“If You Believe All These Things See That Ye Do Them”

Brant Gardner

The language of verses 5 and 10 is different, but the intent is the same. Verse 5 emphasizes descriptions of humility (“a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen state”); yet while Benjamin explicitly invokes humility in verse 10, it is a true transition. After the partial aside of verse 5–9, Benjamin returns to the starting point of humility from which he will discuss the relationship of forgiveness and salvation, moving from the humility of prostration to the glory of gospel living. He makes the transition by reminding them of their recent experience with repentance and forgiveness. Knowing that they have powerfully felt the joy of the Atonement he encourages them to take the next step in the process of progress: “if you believe all these things see that ye do them.” “Doing” forms the conceptual theme for the next part of his discourse. Benjamin builds from the foundation of communal repentance to structure communal gospel action.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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