“Even As I Appear Unto Thee to Be in the Spirit Will I Appear Unto My People in the Flesh”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

Because of his great faith, the brother of Jared could not be excluded from the presence of the pre-mortal Savior. During His mortal ministry, the Savior continued to teach this consistent theme: faith unto eternal life for those who believe in Him and practice obedience, prayerful humility, and charity to all. He reached out in love as a hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He was kind and gracious to all—even to His enemies. He left us a legacy of life-giving charity in action. We observe in the sacred scriptures the power of God at work in bringing about the immortality and eternal life of man (see Moses 1:39). Who is not touched by these accounts and stimulated to be a little kinder, a little more faithful and obedient, and follow a little more closely in the Master’s footsteps? Who is not reminded in his or her heart: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Luke 11:9–10; compare Matthew 7:7–8).

We are to acquire the capacity to see with the vision of faith. “Blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (3 Nephi 12:8) is what the Savior taught the Saints at Bountiful. This promise of the Savior is the best summary of the principle that is illustrated in the account of how the brother of Jared is blessed to be admitted into the presence of the Lord through his great faith. All of God’s children are given the commandment to prepare for this grand experience through obedience to the principles and ordinance of the gospel. By a process of sanctification through faith and by virtue of atoning grace, we are empowered to return one day to the presence of the Father and the Son.

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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