Scriptures, Eternally Truthful: By James Myrick

Truth; lives are spent searching for it; men have died protecting it; wars have been fought over it; kingdoms have fallen for lack of it. But what exactly is this thing which has taken grasp of the hearts of men since the beginning of time? Too often is it hid from the light of human eyes and more often is only half shown. Truth is hard to define because it takes upon itself various forms, many of which are subject to change such as the weather, or time of day. However, the type which I want to expound upon is eternal truth; a type of truth that is constant, unchanging, despite the weather, day, year or century. It is upon which lasting morals and principles are founded; and upon which men can be saved.

The truth of continual revelation from god is spoken about through all the scriptures and is the basis for the restoration of the gospel. As stated in Amos, the quote “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets”[3] shows the truth that God continues to have prophets, even in modern days; else his dealings with men would not be. Amos 3:7 clearly states this. In the ancient Americas, revelation was given to the righteous servants of God to speak his will. In an address to his people, King Benjamin received revelation as to what he was to tell his people. He recorded that “the things which I shall tell you are made known unto me by an angel from God” [1]. In modern days each one of us has the ability to receive personal revelation. In many instances, in response to asking in sincere prayer, I have received answers from God by the spirit. This one concept, this one truth, that God does reveal his will, is the very basis that allows many other eternal truths to be known.

What many of us know to be his will is his commandments. God, through his prophets, has given commandments; as he did through King Benjamin who “commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.”[4]. But what happens if these laws are not obeyed? With God’s commandments comes another prevalent truth; the eternal truth of the reality of sin; “for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”[5] Many, especially in modern days, deny the existence of a right or wrong, perceive it as a matter of perspective rather than that of law. But, with an eternal law, one that does not change, comes a definition of sin; one that is eternal and does not change.

Therefore, if there is law, there is sin. If there is sin, then there must be a punishment. However, because of the imperfections of the natural man, every living soul would be damned, if there had not been made a way to repent through the Atonement. The truth of the Atonement is taught in the scriptures and brings hope of salvation to mankind. This eternal truth that repentance can be done through the atonement, and it is through repentance by which we are saved, is clearly stated by King Benjamin; “For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.”[6] Repentance meaning, in the original Hebrew, to return [8]. It is a key truth that is made known to us through the scriptures. Alma expounding repentance stated; “I say unto you, ye will know at that day that ye cannot be saved; for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins. [7]” Repentance is a return to God, through Christ, and is a true principle that is eternal.

The need for eternal truths is the foundation of our testimonies and essential to our salvation. Some truth changes; some is hidden; some is still unknown; but eternal truth, as revealed by God is constant and does not change. It is by this truth that we may become like God. I know that there are eternal truths, and that they are given to men that we may choose for ourselves what we will do in this life. I know that these truths of which I have spoken are eternal; that they are the same today as they were in centuries past and will be for eternity. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

James Myrick

Rel A 121

Works Cited

MOSIAH 3:2 [1]
ENOS 1:6 [2]
AMOS 3:7 [3]
Mosiah 18:21 [4]
Romans 3:20 [5]
Mosiah 3:12 [6]
Alma 5:21 [7]
Hebrew Dictionary [8]

Other Cool Scriptures (not used but I would have liked to)
Nephi 3:13
Jacob 4:13
Mosiah 2:31
Mosiah 4:2
Mosiah 16:13
Alma 5:45-46
Alma 5:25