Two questions - what scriptures would be recommended for a person dealing with repentance to better understand the Atonement? That one first.
2 Nephi 9 is the first idea that comes to me. I have used it already in discussion of the significance of the Body of Christ. (v4 - 13 resurrection) then (v14 - 27 atonement overview) then (v28 - 40 source and description of sin) then (v41 - 54 an invitation to accept and embrace the atonement). It is really an excellent overview, encompassing so many, many details.
But is this the best source for someone struggling? What pulls us out of sin and gives us the understanding to trust in the Savior? John 17:3 comes to mind - This is life eternal to know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. We all have to come to know Jesus and 2 Nephi 9 is probably not where I would start.
The gospel of John itself is so telling of Jesus's love. Phillips answer in ch 1 that this was the Christ in fulfillment of the law of Moses to 'Come and see'. Such a theme for John. If someone was new to the gospel, I might go John 11 - 21 with a word of caution not to get too caught up in understanding 17. I also may point them to Luke for even a simpler discussion.
We all have to gain a testimony of Christ, both with faith and hope. It comes primarily of experience, but the stories of Christ can spring up to hope.
First scriptures that come to mind would be Hel 3:35, Moroni 10:32, 33, and 2 Nephi 31:13-21.
The other question is the role of parents in childrens damaging choices once made. Prodigal son is the first thing that comes to mind. In Luke 15, 'But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.' I am hard pressed to beat this one. So much direction in so few words!
When he was yet a great off - remember the journey was to a far away place. The son made much of the journey on his own, but the last mile so to speak was made in his father's arms. The last mile is the hardest mile. It was the father who saw the son not vice versa. If one is traveling to a place in search of a person wouldn't they be the first one to see their intended target? Usually yes, but not if the person being searched was already waiting, looking, hoping, expecting. The father obviously had never lost hope. He ran! He ran to his son instantly showing support even before his face could be seen up close.
I also think of Alma. His prayers caused intervention of an angel. Mosiah 27. Gotta get back to work. I'll write the letter tonight.
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3 comments:
I'm stealing your idea about the Prodigal Son. That is so cool and I never thought of that perspective.
Another idea I always think of (and for some reason this idea came to me on my mission) but I'm always drawn to the story of Enos. We typically categorize this story in the "prayer column," but I'm usually more intrigued by verse three. It says, "...and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart." His father was...Jared. Therefore, his uncle was...Nephi and his grandfather was Lehi. Here was a boy that grew up in quite a family, and yet, for some reason he doesn't have a testimony. Maybe he's sinned. I don't think anything ghastly horrible. Instead, I think his sorrow comes from the fact that he doesn't have the same testimony as his father and relatives. Talk about a difficult comparison. However, the cool part of this story was that he had these words he had heard often. He had a testimony to lean on. He knew his parents knew it (like the Sons of Helaman in regards to their mothers) and this caused him to make a change. Like the prodigal son "came to himself" and remembered his father - I think the same thing happened to Enos. Therefore, kids may go astray but if parents stay faithful and express their testimony, I think, that will be instilled in the kids. And in time will prick their hearts and cause change.
...I don't know, I too should be working...just a thought.
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Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the Home Broker, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://home-broker-brasil.blogspot.com. A hug.
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