“Not Possible That They Could Disbelieve His Words”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

Nephi spoke with such convincing power that it was impossible to deny the truthfulness of that which he taught. Such is the authority of the Spirit (compare 1 Nephi 17:52). Of the sons of Mosiah we are told that they were diligent students of the scriptures and therefore,

“Men of a sound understanding . . . . but this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.”

(Alma 17:2-3.)

Such is the pattern for the Lord’s servants and such was the example of the Master himself, of whom it was said,

“He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

(Matthew 7:29).

Of Enoch it was said that his faith was so great that,

“He led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him”

(Moses 7:13).

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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