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Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

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<strong>Book</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mormon</strong> <strong>Commentary</strong><br />

Moroni Chapter 7<br />

“God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold he sent angels to minister<br />

unto the children <strong>of</strong> men, to make manifest concerning the coming <strong>of</strong> Christ" (21). The concept <strong>of</strong><br />

angels coming as ministering spirits is set forth also in the Epistle to the Hebrews.<br />

"To which <strong>of</strong> the angels said lie at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy<br />

footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs <strong>of</strong><br />

salvation?" (Heb. 1:13, 14). Note the inclusiveness <strong>of</strong> the language. Not an angel (as in Rev.<br />

14:6), but all angels are engaged in the work <strong>of</strong> salvation.<br />

The prophets have declared that Christ should come, and through him "there should come every<br />

good thing" (Mi. 7:2124). After he came, "Men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith,<br />

they become the sons <strong>of</strong> God" (25). (See also Rom. 8:14-17.)<br />

<strong>Mormon</strong> then testifies to the promise made by Christ, "Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in<br />

my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be done unto you"<br />

(Mi. 7:26). There are two important conditions emphasized here: (1) that the thing asked for is<br />

good for us, and (2) that we believe that we shall receive.<br />

Moroni 7:27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, hath miracles ceased, because Christ hath ascended<br />

into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand <strong>of</strong> God, to claim <strong>of</strong> the Father his rights <strong>of</strong> mercy<br />

which he hath upon the children <strong>of</strong> men;<br />

<strong>Mormon</strong> had already recorded a reason why God had -ceased to be a God <strong>of</strong> miracles" (Mn. 4:76-<br />

83), and that reason was given as "because that they [mankind] dwindle in unbelief, and depart<br />

from the right way." Jesus did not forget his disciples when he had finished his earthly mission. In<br />

his wonderful prayer recorded by John, lie said, "I have finished the work thou gayest me to do. . .<br />

. Keep through thine own name those whom thou halt given me. . .. I pray not that thou shouldest<br />

take them out <strong>of</strong> the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:4, 11, 15).<br />

<strong>Mormon</strong> continued and referred to Christ: "For he hath answered the ends <strong>of</strong> the law, and he<br />

claimeth all those who have faith in him . . . wherefore he advocateth the cause <strong>of</strong> the children <strong>of</strong><br />

men" (Mi. 7:28).<br />

<strong>Mormon</strong> thus assured the people that miracles had not ceased, "neither have angels ceased to<br />

minister unto the children <strong>of</strong> men. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to<br />

the word <strong>of</strong> his command" (30, 31).<br />

This may seem like the repetition <strong>of</strong> an accepted truth to many readers; but remember that it is<br />

incredulous to most "Christians" and to all non-Christians. Those who have the <strong>Book</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mormon</strong><br />

should witness <strong>of</strong> this truth that angels do serve Christ today, and that "the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> their ministry<br />

is, to call men unto repentance, and to fulfill and to do the work <strong>of</strong> the covenants <strong>of</strong> the Father<br />

which he bath made unto the children <strong>of</strong> men" (32). Then <strong>Mormon</strong> makes this appeal: "Repent all<br />

ye ends <strong>of</strong> the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye<br />

may be saved" (36).<br />

THE NEED FOR CHARITY, VER. 37-53<br />

Moroni 7:37 And now my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I<br />

have spoken unto you, and God will shew unto you with power and great glory at the last day, that<br />

they are true; and if they are true, has the day <strong>of</strong> miracles ceased?

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