Gospel Doctrine, Lesson 32: They Did Obey...

Every Word of Command with Exactness, Alma 53-63

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#1 President David O. McKay: I still say there are conditions when entrance into war is justifiable and when a Christian nation may, without violation of principles, take up arms against an opposing force. Such a condition is not however a real or fancied insult given from one nation to another. When this occurs proper reparation may be made by mutual understanding, apology or by arbitration. Neither is there justifiable cause found in a desire or even a need for territorial expansion. The taking of territory implies the subjugation of the weak by the strong which is the application of the jungle law. Nor is war justified in the enforcement of a new order of government or even to impel others to a particular form of worship, however eternally true the principles of the enforced religion may be. There are however two conditions which may justify a truly Christian man to entermind you I say enter, not begina war. First an attempt to dominate and deprive another of his free agency. Second, loyalty to his government. Possibly there is a third, namely, defense of a weak nation that is being unjustly crushed by a strong, ruthless one. (CR, April 1942) #2 Elder Bruce R. McConkie: Freedom is the power and ability to choose for oneself the course one will follow in all fields of activity. It is an inalienable right with which man has been endowed by his Creator. Freedom is based on truth, and no man is perfectly free unless he has knowledge of and abides in the truth. Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32). As long as mans beliefs, or any part of them, are based on error, he is not completely free...Freedom also results from righteousness because the captivity of sin is bondage. Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin (John 8:34) (Mormon Doctrine, 299) #3 The Prophet Joseph Smith: Salvation is nothing more nor less than to triumph over all our enemies and put them under our feet. And when we have power to put all enemies under our feet in this world, and a knowledge to triumph over all evil spirits in the world to come, then we are saved, as in the case of Jesus, who was to reign until He had put all enemies under His feet, and the last enemy was
(TPJS, 297-98)

death.

#4 Obedience is the first law of heaven, the cornerstone upon which all righteousness and progression rest (MD, 539) By obeying Helamans orders with exactness, they were showing they did not doubt the Lords promise made to them through their mothers. The stripling warriors must have been aware that their obedience to their leaders was an extension of their obedience to their God. This was not a new

concept to the Nephites. (see 1 Ne. 3:5-7; Mosiah 2:30-31; Alma 45:2-8) Their obedience to Helamans command was more than swift, it was exact. A celestial strategy was involved, even in that mortal battlefield Would it have been possible for them to support their God without supporting their leaders? This is the ultimate test of obedience; to show ones allegiance to a perfect and infallible God by how we obey those less than perfect who are called to lead us. (K. Douglas Bassett, Alma, the Testimony of the Word, ed. by Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, Jr., 229) #5 Elder Dallin H. Oaks: great adversities are not without some eternal purpose or effect. They can turn our hearts to GodSuch large-scale adversities as natural disasters and wars seem to be inherent in the mortal experience. We cannot entirely prevent them, but we can determine how we will react to them. For example, the adversities of war and military service, which have been the spiritual destruction of some, have been the spiritual awakening of others. The Book of Mormon describes the contrast: (quotes Alma 62:41). I read of a similar contrast after the devastating hurricane that destroyed thousands of homes in Florida some years ago. A news account quoted two different persons who had suffered the same tragedy and received the same blessing: each of their homes had been totally destroyed, but each of their family members had been spared death or injury. One said that this tragedy had destroyed his faith; how, he asked, could God allow this to happen? The other said that the experience had strengthened his faith. God had been good to him, he said. Though the familys home and possessions were lost, their lives were spared and they could rebuild the home. For one, the glass was half empty. For the other, the glass was half full. The gift of moral agency empowers each of us to choose how we will act when we suffer adversity. (Ensign, July 1998, p. 7)

Other thoughts too great not to include:

John A. Widtsoe: Preparedness is today on every tongue. There is danger ahead, and defenses must be set up. Preparedness is not a new word to Latter-day Saints. For one hundred and ten years our voice has been one of warning to prepare against the commotion and calamities of the last days. We have taught and continue to teach that full preparedness and complete defense against the devastation by evil is the acceptance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ we may look for the peace of Eden, but not before. Our land is setting up defenses of powder and steel. That is well enough. But there are intangible material defenses. These must be fostered, if our preparedness shall be adequate. (CR, Oct 1940, p. 61-62) Larry Tippetts: As I read the scriptures, I often reflect upon the chilling implications of what the Apostle Peter meant when he said, Judgment must begin at the house of God. (1 Pet. 4:17.) In our own day, the Lord has said, Vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth. And upon my house shall it begin. (D&C 112:24-25; italics added.) What kind of judgments does the Lord have in mind? Why do the scriptures say that the cleansing will begin with the Church, rather than with the wicked? The scriptures reveal that the Lord will save his greatest wrath and condemnation for those who outwardly appear religious but who are actually full of evil within. Speaking to Jewish religious leaders, the Savior said, Cleanse first that which is within the cup. Ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead mens bones, and of all uncleanness. (Matt. 23:26-27.) Similarly, the great Book of Mormon leader, Moroni, wrote, God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first.

(Alma 60:23.) President Ezra Taft Benson left little room for doubt that these warnings apply to us. He declared, All is not well in Zion. We must cleanse the inner vessel, beginning first with ourselves, then with our families, and finally with the Church. (Ensign, May 1986, p. 4.) There are two methods of cleansing the inner vessel. The first is repentance. But if we do not repent, the Lord will invoke the second method of cleansingfrom without. One way or another, the vessel will be cleansed. (Larry Tippetts, Ensign, Oct. 1992, p. 21) Neal A. Maxwell: we must always realize that in a perfect church filled with imperfect people, there are bound to be some miscommunications at times. A noteworthy example occurred in ancient American Israel. Moroni wrote two times to Pahoran complaining of neglect because much-needed reinforcements did not arrive. Moroni used harsh language, accusing the governor of the land, Pahoran, of sitting on his throne in a state of thoughtless stupor. (Alma 60:7.) Pahoran soon made a very patriotic reply, explaining why he could not do what Moroni wanted. Though censured, Pahoran was not angry; he even praised Moroni for the greatness of your heart. (Alma 61:9.) Given the intense, mutual devotion of disciples, discussions as to how best to move the Lord's work along are bound to produce tactical differences on occasion. Just as in this episode, sometimes scolding occurs that is later shown to be unjustified. Parley P. Pratt recalled an episode when President Brigham Young chastened him and others for their management of the westward migration. In this instance also, there were two letters of a scolding nature, even alleging insubordination. Of this Elder Pratt wrote, I could not realize this at the time, and protested that in my own heart, so far as I was concerned, I had no such motive; that I had been actuated by the purest motives. . . . Later it became clear to Elder Pratt that some of those scolded had motives that were not as pure as his. He commented further, . . . yet I thank God for this timely chastisement; I profited by it, and it caused me to be more watchful and careful ever after. (Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt [Deseret Book, 1961], pp. 341-42.) It is worthy remembering that Elder Pratt protested in his heart, not publicly. He took it. Perhaps President Young, like Moroni, might have taken note of how Elder Pratt was even sick at the timebut, like Moroni, President Young did not know of the full conditions. The stuff out of which offense is made is all around us, if we wish to seize upon it. What we learn, however, from men like Pahoran and Elder Pratt should give us pause, especially when we may be inclined to take umbrage instead of following the Brethren. ( All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p. 119-20) Hugh Nibley: The church is a training school in which everyone is there for the training. So don't waste time criticizing the authorities. In that regard the Book of Mormon gives us another neat example. Moroni had very good reason to complain about the top men of the nation sitting upon [their] . . . thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor while the work of death was going on all around them (Alma 60:7). Many today are complaining of a like situation But the moral of the story, as it turns out, is that Moroni in his criticism was wrong, completely out of order; he simply did not understand the situation. He was quite right about the crime, but it was not for him to apportion the guilt. So let us, when distressed by the inadequacies of others, remember the number-one instruction of the Book of Mormon: This is my doctrine . . . that the Father commandeth all men everywhere to repent and believe in me (3 Nephi 11:32). This life is a state of probation (2 Nephi 2:21). Be wise in the days of your probation (Mormon 9:28). ( The Prophetic Book of Mormon, p. 564)). I, Pahoran, do not bseek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us cfree. (Gordon B. Hinckley: I have worked with seven Presidents of this Church. I have recognized that all have been human. But I have never been concerned over this. They may have had some weaknesses. But this has never troubled me. I know that the God of heaven has used mortal men throughout history to accomplish His divine purposes. They were the very best available to Him, and they were wonderful. (Ensign, May 1992, p. 53 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 524)

George Q. Cannon: It is better to carry out a plan that is not so wise, if you are united on it. Speaking generally, a plan or a policy that may be inferior in some respects is more effective if men are united upon it than a better plan would be upon which they were divided. When they carry that counsel out unitedly and in the same spirit, will be blessed, and the Church will be blessed, and, as I have said, God will supplement our weakness by His strength and our want of knowledge by His infinite knowledge and His great power. (Gospel Truths, 163-64) Robert L. Simpson: Now, young people, as I bear my testimony to you this morning, I want to relate some very intimate happenings. I want to tell you some things that have been important in my life, things that have been the main structural supports in my testimony, and I want to tell them to you in all humility. I hope you will not misconstrue these remarks. I want you to be sure and realize that I tell them to you not in a boasting way. I tell them to you just because they are a part of my life and so much a part of my life that I do not know how to separate myself from them. I give them to you in hopes that you might be able to at least remember the spirit of what I say and perhaps make it a small part of your testimony, too. I would like, in making reference to these wonderful people from New Zealand especially the Maori folks here today-to turn to Alma 63 and read a very significant quotation. It talks about a man called Hagoth, a man who set sail from these Americas many centuries ago. (quotes Alma 63:5-8). I would like to tell you young people that in a great gathering of Polynesians held right in Salt Lake City just prior to 1915, a prophet of the Lord, President Joseph F. Smith, addressing a group of Polynesians who had come to Salt Lake City to participate in their temple endowment work, made the statement that without a doubt this man Hagoth and his company were the progenitors of the Polynesian races, and that this migration was the beginning of the Polynesian population in the South Pacific. Now up until very recently men of science have said, no, the Polynesians have come from the Malay States, they have come from the African, from the Asian side, and they have migrated from a westerly direction to the Polynesian islands-not from the Americas. This has been popular thinking until about 1940, when a very bold scholar by the name of Thor Heyerdahl made the observation that indeed these people must be from the Americas. He set out to prove this by building some balsa rafts on which he set himself adrift off the shores of South and Central America. He and his companions drifted for about one hundred days, and depending only on the prevailing tides and winds of that area, they found themselves cast upon the shores of these South Pacific islands, not far from Tahiti. It seems rather significant that all of a sudden scientific opinion began to change and Thor Heyerdahl, since that day, has presented additional evidences that have further made it a very important consideration-that the Polynesians did originate from the Americas. Now the Maoris themselves have something to say about this theory. They all have the same answer to the questions, Where did your people come from? Where did you originate?' The answer is always the same: I haere mai matou i tawhiti nui, i tawhiti roe, i tawhiti pamamau i te hono I te wai e rua. (We came from a great distance, from a still greater distance, from a very, very great distance, from the joining place of two great waters.) Perhaps by the narrow neck of land that separated the two great seas, the narrow neck of land which led into the land northward. This is Maori tradition and I want to tell you that those who have joined the Church believe without reservation, that these things I have told you are part and parcel of Mormon doctrine. ( BYU Speeches of the Year, April 4, 1962, p. 6.) Mark E. Petersen: the Polynesian Saints are characterized by a tremendous faith. Why do they have this great faith? It is because these people are of the blood of Israel. They are heirs to the promises of the Book of Mormon. God is now awakening them to their great destiny. ( Conference Report, Apr. 1962, p. 112) Alma 63:9 And it came to pass that in this year there were many people who went forth into the land northward. In the church it is generally held that Hagoth was the father of the Polynesians, that his expeditions to the

isles of the sea were a part of the foreordained plan whereby the descendants of father Lehi, as children of Abraham, might be spread to all nations and thus fulfill Gods covenant with the father of the faithful. In speaking to the Saints in Samoa, President Spencer W. Kimball said: I thought to read to you a sacred scripture which pertains especially to you, the islanders of the Pacific. It is in the sixty-third chapter of Alma. And so it seems to me rather clear that your ancestors moved northward and crossed a part of the South Pacific. You did not bring your records with you, but you brought much food and provisions. And so we have a great congregation of people in the South Seas who came from the Nephites, and who came from the land southward and went to the land northward, which could have been Hawaii. And then the further settlement could have been a move southward again to all of these islands and even to New Zealand. The Lord knows what he is doing when he sends his people from one place to another. That was the scattering of Israel. Some of them remained in America and went from Alaska to the southern point. And others of you came this direction. (Samoa Area Conference Report, February 1976, p. 15.) To another group of Saints in the South Seas, President Kimball observed: President Joseph F. Smith, the president of the Church, reported, You brothers and sisters from New Zealand, I want you to know that you are from the people of Hagoth. For New Zealand Saints, that was that. A prophet of the Lord had spokenIt is reasonable to conclude that Hagoth and his associates were about nineteen centuries on the islands, from about 55 B.C. to 1854 before the gospel began to reach them. They had lost all the plain and precious things which the Savior brought to the earth, for they were likely on the islands when the Christ was born in Jerusalem. (Temple View Area Conference Report, February 1976, p. 3. DCBM, 3:328-29.) Orson Pratt: From the time that Lehi left Jerusalem to the days of Jesus, there were a great many records kept by the remnant of Joseph, upon this land. The Book of Mormon does not contain one hundredth part of the records of these prophets. Now did they keep all of them on plates, or did they multiply them by thousands of copies on this land? Let me refer you to page 388, of the Book of Mormon. And now behold all those engravings which were in the possession of Helaman, were written and sent forth among the children of men throughout all the land Now to confine the sacred records in one place, and to keep the people in ignorance in regard to their contents, would not be reasonable. Hence we are informed that they were written and sent forth throughout all the land, and this will account for the extracts from the Scriptures written in ancient Hebrew, discovered in the mounds that have been opened in Ohio, among which were the ten commandments. The people of this land were well acquainted with the Scriptures. ( Journal of Discourses, 16: 56 - 57.)

COVENANTS
Elder James E. Faust: I speak of the importance of keeping covenants because they protect us in a world that is drifting from time-honored values that bring joy and happiness In a world where we and our families are threatened by evil on every side, let us remember President Hinckleys counsel: If our people could only learn to live by these covenants, everything else would take care of itself. ( CR April 1998) Elder Melvin J. Ballard: A periodic review of the covenants we have made with the Lord will help us with our priorities and with balance in our lives. This review will help us see where we need to repent and change our lives to ensure that we are worthy of the promises that accompany our covenants and sacred ordinances. Working out our own salvation requires good planning and a deliberate, valiant effort (Ensign, May 1987, 14).

Baptism We covenant to: Come into the fold of God. Take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ. Stand as a witness for Jesus Christ. Always keep the commandments. Bear one anothers burdens. Manifest a determination to serve God unto the end. Manifest by works that we have repented of our sins. Prepare to receive the Holy Ghost for the complete remission of sins. Blessings Promised: 1. We qualify for membership in Christs Church. 2. If we are worthy, the Lord promises to: Pour out His Spirit upon us. Redeem us from our sins. Raise us up in the First Resurrection. Give us eternal life.

COVENANTS AND CORRESPONDING BLESSINGS

See 2 Nephi 31:1721; Mosiah 18:810; D&C 20:37; Articles of Faith 1:4. Gift of the Holy Ghost Covenants we make with God: In order to qualify for the gift of the Holy Ghost we must fulfill the covenants of baptism, continue in humility and faith, and otherwise be worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost (see Articles of Faith 1:4). Blessings Promised: 1. We are confirmed as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2. We receive the right or privilege to enjoy the continual companionship of the Holy Ghost. We can receive inspiration, divine manifestations, spiritual gifts, and direction from the Holy Ghost continually. We also receive blessings by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost as the Holy Ghost bears witness of Jesus Christ and of divine truths, provides spiritual guidance and warnings, and enables us to discern right and wrong. 3. We are sanctified or cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost and are born of God as we continue faithfully. Through this baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, individual hearts and desires are cleansed and spirits are made pure. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is the culmination of the process of repentance and baptism (see 2 Nephi 31:13, 17; 3 Nephi 27:20). 4. We know the gift of the Holy Ghost is the key to all of the spiritual gifts found in the Church, including the gifts of prophecy and revelation, healing, speaking in tongues, and translating and interpreting tongues. Sacrament We Covenant to: Renew our baptismal covenants. Recommit to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments. Partaking of the sacrament is a time for personal introspection, repentance, and rededication. Blessings Promised: 1. The Lord forgives sins we repent of. 2. The Lord promises that we may always have His Spirit to be with us.

Temple Endowment We covenant to: Observe the law of strict virtue and chastity, to be charitable, benevolent, tolerant and pure; to devote both talent and material means to the spread of truth and the uplifting of the race; to maintain devotion to the cause of truth; and to seek in every way to contribute to the great preparation that the earth may be made ready to receive her King,the Lord Jesus Christ (James E. Talmage, House of the Lord, 84). Blessings Promised: 1. With the taking of each covenant and the assuming of each obligation a promised blessing is pronounced, contingent upon the faithful observance of the conditions (Talmage, House of the Lord, 84). 2. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the endowment was designed to give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 324), to prepare the disciples for their missions unto the world (p. 274), to prevent us from being overcome by these evils (p. 259), and to enable us to secure the fullness of those blessings which have been prepared for the Church of the Firstborn (p. 237). 3. President Gordon B. Hinckley in the dedicatory prayer of the Vernal Utah Temple said, We pray that Thou wilt visit it, and may Thy Holy Spirit dwell here to sanctify it and make it holy unto all who enter its portals (We Thank Thee for This Sacred Structure, Church News, 8 Nov. 1997, 4). Through the temple endowment, we may seek a fulness of the Holy Ghost (D&C 109:15). Temple ordinances are seen as a means for receiving inspiration and instruction through the Holy Spirit and for preparing to return to Gods presence. Celestial Marriage Couples who promise to abide the law of celestial marriage: Covenant in pure love to remain faithful to each other and to God through all eternity. Covenant to confine their intimate affections and sexual relations to each other. Commit to live in ways that contribute to happy and successful family life. Covenant to be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth (Gen. 1:28). A primary purpose of temple marriage in this life is to grow and mature in sharing Gods creative work in raising a family in righteousness. Parents enter into a partnership with God by participating in the procreation of mortal bodies, which house the spirit children of God (in Ludlow, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 2:859). Blessings Promised: 1. Husbands and wives will receive eternal life in the world to come, the glory of the celestial kingdom (see D&C 88:4; Moses 6:59). 2. They shall become gods with all power and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers (D&C 132:19). 3. They shall obtain exaltation in the highest degree of the celestial glory (see D&C 131:14). 4. They will come to know God the Father and Jesus Christ (see D&C 132:4850). The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood: Priesthood holders covenant to: Receive in good faith and with honest intent both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods (see D&C 84:33). Magnify callings by fulfilling all responsibilities associated with the priesthood offices they are called to. Teach the word of God and labor with all their might to advance the Lords purposes (see Jacob 1:19). Obtain a knowledge of the gospel (see D&C 107:31). Give service by comforting and strengthening the Saints of God (see Mosiah 18:89). Be obedient and give diligent heed to the words of eternal life (D&C 84:43). Listen to and follow revelation from the Lord. Live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God (v. 44). See also Elder Carlos E. Asay, in Conference Report, Oct. 1985, 5658; or Ensign, Nov. 1985,

4344. Worthy priesthood holders receive these promises: 1. Be sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies (D&C 84:33). 2. Become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham (v. 34). 3. Become members of the church and kingdom, and the elect of God (v. 34). 4. Receive the Fathers kingdom and all that my Father hath shall be given unto him (v. 38). 5. Receive of the Fathers fulness and glory and become gods, even the sons of God (D&C 76:58). 6. Are warned that anyone who rejects this covenant and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come (D&C 84:41). President Marion G. Romney of the First Presidency made the following comment about D&C 84:41: I dont think he is talking here necessarily about the unpardonable sin, but I am saying that those of us who receive this priesthood and understand what it is about and fail to magnify our callings will lose something we cannot recover hereafter (in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 116; or Ensign, May 1974, 80). From: Eternal Marriage Student Manual, Rel. 234 & 235
April 2009 General Conference

The Power of Covenants

Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

On August 15, 2007, Peru suffered a massive earthquake that all but destroyed the coastal cities of Pisco and Chincha. Like many other Church leaders and members, Wenceslao Conde, the president of the Balconcito Branch of the Church in Chincha, immediately set about helping others whose homes were damaged. Four days after the earthquake, Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Seventy was in Chincha helping to coordinate the Churchs relief efforts there and met President Conde. As they talked about the destruction that had occurred and what was being done to help the victims, President Condes wife, Pamela, approached carrying one of her small children. Elder Nash asked Sister Conde how her children were. With a smile, she replied that through the goodness of God they were all safe and well. He asked about the Condes home. Its gone, she said simply. What about your belongings? he inquired. Everything was buried in the rubble of our home, Sister Conde replied. And yet, Elder Nash noted, you are smiling as we talk. Yes, she said, I have prayed and I am at peace. We have all we need. We have each other, we have our children, we are sealed in the temple, we have this marvelous Church, and we have the Lord. We can build again with the Lords help. This tender demonstration of faith and spiritual strength is repeated in the lives of Saints across the world in many different settings. It is a simple illustration of a profound power that is much needed in our day and that will become increasingly crucial in days ahead. We need strong Christians who can persevere against hardship, who can sustain hope through tragedy, who can lift others by their example and their compassion, and who can consistently overcome temptations. We need strong Christians who can make important things happen by their faith and who can defend the truth of Jesus Christ against moral relativism and militant atheism.

What is the source of such moral and spiritual power, and how do we obtain it? The source is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him. A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God (see Bible Dictionary, Covenant, 651). In these divine agreements, God binds Himself to sustain, sanctify, and exalt us in return for our commitment to serve Him and keep His commandments. We enter into covenants by priesthood ordinances, sacred rituals that God has ordained for us to manifest our commitment. Our foundational covenant, for example, the one in which we first pledge our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ, is confirmed by the ordinance of baptism. It is done individually, by name. By this ordinance, we become part of the covenant people of the Lord and heirs of the celestial kingdom of God. Other sacred ordinances are performed in temples built for that very purpose. If we are faithful to the covenants made there, we become inheritors not only of the celestial kingdom but of exaltation, the highest glory within the heavenly kingdom, and we obtain all the divine possibilities God can give (see D&C 132:20). The scriptures speak of the new and everlasting covenant. The new and everlasting covenant is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, the doctrines and commandments of the gospel constitute the substance of an everlasting covenant between God and man that is newly restored in each dispensation. If we were to state the new and everlasting covenant in one sentence it would be this: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus explained what it means to believe in Him: Now this is the commandment [or in other words, this is the covenant]: 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). What is it about making and keeping covenants with God that gives us the power to smile through hardships, to convert tribulation into triumph, to be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and bring to pass much righteousness (D&C 58:27)?

Strengthened by Gifts and Blessings

First, as we walk in obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we enjoy a continual flow of blessings promised by God in His covenant with us. Those blessings provide the resources we need to act rather than simply be acted upon as we go through life.1 For example, the Lords commandments in the Word of Wisdom regarding the care of our physical bodies bless us first and foremost with wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures (D&C 89:19). Furthermore, they lead to a generally more healthy life and freedom from destructive addictions. Obedience gives us greater control over our lives, greater capacity to come and go, to work and create. Of course, age, accident, and illnesses inevitably take their toll, but even so, our obedience to this gospel law enhances our capacity to deal with these challenges. In the covenant path we find a steady supply of gifts and help. Charity never faileth (1 Corinthians 13:8; Moroni 7:46), love begets love, compassion begets compassion, virtue begets virtue, commitment begets loyalty, and service begets joy. We are part of a covenant people, a community of Saints who encourage, sustain, and minister to one another. As Nephi explained, And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them (1 Nephi 17:3).2

Strengthened with Increased Faith

All this is not to say that life in the covenant is free of challenge or that the obedient soul should be surprised if disappointments or even disasters interrupt his peace. If you feel that personal righteousness should preclude all loss and suffering, you might want to have a chat with Job. This brings us to a second way in which our covenants supply strengththey produce the faith necessary to persevere and to do all things that are expedient in the Lord. Our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ and keep His commandments requires a degree of faith, but as we honor our covenants, that faith expands. In the first place, the promised fruits of obedience become evident, which confirms our faith. Secondly, the Spirit communicates Gods pleasure, and we feel secure in His continued blessing and help. Thirdly, come what may, we can face life with hope and equanimity, knowing that we will succeed in the end because we have Gods promise to us individually, by name, and we know He cannot lie (see Enos 1:6; Ether 3:12). Early Church leaders in this dispensation confirmed that adhering to the covenant path provides the reassurance we need in times of trial: It was [the knowledge that their course in life conformed to the will of God] that enabled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to take not only the spoiling of their goods, and the wasting of their substance, joyfully, but also to suffer death in its most horrid forms; knowing (not merely believing) that when this earthly house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2 Cor. 5:1.) (Lectures on Faith [1985], 67). They further pointed out that in offering whatever sacrifice God may require of us, we obtain the witness of the Spirit that our course is right and pleasing to God (see Lectures on Faith, 6971). With that knowledge, our faith becomes unbounded, having the assurance that God will in due time turn every affliction to our gain. Some of you have been sustained by that faith as you have endured those who point fingers of scorn from the

great and spacious building and cry, Shame! (see 1 Nephi 8:2627), and you have stood firm with Peter and the Apostles of old, rejoicing that [you] were counted worthy to suffer shame for [Christs] name (Acts 5:41). The Lord said of the Church: Verily I say unto you, all among them who are willing to observe their covenants by sacrificeyea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall commandthey are accepted of me. For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit (D&C 97:89). The Apostle Paul understood that one who has entered into a covenant with God is both given the faith to face trials and gains even greater faith through those trials. Of his personal thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7), he observed: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in [my] infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (2 Corinthians 12:810).3

Strengthened through the Power of Godliness

We have considered, first, the empowering blessings and, second, the endowment of faith that God grants to those who keep their covenants with Him. A final aspect of strength through covenants that I will mention is the bestowal of divine power. Our covenant commitment to Him permits our Heavenly Father to let His divine influence, the power of godliness (D&C 84:20), flow into our lives. He can do that because by our participation in priesthood ordinances we exercise our agency and elect to receive it. Our participation in those ordinances also demonstrates that we are prepared to accept the additional responsibility that comes with added light and spiritual power. In all the ordinances, especially those of the temple, we are endowed with power from on high. 4 This power of godliness comes in the person and by the influence of the Holy Ghost. The gift of the Holy Ghost is part of the new and everlasting covenant. It is an essential part of our baptism, the baptism of the Spirit. It is the messenger of grace by which the blood of Christ is applied to take away our sins and sanctify us (see 2 Nephi 31:17). It is the gift by which Adam was quickened in the inner man (Moses 6:65). It was by the Holy Ghost that the ancient Apostles endured all that they endured and by their priesthood keys carried the gospel to the known world of their day. When we have entered into divine covenants, the Holy Ghost is our comforter, our guide, and our companion. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment (Moses 6:61). The gifts of the Holy Spirit are testimony, faith, knowledge, wisdom, revelations, miracles, healing, and charity, to name but a few (see D&C 46:1326). It is the Holy Ghost that bears witness of your words when you teach and testify. It is the Holy Ghost that, as you speak in hostile venues, puts into your heart what you should say and fulfills the Lords promise that you shall not be confounded before men (D&C 100:5). It is the Holy Ghost that reveals how you may clear the next seemingly insurmountable hurdle. It is by the Holy Ghost in you that others may feel the pure love of Christ and receive strength to press forward. It is also the Holy Ghost, in His character as the Holy Spirit of Promise, that confirms the validity and efficacy of your covenants and seals Gods promises upon you.5 Divine covenants make strong Christians. I urge each one to qualify for and receive all the priesthood ordinances you can and then faithfully keep the promises you have made by covenant. In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer. He will sustain you as you work and watch. In His own time and way He will stretch forth his hand to you, saying, Here am I. I testify that in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is found the priesthood authority to administer the ordinances by which we can enter into binding covenants with our Heavenly Father in the name of His Holy Son. I testify that God will keep His promises to you as you honor your covenants with Him. He will bless you in good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over (Luke 6:38). He will strengthen and finish your faith. He will, by His Holy Spirit, fill you with godly power. I pray that you will always have His Spirit to be with you to guide you and deliver you from want, anxiety, and distress. I pray that through your covenants, you may become a powerful instrument for good in the hands of Him who is our Lord and Redeemer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

LESSON 32 OUTLINE Bring: large umbrella

In the war chapters of Alma, the terms liberty and freedom are used 59 times! So its obviously a major theme of these chapters. ~How is freedom important as it relates to the Plan of Salvation? (its essential, see Mormon Doctrine, Agency, 26) ~What was the war in heaven fought over? (our freedom vs. slavery) ~Who led that war? (Christ) ~And what is the basis of our freedom here on earth? (the Atonement) ~Without the Atonement of Jesus Christ, what law would claim us? (justice) ~And so without the mercy provided by the Atonement, under whose power would we end up? (Satans) ~Is freedom worth fighting for? (Yes, both figuratively and literally) Now lets talk about when are we justified in literally fighting for our freedom? Lets turn to: Alma 61:11-14 11 What kind of war must it be? (defensive, not offensive) 12 Who must authorize it? (God) 13 What must our attitude be? (reliance on God to deliver, not the arm of flesh) 14 What other avenues must be tried before war? (words) And then war is justified only in order to : 1. retain freedom 2. be able to practice religion, 3. further the cause of God. (sounds like you need a prophet to know that!) Lets see what a modern prophet, David O. McKay had to say about war: Quotation #1 It seems to me its still not completely clear. When ancient Israel was righteous, their military leaders sought the counsel of prophets, so I think thats the best course, isnt it? ~Will fighting alone bring true freedom? Quotation #2 But freedom is much more than making choices, isnt it? Lets say you want to buy a car, and youve decided on a Toyota Camry. You find two that are the same in every way that you can tell, except that one has 25,000 miles on it and one has 50,000. Which one would you choose? But what if you found out that the one with 25,000 miles was origi-

nally from New Orleans, and had been submerged in polluted water for two months due 2 to hurricane Katrina? Would that affect your choice? Before you knew the whole truth about the cars histories, did you really have true freedom in your choice? Ye shall know the ____ and the ____shall make you free (truth, see John 8:32) ~So what is freedom really based on? (knowledge of the truth and righteousness. Remember, Satan knows the truth but has chosen bondage.) ~Who is the father of all lies? (Satan) ~So there you have it! Satan lies because he doesnt want us to be what? (free) Of course this is the polar opposite of what Heavenly Father wants for us. I like how Joseph Smith put it: Quotation #3 Satan would have good people believe that all you have to do is your best, and the Atonement will close the gap. ~Is that true? What else is also required? (covenants, see Alma 53:17) The terms oath and covenant are used 38 times in Almas war chapters, also indicating a major theme of the war chapters. ~Do covenants have anything to do with freedom? (keeping them brings freedom) One of the finest examples of covenant keepers of all time is found in the people of Ammon. ~Who were they? (Lamanite converts of Ammon and his brethren) ~What oath did their king lead them to make? (to never fight again, even in selfdefense) ~Why? (Theyd been such a blood-thirsty people the king didnt think they could be forgiven of any more killing, even for a righteous cause, see Alma 24:16-18) We all know the story. They kept their oath even when the Lamanites slaughtered more than a thousand of them before realizing its no fun to fight without an opponent. ~So we know they didnt fight, but what DID they do for the Nephite armies? (supplied food & provisions) Alma 53:13-15 13 What had been their motivation for taking up arms in the past? (hatred. So their attitude now was good, compassionate! What were

they doing that was wrong here? Rationalizing breaking their cove 3 nants. Have you ever done that? Every time I knowingly break a com mandment I do that. Not good.) 14 Who are the Helamans in our lives who help us to keep our cove nants? (Holy Ghost, spouse, friends.) 15 Is obedience greater than sacrifice? ~After about 20 years of being defended by the Nephits, what did the people of Ammon realize? (They had many sons who had not made that covenant and could now fight.)

Its interesting that these stripling warriors (stripling means young) also entered into a covenant, but it was the exact opposite of their parents. Even so, it was just as righteous. Lets read about it: Alma 53:17 ~Who did they choose to be their leader? (Helaman) ~Was Helaman a military man? (no. He was a prophet! He left his ministry to serve his country for a time. If you had to go to war, wouldnt you want a prophet leading you?) The story of Helamans Army is familiar to all of us. But Id like to share an insight, not my own, that I learned about this time through. Alma 56:44-48 ~Why on earth would their mothers teach them this? ~Were there not many righteous Nephite soldiers that had already paid the ultimate price? ~Were those soldiers less righteous, or lacking in faith? (see Alma 60:12-13) There was no precedent for a righteous army to be totally spared of death. ~So why did their mothers impress this promise upon them? The answer lies in: Alma 27:12 After the Lamanites massacred the Anti-Nephi-Lehis a second time, Ammon asked the Lord if he should take them to live with the Nephites. This is the Lords response.

Notice the Lords promise at the end of the verse. 4 ~When Heavenly Father makes a promise like that, can we take it to the bank, so to speak? (Absolutely!) We dont have time to discuss the stripling warrior battles, but there were three. ~During the 2nd battle, at the Nephite city of Cumeni, how many were wounded? (every single one, see Alma 57:25) ~So what does an umbrella have in common with covenants that we keep? (both protect uscovenants protect us from bondage) There are so many wonderful concepts taught in these chapters. Lets just cover two more, if we have time. Alma 57:20-21 ~Why were they preserved? (obedience) Quotation #4 Remember in D&C 1:38 it says: ...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. ~How are we doing in our attitudes towards those who are called to preside over us? Alma 62:41 ~When we are going through difficult things, what two options do we have? (become hardened, or humbled. Lets choose humility!) Quotation #5