“I Do Not Know the Meaning of All Things”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet
Prophets, like all of God’s children, learn truth line upon line, precept upon precept. Prophets are not endowed with omniscience from the time of their initial call; they must struggle and search, ponder and pray, investigate and improve from day to day. It is not uncommon for the Lord’s spokesmen to acknowledge their weaknesses and inadequacies; at the same time, they are eager to acknowledge and proclaim that which they do know. “There is one thing which is of more importance than they all,” Alma said. “For behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people. Behold, I do not say that he will come among us at the time of his dwelling in his mortal tabernacle; for behold, the Spirit hath not said unto me that this should be the case, Now as to this thing I do not know, - but this much I do know; that the Lord God hath power to do all things which are according to his word.” (Alma 7:7-8; italics added; cf. Alma 40:19-20.)

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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