Saturday, February 21, 2015

Principles of True Repentance

Outward Manifestations of Repentance 
 Although many terrible threats were given to the Nephites in 3 Nephi, by one whom lead the evil robbers in these chapters; we can learn from the example given to us in how to be safe ourselves as we follow these Nephites examples; as our righteousness is threatened everyday in the world that we live in.
 
We learn that the Lord does not support His people to go forth in battle, or in other words, not to be contentious in our own battles ( Loving Others and Living With Differences Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Conference Oct.2014 ) but, they must only go to battle if the robbers came upon them ( 3 Nephi 3:21 )
 
Instead of going to war we watched the Nephites take action that allowed them to be spared in battle when the robbers came upon them.
 
Their preparations included
 
- Followed their leaders or prophets instructions ( 3 Nephi 3:21 )
- Gathering together in one place ( 3 Nephi 3:25 )
- Reserving provisions of horses, cattle , and flocks enough for seven years ( 3 Nephi 4:18 )
- Praying for the Lord's support ( 3 Nephi 3:25 )
 
Eventually the robbers came upon them and even then the Nephites " feared God " , not these robbers. ( 3 Nephi 4:10 ) These Nephites had a love for God and faith that being obedient to Him would allow them to be spared.
 
We learn the reason the Lord was able to preserve them was because of their repentance and humility ( 3 Nephi 4:33 )
 
We can learn a great lesson from this that true repentance which is ultimately saved this people can be seen in outward manifestations of the heart. If and when we are truly repentant we will take all of the same actions that these Nephites took.
 
In our day, our outward manifestations of repentance and humility are:
 
- Also following our leaders and prophets instructions 
- Gathering together at church for activities, weekly meetings and the temple
- preserving temporal blessings instead of being wasteful and worldly with the use of our money
- fearing the Lord, understanding His will and showing faith by praying unto Him
 
Satan is upon us in war daily, and I know without doubt that these same preparations that these Nephites took will also preserve us from our own fall, if we can follow their example.
 
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. amen.

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