3 Nephi 27:13-14 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
How are we to share the joy within us, if we don’t understand the core gospel of Jesus Christ? The core is the ATONEMENT! Christ was lifted upon the cross to call all men to Him. He clarifies whose plan this is—The Father’s. This is key doctrine because it has been misinterpreted over the centuries. We have a Heavenly Father and a brother. Christ’s sacrifice was a sacrifice both of the Father’s and of Christ…because we are that important. As a parent I can’t imagine asking, allowing, and then advancing the plan of salvation where my only begotten son, who was perfectly obedient, perfectly faithful, and perfectly selfless, would have to suffer such great mortal persecution and then take the suffering of all mankind upon himself, finalizing the whole thing with his life, being crucified by his own people. This is a difficult plan to execute. Heavenly Father sacrificed greatly for us: Jesus Christ who was taught the plan of salvation, volunteered for his role to save us all from the darkness of earth life. Even when the plan was more than he could handle and he cried to the Father, he still chose to finish, for us—you and me, and everyone else who lives on this earth. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knew we would need grace and that left alone Satan would chain us to everlasting destruction, but with the hope of forgiveness and exaltation continuously available, we are able to press forward with steadfastness and courage. We too can gain the strength to be steadfast and courageous in righteousness as we understand the awesome truth that Christ was lifted up by man so we could be lifted up by the Father. So let’s remember that when we fall down emotionally, physically, mentally, or spiritually-Heavenly Father lifts us up, by his all loving, all compassionate, all understanding arms and carries us until we are able to go at it again! It even gets better—-Christ shares in that carrying, where he brings the love of a brother, with all tenderness, all empathy, and all Joy for the hope of our individual redemption from the ills of mortality. He has payed the ransom and we are free to walk debt free forward in faith, hope, and trust. The obstructions we face should have no avail as we learn from the atonement what is important, and how important we are in that plan.
3 Nephi 27:15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
This helps us understand the importance of using the full name of the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is His gospel, and his alone. “Ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day.” (3 Nephi 27:5) As we take Christ’s name upon us, we are standing as an example to others. Our number one greatest opportunity right now—today, is to share the gospel with others. Setting an example is the first most important part of missionary work. That is what Christ did first and foremost, he lived perfectly the way he taught us to act. Through his shining example, multitudes yearned to know more. We can share the gospel best when we live it first. The wide expansive affect of setting a good example is beyond our ability to combat in any other way. “This is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do.” (3 Nephi 27:21) “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” (3 Nephi 27:27)
“The greatest example who ever walked the earth is our Savior, Jesus Christ. … He invites us to follow His perfect example.” -Richard G. Scott
As we align our will with the Fathers, and strive to follow Christ, we will have the burning desire to share the gospel with others. “For Ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand.” (3 Nephi 28:9) We will desire for all men to understand the atonement, and to know that they are loved, and cared about by a loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, no matter what. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and it has been restored in our day. We have a prophet to lead us, protect us, and encourage us. It’s the greatest news—Everyone needs to know! Don’t worry, we aren’t asked to convince man of the truthfulness of the gospel. We are asked to share it, and then to allow the Holy Ghost to testify of the truthfulness of the message. “The Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father.” (3 Nephi 28:11)
3 Nephi 30:2 Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.
The affect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the children of men, is the medicine we need to cure all the commotion that fills the news streams. 4 Nephi gives us a wonderful description of what this can look like, which can us get excited about our role in bringing the happiness and peace of Christ to earth. “There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.” (4 Nephi 1:15) “They had all things common among them.” (4 Nephi 1:3) In our day, this will most likely be at the second coming. We need to prayerfully seek Heavenly Father’s guidance in leading us to those who are ready to hear and accept the gospel and join the Lord’s battalion.
“When we speak of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, we are referring, of course, to missionary, temple, and family history work. We are also referring to building faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve. Anytime we do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.” -President Russell M. Nelson (October 2020)
Written by Sherri Jorgensen
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