All posts in category Scripture Chain

The World Rejects the Gospel – the Apostasy

“And after he was slain I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb; for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord.” – 1 Nephi 11:34

“And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle.” – 4 Nephi 1:38

“But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people.” – Mormon 1:13

“And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard?” – Jacob 5:41

After reading all about the miracles Christ performed, after reading all about the incalculable pain of the atonement He suffered, after reading about the profound love Christ has for each of us, it is so sad to see that the World rejected him.

Although the world had witnessed the Savior personally, and had experienced His power, they still rejected Him. The result was a loss of the Spirit and the power that accompanies such a gift. (i.e. – the apostles, priesthood power, healing, blessings, baptism, etc.) The great apostasy was a spiritual famine – as Amos described: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it,” (Amos 8:11-12). The crazy thing is – this famine was not caused because of a lack of the word of God. Spiritual starvation didn’t happen because God dropped out of the lives of the people. It is because they rejected Him. They had the word of the Lord, but refused to partake of it.

And even through this rejection, the Lord still had his hands stretched out to the world, ready to redeem them if only they would accept Him and repent. What more could he have done???

***
To read more of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, please click here.

1 Comment
by chococatania on December 15, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, If Handel had been a Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
Tagged , , ,

Posted by chococatania on December 15, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/15/the-world-rejects-the-gospel-the-apostasy/

Evangelism – Christ’s Church is Organized

“And I also saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon twelve others; and they were ordained of God, and chosen.” – 1 Nephi 12:7

“And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth.
…
And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.
…
And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize.
…
AND it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am.
…
And the multitude heard not the words which he spake, therefore they did not bear record; but the Disciples bare record that he gave them power to give the Holy Ghost. And I will show unto you hereafter that this record is true.

And it came to pass that when Jesus had touched them all, there came a cloud and overshadowed the multitude that they could not see Jesus.

And while they were overshadowed he departed from them, and ascended into heaven. And the Disciples saw and did bear record that he ascended again into heaven.” – 3 Nephi 11:18, 21-22; 12:1; 18:37-39

“We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.” – Articles of Faith 1:6

In the New Testament, we have a record of Christ setting up the Church with His apostles. Peter was called as the new prophet, seer, and revelator, and held all of the keys of the Priesthood when Christ left. In Acts 2, we have the record of the apostles receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost on the day of the Pentecost. Jesus Christ did not leave His people without a church.

The same goes for Christ’s visit to the Americas. When he went to the Nephites, he set apart a prophet and apostles. He ordained them to the Holy Priesthood. They were able to govern Church affairs, baptize, and give the Gift of the Holy Ghost. They were also able to administer the sacrament. The twelve apostles, in the Promised Land, had the same duties as the twelve apostles in Jerusalem – to serve and minister the people of the Church.

Today, we also have a church Government. We have a living prophet and 12 apostles who testify of Christ, and perform other priesthood duties. Jesus Christ has a specific order, and that is to be found on the Church today.

I really think that it is important to recognize this – Christ’s church is not unorganized. It is thoughtful, planned out, and quite specific. Heavenly Father rules in order, and this is evident through the church organization – as Jesus Christ organized the Church while He was on the earth and when he restored the gospel 1800 years later. We need the government of the Church in order to receive the saving ordinances of the Gospel. I’m grateful to know these principles, and that the Church and it’s government have been restored in these latter-days.

***
To see more of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, please click here.

3 Comments
by chococatania on December 13, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, If Handel had been a Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
Tagged , , ,

Posted by chococatania on December 13, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/evangelism-christs-church-is-organized/

Christ’s Identity

As Told by the Prophets

“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

As Told by Jesus

“Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.
…
I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” – 3 Nephi 9:15, 18

As told by Heavenly Father

“…I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” – JS-History 1:17

We have had many witnesses of the true identity of Jesus Christ. First of all, we have received witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ, and of His role as Savior and Redeemer from the Prophets. Jacob, in the book of Mormon, taught: “…Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ,” (Jacob 7:11). We have been blessed with prophets throughout the ages. Their testimonies are recorded in the scriptures. We also have a current prophet – Thomas S. Monson, and 12 living apostles. They, too bear apostolic witness of the Savior. We have their words available to us here.

In addition to the witnesses of the prophets, the true identity of Jesus Christ – as divine son of God and Savior and Redeemer, has been declared to us by Him. When he began His ministry, he recited the following scripture to the Jews: “THE Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,” (Isaiah 61:1 – 2). He then explained, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears,” (Luke 4:21). Jesus Christ bore witness of Himself.

Finally, Heavenly Father bore witness of Christ’s divine identity to us. What greater witness of Christ is there than God?

Heavenly Father knew that we would need witnesses of the Savior, and He gave them to us. However, it is up to us to believe. If we don’t believe in Christ, it isn’t because we lack a witness. It is because we lack faith.

Truly, Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I hope that as you study and ponder the words of the scriptures, especially during this Christmas season, you will come to know this, too. I have felt that this is true. I hope to have a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ. I hope that soon, I will have a bank of my own experiences that serve as witnesses in my life of the Savior. However, as I struggle to come closer to Jesus Christ, I’m glad that there are so many others who have borne testimony. I’m grateful that I’m not expected to arrive on the understanding of Christ’s identity alone.

***
To see more of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, please click here.

3 Comments
by chococatania on December 11, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, If Handel had been a Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
Tagged , , ,

Posted by chococatania on December 11, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/11/christs-identity/

Christ’s Appearance to the Nephites

“AND now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place.

And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.

And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.

And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.

And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.

And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:

Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.

And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.

And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.” – 3 Nephi 11:1-12

Okay, so today’s scripture reference is a lot different than what we’d find in Handel’s Messiah. At this point in the Oratorio, the scriptures recited would be discussing Christ’s ascension into Heaven. I thought that it would be an appropriate time to include His visit to the Nephites.

Christ taught, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd,” (John 10:16). We know, from the teachings of the Old Testament that Jehovah had covenanted with all of Israel, and yet, by the time of His coming, Israel had been scattered.

Who scattered them? I guess you could say Babylon and other empires, but, ultimately, it is the Lord that allowed Israel to be scattered. Even though the tribes were lost to Judah and the Israelites in Jerusalem, it doesn’t mean that Israel was lost to the Lord.

A part of Israel, under the direction of the Lord, had migrated to the promised land – modern day North and South America. And after Christ had completed his ministry on earth at Jerusalem and had been resurrected, he visited His “lost” tribes.

The account included in the Book of Mormon is the account of Christ’s visit to a part of Israel. It is beautiful. If you are unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon and the visit of Christ to the people of the Americas, then I encourage you to read it. (You can find the account of Christ’s visit here.)

***
To see the rest of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, click here.

1 Comment
by chococatania on December 10, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, If Handel had been a Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study

Posted by chococatania on December 10, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/christs-appearance-to-the-nephites/

Christ’s Death, “Hell”, and Resurrection

Death

“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; … ” – Alma 7:12

“Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.” – Mosiah 15:7

“hell”
(I don’t really think that Christ went to Hell, per se. At least not in the traditional way that we think of Hell. However, we have been blessed with Latter-day revelation that tells how Christ spent the 3 days between his death and resurrection.)

“…I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great.

They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death

While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been faithful;

And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.
…
But his ministry among those who were dead was limited to the brief time intervening between the crucifixion and his resurrection;” – Doctrine and Covenants 138:11, 16, 18-19, 27

Resurrection

“Behold, they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings;…” – 2 Nephi 25:13

I have to admit, I love doing these scripture chains. Of course, there are SO many scriptures that could be included here, but I just wanted to pick out a sampling.

Today’s topic is especially interesting. It is sad to think about Christ’s death, but even in His death, He brought so much hope and happiness to the Spirit World. Because of Christ’s death and His resurrection, those who had passed on before were excited and hopeful – as they would soon be able to also receive the gift of resurrection. It is hard to imagine what it would be like to have a Spirit with no Body, but we are told in the Doctrine and Covenants that when our body and spirit are separated, we cannot receive a fullness of joy. (see D&C 93:33-34).

I love the way that Nephi describes The Savior’s resurrection: with healing in His wings. The work of the Savior is done. He has come to earth, lived a perfect life, taken on our sins, died, descended below all things, and He has been resurrected. He lives again. And because of His choice to succumb to the Will of the Father, He has returned, able to heal all of us from spiritual and physical death. This is the good news. This is the gospel.

***
For the rest of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, please click here.

3 Comments
by chococatania on December 9, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, If Handel had been a Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
Tagged , , ,

Posted by chococatania on December 9, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/christs-death-hell-and-resurrection/

Christ’s Sacrifice, Scourging, and Agony

Christ’s Sacrifice

For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice.

And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.

And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.” – Alma 34:10, 14-15

Christ’s Scourging

“And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.” – 1 Nephi 19:9

Christ’s Agony
In Gethsemane

“And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.” – Mosiah 3:7

“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—” – Doctrine and Covenants 19:18

“…and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” – Alma 7:12

On the Cross

“And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record.

And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.” – 1 Nephi 11:32-33

When I think of this part of Christ’s life – his actual sacrifice, scourging, and agony, my mind is boggled. Of course, I can imagine it a little bit. I have suffered spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

I have felt the burden of sin and guilt weigh on my soul. It is so heavy, but, I’ve been blessed – as soon as I repent, I’m lifted with the burden of such pain, and filled with comfort and hope – even if the process of repentance takes a little bit longer. Christ – who committed no sin, suffered for ours, and did not get to receive such comfort. He had to deal with the weight of our sins on his own, so that he could comfort us.

I have felt the pain of a broken heart. There are many things that can bring us sadness and disappointment in life. We all deal with this. When I’ve had to deal with emotional pain, I’ve been blessed, as I can pray, and have the Lord comfort me as He heals. Who could heal Him? He had to suffer alone.

I have felt intense stress of physical pain. I’m grateful that I’ve never suffered anything life-threatening. Kidney stones, Ovarian Cysts, Endometriosis, etc are enough! Earlier this year, when I had kidney stones, I was having a tough time passing them. I was 8 months pregnant. I didn’t know if what was happening, and I asked my husband for a blessing. When He blessed me, I was reminded that even though my body was suffering, my Spirit was not, and I would be blessed for that. I was also reminded that Christ had suffered physically, and that through such physical pain, I could rely on the Savior and develop a deeper relationship with Him. I’m grateful that Christ chose to endure physical pain so that He would know how to comfort us during physical trials.

And there are others who have suffered and do suffer so much more than I do. I can’t imagine their trials. However, I know that the Savior’s sacrifice, scourging, and agony makes it possible for us to be comforted and healed.

***
To see the rest of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, click here.

3 Comments
by chococatania on December 8, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, If Handel had been a Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by chococatania on December 8, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/christs-sacrifice-scourging-and-agony/

Christ’s Miracles

And after he had said these words, he said unto me: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him. …

And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove.

And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory; …

…and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out.” – 1 Nephi 11:24, 27-28, 31

“For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.

And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men.” – Mosiah 3:5-6

“Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.

For I perceive that ye desire that I should show unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.

And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him.” – 3 Nephi 17:7-9

“He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.

Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; …

…and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.” – 2 Nephi 26:24-25, 27, 33

Obviously, Christ didn’t appear to the Nephites in the Americas until after He had lived and been resurrected. We don’t have a first-hand account of the life of Jesus in the Book of Mormon, however, we have been blessed with many prophecies concerning Christ’s life.

The Nephites knew that Christ would minister unto the Jews – with the ability to heal them from their spiritual and physical infirmities. They knew that He would raise people from the dead. They also were able to experience some of His miracles first-hand when he appeared to them, shortly after His resurrection. He healed the sick, caused the deaf to hear, and the blind to see. Christ, while in the Americas, healed the afflicted.

I also love how Nephi teaches that he does nothing save it be for the benefit of the world. When Christ lived on earth, every single day was spent serving, teaching, and healing others. We can trust his gospel and His doctrine: it all centers on our happiness.

Although we don’t live as contemporaries with Christ, we are still able to experience the same miracles in our lives. In order to receive any kind of miracle, the contemporaries of Christ (both in Jerusalem and in the Americas) needed to exercise faith. The same is true now. He invites all of us to come unto Him, in faith, and partake of His infinite healing power.

Although the Book of Mormon does not have as many experiences between the Nephites and the Savior to record, we do have accounts of His life – whether through prophecy or through the record of those who saw Christ. I love studying the life of the Savior. His example is perfect. I’m always filled with happiness and hope as I study His life. I am also inspired to be a better person. I am so grateful to be blessed with both the Bible and the Book of Mormon – as they both enable me to come closer to the Savior.

***
To see the rest of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, please click here.

2 Comments
by chococatania on December 7, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, If Handel had been a Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by chococatania on December 7, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/christs-miracles/

The Appearance of the Prophecy (Christ is Born)

“Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given.

And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.” – 3 Nephi 1:13-15

“And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid–day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.

And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets.

And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.” – 3 Nephi 1:19-21

Every prophecy was fulfilled. Light filled the earth. A new star appeared. The Savior was born.

***
To see the rest of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, please click here.

Leave a Comment
by chococatania on December 5, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
Tagged , ,

Posted by chococatania on December 5, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/the-appearance-of-the-prophecy-christ-is-born/

The Prophecy of the Virgin Birth

“And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.

And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?

And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.

And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?

And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.” – 1 Nephi 11:13-20

“And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.” – Alma 7:10

The circumstances of Christ’s birth were singular and unique. There is no other being on the earth who has had such a heritage. Christ’s Father was God. His mother was Mary, a mortal. She was pure and good. The combination of Christ’s mortal and immortal heritage is what enabled him to be the Savior of the world.

He needed to be mortal so that he could gain a physical body. He would also need to experience life with a mortal body in order to experience pain and temptation. Additionally, his experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, performing the atonement, would have been impossible if he were not mortal. Because of His mortality, he was able to suffer every pain and affliction – therefore, enabling him to completely empathize with us.

Of course, Christ needed to be more than mortal. He needed to be a literal descendant of God in order to overcome the pains, temptations, and difficulties of mortality. He needed to be part God in order to overcome both spiritual and physical death. If he did not have divine heritage, then he would not have been able to “lay down his own life” – as he would not have had the power and choice to die.

Understanding Christ’s unique heritage is essential in accepting Him as the Messiah.

– PS – I’m so grateful for Mary! I can’t imagine the role she played – having a child, the Messiah. I really look up to her.

***
To see the rest of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, please click here.

1 Comment
by chococatania on December 4, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, If Handel had been a Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
Tagged , ,

Posted by chococatania on December 4, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/the-prophecy-of-the-virgin-birth/

Portents to the World at Large

Signs of Christ’s Birth

“And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.

And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.

And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.” – Helaman 14:3-6

Signs of Christ’s Appearance to the Promised Land (the Americas)

“And it came to pass that I saw a mist of darkness on the face of the land of promise; and I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises; and I saw the earth and the rocks, that they rent; and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces; and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up; and I saw many cities that they were sunk; and I saw many that they were burned with fire; and I saw many that did tumble to the earth, because of the quaking thereof.

And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of darkness, that it passed from off the face of the earth; and behold, I saw multitudes who had not fallen because of the great and terrible judgments of the Lord.

And I saw the heavens open, and the Lamb of God descending out of heaven; and he came down and showed himself unto them.” – 1 Nephi 12:4-6

Signs of Christ’s Second Coming

“And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.

And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath.

And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.

And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven.

And the remnant shall be gathered unto this place;

And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off.” – Doctrine and Covenants 45:39-44

The scripture in Amos holds true. “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets,” (Amos 3:7). It should have been no surpise to the people when Christ came to the earth – as a baby in Jerusalem. Signs of His coming had been given. Even the people of the American Continent were apprised of His coming – through the signs given by Samuel the Lamanite.

It should have been no surprise to the people when Christ had been killed and the made an appearance to the Nephites. They had been warned of the signs and tumult that would accompany such event – six hundred years before it happened.

Today, we have the advantage of hindsight. We know the prophecies that were given of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, and we know that they were fulfilled. Therefore, we, too, should be prepared when He comes again, as we have been given prophecies and signs of such events.

***
To see the rest of the “If Handel had been a Mormon” scripture chain, click here.

1 Comment
by chococatania on December 3, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, If Handel had been a Mormon, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by chococatania on December 3, 2009

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/portents-to-the-world-at-large/

« Older Posts
Newer Posts »
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 94 other followers