When I run into scriptures at church that make me feel particularly guilt ridden or seem difficult (or when I get bored of the discussion), I glance around the chapter we're studying to see if there are any scriptures relating to grace, the Savior, the power of God for deliverance that we're skipping. Inevitably there are. For example, below are snippets from in and around the Scripture Mastery Scriptures that Seminary students study and memorize. I've bolded the phrases relating to accessing the power of the atonement. The bolded phrases don't capture everything the scriptures are trying to say, or even their main point. I want to point out that its in there, so near where we're focusing.
You get a point for each famous scripture you can identify (even vaguely). HINT: they are all Seminary Mastery Scriptures for the Book of Mormon.
1. ... that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down.... answer
2. (HINT: this ends a verse before the Seminary Mastery Scripture)
5. But behold all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. answer
You get a point for each famous scripture you can identify (even vaguely). HINT: they are all Seminary Mastery Scriptures for the Book of Mormon.
1. ... that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down.... answer
2. (HINT: this ends a verse before the Seminary Mastery Scripture)
... he did cry from the morning, even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto repentance lest they should be destroyed, saying unto them that by faith all things are fulfilled—Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. answer
3. ...if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity. answer
4. ... but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by ... answer
6. And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given. answer
7. ...all things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged. (you lose a point if you aren't really familiar with the answer either) answer
8. ... save he shall prepare a way... answer
9. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. answer
10. (HINT: this ends three scriptures before the mastery scripture)
But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their goy shall be full forever. O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment. O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it. And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam. And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day. And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and be baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they must be damned; for the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has spoken it. answer
Score: 1-2 A+ You've been paying attention and working hard
3-4 Dean's List You learned your scripture mastery perfectly.
3-4 Dean's List You learned your scripture mastery perfectly.
5 Master's Degree You've studied on your own
6 PhD You're a Book of Mormon Scholar, with a focus on Grace -- let's do lunch!
7+ Fail You have perfect recall that you've put to good use, or you cheated. I don't believe you grasp this any more than the rest of us.
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