Amaleki, an otherwise little-known record keeper, inscribed a theological jewel into these plates of Nephi. The plan of salvation is contained in this single verse: come unto Christ, offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, continue in fasting and praying, endure to the end, and be saved. Offering your whole soul involves willingness to sacrifice all things. The Lectures on Faith teaches: “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation… . The faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things.” 2
Our English verb sacrifice derives from the Latin sacer (sacred, holy) and ficare (to make). The term, then, means “to make holy.” Interestingly, the verb consecrate comes from Latin sacrare, which also derives from sacer. Therefore, both sacrifice and consecrate mean “to make holy.” Our God is holy, and he wants us to be holy (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 20:7, 26). Sacrifice and consecration are laws that true Saints are required to live, as taught and exemplified by the Holy One of Israel in the scriptures and in his holy temple.