Don't Wrest With the Scriptures

Missionary Talk

2000-06-11 00:00:00

Alma 13:20

Now I need not rehearse the matter; what I have said may suffice. Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction.
The first time I read this scripture the last phrase stood out
- I ignored the "w"
- While this changed the whole meaning it was still good
- So I want to talk about resting the scriptures & wresting our scriptures
To rest: to cease all work, activity or motion.
- Mosiah 1:7
  - Scripture
    
    And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.
  - Diligently does not mean every once in awhile take a quick glance
  - It means study & prayer!
- Story about how it felt to use cold scriptures (from
  Anderson)
  - We don't want to have this happen to our scriptures
To wrest: To twist or pull away in a violent way
- Revelation 22:18-19
  
  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
  
  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
- Most of the world thinks this means that there can not be any new guidance from God
  - 2 Timothy 3:16
    
    All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
  - D&C 68:4
    
    And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.
- These all lead us to know that God can give more & new guidance through his proper channels
  - Amos 3:7
    
    Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
- This can apply to us well!
  - We should stick to the discussions
  - We do not have permission to change the doctrine

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