This section of the Book of Mormon is a refreshing lesson for those who desire to receive a remission of their sins by living a Christlike life—resulting in a mighty change of heart that alone can serve as a sure and immovable foundation for honoring covenant commitments. An authentic change of heart brings a transformation in our attitudes and behavior. Our affections are directed toward our God in love, and because of our love we obey. Our decisions will be according to the commandments and the will of God, because it is not our own will or the enticements of the world but the will of God we seek to obey. The doctrines, principles, and covenants that King Benjamin teaches, when understood and appreciated, will fill our hearts with gratitude, and we too will make the mighty change and keep our covenants, faithfully enduring to the end.
Here is a question of conscience: King Benjamin’s magnificent sermon is a demonstration of the power of the word (see Alma 31:5) and of the Holy Spirit (see 2 Nephi 33:1)—plus the goodness of the people to come and willingly hear the word of God (see Mosiah 2:1). The people offer sacrifices to demonstrate their thanks to the Lord for their blessings. They rejoice in being filled with love toward God and toward all men (see Mosiah 2:3–6).Will we make King Benjamin’s sermon a part of our lives, that we might say as those who were there: “we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually (Mosiah 5:2)”?