Fireside, Brigham Young University,
Key Doctrines and Principles:
-
“In its widest application, sin includes every
irregularity of behavior, every source of uncleanliness,” Elder Oaks taught. He
explained 7 basic doctrines about sin, including the concept that a “condition
of repentance is suffering or punishment for the sin . . . ‘Repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment.’
(Alma 42:16.)
Where there has been sin, there must be
suffering.” He expressed great concern for those that knowingly sin because
“repentance,
which is an assured passage to an eternal destination, is nevertheless not a
free ride. . . . President Spencer W. Kimball . . . said that personal suffering ‘is a very
important part of repentance. One has not begun to repent until he has suffered
intensely for his sins. … If a person
hasn’t suffered, he hasn’t repented.’ (The Teachings of Spencer W.
Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982, pp. 88, 99.) Emphasis mine.”
He also expressed “the
reality that a doctrinal underdose for some is an overdose for others” and
reiterated “the essence of the
gospel” message that “the awful demands of justice upon those who have violated
the laws of God (Mosiah 3:25)
. . . can be mediated by the atonement of Jesus Christ."
Favorite Quotes:
-
Some . . . wrongly think repentance is easy [and] a person
is better off after he has sinned and repented. “Get a little experience with
sin,” one argument goes, “and then you will be better able to counsel and
sympathize with others. You can always repent.” I plead with you . . . avoid
transgression! [These ideas] . . . are devilish lies of the adversary.”
“Would anyone seriously contend that it is better to learn
firsthand that a certain blow will break a bone or a certain mixture of
chemicals will explode and burn off our skin? Are we better off after we have sustained and been scarred from
such injuries? It is obviously better to heed the warnings of wise persons who
know the effects of certain traumas on our bodies. Just as we can benefit from someone else’s experience in matters such as
these, we can also benefit from the warnings contained in the commandments of
God. We don’t have to have personal
experience with the effects of serious transgressions to know that they are
injurious to our souls and destructive of our eternal welfare.” (Emphasis
mine.)
“When we are young, we sometimes behave as if there were no
tomorrow. When we are young, it is easy to forget that we will grow up, marry,
raise a family, and—note this significant point—continue to associate with some
of the same people who are witnesses to, or participants in, our teenage pranks
or transgressions . . . Conduct your life today so your tomorrows are not
burdened with bad or embarrassing memories.”
Personal Story:
-
“Some years ago, one of our sons asked me why it wasn’t a good idea to try alcohol or tobacco to see what they were like. He knew about the Word of Wisdom, and he also knew the health effects of these substances, but he was questioning why he shouldn’t just try them out for himself. I replied that if he wanted to try something out, he ought to go to a barnyard and eat a little manure. He recoiled in horror. ‘Ooh, that’s gross,’ he reacted.
“Some years ago, one of our sons asked me why it wasn’t a good idea to try alcohol or tobacco to see what they were like. He knew about the Word of Wisdom, and he also knew the health effects of these substances, but he was questioning why he shouldn’t just try them out for himself. I replied that if he wanted to try something out, he ought to go to a barnyard and eat a little manure. He recoiled in horror. ‘Ooh, that’s gross,’ he reacted.
“I’m
glad you think so,” I said, “but why don’t you just try it out so you will know
for yourself? While you’re proposing to try one thing that you know is not good
for you, why don’t you apply that principle to some others?”
That illustration
of the silliness of “trying it out for yourself” proved persuasive for one
sixteen-year-old.”
So What?
-
Elder Oaks made
absolutely clear and left no doubt that,“Repentance is a continuing process,
needed by all because “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23.)
Repentance is possible, and then forgiveness is
certain. Elder Spencer W. Kimball said: ‘Sometimes
… when a repentant one looks back and sees the ugliness, the loathsomeness of
the transgression, he is almost overwhelmed and wonders, “Can the Lord ever
forgive me? Can I ever forgive myself?” But when one reaches the depths of
despondency and feels the hopelessness of his position, and when he cries out
to God for mercy in helplessness but in faith, there comes a still, small, but
penetrating voice whispering to his soul, “Thy sins are forgiven thee.”’
(The Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969, p. 344.) When
this happens, how precious the
promise that God will take “away the guilt from our hearts, through the merits
of his Son.” (Alma
24:10.) How comforting the
promise that “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
(Isa. 1:18.)
How glorious God’s own promise that
“he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord,
remember them no more. (D&C
58:42; see also Jer. 31:34; Heb. 8:12.)” Bold and italic emphasis mine.
No comments:
Post a Comment