this, the church was obedient to the Lord who had commanded the people to meet together often, to pray for each other, and to partake of the sacrament’ (emphasis in original).”[6]

The church was to observe “[a]nd see that there is no iniquity in the church” (D&C 20:54). If someone has been found to sin, and there are three witnesses who condemn them, and they refused to repent, they will no longer be “numbered among the people of Christ” (Moroni 6:7).

Repentance, with real intent, is essential. “Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me” (Mosiah 26:30).

“[I]n in His mercy, He allows for improvement over time rather than demanding immediate perfection. Even with the multitude of sins occasioned by the weakness of mortality, as often as we repent and seek His forgiveness, He forgives again and again.”[7]

“For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing

“And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such” (Moroni 7:6, 9).

Our meetings are to be conducted “after the manner of the workings of the Spirit” (Moroni 6:9). “The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God” (D&C 20:45).

“But notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit” (D&C 46:2).

We are to be guided by the Holy Ghost. “And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be” (1 Nephi 13:37).

When this is done, those conducting will be led by the Holy Ghost to lead them “whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing” (Moroni 6:9).

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[1] Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Teaching after the Manner of the Spirit, Elder Matthew O. Richardson, October 2011 General Conference.

[3] Nourished by the Good Word of God, Elder Daniel K Judd, October 2007 General Conference.

[4] From Presence to Practice: Jesus, the Sacrament Prayers, the Priesthood, and Church Discipline in 3 Nephi 18 and Moroni 2–6, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute website.

[5] NOTES - Book of Mormon Pneumatology, John Christopher Thomas, Maxwell Institute.

[6] From Presence to Practice: Jesus, the Sacrament Prayers, the Priesthood, and Church Discipline in 3 Nephi 18 and Moroni 2–6, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute website.

[7] The Savior Wants to Forgive, Elder Craig A. Cardon, April 2013 General Conference.