Abinadi - Confronts the king - Testifies of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
God shall redeem them
Section 98:11-12 live by every word that proceeds from God - line upon line precept upon preceptAttention activity: Denialism
denialism is a person's choice to deny reality, as a way to avoid a psychologically uncomfortable truth. Denialism is an essentially irrational action that withholds the validation of an historical experience or event, by the person refusing to accept an empirically verifiable reality. In the sciences, denialism is the rejection of basic facts and concepts that are undisputed, well-supported parts of the scientific consensus on a subject, in favor of radical and controversial ideas.
This can occur in a variety of ways:
As with all beliefs - evidence is presented to an individual and a
You will notice that denialism can occur in both a positive and negative sense. Meaning that each side of the argument believes that their evidence is conclusive in pointing out their point of view or belief. Often times this is because they refuse to accept other evidence and thus maintain their belief based upon that fact.
How can we also be affected by denialism? How can we protect ourselves from this - when seeking truth?
Today we will see denialism in how the priests of Noah responded to Abinadi's speech.
Did not keep commandments of God like his father. Walked after desires of his own heart
Many any wives and concubines. He did cause his people to commit sin
Taxed them 1/5 part of all they possessed to support himself and his priests
Consecrated new priests who were lifted up in the pride of their heart.
Mosiah 11:7-11, Mosiah 11:14-16
King and people became idolatrous - deceived by flattering words of king and priests
Built spacious palaces and thrones - seats of priests above everyone else
Placed his heart upon his riches, and spent his time in riotous living with wives and concubines
They became wine bibbers - wine in abundance for all
Mosiah 12:1 - Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew him not
Section 98:11-12 live by every word that proceeds from God - line upon line precept upon precept
I will try you and prove you herewith
How does not understanding in a fullness a doctrine prove us?
How does not understanding in a fullness a doctrine prove us?
This is how God reveals his principles/doctrines to us - we know in an incomplete state.
Attention activity: Denialism
What is denialism?
denialism is a person's choice to deny reality, as a way to avoid a psychologically uncomfortable truth. Denialism is an essentially irrational action that withholds the validation of an historical experience or event, by the person refusing to accept an empirically verifiable reality. In the sciences, denialism is the rejection of basic facts and concepts that are undisputed, well-supported parts of the scientific consensus on a subject, in favor of radical and controversial ideas.
This can occur in a variety of ways:
- Conspiracy theories — Dismissing the data or observation by suggesting opponents are involved in "a conspiracy to suppress the truth".
- Cherry picking — Selecting an anomalous evidence supporting their idea, or using outdated, flawed, and discredited evidence in order to make their opponents look as though they base their ideas on weak research.
- False experts — Paying an expert in the field, or another field, to lend supporting evidence or credibility.
- Moving the goalpost — Dismissing evidence presented in response to a specific claim by continually demanding some other (often unfulfilled) piece of evidence.
- Other logical fallacies — Usually one or more of false analogy, appeal to consequences, straw man, or red herring.
As with all beliefs - evidence is presented to an individual and a
Choice
is required. That choice is what to do with the evidence. People can accept or deny evidence and thus accept or deny the truth/lie that it proports to support. This behavior creates denialism based upon their choices.What are some types of denialism? Each subject is either true or it is not...
| Vaccination Good | Evolution From Apes | Holocaust Occurred | Book of Mormon True |
| Spontaneous Life | Earth is Round | Rate of Time varies | Joseph Smith |
| Climate Change | AIDS is a virus | Earth revolves around Sun | God Exists |
| Genetically Modified Food | Astronauts landed on Moon | UFOs are real | Creation of Earth |
| Meteors fall from sky | Earth revolves around sun | Global flood | Resurrection |
You will notice that denialism can occur in both a positive and negative sense. Meaning that each side of the argument believes that their evidence is conclusive in pointing out their point of view or belief. Often times this is because they refuse to accept other evidence and thus maintain their belief based upon that fact.
How can we also be affected by denialism? How can we protect ourselves from this - when seeking truth?
We should not freak out if a "Truth" doesn't totally seem to work with our doctrines - which are in an imperfect form.
Although we may not know the resolution to any of these paradoxes - we can with faith believe that there is one and that we may eventually know it.
(Example Evolution/Death before the fall, Global Flood/No evidence in the geologic record, etc.)
Denialism in the Book of Mormon
Today we will see denialism in how the priests of Noah responded to Abinadi's speech.
Background of the setting up of Noah as King
Noah:
Mosiah 11:1-6Did not keep commandments of God like his father. Walked after desires of his own heart
Many any wives and concubines. He did cause his people to commit sin
Taxed them 1/5 part of all they possessed to support himself and his priests
Consecrated new priests who were lifted up in the pride of their heart.
Mosiah 11:7-11, Mosiah 11:14-16
King and people became idolatrous - deceived by flattering words of king and priests
Built spacious palaces and thrones - seats of priests above everyone else
Placed his heart upon his riches, and spent his time in riotous living with wives and concubines
They became wine bibbers - wine in abundance for all
In the midst of this setting the Lord calls a prophet to testify to the people:
Mosiah 12:1 - Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew him not
Commanded by the Lord to prophecy unto the people
Eyes of the people blinded - they hardened their hearts - and sought Abinadi to take him
The Lord always wans his people before he does anything. Amos 3:7 (surely the lord god will do nothing...)
It is up to the people to accept or reject the prophets words.
Mosiah 12:2-8 The Prophecy of Abinadi
2 The people has hardened my heart against my word, They have repented not of their evil
They shall be brought into bondage
They shall be smitten on the cheek
They shall be driven by men and slain
They shall be devoured by wild beasts
3 The life of Noah - valued as a garment in a hot funace
4 I will smite this people with sore afflictions
with famine and pestilence
5 They shall have burdens lashed upon their backs
6 I shall send forth hail and the east wind and insects
they shall be smitten with great pestilence
7 Because of their iniquities and abominations
8 If they don't repent I will utterly destroy them
Yet they shall leave a record
Why were the people angry and why didn't they accept his prophecy?
How do we respond when we hear things that are difficult to believe or offend us?
Do we automatically ignore, disbelieve concepts/doctrines that are difficult to live?
People angry with him once again and took him to the King
Mosiah 12:9 People angry with him and took him to the King
Mosiah 12:17 Abinadi cast into prison - priests to be gathered
Mosiah 12:18-19 Priests question him - accuse him - he withstood them in all their questions
Priests were purposefully attempting to catch him in his words - deceipt and fraud.
Do we ever do the same? How should we teach the gospel - through contention?
Shouldn't you be publishing peace? Shouldn't we be?
Mosiah 12:20-22 Isa. 52:7 (7–10)
After Abinadi has been prophesying destruction and pestilence they quote scriptures about prophesying peace!
Can you see the irony in this question? They are Mocking him with scripture.
Abinadi's response:
Mosiah 12:25-27
Are you priests - and pretend to teach this people!
25 Are you priests and pretend to teach this people - know these things
26 Wo be unto you for perverting the ways of the lord
If ye understand them ye have not taught them
therefore ye have perverted the ways of the lord
therefore ye have perverted the ways of the lord
27 Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding - not wise
Don't you just love Abinadi's response! Are you priests and pretend to teach these things?
Mosiah 12:28 -
Mosiah 12:29-30 If you teach the law of Moses - why do you not keep it
Don't you just love Abinadi's response! Are you priests and pretend to teach these things?
How do you think Abinadi's words cut them to the very heart?
Have you ever known something to be true - and yet denied it because of offense or denialism?
Mosiah 12:28 -
we teach the Law of Moses
Mosiah 12:29-30 If you teach the law of Moses - why do you not keep it
Set hearts upon riches - commit whoredoms - harlots - cause people to commit sin
Away with this man for he is mad!
Mosiah 13:1-9
1-2 Away with him for he is mad - they attempted to lay their hands on him
3-4 Touch me not - God will smite you - I have not delivered God's Message
Nor have I answered your question
5-6 People durst not lay their hands on him -
his face shone with luster as Moses
He spoke with power and authority of GOD
7-9 You see ye have no power to slay me - I finish my message
It cuts you to your hearts because I tell the truth of your iniquities
My words fill you with wonder amazement and anger
It matters not where I go or am saved
My words fill you with wonder amazement and anger
It matters not where I go or am saved
10 What you do to me will be a type and shadow of things to come
Notice the addtional evidence placed before them - His face shown like Moses -like a lightbulb!
He reviews with them what the Law of Moses is - repeats the 10 commandments
Notice the addtional evidence placed before them - His face shown like Moses -like a lightbulb!
He spoke with the power and authority of God - that cut them to the very heart. They knew he was telling the truth!
He reviews with them what the Law of Moses is - repeats the 10 commandments
Does salvation come by the law of Moses? No!
Why do you think they accused him of being Mad? Is madness a crime punishable by death?
Why did they have the law of Moses?
Mosiah 13:29-32 - Because Israel were proud - strict law given them
law of performances and ordinances - to be observed daily - as a type of things to come
No man can be saved except through the redemption of God
No man can be saved except through the redemption of God
The law of Moses was a taskmaster to bring the people to understand the true law of God
JST Exodus 34:1-2 I will take away the priesthood - and my ordinances - and give them a law of canal commandments
Section 84:21–27 They could not endure God's presence - Moses and Priesthood removed - lesser priesthood remained
Mosiah 13:33-35 Did not Moses prophesy that a Messiah should come and redeem his people?
Even all the prophets have spoken concening this!
Have they not said God himself would come down and take upon himself the form of a man
Have they not said he will bring to pass the resurrection of the dead - and the redemption of man?
He is showing them that the answer to their own question is in the scriptures.
He is showing them that the central person of the plan of salvation is Jesus Christ.
Abinadi then Quotes scripture from Isaiah and teaches them what it means - are you a priest and pretend to know?
Mosiah 14:2-3 He shall grow as a tender plant - no form nor comeliness that we should desire him he is despised and rejected
Mosiah 15:1-5 God himself shall come down among men
JST Exodus 34:1-2 I will take away the priesthood - and my ordinances - and give them a law of canal commandments
Section 84:21–27 They could not endure God's presence - Moses and Priesthood removed - lesser priesthood remained
What is the true Law of the Gospel? The Atonement of Jesus Christ!
Mosiah 13:33-35 Did not Moses prophesy that a Messiah should come and redeem his people?
Even all the prophets have spoken concening this!
Have they not said God himself would come down and take upon himself the form of a man
Have they not said he will bring to pass the resurrection of the dead - and the redemption of man?
He Quotes Isaiah 53 - the next chapter in the scriptures from where the question they asked him came from!
He is showing them that the answer to their own question is in the scriptures.
He is showing them that the central person of the plan of salvation is Jesus Christ.
Abinadi then Quotes scripture from Isaiah and teaches them what it means - are you a priest and pretend to know?
Chapter 14 is the scripture from Isaiah and Chapter 15 is his interpretation and teaching concening that chapter.
Let us review them together and lean from a master teacher - Abinadi!
Mosiah 14:2-3 He shall grow as a tender plant - no form nor comeliness that we should desire him he is despised and rejected
Mosiah 15:1-5 God himself shall come down among men
He is the literal son of the physical Father in heaven - he dwells in mortal flesh - and is called the Son
Subjects the flesh to the will of the Father - he is without sin - does completely the will of his father (v5)
Subjects the flesh to the will of the Father - he is without sin - does completely the will of his father (v5)
He is also the Father of heaven and earth - creator of all things (Section 93:2-5 - the father because given of the fullness)
They are one God yeah the Etenal Father of heaven and earth -
They are one God yeah the Etenal Father of heaven and earth -
This scripture has been misunderstood and misinterpreted by many different people.
What does it really mean to be One - Celestial individual - in Celestial glory?
Jesus and the Father are
one
- in Mind, Heart, Purpose and soul as are all individuals in the Celestial GlorySection 76:94-96 They see as they are seen, and know as they are known
1 John 3:2-3 Moroni 7:48 Section 130:1-2 When he shall appear we shall be like him and see him as he is - purifieth himself
Alma 11:43 2 Ne. 9:14; Mosiah 3:25; Alma 5:18 Perfect recollection - There is nothing hidden, all things are known to all for all are
Section 88:67-68
Sanctify yourselves - with mind single to God - whole body shall be filled with light - he will unveil himself to you.
Individuals who have attained to this glory maintain their individuality, the uniqueness of who they are yet they will respond in the same way to any given situation. They will do what is right, they will never commit sin, they will with perfect justice and equity and mercy apply their perfect knowledge to any given situation and act accordingly
Jesus Christ makes intercession and overcomes death for all mankind - free gift - overcoming the affect of Adam's transgression.
Mosiah 14:4-5 he has bone our griefs and carried our sorrows - he was wounded for our transgressions
Mosiah 15:6-8 He shall be led as a sheep - and shall be crucified and slain - even unto death
Jesus Christ - not being subject to death - not under the penalty of death - allows his flesh to be subject to death!
The will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the father - never committing any sin!
He breaks the bands of death - gaining victory over death - and making intercession for the children of men!
All of mankind has gone astray - all of us have committed sins - and done our own will instead of the will of the Father
Mosiah 14:6-7 All of us like sheep have gone astray - we have tuned every one to his own way - he takes our iniquities
Mosiah 15:9 Having ascended into heaven - stands between us and judgement - taking upon himself their iniquity
Alma 11:43 2 Ne. 9:14; Mosiah 3:25; Alma 5:18 Perfect recollection - There is nothing hidden, all things are known to all for all are
One
Section 88:67-68
Individuals who have attained to this glory maintain their individuality, the uniqueness of who they are yet they will respond in the same way to any given situation. They will do what is right, they will never commit sin, they will with perfect justice and equity and mercy apply their perfect knowledge to any given situation and act accordingly
For they are ONE not as a single person - but as an individual acting as one with the same goals, heart, mind and intent.
Jesus Christ makes intercession and overcomes death for all mankind - free gift - overcoming the affect of Adam's transgression.
All mankind will receive a resurrection and receive their bodies as immortal jewels - never to die again.
Mosiah 14:4-5 he has bone our griefs and carried our sorrows - he was wounded for our transgressions
Mosiah 15:6-8 He shall be led as a sheep - and shall be crucified and slain - even unto death
Jesus Christ - not being subject to death - not under the penalty of death - allows his flesh to be subject to death!
The will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the father - never committing any sin!
He breaks the bands of death - gaining victory over death - and making intercession for the children of men!
All of mankind has gone astray - all of us have committed sins - and done our own will instead of the will of the Father
How then can we become Joint-Heirs with Jesus Christ and become a son of God?
Mosiah 14:6-7 All of us like sheep have gone astray - we have tuned every one to his own way - he takes our iniquities
Mosiah 15:9 Having ascended into heaven - stands between us and judgement - taking upon himself their iniquity
satisfying the demands of justice - redeeming them from their iniquity and transgressions
How can we become the sons of God?
Mosiah 14:8-10 He was taken from the living without posterity - who shall be his seed?
Mosiah 15:10-13 Who shall declare his generation? (Who can announce his children?)
Mosiah 15:10-13 Who shall declare his generation? (Who can announce his children?)
Whoever hears the words of prophets - hearken to their words, believe in redeemer, look forward for remission
These are his seed - these are the heirs of the kingdom of God
These are those whose sins he has bone, those he died for,
These are his seed - these are the heirs of the kingdom of God
These are those whose sins he has bone, those he died for,
are they not his seed
?We become the sons and daughters of God - Joint heirs with Jesus Christ through the gospel.
See Lesson 16 - conclusion
Abinadi answers their question - about publishing peace
Mosiah 14:11-12 I will divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong - bore the sins of many
Mosiah 15:14-19 These are they who publish peace - the truth that it is through Jesus Christ and his redemption that we are saved!
Were it not for this redemption - all mankind must have perished!
Mosiah 15;20-25 The bands of death are broken and resurrection comes to all mankind
These are they of the first resurrection
prophets and those that have kept their words
died before Christ came in ignorance
children have etenal life
prophets and those that have kept their words
died before Christ came in ignorance
children have etenal life
Mosiah 15:26-31 Wo unto you that rebel against God and die in their sins - they are not part of the first resurrection
ought you not to tremble? salvation comes to non such that rebel against god
There will come a time when salvation is declared to all
There will come a time when salvation is declared to all
Publishing peace is teaching the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ to others!
It is encouraging them to have faith in Jesus Christ - listen to the words of the prophets be baptised and receive a remission of sins.
This is the message of the gospel and the answer to their question about publishing peace.
Abinadi exhorts the priests to repentance - explains to them their state - concludes his sermon
Mosiah 16:1-3 Abinadi stretches forth his hand and said:
The time will come when all shall see the salvation of the lord
wicked will weep and have cause to howl - the Lord redeemeth them not
they are canal and devilish and the devil has power over them
wicked will weep and have cause to howl - the Lord redeemeth them not
they are canal and devilish and the devil has power over them
Mosiah 16:4-5 All mankind is lost and would be forever without the atonement
He that persists in rebellion it is as if there were no redemption made
Mosiah 16:6-7 If Christ had not come - there could have been no resurrection
Mosiah 16:8-13 There is a resurrection - the grave has no victory and death is overcome
He is the life and light of the world that can never be darkened
this moral shall put on immortality - all shall be judged
If they are good - resurrection of life - evil to resurrection of damnation
All based upon their own wills and choices
Ought not ye to tremble?
this moral shall put on immortality - all shall be judged
If they are good - resurrection of life - evil to resurrection of damnation
All based upon their own wills and choices
Ought not ye to tremble?
Mosiah 16:14-15 Teach them the Law of Moses - teach them it is a shadow of what is to come
teach them that redemption comes through Jesus Christ - the Lord
Who is the very Etenal Father
Who is the very Etenal Father
Notice how important the ressurection is to all these nephite prophets. They had an understading of the true nature of God and that we all will be resurected and become like him through the universal resurection of Jesus Christ.
Abinadi taken and put to death:
Mosiah 17:1-2 King commanded priests to put him to death - Alma believed Abinadi's words
Mosiah 17:3-4 Alma flees and is cast out from the priests
Mosiah 17:5-8 Noah confronts Abinadi - we have found an accusation against thee worthy of death
Under the Law of Moses - that they were supposedly living what crime did they accuse him of? (Blasphemy - same as Jesus Christ)
Mosiah 17:9-11 Abinadi does not reject his words - Noah is about to release him for fear
Mosiah 17:12-3 Priests rise up and stir up king to anger - Abinadi is buned to death
Notice how the priests caused Noah to become angry... and this anger is what caused Abinadi to be put to death.
What do we lean about anger, and about having others cause us to become angry?
Mosiah 17:14-19 Abinadi curses the king and his people - prophecies of the future
Conclusion:
This lesson shows how Abinadi used the scriptures and questions from individuals to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He answered their questions using the scriptures and specifically the words of Isaiah in proclaiming the "Good News" of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That it is through him and him alone that the Law of Moses has any effect. That it is through him that all mankind will receive a resurection and be brought to stand before God in judgement. That it is through him and him a lone that we can have a mediator standing between us and the judgments of God, and that through his grace we can become the children of Jesus Christ. Becoming a Begotton son/daughter of God is that we are converted/changed through the holy spirit to be a new creature. One that is of the church of the firstbon, one that is one in mind, heart, with the glory of God, one that listens to the prophets and obeys the commandments of God.
Thus the importance of teaching others the state they are in and the means by which salvation from the canal/natural state can be achieved.
Thus the importance of teaching others the state they are in and the means by which salvation from the canal/natural state can be achieved.