King Benjamin bears testimony, as did Nephi (see 2 Nephi 31:21) and Peter in the New Testament (see Acts 4:12), there is no other salvation or condition of salvation than what he has spoken (v. 8). He tells them what is required to obtain their salvation in relationship to God. They must believe in God (Mosiah 4:9). The Lectures on Faith states that “to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation,” we must have “the idea that he actually exists” (Lecture 3:2–3). This idea comes to us from the scriptures and from the living prophets. In the words of Joseph Smith: “Faith comes by hearing the word of God, through the testimony of the servants of God; that testimony is always attended by the spirit of prophecy and revelation” ( TPJS, 148). We have the scriptures and the living prophets available to us today.
God created all things in heaven and earth (v. 9). Therefore he created other worlds. From Moses we learn that “worlds without number have I created” (Moses 1:33). John bore testimony: “He was in the world, and the world was made by him” (John 1:10). Paul taught that “by [Christ] were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth” (Colossians 1:16). He also wrote, “by [his Son] also he made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2).
He has all wisdom (Mosiah 4:9). In modern theology, he is omniscient. Paul taught, “In [Christ] are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). He has all power (Mosiah 4:9). In modern theology, he is omnipotent. Moses was told, “by the word of my power, have I created [all things], which is mine Only Begotten Son” (Moses 1:32). Christ “received all power, both in heaven and on earth” (D&C 93:17). Man cannot comprehend all that God does (Mosiah 4:9). Jacob, son of Lehi, testified that “it is impossible that man should find out all [Christ’s] ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him” (Jacob 4:8). Isaiah says: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9).
Man must repent and humble himself before God (v. 10). The conditions of repentance will be discussed in a later chapter. The scriptures define humility as to “become as little children” (Mosiah 3:18). Paul reminds us to “be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” (1 Corinthians 14:20). Alma says the humble “walk after the holy order of God” (Alma 5:54), and are “lowly in heart” (Alma 32:8). Man must also ask God for forgiveness (Mosiah 4:11). It is probably easier to believe these things about God than to do them (v. 10). King Benjamin’s precept to his people was to see that they did them. It is also the precept for us to be brought nearer to God (see Joseph Smith, Introduction).
King Benjamin’s people had come to a knowledge of God and received a remission of sins (v. 11). To retain that remission of sins he counseled them to retain in remembrance the greatness of God and their own nothingness (v. 11). This was the first thing that he told them to see that they did. They were also to humble themselves and call upon God daily (v. 11). This counsel was not just to pray occasionally, or even just once a day. Amulek counseled to pray “both morning, mid-day, and evening” (Alma 34:21); and Alma told his son Helaman, “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good” (Alma 37:27). The third thing they were to do was to stand steadfast “in the faith of that which is to come” (Mosiah 4:11). In other words, they were to study the scriptures and learn the prophecies of the future.
Besides retaining a remission of sins, the above actions will fill you with the love of God. In fact, verses five through twelve instruct us on how to keep the first and great commandment, to “love the Lord thy God with all of thy heart, and with all of thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37–38). These actions will also bring growth in the knowledge of God, and in the knowledge of truth. It will enable us to “come unto the Father in [Christ’s] name, and in due time receive of his fulness.” By following these instructions we “shall receive grace for grace” (D&C 93:19–20), and be on the path of eternal progression. We will show of a surety that we love God.