Today we will hopefully conclude the mini-series on the Doctrine of Christ, also known as 3 Nephi 27:13-22. I am very thankful to Elder Rasmussen who suggested this for a topic for me to blog on, since I have learned a lot in the process. So far I have covered verses 13-16. I will now commence with verse 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." Now, this sounds like a pretty harsh verse. It's basically commenting that some people will not make it. That some will die out, will not be faithful, and will miss out of the glories of Heaven. It reminds me a bit of the parable of the sower of the seeds, found in Matthew 13. Let me highlight verses 20-23, "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." This is a sad reality of life. Not everyone who hears the word of the Lord, who accepts it into their life, will remain faithful, and will make it to the end. This is because we are all given agency, or the ability to choose for ourselves what to do. Agency is both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because it means that we are not forced to do anything that we don't want to do. It is a curse because we may not always choose the right thing to do, and then we have to deal with the consequences.
Let me just clarify that the verses I have just mentioned do not mean that we have to remain perfect in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. No, because that would be impossible to do, at least not in this life. What it is requiring of us, as Christians, is to do our very best to remain faithful to the different covenants that we have entered into, to follow the commandments that the Lord has asked us to do, and to repent whenever we mess up. Repentance is always available for us, so that we can clean our slate and move closer to God. It is part of that wonderful gift of the Atonement when Christ suffered and died for all our sins. Through his Atonement, we can be forgiven for the wrongs we commit, and can bring us back into the fold of God.
Verses 18-19, "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 his words. 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." Here Christ is talking about how by having people endure to the end, or by keeping true to what they have committed to do, to the best of their ability, it is fulfilling his Words that He has spoken. Many times in the Bible God or Christ has mentioned how no unclean thing can enter into their presence. It is only by the washing and cleansing of the person, through the acceptance of the Atonement, repentance, faith, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end that we can proceed on. The washing of garments in blood is also mentioned numerous times in the Scriptures. A verse which does a good job of showing both the washing of garments and enduring to the end is found in Revelation 7:14, "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." This is the opportunity that all of us have, if we would but remain faithful until the end.
Verse 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." This verse is part of the reason why missionary work is so important. Think back to the verse known as the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." After Christ ascended to Heaven, He came back to visit some of his disciples and give them some more instruction before He went on to fulfill more of his duties. He urged them about the importance of teaching and preaching the Word of God to all the ends of the earth. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we find that extremely important. This is part of the reason why so many willing and worthy teenage boys and girls sacrifice 18-24 months of their lives committed to gathering in those people who are ready to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that if it wasn't for two amazing missionaries, Elder Colvin and Elder O'Laughlin, I wouldn't be here today. And we don't have to do missionary work just by wearing a black nametag, we can do it through small and simple measures to. For examples of how to do that, please look up the talk, "The Missionary Next Door" by Diana Hoelscher.
Verses 21-22, "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; Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day." Christ is giving us a huge challenge at the end. He wants us to do and act the way that He acts, to do the things that He does. He knows that it will be difficult, and that we will struggle at times, but he does provide a way for which we can do it. It's through the help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we can do this. Remember, that we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
Christ is our Savior. He has given us the comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit, to be a witness of truth, and to give us peace when we need it. He has asked each and everyone of us to help bring in his fold. To bring others to the wonderful truth of the Gospel. We must do our very best to be an example to others. Think of all the joy and love that has entered your life since you received the gospel. Now, wouldn't it be a shame if that joy couldn't enter your friend's or loved one's life just because you were too nervous to share? Be bold, be courageous, and know that the Lord is on your side. He will help you, and stand beside you, no matter what. I testify to all of my readers, that the things I have been writing are true. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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