First, we might mistakenly think that the ratio of
blessings to obedience is 1:1—that the scope of divine blessings corresponds directly
with the measure of our obedience. This is to give ourselves too much credit. It
suggests that we have somehow earned our blessings and might someday extinguish
our debts. King Benjamin warned starkly against any such misimpression [in
Mosiah 2:21-22, 24]
What indeed? Blessings are irrevocably predicated upon
obedience to law because God will never foist or force HIs blessings upon
unwilling recipients. The gift of mortal life itself comes only to those who
accept God’s premortal plan and thus “keep their first estate” (Abraham 3:26).
The blessings predicated on that premortal obedience continue to flow as a
merciful Father “maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and
sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).
. . .
A second potential misreading of Doctrine and Covenants
130:21 might unduly emphasize external, temporal blessings and overlook
internal, spiritual blessings—the immediate blessings, mentioned earlier,
of a more Christlike character, a deeper union with God Himself, a heightened
capacity for enjoyment, and a sweetened receptivity to joy.
. . .
The third potential misreading of Doctrine and Covenants
130:21 has to do with timing. We might expect blessings predicated on obedience
to follow obedience in swift chronological succession. That is certainly what happens
with the principal blessings associated with obedience—a more Godlike character
and a deeper relationship with God Himself. This might be what Benjamin has in
mind when he says that God “doth immediately bless you” (Mosiah 2:24;
emphasis added), or what Amulek has in mind when he promises that “if ye will
repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of
redemption be brought about you” (Alma 34:31; emphasis added). (Justin Collings,
Divine Law [Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants; Salt Lake City, Utah:
Deseret Book; Provo, Utah: Neal A. Maxwell Institute, 2024], 41-42, 44-45; comments
in square brackets added for clarification
To Support this Blog:
Email for Amazon Gift
card: ScripturalMormonism@gmail.com
Email for Logos.com Gift
Card: IrishLDS87@gmail.com
