Friday, September 2, 2022

Being Exposed - Part 3

I found these words from Alma particularly poignant, in regards to the last two posts. I have added some emphasis in parts as it relates to Being Exposed. This is RE Alma 3. 9-11 in my own words:

9               This is the Order after which I am called to preach, to my beloved family and countrymen and everyone in the land – to preach to all, old and young, subjugated and free, aged, middle-aged, and the rising generation – to cry to them that they must repent and be born again. The spirit says: “Everyone must repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is soon at hand.” The Son of God comes in his glory, in his might, majesty, power, and dominion. My beloved friends, the spirit has told me that the glory of the King of all the earth and the King of Heaven will soon shine on all the children of men. The spirit has told me to cry with a loud voice and say, “Repent! If you do not repent, you will not inherit the kingdom of Heaven.” The spirit has also told me, “Look, for the ax is laid at the root of the tree; every tree that does not bring forth good fruit will be cut down and put in the fire, a fire which cannot be consumed or extinguished. Remember, for the Holy One has spoken it.”


10             My beloved friends, can you argue with what I have said? Can you put aside these things and trample the Holy One under your feet? Can you be big-headed in the pride of your hearts? Will you still wear expensive apparel and set your hearts on riches and the vain things of the world? Will you keep thinking you are better than one another? Will you harass your friends who have humbled themselves and walk meekly after the Holy Order of God by which they have been brought into the church, having been sanctified by the holy spirit? They repent and strive to work righteousness, and will you turn your backs on the poor and needy and withhold help and resources from them? All of you that persist in wickedness, you are the ones who will be cut down and cast in the fire, unless you quickly repent.

11             All of you who want to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come out from the wicked and separate yourselves, and do not touch any unclean thing. Their names will be blotted out, and the names of the wicked will not be numbered with the righteous, that the word of God will be fulfilled which says, “The names of the wicked will not be listed with the names of my people, for the names of the righteous will be written in the Book of Life, and I will give them an inheritance at my right hand.” My friends, what can you say against this? I tell you, even if you argue against his word, it will not matter, for the word of God will be fulfilled. What shepherd among you, having many sheep, will not watch over them to make sure the wolves do not enter and devour his flock? If a wolf enters, he will fight him and drive him out or destroy the wolf if possible. The good shepherd calls after you, and if you listen to his voice he will bring you into his fold, and you are his sheep. He commands you to not allow a ravenous wolf to enter among you, to ensure you will not be destroyed. 

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