There is so much doctrine in this one verse! First, I love the testimony that Savior
brings salvation to all those that believe on His name. I feel anxious and
stressed this morning, and reading that was an instant shot of peace. I just
need to trust Him and move forward and HE brings salvation.
I also noticed how clarifying this verse is. Many people get
the saved for believing, but don’t really know the entire principle. Believing
on His name gives us faith to repentance. When we believe that change is
possible through Him, that we are not destined to wallow in our depravity, it
gives us the faith to repent, to change, to do, and become. Believing in Him
isn’t enough unless we also believe Him, and do what He told us to do and
believe that we can become like Him.
It’s interesting because I was just thinking about this as I
said my prayers this morning—that the Holy Ghost sanctifies us by leading us to
Him and helping us know what to do, and what to do better. It isn’t some magic
instant thing like sometimes the church vocabulary makes it sound to me. It’s
all a process of becoming, made possible by the Savior.
I love the feeling that comes in verse 16 when Amulek
describes mercy satisfying justice and encircling us in the arms of safety.
Sometimes I am so tortured by my sins and guilt, and sometimes the world feels
so scary and out of control. It is a beautiful reminder that we are safe with
Him.
The rest of the verse talks about how those who won’t turn
to the Savior and repent is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice.
Sometimes in my life I haven’t understood this, and felt like God was an angry
parent, punishing us. But I have come to understand if there is no consequence
for breaking the law, there is no point having the law. God’s laws help us
become like Him, help us change our nature. It is a natural consequence that if
we don’t do those things that we can’t become like Him and have His joy that is
a result of who He is. We are then left to the pain and disconnect that comes from
our own bad choices, and can only be overcome through the “great and last sacrifice”
of the Savior.
So today, instead of feeling stressed I will move forward with
faith. I will focus on following Him, and loving people around me. I will listen
to the Holy Ghost to learn how to do that better. And I will trust that He will
lead me, and change me.
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