The last observation of 1 Nephi 13:37 ended on how the quoted words of the Savior by the angel concludes with a beatitude. Now, we know the beatitudes are statements of behavior and action that were given by the Savior to guarantee, as the word implies, a state of happiness and fortune, or as Webster’s dictionary defines the word, “a state of utmost bliss”. These are all results of application of what the Lord calls blessed, often the verb phrase that follows the opening “blessed are”.
There’s no reason to omit commentary on the possessive attributive adjective used by the Savior. The fact He says “my Zion” is very significant. He owns Zion, the condition is one He presides over, and Zion can only be found by and through Him.
In this particular beatitude and introduction to the Zion condition, the Lord states that the blessing in particular, the source of the happiness and bliss described by the application, by seeking to bring forth Zion, comes from reception of the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost. The beatitude comes from reception of this gift, such reception a promise in return for seeking to build and establish the ideal of Zion within the circle of influence of the individual.
The gift and the power. They are two different things in sacred record. The power refers to the influence of the Holy Ghost that is felt to bear witness of all truth.
By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things
Without this power, we could never know that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior of all mankind. Paul lets us know this clearly.
No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
The power of the Holy Ghost leads, impulses one to live and understand the gospel message, because it helps us understand His work as well as the work of His servants.
Now think about that, the happiness, the beatitude is a result of reception of this power. The result of receiving a witness of the truth. So working for the kingdom of God and raising His celestial condition grants a spiritual witness of that very work performed and a testimony of the Christ.
Now the seeking to bring forth the celestial condition not only promises a witness, but constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Continual guidance, inspiration, and at a very personal level for personal situations are some of the promises of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is a significant promise to those who seek out Zion, the celestial condition.
What is the goal here? To testify to all readers of the impressive promises of the Lord, to demonstrate through scripture what the Lord sees in His people, His builders of His kingdom. There is great energy that has pervaded the work of the latter days. This blog is designed to be a witness to only a small part of the greatness of the forth bringing of the Messiah’s Zion.
– Jeremy Unitt
Footnotes:
- First Quote: Moroni 10:5
- Second Quote: 1 Corinthians 12:3
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