This is part two of two to unveiling the witness of Abinadi. In part one, we dissected the context for Abinadi’s witness of the doctrine of Christ (covenant path). If you have not read it yet, I recommend that you do that first. It will be critical in order to experience the power, impact and relevance of Abinadi’s witness. I’ll warn you, there are many layers to Abinadi’s witness. There is so much to ponder on and understand. What I am highlighting only scratches the surface. I might even be giving you something that is more than you can digest at one time. Take your time with it. I invite you to pause and ponder on many details. The Lord is soooooo good, so patient, so kind and so willing to meet you exactly where you are. Seek, knock and ask the Lord for all understanding including your own witness of any of my comments.

More Witnesses of the True Covenant Path

As you should know by now, Abinadi’s witness is one in a long line of witnesses from true prophets in the Book of Mormon. The Lord’s witness in the Book of Mormon was the first we unveiled. After that, we unveiled additional witnesses to supplement the Lord’s witness:

• Witness of Nephi
• Witness of Jacob
• Witness of Enos
• Witness of Jarom, Omni & their posterity
• Witness of King Benjamin

In this post we will unveil the witness of Abinadi. If you have not yet read at least the Lord’s witness of the doctrine of Christ (covenant path) in the Book of Mormon, I would recommend that you do that first. Happily, I will not stop sharing these witnesses and in future posts you will continue to see the witness of more Book of Mormon prophets.

By now you should be reading the Book of Mormon with new eyes. If you have yet to see that the Book of Mormon was restored as an additional witness of the Everlasting Covenant and the doctrine of Christ, I invite you to study The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide. A person that reads the Book of Mormon without this critical understanding may miss the mark all together.

The following is an index from Mosiah chapters 12-16 that follows the same format we used in unveiling the Lord’s witness (5 part series). I will always invite you to first read these chapters on your own and use the spirit of the Lord to help you see the doctrine of Christ with new eyes. Then feel free to supplement your own reading with mine. Use the spirit to discern any of my messages as the Lord will help you discern. The index that I compiled is only there to help clarify the simplicity and beauty of Christ’s saving doctrine.  As always, study these chapters and verses yourself beyond what is listed for more context and personal understanding.  Brothers and sisters, this is the doctrine (path) of personal salvation and complete redemption.

There are some who still might respond to previous posts of this same collection (“Unveiling the Covenant Path”) saying, “This is not how a person receives salvation or exaltation and yet, they claim to believe the Book of Mormon, the purpose of its restoration, and its promises.” Also, ironically, they also claim to believe God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Awaken! How can you not see what the Book of Mormon really is? Urgently, I plead with you to cease your unbelief!

IMPORTANT:  Again, as I have stated before, sometimes in order to understand what somethings is, it can be helpful to also identify what something is not.  With that in mind, just as you did with the teaching of the Savior (3Nephi 11-30), as you study Abinadi’s witness here, identify what the covenant path is not or at least what it is not compared to what you thought it was or what you have been previously taught that it is. In other words, salvation and exaltation do not come through any institution or person other than personally in and through Jesus Christ.

“And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God.”

Abinadi

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Synonymous Terms:  Names or Terms Used for the Covenant Path By This Witness

First, note the synonymous names or terms used by Abinadi to teach or describe the doctrine of Christ.  These are important because when you are reading the scriptures, it will provide more context and understanding.

“Salvation” Mosiah 13:27 And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses. 28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses. 29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God; 30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him. 31 But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come. 32 And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God.

“Redemption” 13:33 For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? 15:1 And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people. 9 Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice. 11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God. 12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed? 18 And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people; 19 For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished. 23 They are raised to dwell with God who has redeemed them; thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has broken the bands of death. 24 And these are those who have part in the first resurrection; and these are they that have died before Christ came, in their ignorance, not having salvation declared unto them. And thus the Lord bringeth about the restoration of these; and they have a part in the first resurrection, or have eternal life, being redeemed by the Lord. 25 And little children also have eternal life. 26 But behold, and fear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection. 27 Therefore ought ye not to tremble? For salvation cometh to none such; for the Lord hath redeemed none such; yea, neither can the Lord redeem such; for he cannot deny himself; for he cannot deny justice when it has its claim. 30 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 16:2 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. 4 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. 5 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. 6 And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things to come as though they had already come, there could have been no redemption. 15 Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father. Amen.

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Step 1 in His Path (Doctrine):  Hope & Faith

Sufficient hope (belief, trust) exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (seeking for revelation from God and acting on it) is only possible with a broken heart and contrite spirit.

Mosiah 13:14 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. 29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God; 30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him. 31 But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come. 32 And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God. [This was a critical point and very relevant to our modern day. The do-do-do-checklist of any particular religion or institution will not and does not have power to save. It is a gross and abusive misinterpretation of “enduring to the end.” The purpose of any commandment of the Lord is to help a person to be continually focused on the Lord “and their duty towards Him” (v30). “Their duty towards the Lord” is to have hope, exercise faith by acting upon personal revelation, engage in a personal relationship with Him, and ultimately to “be saved… through the redemption of God” (v32). In other words, a person’s loyalty to (hope and faith in) a religion, institution, or organizational authority has the potential to cripple a person spiritually to the point to where they miss the mark all together–to receive personal “redemption from the Savior Jesus Christ” (v32).]

15:11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God.

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Step 2 in His Path (doctrine): Repentance

Mosiah 16:12 Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires; having never called upon the Lord while the arms of mercy were extended towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and they would not; they being warned of their iniquities and yet they would not depart from them; and they were commanded to repent and yet they would not repent.

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Step 3 in His path (doctrine): “Baptism in the name of the Son”

Together, a “baptism of repentance (water)” and a “baptism of fire (blood) and Holy Ghost (Spirit)” are a complete baptism and is known in the scriptures as “a baptism in the name of the Son.”  When “baptism” is used by itself in the scriptures related to salvation, more often than not it is referring to a “baptism in the name of the Son.”

** Abinadi does not use this exact phrase but offers a complete sermon on the results of a baptism in the name of the Son throughout the entire list of chapters. If you have studied from The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide and understand “baptism in the name of the Son”, then you will see that Abinadi is talking about it without referencing the exact phrase.

Step 3a in His path (doctrine): Baptism in the name of the Son part one—Baptism of Repentance (Water)—Witnessing your repentance and willingness to follow the Savior; Entering into the Everlasting Covenant

** In this specific record from Abinadi, he does not separate baptism of water from a baptism of fire and Holy Ghost. However, if you have studied the witness of the Lord and the other witnesses, you will know that baptism of repentance (water) is a physical witness and symbol that a person was “willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God” (Mosiah 5:5). This is the commitment that a person makes when they enter into the Everlasting Covenant and their commitment is symbolized by a baptism of water. It is also the same commitment or recommitment that a person makes when partaking of the sacrament.

Step 3b in His path (doctrine): Baptism in the name of the Son part two—Baptism of Fire & Holy Ghost (Spirit)–Personal redemption/Remission of sins

There are many misunderstandings about this part of the baptism in the name of the Son.  Please study and ponder this very carefully.  Here are a few things to note as you study the Lord’s words about this part of baptism in the name of the Son.  First, there is a determined period of time between a person receiving their baptism of water and their baptism of fire and Holy Ghost.  That period of time is different for each person and is determined by the Lord.  The means of receiving the second part is only possibly through receiving and following personal revelation.  Also, the baptism of fire and Holy Ghost is not the same as being confirmed a member of any church including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It is also not received when a person lays hands on your head and says “receive the Holy Ghost.”  The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide explains all of this and more.  Also, in the scriptures that follow, identify who performs this part of the baptism in the name of the Son (baptism of fire and Holy Ghost):

Mosiah 13:27 And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses. 28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses. 32 And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God. 33 For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? 34 Have they not said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth? 35 Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted? [This resurrection of the dead referred to by Abinadi is a spiritual resurrection. The water baptism is symbolic of the entire “baptism in the name of the Son” experience–death/burial (removed from the presence of God–coming down from heaven into mortality by water, blood, and spirit) and resurrection (being born again or redeemed by water, blood and spirit). This is explained further in The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide and is also outlined in Moses 6:58-68.]

Mosiah 14:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all. [The entire chapter 14 is about how the Lord took upon Himself our sins and that through Him, and only Him, we can be “healed” (redeemed; v5).]

Mosiah 15:1 And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people [Not the law]. 2 And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son—3 The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—4 And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth. [When a person receives their baptism of fire and Holy Ghost, they become a son/daughter of Jesus Christ, with Him being their Father (see also Mosiah 5:7). He is authorized, having fulfilled the atonement, to be the spiritual Father of your soul, even to where a person is commanded to then pray to the Savior (see also 3 Nephi 19:17-18).] 8 And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men. [It bears repeating more than a thousand times that there is no other person or institution that has power or is authorized to make intercession for mankind. You have to receive salvation (personal redemption) “in and through” Jesus Christ.]—9 Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice. [He owns salvation and is the author and finisher of each person’s faith.] 10 And now I say unto you, who shall declare his generation? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed? [Who will be His sons/daughters?] 11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets [believed the words of true prophets that point each person to the Lord for salvation], yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God. [Again, the Lord becomes the literal and spiritual Father to each person that has been baptized by fire and Holy Ghost–thus his spiritual seed.] 12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed? 13 Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed. 14 And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth! [No other person or institution reigns in His stead ever.] 18 And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people; 19 For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished. 20 But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. [This resurrection is the spiritual resurrection which is personal redemption and personal remission of sins. As mentioned above, it is a resurrection (being born again or redeemed by water, blood and spirit). This is explained further in The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide.] 21 And there cometh a resurrection, even a first resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of Christ—for so shall he be called. 22 And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection. 23 They are raised to dwell with God who has redeemed them; thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has broken the bands of death. 24 And these are those who have part in the first resurrection; and these are they that have died before Christ came, in their ignorance, not having salvation declared unto them. And thus the Lord bringeth about the restoration of these; and they have a part in the first resurrection, or have eternal life, being redeemed by the Lord. 26 But behold, and fear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection. 27 Therefore ought ye not to tremble? For salvation cometh to none such; for the Lord hath redeemed none such; yea, neither can the Lord redeem such; for he cannot deny himself; for he cannot deny justice when it has its claim. 28 And now I say unto you that the time shall come that the salvation of the Lord shall be declared to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. 29 Yea, Lord, thy watchmen shall lift up their voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. 30 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 31 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. [Notice the new context here for the words of Isaiah that Abinadi offers compared to when the leadership of King Noah questioned Abinadi about it in chapter 11.]

Mosiah 16:1 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. [Some have misinterpreted this that all have automatically been redeemped or received salvation because Christ fulfilled the atonement. It is true that Christ did fulfill it, but this only makes the Lord the only one authorized to administer salvation (“to make intercession”) for each person. The scriptures are very clear that each person “must work out their own salvation in and through the Lord.”] 2 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 [would not hear His voice through personal revelation and exercise faith]; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not. 3 For they are carnal and devilish, and the devil has power over them [this is also what it means to not have been spiritually resurrected]; 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. 4 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. 5 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 [spiritually not reborn and not resurrected] and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God [you can’t be an enemy to God and fool God into personal redemption]; and also is the devil an enemy to God. 6 And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things to come as though they had already come, there could have been no redemption. 7 And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection [spiritual resurrection or redemption]. 8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. 9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death. [The devil can have no more power over mankind to those that the Lord personally redeems.] 10 Even this mortal shall put on immortality [spiritual resurrection or redemption], and this corruption shall put on incorruption [spiritual resurrection or redemption], and shall be brought to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him according to their works whether they be good or whether they be evil—[the only “good works” are those that the Lord commands either personally (through revelation), or generally through the gift of prophecy]. 11 If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness; [see the Lord’s classification of “good” is to fulfill the Lord’s invitation and commandment to “come unto Him” and personally receive a spiritual “resurrection of endless life (eternal life) and happiness”] and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation, being delivered up to the devil, who hath subjected them, which is damnation—12 Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires; having never called upon the Lord [never sought the Lord personally; seek, knock, ask, receive, etc.] while the arms of mercy were extended towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and they would not; they being warned of their iniquities and yet they would not depart from them; and they were commanded to repent and yet they would not repent. 13 And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved? 14 Therefore, if ye teach the law of Moses [the law of Moses was a means to an end–the personal choice to engage in a personal relationship with the Lord–the real thing], also teach that it is a shadow of those things which are to come—15 Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father. Amen.

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Step 4 in His path (doctrine): Starting a new personal relationship with the Savior by receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, learn to be a servant by using the Gift of the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the spirit; Keep His commandments continually

Mosiah 15:7 Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father. [I highlight this here because it is an eternal principle of love, devotion, worship, dependency and more when a person becomes completely submissive and dependent upon the Lord, their will swallowed up in the Lord’s will.] 22 And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection.

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Step 5 in His path (doctrine): Receive the promise of eternal life, even to be received into the presence of the Lord

Mosiah 15:22 And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection. 23 They are raised to dwell with God who has redeemed them; thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has broken the bands of death. 24 And these are those who have part in the first resurrection; and these are they that have died before Christ came, in their ignorance, not having salvation declared unto them. And thus the Lord bringeth about the restoration of these; and they have a part in the first resurrection, or have eternal life, being redeemed by the Lord. {The first resurrection is not the same as physical resurrection.]

The True Path & The Covenant

Exactly as the Savior taught, we have just been taught the “path” as:

1. Sufficient hope and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

2. Repentance

3. “Baptism in the name of the Son”

3a. Baptism of repentance (water)

3b. Baptism of fire (blood) and Holy Ghost (Spirit) for the remission of sins

4. Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost that dwells in you and allows you to start a new relationship with the Lord (Mentor-Apprentice-type relationship)

5. Receive the presence of the Lord and the promise of eternal life

“… 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. And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things to come as though they had already come, there could have been no redemption.”

Abinadi

I invite you to ponder on the simplicity of Christ’s doctrine.  Notice how personal and individual it really is.  Ponder on what the Lord includes and does not include that you may have been previously taught.  Ponder on the wisdom of its progression.

What Did Abinadi Say was His Purpose in Teaching the True Covenant Path?

To Deliver the Lord’s Message
Mosiah 13:3 Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver; neither have I told you that which ye requested that I should tell; therefore, God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time. 4 But I must fulfil the commandments wherewith God has commanded me; and because I have told you the truth ye are angry with me. And again, because I have spoken the word of God ye have judged me that I am mad. 11 And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts; I perceive that ye have studied and taught iniquity the most part of your lives.

They Do Not Teach the Christ’s True Doctrine
25 And it came to pass that after Abinadi had made an end of these sayings that he said unto them: Have ye taught this people that they should observe to do all these things for to keep these commandments? 26 I say unto you, Nay; for if ye had, the Lord would not have caused me to come forth and to prophesy evil concerning this people. 27 And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses. 28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses. 29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God; 30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him. 31 But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come. [The personal wickedness of King Noah and his wicked teachings were teaching the people to believe in the law or that the their obedience to the law would save them (offer salvation). However, Abinadi was sent to teach the people that the only purpose in the law was to help them “remember the Lord their God” (v29) and therefore, the purpose of consistently keeping the law was to “keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him” (v30)–yea even “strictly from day to day.” The law itself, and even obedience to the law itself, could not offer salvation–“these things were types of things to come” (v31) to each soul personally. The law existed in parallel to the doctrine of Christ. It was to point them to a personal relationship with the Lord where they could actually receive all things directly from Him.]

What Does Abinadi Say is the Invitation Associated with the Covenant Path?

Mosiah 15:1 And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people. [It cannot and will not come in and through the Law of Moses, any other telestial law, command or institution.]

Who or What Does Abinadi Say Is the Central Figure of This Covenant Path?  In Whom Should We Put Faith?  In Whom Are We Actually Saved?  In Whom or What Are We Not Saved?

NOTE: The entire chapter of Mosiah 14 is Abinadi quoting Isaiah to the priests of wicked King Noah (Son of righteous Zeniff). Isaiah’s words are the prophecy of the forthcoming Savior or Messiah–that He alone offers salvation, not through the law of Moses that Abinadi discussed in chapter 13.

Mosiah 15:18 And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people; 19 For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished.

Mosiah 16:13 And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved? 14 Therefore, if ye teach the law of Moses, also teach that it is a shadow of those things which are to come—15 Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father. Amen. [This entire chapter is about the Savior being the only one authorized to offer personal salvation.]

IMPORTANT: In Abinadi’s witness he leaves some stern declarations and even warnings related to the doctrine of Christ–just like the Lord, Nephi and other prophets we have previously highlighted in the Book of Mormon:

“13 And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved?

14 Therefore, if ye teach the law of Moses, also teach that it is a shadow of those things which are to [personally] come—

15 Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord [none other way, means, person, being, institution–NONE!], who is the very Eternal Father. Amen.”

Mosiah 16

“8 And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men—[Christ is both “the gate” and “the gate keeper” (with a key). The work of a Christ is “the gate” whereby Christ condescended to break the band/ceiling of death. Because he fulfilled the atonement, Christ then became “the gate keeper,” whereby He holds the authority to offer salvation (personal redemption; remission of sins) to each person. There are many more layers to this and also includes some mysteries.]

9 Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice [see comments in previous verse]; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their [not just for all but for each one; this is personalized] iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice.

11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their [personal] sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed [sons/daughters of Christ], or they [those that have received] are the heirs of the kingdom of God. [Personal redemption (remission of sins) through baptism of fire and Holy Ghost is the requirement for the kingdom.]

12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions [mystery here]. And now, are they not his seed?”

Mosiah 15

Conclusion

Do you really believe the Book of Mormon?!? Do you really?!? Do you really believe the words of these prophets that saw our day and knew the Lord personally?!? Is there any denying that salvation (personal redemption; remission of sins) can only come in and through a very personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ?

“26 And now, behold, who can stand against the works of the Lord? Who can deny his sayings? Who will rise up against the almighty power of the Lord? Who will despise the works of the Lord? Who will despise the children of Christ? Behold, all ye who are despisers of the works of the Lord, for ye shall wonder and perish.

27 O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord [personal revelation], and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and

begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.“

Mormon 9

Abinadi’s witness validates the Savior’s own teachings, and yet it comes hundreds of years before the birth of the Savior. Mormon knew these records would be revealed to Jew, Gentile and the seed of his brethren.  Therefore, Mormon intentionally captured Abinadi’s personal witness of the greatness of the true covenant path–the Everlasting Covenant.

For more understanding of this covenant path and its milestones taught throughout the scriptures, you are welcome to begin your personal study and your own journey in and through the doctrine of Christ through The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide. Also, to help you increase your confidence in personal revelation and develop your own gift of discernment, I invite you to study The 3 Voices of Personal Revelation Study Guide.

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