“That… Others Might He Partakers of the Heavenly Gift”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet
The heavenly gift of which Moroni speaks is the forgiveness of sins, the companionship of the Holy Ghost (see Hebrews 6:4), and the accompanying gifts of the Spirit that are bestowed upon the just and faithful Saints of God. The Apostle Peter spoke of this gift as “the divine nature” (see 2 Peter 1:4) that, through the atoning grace of Christ, swallows up the natural man. Through faith and acceptance of Christ’s atoning plan of mercy people can be cleansed of iniquity, transformed into “new creatures.” During the golden era of the Nephite Zion society the people partook of the heavenly gift, which produced a society free from contention and disputation, injustices and inequities, lasciviousness and crime. By virtue of this transformation that resulted from their faith in Christ it was said of them that “there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God” (see 4 Nephi 1:2-3, 15-18).

“Be Partakers of the Heavenly Gift”

From the words and examples of faith of these holy men of God as found in the scriptures, Moroni desires that others may also come to have that kind of faith and hope and thereby partake of this heavenly gift (see verses 8-9). Today, as in all dispensations, the primary purpose of the Church is to lead women and men unto Christ, that through faith on his sacred name they will partake of higher ordinances and covenants, and will demonstrate their faith through acts of service and continued righteousness. This faith, of which Moroni so eloquently speaks, will lead to that heavenly gift and divine nature.

President Spencer W. Kimball testified:

“Just, as undaunted faith has stopped the mouths of lions, made ineffective fiery flames, opened dry corridors through rivers and seas, protected against deluge and brought heavenly manifestations at the instance of prophets, so in each of our lives faith can heal the sick, bring comfort to those who mourn, strengthen resolve against temptation, relieve from the bondage of harmful habits lend the strength to repent and change our lives, and lad to a sure knowledge of the divinity of Jesus Christ. Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments with a willing heart and thereby bring blessings unnumbered, with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God.” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 12.)

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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