28 And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it.
Having been burned by the fire of abominable sin, and having experienced the healing Balm of Gilead, these people were not returning to their sins no matter the cost. Even if it meant sacrificing their lives. How would it have been to live with these people in Jershon? What kind of testimonies were born in their gatherings? Surely not travel logs and thankamonies! Their pulpits were surely afire with the Spirit of God.
They didn’t fear death. They weren’t terrified by it. And this, no doubt, because they were secure and comforted in their faith that they had been cleansed and redeemed by the Atonement of Christ. They knew they were forgiven of their sins and thus they made sure they avoided all evil. If they were to die they knew they were prepared to be taken home to that God who have them life and be comfortable in his presence.
How can that be? How can a people so steeped in sins that are more serious than any others not fear standing before their judge? I suppose it’s because he’s not just their judge. He’s their Brother, Father, Savior, Redeemer and Friend. They know him. They know him. They know who he is. They have experienced his love and mercy, and know he is a God of love. They knew they were Redeemed.
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
I think of my sins, which weren’t as severe as theirs, and I’m not totally comfortable with that meeting yet! I’m working on it. I hope I don’t shrink in shame. And if I do, I hope to feel his hand on my shoulder soon after, and hope he raises me up into his embrace. It is my hope. My one and only great hope.
Death was swallowed up in the victory of Christ for these people. Victory! Victory! In him who redeemed us! Oh death, where is thy sting?
I hope to be victorious through Christ. I know my resurrection is ensured. But if I can’t be with my Father and Mother and Savior and Brother and all of the good people in that society, I don’t care if I’m resurrected or not. Nothing else matters more than going home with honor.
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