Here’s some things that have been on my mind recently:
How imperative is revelation? Parley P. Pratt, in his Key to the Science of Theology” states:
The key to the science of theology is the key of divine revelation. Without this key, no man, no assemblage of men, ever did or ever will know the Eternal Father or Jesus Christ.
That’s a bold statement. Revelation, then, is the absolute, fundamental requirement to ascertain knowledge of God the Father and His Son. And of what value is such knowledge?
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent” (John 17:3).
Here we find Apostolic witness and testimony that revelation – the key to knowledge of God and Jesus Christ – is the absolute, essential requirement for eternal life. Without the key of revelation, the knowledge of God is lost (observe the creeds of Christendom to note the lost key of revelation and thus the lost knowledge of God).
If we – if I – am to obtain eternal life, then the only means by which that may occur is through revelation, for that is the only means by which I can come to know the Eternal Father, and Jesus Christ – the very definition of eternal life.
Lachoneus, the Chief Governor and Prophet of the Nephite people, just before the government is entirely overthrown by the Gadianton robbers prior to Christ’s death, exhorts his people to faithfulness with much diligence insomuch that they do repent en masse:
As the Lord liveth, except ye repent of all your iniquities, and cry unto the Lord, ye will in nowise be delivered. . . And so great and marvelous were the words and prophecies of Lachoneus that . . . they did exert themselves in their might” (emphasis added, 3 Nephi 3:16).
Do we – or, rather, do I – exert myself in my might? Or am I content to put forth only a half-hearted (or less, worse yet) attempt? Faithful reader, search the Holy scriptures for “in their might” and consider well – do you serve the Lord in your might? I know I have sore need of improvement.
Even the Saints must needs be careful. Near the demise of the Nephite nation, prior to the Lord’s death, Mormon records that it was the “High Priests” along with the lawyers principally responsible for murder and the government’s collapse (3 Nephi 6: 21, 27). How so? Because of the very antithesis of sacred Temple covenants as described in verse 28. This was not some unknowing mistake – it was flagrant rebellion despite knowledge of truth (verse 18). Lest we – nay, I – consider myself secure, I must needs be ever mindful and reliant on the Lord.
How is it that the people “could [not] disbelieve” the words of Nephi, the Prophet (3 Nephi 7:18)? The scripture indicates that so great was his faith on Christ, that even angels did minister unto him daily. But how does his faith directly influence others inasmuch that they could not disbelieve? The only conclusion I’ve drawn thus far is that of example. Alma tells his son Corianton that because of his actions – his example – the Zoramites would not believe his words (Alma 39: 11).
How powerful is personal example! Wicked example can lead to disbelief in Christ, irrespective of others’ faith and testimony. Conversely, righteous example can lead to believe – yay, to the exclusion of disbelief! – in Christ. Though, notably, individuals may nonetheless exercise agency contrary to such knowledge, example can be so powerful, so strong, and so convincing, that it “were not possible to disbelieve.”