Helaman 5:9

O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.

It is only through Christ's intervention that we are delivered from the grasp of justice. We cannot save ourselves. Nothing we can do is sufficient unless we turn our hearts over to God. Christ redeemed the whole world, not just the elect. Every single individual can choose salvation through Christ. No one has to be excluded. We may choose to exclude ourselves, but God's desire is for all his children to come back to him. He knows not everyone will choose him, but he offers everyone the opportunity through Christ's infinite and eternal atonement.

Helaman 5:8

And now my sons, behold I have somewhat more to desire of you, which desire is, that ye may not do these things that ye may boast, but that ye may do these things to lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal, and which fadeth not away; yea, that ye may have that precious gift of eternal life, which we have reason to suppose hath been given to our fathers.

Righteous acts are meaningless if done for the wrong reason. Christ warned against the pharisaic wickedness of praying, fasting, and giving alms to be seen of men. We ought not to be concerned with what men think of us but only with what the Father thinks of us. At the end of the day, it is not men but God who will exalt us.

Helaman 5:6

Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.

The word "remember" appears five times in one verse. In scriptural language, repetition increases emphasis. "Remembering" is obviously a key component in the formula of righteousness.

Helaman 4:25

Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state of unbelief and awful wickedness; and they saw that the Lamanites were exceedingly more numerous than they, and except they should cleave unto the Lord their God they must unavoidably perish.

Man for man and toe to toe, a wicked Nephite was no better off than a wicked Lamanite. Left to our own mortal strength, we are no stronger than anyone else. But God's power on our behalf tips the scales in our favor every time.

Helaman 4:15

And it came to pass that they did repent, and inasmuch as they did repent they did begin to prosper.

Here is the good news: if we start keeping the commandments, our blessings can be restored to us! The prophecies of doom do not to come true if we repent. Both salvation and damnation are conditional. The condition always lies with us and our agency. No one is ever too far gone, and no one is ever too good.

Helaman 4:12-13

And it was because of the pride of their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, yea, it was because of their oppression to the poor, withholding their food from the hungry, withholding their clothing from the naked, and smiting their humble brethren upon the cheek, making a mock of that which was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation, murdering, plundering, lying, stealing, committing adultery, rising up in great contentions, and deserting away into the land of Nephi, among the Lamanites—And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands.

While at least some of our afflictions come upon us because of our pride and disobedience, it is not always a one-to-one relationship. On an individual basis the consequences of sin seem to be more random. Wicked, greedy, selfish people may prosper financially and in other measurable ways, while righteous people seem to suffer in many ways. It must be this way or we could not exercise faith. But on a societal level and over long periods of time, the axiom proves true over and over: if ye (plural) keep God's commandments, ye (plural) shall prosper in the land, but if ye (plural) keep not the commandments, ye (plural) shall be cut off.

Helaman 4:11

Now this great loss of the Nephites, and the great slaughter which was among them, would not have happened had it not been for their wickedness and their abomination which was among them; yea, and it was among those also who professed to belong to the church of God.

Once again Mormon uses the term "those who professed to belong to the church." Apparently many claimed membership in the church but did not abide fully by the laws and teachings of the church. They were hypocrites, members in name only, scribes and Pharisees who put on a great show but were full of sin. Their masked wickedness contributed to the downfall of the Nephite people. The warning for us is clear. Be watchful for hypocrites in the latter-day church, and do not become one ourselves.

Helaman 3:35

Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

As these people's humility grew, so did their faith in Christ. It became firm, then solid, then un-bendable, then unbreakable. Humility and faith go hand in hand. The more humble we are, the more we see the need to depend on God. The more we depend on him, the more he can help us. The more he helps us, the better we come to know him. And the better we know him, the more we trust him. Trust us another word for faith. By faith, we act with growing confidence on our beliefs.

The more thoroughly we trust God, and the more evidence we acquire of his love for, and interest, in us, the more joy we experience. How can we not feel exquisite joy when we know that the Supreme Being in the universe knows us and cares about us?  How can we not rejoice in knowing this earth, life itself, and the grand plan of salvation were created to lift us to exaltation with God?

One additional note: we do not purify and sanctify our own hearts. We can only yield them to God. It is by his power through the Savior's Atonement that our hearts are changed.

Helaman 3:33

And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God.

Mormon distinguished between the church as an institution and the people who make up the church. We should be careful to make the same distinction today. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution is perfectly organized and designed and contains the fullness of the gospel. It is, however, populated by imperfect humans. We are all full of mistakes and weaknesses. Our personal fallibility does not diminish the validity of the church. We must judge between truth and error, but we must be careful and compassionate when it comes to judging people.

Helaman 3:27-30

Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name. Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.

If I were marooned on a desert island and could have only one small section of scripture to keep me company, I might choose these four short verses. Mormon sums up a series of lessons learned by the Nephites during a period of relative peace following many years of war. These are truths about how God works with his children in all ages of the world. This brief discourse sums up the whole Gospel of Christ:

1. God is merciful when we sincerely repent.
2. Everyone who repents is welcome in the church and kingdom of God.
3. True members of God's kingdom believe in Christ.
4. We choose belief and faith. 
5. The word of God is not just the written scriptures. It is also revelation, both through the prophet and personally to each of us.  We must choose to receive and obey revelation.
6. Revelation from God is life-giving and powerful to change our lives. 
7. When we live the gospel, we can avoid and overcome the temptations of Satan. The gospel leads on a strict path back to God.
8. To live with God permanently is our ultimate goal and destination.
9. We can look forward to the same exaltation as the patriarchs and prophets. 

Helaman 3:20

Nevertheless Helaman did fill the judgment-seat with justice and equity; yea, he did observe to keep the statutes, and the judgments, and the commandments of God; and he did do that which was right in the sight of God continually; and he did walk after the ways of his father, insomuch that he did prosper in the land.

Contention and troubles surrounded Helaman, yet he had personal peace and prosperity. Our attitude and obedience are the source of peace far more than our temporal surroundings.

Helaman 2:13

And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi.

One more warning, and the warning could not be plainer. Secret combinations were the downfall of the Nephites. Mormon put many details about the Gadianton Robbers in his book to tell us plainly the danger we face today.

Helaman 1:18

And it came to pass that because of so much contention and so much difficulty in the government, that they had not kept sufficient guards in the land of Zarahemla; for they had supposed that the Lamanites durst not come into the heart of their lands to attack that great city Zarahemla.

I wish to always give messages of hope and peace, but I cannot ignore the blatant warnings that hope and peace are fragile in this "land of promise". The Book of Mormon was written for our day, even the last days, and we are foolish to not give heed to its dire messages. Based on what we read in this verse, we should watch for growing political contention and unrest in our nation. As the political parties become more polarized and bitter, and as the circus of ineffectual leadership further divides the people, we will be ripe for attacks on our own soil. For all the ridiculous TSA vigilance in the airports, we will become vulnerable in innumerable ways. Our safety and liberty will not come from guns and bombs, but from faith and prayer. The command to stand in holy places will become a matter, literally, of life and death.

Alma 62:50

Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions, and he had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies.

A key to keeping our equilibrium in the face is both trial and prosperity is to remember God. When we remember continually who delivers us and prospers us, we can avoid both discouragement and pride.

Alma 62:49

But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before him.

Just as we choose our attitude towards affliction, we also choose our attitude towards prosperity. It is often easier to stay faithful in times of trial than in times of peace and plenty. We must be ever watchful regarding pride, slothfulness and materialism.

Alma 62:41

But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.

The same war and suffering that hardened some hearts softened others. The difference is not in the affliction but in the attitude. We choose how we respond to everything that happens to us.

Alma 61:14

Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God.

Remember that everything in the Book of Mormon was placed there for a reason. Mormon saw our day and included messages we would need to warn and to inspire us. To resist evil is good counsel. The challenge is to recognize evil. We first need the gift of discernment. Before we resist with words or swords, let us first be sure we know what to resist. Then like Moroni, we must be directed by the spirit of revelation to know when to use words and when to use swords. The day may come when armed resistance may be necessary to retain our freedom from our own government overrun by evil. If we put our faith in God and listen to the prophet, we will know the proper course when the time comes. What we cannot afford to do is stick our heads in the sand.

Alma 58:10-11

Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people. Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.

The greatest weapon we have against the adversary of our souls is prayer. Prayer aligns us with God, his plan and strategy. By ourselves and armed only with our own power, we are no match for Satan's opposing forces. But armed with the power of God, we can come off conqueror. Note that when Helaman's army prayed in faith, they received more faith. Note too that even before the battle had begun the Lord assured them of victory through a testimony of peace from the Holy Spirit. If we pray in faith and with our whole souls -- holding nothing back -- God will replace fear with faith. Though we still have to face the battle, God will fight for us and deliver us. It is his power, coupled to our agency, that carries the day every time.

Alma 57:35

And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies. And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered us; yea, that has done this great thing for us.

God is the Deliverer. It is true that the Nephites had to show up and fight, but they credited God with the strength and with the timely warning that gave them the victory. The same is true in our own lives. Christ is the Deliverer. He has already done all that us needed to save us. But we still have to show up and join in the fight. We cannot assume he will snatch us out of our sins if we have made no effort, shown no interest, ignored the warnings, and intentionally chosen evil over good. We don't have to be perfect, but we at least have to be on the Lord's side and face the right direction in the battle.

Alma 57:27

Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually.

Helaman's warriors were faithful because they chose to be. Their minds were firm, meaning they were made up and not open to doubt. In a life and death situation, one cannot afford to vacillate. He must know his objective and clearly understand the strategy, the tactics, and the immediate orders. If he stops to think and evaluate, he is dead. 


We are in a battle of spiritual life and death. The adversary would have us think that obedience is closed-minded. We should be ever doubting and always questioning and never satisfied. Such an attitude of cynicism works to his advantage. He doesn't care what we believe as long as we don't believe the truth. He wants us to be weak and infirm because then he doesn't have to work so hard. If we can confuse ourselves, he can just sit back and watch us flounder. A firm mind does not mean we never ask questions. But we ask in faith and look to God as the source of our answers. We do not let what we don't know overshadow what we do know.