In the Book of Mormon we read that Abinidi declared that the time would come when every nation would confess that God's judgments were just. The wicked will be cast out and they would howl and weep. They will not be redeemed because of their refusal to hearken to the voice of the Lord. The devil would have power over them. In fact, all people would have been lost if not for the redemption of the Lord. But those who hearken to the devil and allow him to have all power over them, are in the same state that they'd be in if the redemption had not been made. Mosiah 16:1-5 "And now, it came to pass that after Abinadi had spoken these words he stretched forth his hand and said: The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgments are just. And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not. For they are carnal and devilish, and the devil has power over them; yea, even that old serpent that did beguile our first parents, which was the cause of their fall; which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal, sensual, devilish, knowing evil from good, subjecting themselves to the devil. Thus all mankind were lost; and behold, they would have been endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state. But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God."
In the Old Testament we're reminded to bless the Lord and not forget all the things He has done for us. He has forgiven us for our sins, heals our diseases, redeemed us, and showered us with loving kindness and tender mercies. Psalms 103:2-4 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;"
Some verses with a thought booklet recount how Peter insisted emphatically that he would never deny Jesus, even if he had to die with Him. All the other disciples said the same. In yet, before the crock would crow, Peter would deny Him three times. None of Jesus' disciples stood with Him through His trial and crucifixion. How often are we eager to make commitments and promises, but then fall short of doing what we say? Do we make big plans for exercising every day, losing weight, reading our scriptures daily, or breaking a long standing bad habit? Do we always follow through on what we say we'll do? Often we are weak. But if we'll humbly pray for help, the Lord will strengthen us and help us keep our commitments. Mark 14:29-31 "But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all."
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