Power by Repentance
Posted by Connor on January 3rd, 2007
During this morning’s scripture study in Helaman, chapter 5, I was amazed to come across the following verse:
And [Christ] hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls. (Hel. 5:11)
I’ve never noticed this verse before. I had one of those “who put this verse in my Book of Mormon?” experiences. I think that, coming right before the oft-quoted verse 12 (about having the rock, Christ, as our foundation), it goes easily unnoticed.
But boy is it powerful.
This verse indicates the source of Christ’s saving power. He has power given unto him, from Heavenly Father, because of repentance. Were it not for repentance, nobody could be saved, thus nullifying Christ’s power. This is taught in a myriad of other scriptures. One simple example is found in Mormon:
Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved. (Mormon 7:3)
It’s simple. Repent, and we can be saved. When we repent, Christ is given saving power over us. Because of this miraculous opportunity, the verse continues, angels have been sent to declare the conditions of repentance. God wants to save us, and wants Christ’s atonement to have power over us, and so naturally we wished to inform us of the associated conditions. A few chapters later this is reinforced:
…therefore, for this cause, that men might be saved, hath repentance been declared.
Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved. (Hel. 12:22-23)
Finally, once the conditions of repentance have been proclaimed, the verse indicates that we are brought “unto the power of the Redeemer”.
It’s so amazingly simple! Repentance is power. Christ isn’t some power-hungry dictator hoping to gain more power over his subjects, He is a loving Savior who wants us to enjoy the benefits of the saving power the Father has given him, if only we will obey and repent.
Well done man.
Repentance seems to be what we must do to merit salvation. It is a requirement and is something only we can do.
Comment # 1 left by Eric Nielson on January 3rd, 2007
Yeah, it’s entirely in our hands. Reminds me of a story we used in the mission to illustrate the difference between God’s grace and our works.
If you’re drowning in a pool, God’s saving grace is the lifeguard’s pole extended towards you, only inches away. But no matter what the lifeguard does, he cannot force you to take the pole. You must (by your works), reach out and grab the pole (salvation) being so easily offered.
Likewise, we are offered salvation, and all we have to do is grab onto the pole (repent)! It’s so comparatively easy!
Comment # 2 left by Connor Boyack on January 3rd, 2007
I love it- the saved or damned dichotomy of the scriptures. Show obedience to the gospel and be saved or deny repentance and forever perish in your sins. The great plan of salvation unto “all” men, for there is no other way man can be saved from the devil!
Comment # 3 left by Rob Osborn on January 3rd, 2007
Connor:
Easy in concept, yes. But not necessarily easy to do. True and full repentance can be one of the most difficult things there is to do.
Comment # 4 left by Eric Nielson on January 3rd, 2007
I love this post. I love this doctrine. Doesn’t that make “baptism unto repentance” that much more meaningful? (I’ve got baptism on the brain cuz my son is getting baptized on Saturday!) Also makes the whole Holy Ghost thing come to life because the Atonement is effectual through the Holy Ghost.
Here’s another scripture:
Alma 42: 13
13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would ccease to be God.
The purpose of life is to repent. Doesn’t this possibly go back to a previous discussion from days past that “all we can do” ultimately is repent, and then grace can step in?
Comment # 5 left by Michelle on January 3rd, 2007
Must be something in the air because I was ruminating on repentence, myself, yesterday–about what a joy it is. We not only make our sins right (through Christ’s ateoning sacrifice), but we refine ourselves and move forward in our eternal progression.
“the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer” (emph. mine)
Glad tidings they are, indeed, and even the conditions are so beautiful. Our sins are forgiven, and we ourselves are perfected. It’s the celestial win-win.
Comment # 6 left by Naiah Earhart on January 4th, 2007
The atonement is a wonderful thing, and I can’t help but love and respect Christ for having gone through that for us.
One thing has been on my mind since Michelle raised something regarding sanctification, on another post. We receive a forgiveness of sins. Even the Terrestials obtain this blessing. We realise what we did was evil. We stop doing it. And we repent. Forgiveness comes for our sins, and we sin no more. However we at this point are doing transgressions of omission, and other transgressions (as distinct from sins). So we have to clear out these thinking distortions. What seems to separate Celestials is sanctification by the Holy Ghost. This would appear to be this cleaning out process. Once we have obtained that full focus we are completely sanctified.
What think ye?
Comment # 7 left by Doug Towers on January 7th, 2007