2 Nephi 31:20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of bhope, and a clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eeternal life.
I want to try a little different way of studying this scripture and see how it works. I tend to take things at face value and very literally, but I'm hoping this way of analyzing will help me see more deeply. I will analyze and paraphrase each word or set of words to try to get a deeper meaning. My words will be in parentheses and in red.
20 Wherefore (Therefore, and thus we see, or here is a conclusion that I've reached after much study and prayer), ye (I) must (need to, have to, this is not optional) press (push, lean toward with energy, be deliberate, not just leisurely strolling) forward (not backward, moving ahead, progressing toward God) with a steadfastness (TG Commitment; Dedication; Perseverance; Steadfastness; Walking with God.) in Christ (Savior of the World, Redeemer, Holy One of Israel, Son of God), having (preserving, keeping, holding on to) a perfect brightness of hope, (deep spiritual peace, a confidence and comfort in the Savior; having a sure knowledge of the exquisite joy and happiness that comes with hope in Christ) and a love (charity, Pure Love of Christ, reverence) of (for) God (God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost) and (that's not all) of (for) all (not only our family and friends, but those who are less lovable) men (and women and children). Wherefore (pay attention for this is important), if (not when, but if. We have our agency and can choose not to obey) ye shall press forward, feasting (not nibbling or tasting or putting ourselves on a scripture diet, but gorging ourselves) upon the word of Christ (the scriptures as well as the words of the modern-day prophets), and endure (continue in faith, still pressing forward with good works) to the end (the end of our lives), behold (pay attention), thus saith the Father (this is a promise made by the Father of our souls, who never lies): Ye (you, I, all of us) shall (not may or might, but will assuredly) have eternal life (no more death, but we shall live eternally with God, even live AS God, having eternal increase).
I like that way of reading the scripture! It puts it in words that are more common and makes us think about the importance of each phrase.
ReplyDeleteThe only one I would change or add to is having a perfect brightness of hope, I would say having a sure knowledge of the exquisite joy and happiness that comes with hope.
good stuff, Anne!
That's beautiful! May I use it?
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