Endure to the End, part 1

Returning to the Doctrine of Christ…

Nephi asks “And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done?” (2 Nephi 31:19)  It’s a legitimate question.  Once a person has properly arrived at this point—meaning they have shown great faith in Christ, have repented of their sins with full purpose of heart, have begun obeying the commandments, and have received baptism by water and by the Holy Ghost—what else remains? 

(As an aside, how many of our converts have adequately been through this process before they are baptized.  Why do so many fall away after baptism?  Is the church’s problem with retention of new converts related to baptisms performed prematurely?  How many 8 year olds are adequately prepared for their baptism?  If you were baptized at eight but didn’t adequately understand it, what could you do now to more conscientiously take these steps and rededicate yourself to God.)

The answer from Nephi is no—all is not done.  He continues, “for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:  Ye shall have eternal life.” (2 Nephi 31:19-20)  What does it mean to have unshaken faith?  What does it mean to rely wholly upon the merits of Christ?  What is a perfect brightness of hope?  Why must we love God and ALL men? What is feasting upon the word of Christ?  Is that different from just showing up at gospel doctrine (or gospel false-doctrine) class once a week? What does it mean to endure to the end?  This is a vital question for all of us, because we have a promise from the Father that “he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” (2 Nephi 31:15).

The obstacles we encounter in our endurance are many, but I believe they fall into four general categories—the four enemies of endurance:

1 – Trials

2 – Deception

3 – Sin/Iniquity

4 – Apathy

Interesting, the gift of the Holy Ghost is key in overcoming these obstacles and in enduring to the end.  Let’s discuss them individually.