While living in Kentucky in the 90’s and serving in the Bishopric our Bishop shared with us perspectives on gospel living and the importance of living correct principles taught by our Savior. The following captures part of what he taught, yet falls short because his convictions / testimony for Christ are missing. (Christ’s invitation is for everyone, even the worst sinners… see also 3 Nephi 30: 1-2.)
Basic doctrine to be understood, lived in order to be saved… 3 Nephi 27: 13-22, Our Savior said: 13 “Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.
18 And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words.
19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end. **
20 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.
21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do; 22 Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day.”
** The important thing to remember here: It’s not about self-perfection now. For 99.999+ % of us, perfection will not happen in this life and it wasn’t meant to. ‘Washing our garments in His blood’ becomes a daily process when, having taken upon us His name, we strive to make His example, His teachings, an ongoing destination. We repent as things come up throughout each day. By such consistency we are continually releasing negative baggage that defeats resolve. I’ll not carry it to the end of the day. By then (for me) there can be too much to remember!… I used to think how nice it would be to be employed in the Temple. Still do! …yet perhaps that would not be the best place for me until I have mastered the negatives of my current work place and daily life with a Christlike approach. If my destination were to ‘live in a bubble’ outside the daily difficulties that would otherwise refine me and cause greater growth, I might defeat the whole point of my mortal probation. Obviously balance should be considered; Some environments have been so spiritually brutal, ‘caustic’, that escape was a goal to preserve my peace of mind and forward progression. kdm
