“If Thou Doest Well, Thou Shalt Be Accepted”

**Scripture references 
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The statements in these two lists were made by two biblical men.  What can you determine about each man based on his set of statements:

First Man                                                                     Second Man

“Who is the Lord that I should know him?”        “He is my God, and your God.”

“I am free.”                                                         “Why counsel ye yourselves, and                                                                                               deny the God of heaven?”

“Am I my brother’s keeper?”                               “Ye are my brethren.”

The statements in the first set were made by Cain, who as we know chose to follow Satan. The statements in the second set were made by Enoch, who chose to follow the Lord. Each man’s statements reflect his attitude toward God, which in the case of Cain we know was not good.  It was not good because Satan, even before the birth of Cain, had begun to grab hold of the hearts of men putting his plan of upheaval into effect.  

After reading Moses 5 in the Pearl of Great Price, the feeling is that the forces of sin and apostasy were active among the children of Adam and Eve at an early time.  There is great evidence that Adam and Eve had children and grand children even before the birth of Cain and Abel. 

As to the family of Adam and Eve, Genesis gives the names of Cain, Abel, and Seth as though these were the earliest children. It does not explicitly say they were the first; it simply does not mention any before them, which leads the reader to assume they were the first. Later, Gen. 4:17 mentions Cain's wife, with no explanation of who she is. This has been a problem to some students, since no daughters of Adam and Eve are mentioned in the record before this. However, in the Joseph Smith Translation (JST, Gen. 4:1-3; Moses 5:1-3) we read that Adam and Eve had many sons and daughters and that these had children also, making Adam and Eve grandparents before either Cain or Abel was born. Whom did Cain marry? The Joseph Smith Translation identifies her as a daughter of one of Cain's brothers (JST, Gen. 5:27; Moses 5:28). (Robert J. Matthews, A Bible! A Bible! [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990], 30)

These children of Adam and Eve were taught the meaning of the law of sacrifice which Adam and Eve had received at an earlier date with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and had faithfully obeyed. But when they made these things known to their children, . . . Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God; and he commanded them, saying: Believe it not; and they believed it not, and they loved Satan more than God. And men began from that time forth to be carnal, sensual, and devilish.

From the evidence given in the Book of Moses it seems that there was an early departure from the teachings of the Gospel, which occurred before the birth of Cain and Abel. The forces of wickedness had therefore gained some influence in the world before Cain which he succumbed to making this one of the saddest stories of the Bible. 

Although the Bible says little about Cain, latter-day scriptures give considerable information. These tell that Cain came under the influence of Satan, whom "he loved …more than God"  and thereafter became the founder of secret societies whose purposes include to "murder and get gain"

Though he was a rebel and an associate of Lucifer in pre-existence and though he was a liar from the beginning whose name was perdition, Cain managed to attain the privilege of mortal birth. Under Adam's tutelage, he began in this life to serve God. He understood the gospel and the plan of salvation, was baptized, received the priesthood, had a perfect knowledge of the position and perfection of God, and talked personally with Deity. Then he came out in open rebellion, fought God, worshiped Lucifer, and slew Abel.  (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine)

Joseph Fielding Smith has written: "The saddest story in all history is the story of Cain. Born heir to an everlasting inheritance in righteousness, with the promise of a crown of glory that would never fade away, and that too, in the morning of creation when all things were new-and he threw it away!" 

A reading and study of his sad story and the state of Cain can help us to understand that choices to follow Jesus Christ lead to liberty, happiness, and eternal life, while choices to follow Satan lead to misery and captivity.

1. Cain covenants with Satan, kills Abel, and is cursed by the Lord  Moses 5:16–41

There are twenty-four verses in the fourth chapter of Genesis which discuss Cain and Abel Genesis 4   In the restoration of the text of the writings of Moses through the Prophet Joseph Smith, there are forty-four verses covering the same topic Moses 5:16-59.   Seven of the verses are the same, sixteen verses have restorations in them; nine of which are very significant, and there are twenty-one complete verses restored in the text. With these extra verses and restorations of parts of verses, much of the confusion concerning the account of Cain and Abel has been cleared and we gain much greater understanding.  

Adam and Eve hoped their son Cain would follow the Lord as they did. But Cain “hearkened not” to his parents and the Lord and asked, “Who is the Lord that I should know him?” Moses 5:16

What does this question show about Cain’s attitude toward God? He had no respect for God, or for the gospel he had learned.  Simply put, he did not know God and he loved Satan more than God.    

What must we do to come to know God?  Alma 22:17–18

17 And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these words, the king did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even he did prostrate himself upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying: 

18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead.

Why did Cain make an offering unto the Lord? Moses 5:18  Moses tells us that Cain loved Satan more than God and offered his sacrifice unto the Lord as a result of Satan's commanding him to do so. The devil knew it would not be respected by the Lord and thereby Cain would become angry. Moses 5: 18, 21

What did Cain offer? Moses 5:19  And in process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.

Why did the Lord accept Abel’s sacrifice but reject Cain’s offering?  Moses 5:5, 20–23.

Cain perverted the ordinance of sacrifice because he lacked faith in Christ. His act was not an expression of faith; and any act relating to the Gospel that is not performed in faith is a sin. Because he lacked faith, Cain offered those things which were not authorized as being an appropriate similitude of the sacrifice of the Son of God. Being a tiller of the soil, he offered the fruit of the ground as a sacrifice, which was not symbolic of Christ's great act of redemption. Abel was a keeper of sheep; and in his sacrifice, he offered the firstlings of his flock as a similitude of the anticipated sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Cain may have justified himself in his actions by reason of his occupation. Instead of purchasing a lamb or another animal that would serve as an appropriate sacrifice, he offered what he produced, even as Abel offered that which he produced. But this kind of rationalization would destroy the divine purpose behind the law of sacrifice, for it was instituted to direct the minds of men toward the sacrifice of Christ and be an appropriate symbol of that offering. Joseph Smith stated:  “Abel offered to God a sacrifice that was accepted, which was the firstlings of the flock. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, and was not accepted, because he could not do it in faith. … Shedding the blood of the Only Begotten to atone for man … was the plan of redemption; … and as the sacrifice was instituted for a type, by which man was to discern the great Sacrifice which God had prepared; to offer a sacrifice contrary to that, no faith could be exercised … ; consequently Cain could have no faith; and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin”

Why was it important to make sacrifices in the way the Lord had commanded?  Cain entered upon a program of premeditated and calculated wickedness. There is a difference between wilful sin and giving way to the weaknesses of the flesh. The Lord can have mercy upon the latter, but of the former it is written: "If we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." 

In the aftermath of his offering, the Lord assured Cain that "if thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted." However, he warned, "if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up" (Moses 5:23). Cain's course of action, the Lord continued, would have long-lasting, even eternal consequences, for "thou [Cain] shalt rule over him [Satan]; for from this time forth thou shalt be the father of his [Satan's] lies; thou shalt be called Perdition; for thou wast also before the world. And it shall be said in time to come-That these abominations were had from Cain; for he rejected the greater counsel which was had from God" (Moses 5:23-25; cf. TPJS, p. 190).

How did Cain react when the Lord rejected his sacrifice and called him to repentance? Moses 5:21, 26  ...And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.... And Cain was wroth, and listened not any more to the voice of the Lord, neither to Abel, his brother, who walked in holiness before the Lord.

Cain was angry over the Lord's rejection of his offering. The Lord, however, was not only merciful with him over his first sin but warned him of the future consequences of continuing to follow Satan.  In the aftermath of his offering, the Lord assured Cain that "if thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted." However, he warned, "if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up" Moses 5:23. Cain's course of action, the Lord continued, would have long-lasting, even eternal consequences.  

Why is it sometimes hard for us to be called to repentance? 

How can we develop more repentant hearts?   President Hugh B. Brown tells the story of moving to Canada and cutting back a currant bush that had grown all out of proportion. He relates the following, "As if to set the bush's mind at ease, I said to it, as I took the shears in hand, 'Someday, when you are laden with currants you will thank me for cutting you down so that you could grow properly and develop the fruit that you were created to produce'." (An Abundant Life, p49)

Cain enters into a pact with Satan to kill his brother Abel

"And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands" Moses 5:33

What do you think Cain believed he was free of?  Cain most likely felt free from what he thought was restrictiveness of the gospel and also his brother who was righteous much like Laman and Nephi.  

How does disobeying God’s commandments actually decrease our freedom? How does obedience increase our freedom?   For some, living the gospel can feel like chains, it feels restrictive, it feels hard.  People can often feel that others who are trying to live righteously are better than they, or that they just don't fit in, thus staying away from church and from the gospel mistakenly makes them feel free, when in fact the opposite is what is true. Satan gives messages that cause these feelings, if we allow ourselves to be taken in, these feelings may fester and we may make wrong choices.  The burden and heaviness that comes from carrying the wrong choices are the chains, they keep us in a prison of guilt and pain so we are not free.  Obedience increases our freedom, it does not cause a weight, it comes not with chains, obedience is not easy, it requires work and effort.  But with it comes freedom, for there is no hiding, no shame, there is no heartache of heaviness.  With obedience we can know that we have done the best that we could do and that is acceptable to God, and that for me gives freedom and happiness.  

Cain entered into a diabolical conspiracy with Satan and eventually killed his brother. "And Cain gloried in that which he had done." Note the first murderer's ironic cry: "I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands" ("Moses 5:33). Free! Free? Cain was never more ensnared by conscience and more enslaved by divine law that cried out for retribution. He would thereafter be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth (Moses 5:39), spending his days fleeing not just from those who sought his life but also from the memory and the realization of what he had done. There is no freedom in sin, only in righteousness.

(Robert L. Millet, Alive in Christ: The Miracle of Spiritual Rebirth 161)

How did Cain respond when the Lord asked where Abel was? Moses 5:34.And the Lord said unto Cain: Where is Abel, thy brother? And he said: I know not. Am I my brother’s keeper?

 What does it mean to be our brother’s keeper?  1 John 3:11, 17–18. 

11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

 Bishop Robert L. Simpson said: “The world today tells you to leave your friend alone. He has the right to come and go as he pleases. The world tells you that persuasion to attend church or priesthood meeting or to discard a bad habit might lead to frustration and undue pressures; but again I repeat the word of the Lord: You are your brother’s keeper, and when you are converted, you have an obligation to strengthen your brother” (Conference Report, Oct. 1971, 114; or Ensign, Dec. 1971, 103)

What happened to Cain as a result of choosing to follow Satan instead of God?
He would be delivered up to Satan, he would be the father of lies, he would be called Perdition, the earth would not yield abundantly for him, he would be a fugitive and a vagabond, a mark was set upon him, Cain was shut out from the presence of the Lord.  

Cain grew up with a knowledge of God and even conversed with him person to person. Yet he rejected the counsel of God and also killed his own brother abel. Afterward, the Lord said to Cain, "The voice of thy brother's blood cries unto me from the ground. And now thou shalt be cursed from the earth which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy handÂ…. And Cain said unto the Lord: Satan tempted me because of my brother's flocks. And I was wroth also; for his offering thou didst accept and not mine" (Moses 5:35-38).  In  consequence of Cain's rebellion, the Lord cast him out of his presence (Moses 5:38-39; see Spiritual Death) and "set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him" (Moses 5:40), protecting him from death by the hand of any avenger (cf. also Moses 7:22). Moreover, Satan had convinced Cain that by committing murder he would acquire both power and wealth. "Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain" (Moses 5:31). This latter point became the foundation of the secret combinations instituted by Cain in collusion with Satan and perpetuated by Cain's descendant Lamech (Moses 5:47-52). Daniel H. Ludlow, Encyclopedia of Mormonism 

Cain's great sin was not committed in ignorance. We have every reason to believe that he had the privilege of standing in the presence of messengers from heaven. In fact the scriptures infer that he was blessed by communication with the Father and was instructed by messengers from his presence. No doubt he held the Priesthood; otherwise his sin could not make of him Perdition. He sinned against the light. And this he did, so we are told, because he loved Satan more than he loved God. (Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection [Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1949], 98)

How did Cain’s choices affect his descendants as well as himself? Moses 5:41–43, 49–52, 55  His descendants followed in his footstep as Lamech became Master Mahan.

41 And Cain was shut out from the presence of the Lord, and with his wife and many of his brethren dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. 

42 And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bare Enoch, and he also begat many sons and daughters. And he builded a city, and he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch.

43 And unto Enoch was born Irad, and other sons and daughters. And Irad begat Mahujael, and other sons and daughters. And Mahujael begat Methusael, and other sons and daughters. And Methusael begat Lamech....

49 For Lamech having entered into a covenant with Satan, after the manner of Cain, wherein he became Master Mahan, master of that great secret which was administered unto Cain by Satan; and Irad, the son of Enoch, having known their secret, began to reveal it unto the sons of Adam;

50 Wherefore Lamech, being angry, slew him, not like unto Cain, his brother Abel, for the sake of getting gain, but he slew him for the oath’s sake.

51 For, from the days of Cain, there was a secret combination, and their works were in the dark, and they knew every man his brother.

52 Wherefore the Lord cursed Lamech, and his house, and all them that had covenanted with Satan; for they kept not the commandments of God, and it displeased God, and he ministered not unto them, and their works were abominations, and began to spread among all the sons of men. And it was among the sons of men.

How can our righteous or unrighteous choices affect our family members?

2. Enoch preaches repentance to the people Moses 6:26–63

Who was Enoch? Enoch was the son of Jared. He was the fourth great-grandson of Adam and lived in the land of Cainan.  Enoch is the great advocate, the champion of the human race, pleading with God to spare the wicked and "refusing to be comforted" 23 until he is shown just how that is to be done. He feels for all and is concerned for all. He is the passionate and compassionate, the magnanimous one who cannot rest knowing that others are miserable. He is the wise and obedient servant, the friend and helper of all, hence the perfect leader and ruler.

Enoch was taught in the way of righteousness by his father and ordained to the priesthood by Adam. While journeying through another land, Enoch was called by the Spirit of the Lord to preach repentance

How did Enoch react when he was called by the Lord to preach repentance to the people? Moses 6:31  He responded: "I am but a lad and all the people hate me; I am slow of speech"  "Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?"

What did the Lord promise Enoch if he would go forth as commanded?  Moses 6:32–34.  

32 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.

33 Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you.

34 Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

What can we learn from the story of Enoch about how the Lord chooses his leaders?  1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

What can we learn from Enoch about serving the Lord even when we do not feel capable?  The Lord qualifies those whom he calls...


MOSES 6- 7  Preaching Repentance
Enoch was the seventh in a chain of Patriarchs extending back to Adam (Moses 6:10-22). Adam's grandson Enos had fled with "the residue of the people of God" from a wicked land called Shulon into "a land of promise," which Enos named after his son, Cainan (6:17). The text implies that Enoch was born in this "land of righteousness" (6:41). Following the example of Adam and Eve, Enoch's father taught him "in all the ways of God" (6:21, 41; cf. 5:12).  When Enoch was said to be "but a lad" (although he was possibly over 65-Moses 6:25, 31), he was called to preach repentance to the wicked: "The Spirit of God descended out of heaven, and abode upon him" (6:26-30). Like other prophets, Enoch felt profoundly inadequate to the task: "All the people hate me; for I am slow of speech" (6:31-34; cf. 1:25-26; Ex. 4:10-12; Jer. 1:4-10; Isa. 6:1-10). The Lord instructed Enoch to anoint his eyes with clay and wash them, whereupon he saw a vision of "the spirits that God had created; and …things which were not visible to the natural eye" (Moses 6:35-36). The word "seer" thus applies to him.  Enoch then went forth preaching in the hills and high places, but the people took offense and considered him "a wild man" (6:37-38). One man named Mahijah was bold enough to ask Enoch who he was and whence he had come. Enoch then explained his vision of heaven and his understanding of the Fall of Adam; he taught how humans after the Fall had become carnal and devilish by worshiping Satan, but how according to the Plan of Salvation they may repent and become "sons of God" through the blood of Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of the Man of Holiness (6:42-7:1).  As Enoch continued his ministry, he told of another vision he had received in which he stood upon a mountain and saw the Lord face to face. The Lord showed Enoch the judgments of war and the barrenness that would come upon the wicked and commanded Enoch again to preach repentance and baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (7:2-11).  Enoch brought a large body of converts to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but his success did not come without fierce opposition (7:12-13). The enemies of the righteous mobilized against them. The scriptural account describes miracles of extraordinary power. By Enoch's words, "the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, …and rivers of water were turned out of their course" (7:13). Stricken by fear, Enoch's enemies and the giants of the land stood far off, and "the Lord came and dwelt with his people, and they dwelt in righteousness" (7:17).  (Daniel H. Ludlow, Encyclopedia of Mormonism) 

Why do you think the people were offended when Enoch began to preach repentance?

Moses 6:37  And it came to pass that Enoch went forth in the land, among the people, standing upon the hills and the high places, and cried with a loud voice, testifying against their works; and all men were offended because of him.
1 Nephi 16:2 And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. 
Mosiah 13:7  Ye see that ye have not power to slay me, therefore I finish my message. Yea, and I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts because I tell you the truth concerning your iniquities.

Why did they continue to listen to him even though they were offended? Moses 6:38–39.  At first they were just curious, but then they realized he was a man of God

38 And they came forth to hear him, upon the high places, saying unto the tent-keepers: Tarry ye here and keep the tents, while we go yonder to behold the seer, for he prophesieth, and there is a strange thing in the land; a wild man hath come among us. 

39 And it came to pass when they heard him, no man laid hands on him; for fear came on all them that heard him; for he walked with God.

How can we gain a testimony that the living prophet is a man of God? How can this testimony help us follow the prophet even when his teachings are unpopular?

It is absolutely vital to the salvation of every man, woman, and child of accountability to gain a personal witness of God's prophet. Such a testimony does not denigrate the position of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, "for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" than that of our Redeemer. (Acts 4:12; see also 2 Ne. 25:20.) However, through his prophet and those who serve under his direction, the Lord authorizes the ordinances and covenants that lead to salvation...

One of the difficulties mankind seems to have always had is in making the transition from following a prophet who is deceased to following the living one who has taken the former prophet's place. Perhaps the people are accustomed to the ways and words of the former prophet, or perhaps they have mistakenly placed their loyalty in the man rather than in the mantle of authority he wears. Whatever the reason, there have been those who have stumbled and faltered in their faith whenever such transitions have taken place...

The Lord's church is a living church, and it requires a living prophet. President Ezra Taft Benson observed that "God's revelations to Adam did not instruct Noah how to build the Ark. Noah needed his own revelation." Each generation requires revelation for the challenges and needs of its day. "Therefore," continued President Benson, "the most important prophet so far as you and I are concerned is the one living in our day and age to whom the Lord is currently revealing His will for us." President Benson cautioned, "Beware of those who would pit the dead prophets against the living prophets, for the living prophets always take precedence." ("Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet," in 1980 Devotional Speeches of the Year [Provo: Brigham Young University, 1981], p. 26.)

Placing a priority on the living prophet does not downgrade the importance of holy writ, for the same God whose words are found in the scriptures is the one who is revealing His mind and will to the living prophet. The scriptures and the words of the living prophet are used in tandem, for "every generation has need of the ancient scripture plus the current scripture from the living prophet," said President Benson.  (Conference Report, Korea Area Conference, 1975, p. 52.)

What doctrines of the gospel did Enoch teach as he called the people to repentance? Moses 6:47–63.

The Lord has made us “agents unto ourselves” (Moses 6:56). What does this mean? We have the power to choose

Why is agency necessary in God’s plan for our salvation?  We need agency so we are responsible for our choices.

What are the consequences of choosing to follow Satan? What are the consequences of choosing to follow the Lord?  2 Nephi 2:25–27.

25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

3. The people in the city of Enoch are of one heart and one mind with the Lord, and the entire city is taken to heaven.  Moses 7:13, 17–21, 23–47, 68–69.

Under Enoch's inspired leadership, the faithful achieved an extraordinary unity of heart and mind. Loving obedience to the laws of Christ was maintained; a state of economic equality was realized, and "there was no poor among them" (7:18). The spiritual unity of Enoch's people took on physical dimensions through the construction of a city "that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion" (7:19). Their lives were based on "the order of him who was without beginning of days or end of years [Jesus Christ]" (6:67), and "after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch" (JST Gen. 14:27). This unique community matured over a period of 365 years, after which it was received up into heaven. Fulfilling his covenant to preserve the lineage of Enoch upon the earth, the Lord left behind Enoch's son, Methuselah, and grandson, Lamech (Moses 8:2, 5). Lamech's son Noah was born four years after the city of Enoch was taken into heaven.

What miracles did the Lord perform because of Enoch’s great faith?  Moses 7:13 

And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him.

What miracles does the Lord perform in our day because of people’s faith?  Record your thoughts in your journal or gospel doctrine notebook, they will help to keep our testimony and faith strong! 

How were the people who heard Enoch’s words and repented of their sins blessed? Why was their city called Zion? Moses 7:17–18 

17 The fear of the Lord was upon all nations, so great was the glory of the Lord, which was upon his people. And the Lord blessed the land, and they were blessed upon the mountains, and upon the high places, and did flourish.

18 And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

What does it mean to be “of one heart and one mind”? What can we do to become of one heart and one mind with the Lord? in our families? in the Church?

President Kimball suggested three things we should do to assist in the bringing forth of a modern day Zion :  "We must eliminate the individual tendency to selfishness that snares the soul, shrinks the heart, and darkens the mind.  "We must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other. There must be unanimity in our decisions and unity in our actions.  "We must lay on the altar and sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord. We begin by offering a 'broken heart and a contrite spirit.' We follow this by giving our best effort in our assigned fields of labor and callings. We learn our duty and execute it fully. Finally we consecrate our time, talents, and means as called upon by our file leaders and as prompted by the whisperings of the Spirit." (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp363-364) 

Joseph F. Smith: "When I am ready to say, 'Father, all that I have, myself included, is Thine; my time, my substance, everything that I possess is on the altar, to be used freely, agreeable to Thy holy will, and not my will, but Thine, be done,' then perhaps I will be prepared to go and help to redeem Zion." (quoted in The Doctrine & Covenants Speaks, 2:299-300)

What ultimately happened to Enoch and the people of his city?  Moses 7:19–21, 69

19 And Enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of God. And it came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion.

20 And it came to pass that Enoch talked with the Lord; and he said unto the Lord: Surely Zion shall dwell in safety forever. But the Lord said unto Enoch: Zion have I blessed, but the residue of the people have I cursed.

21 And it came to pass that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth; and he beheld, and lo, Zion, in process of time, was taken up into heaven. And the Lord said unto Enoch: Behold mine abode forever.

69 And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is Fled.

In Moses 7:28, Enoch saw the Lord weep. Why was the Lord weeping? Why did Enoch question the Lord’s weeping?  

28 And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?

What did the Lord answer? Moses 7:32–33, 36–37  

32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;

33 And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;

36 Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, and among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren.

37 But behold, their sins shall be upon the heads of their fathers; Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, even all the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?

How do you feel about the Lord as you read these verses?

When Enoch saw the wickedness of the people, he also wept Moses 7:41, 44 How did the Lord comfort Enoch? Moses 7:44–47

41 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto Enoch, and told Enoch all the doings of the children of men; wherefore Enoch knew, and looked upon their wickedness, and their misery, and wept and stretched forth his arms, and his heart swelled wide as eternity; and his bowels yearned; and all eternity shook.

44 And as Enoch saw this, he had bitterness of soul, and wept over his brethren, and said unto the heavens: I will refuse to be comforted; but the Lord said unto Enoch: Lift up your heart, and be glad; and look.

What, as the Lords people do we have to look forward to in the future?  The reestablishment of Zion in the latter days (including a New Jerusalem), the Second Coming of the Savior, and his millennial reign upon the earth, which Enoch saw in vision (Moses 7:62–65).

Conclusion

Cain chose to follow Satan and teach his evil practices to his children and followers. As a result, Cain’s descendants grew in wickedness and were cursed by God for their unrighteousness. In contrast, Enoch chose to follow the Lord. As a result of Enoch’s choice to be obedient and teach the gospel to all who would listen, an entire city became so righteous that they were removed from the earth to dwell with God.  The choices we make to follow Jesus Christ will help draw us closer to him and lead us to liberty, happiness, and eternal life.  It is Important that we follow in the footsteps of Enoch and grow closer to God. 

 What can we do to more fully open our eyes to the things of God? How can we improve our study of the scriptures so that we see the treasures that are in them?

Point to Ponder:  

Loved ones who go astray:  

• Even though Adam and Eve taught their children the gospel (Moses 5:12), Cain and others chose to live unrighteously. What can we do to help ourselves bear the pain when loved ones go astray? What can we do to help these loved ones?
  Elder Richard G. Scott counseled:
  “Many of you have heavy hearts because a son or daughter, husband or wife, has turned from righteousness to pursue evil. My message is for you.
  “Your life is filled with anguish, pain, and, at times, despair. I will tell you how you can be comforted by the Lord.
  “First, you must recognize two foundation principles:
  “1. While there are many things you can do to help a loved one in need, there are some things that must be done by the Lord.
  “2. Also, no enduring improvement can occur without righteous exercise of agency. Do not attempt to override agency. The Lord himself would not do that. Forced obedience yields no blessings (see D&C 58:26–33).
  “I will suggest seven ways you can help.
  “First, love without limitations. … Second, do not condone the transgressions, but extend every hope and support to the transgressor. … Third, teach truth. … Fourth, honestly forgive as often as is required. … Fifth, pray trustingly. ‘The … fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much’ (James 5:16). …
  “Sixth, keep perspective. … When the things you realistically can do to help are done, leave the matter in the hands of the Lord and worry no more. Do not feel guilty because you cannot do more. Do not waste your energy on useless worry. … In time, you will feel impressions and know how to give further help. You will find more peace and happiness, will not neglect others that need you, and will be able to give greater help because of that eternal perspective. …
  “One last suggestion—Never give up on a loved one, never!” (Conference Report, Apr. 1988, 69–71; or Ensign, May 1988, 60–61).
  

Resources:

Daniel H. Ludlow, Encyclopedia of Mormonism 
Hyrum L. Andrus, Doctrinal Commentary on the Pearl of Great Price
Robert L. Millet, Alive in Christ: The Miracle of Spiritual Rebirth 161
An Abundant Life, p49
Article on priesthood read at general conference, Nauvoo, 5 October 1840
Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine
Robert J. Matthews, A Bible! A Bible! [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990], 30
conference reports
Hoyt W. Brewster, Doctrine and Covenants Encyclopedia
Donald Q. Cannon, Larry E. Dahl, Joseph Smith, Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith's Teachings
Stephen D. Ricks, Hugh Nibley, Enoch the Prophet
Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet," in 1980 Devotional Speeches of the Year [Provo: Brigham Young University, 1981], p. 26.
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp363-364
The Doctrine & Covenants Speaks, 2:299-300