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A crucible is a container in which metals or other substances are refined, which means they are heated and melted in order to remove impurities and strengthen the final product. Have you ever, or better yet, do you now feel like a crucible? Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “As I travel throughout the Church, I see members being tried in the crucible of affliction” (“Hyrum Smith: ‘Firm As the Pillars of Heaven,’” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 9)
"The crucible of affliction" may refer to the challenging trials of life. Let us for a moment, while we prayerfully study, ponder those trials and afflictions, and find out how the Lord can help us even further to persevere.
“Many years ago I heard the story of the son of King Louis XVI of France. King Louis had been taken from his throne and imprisoned. His young son, the prince, was taken by those who dethroned the king. They thought that inasmuch as the king’s son was heir to the throne, if they could destroy him morally, he would never realize the great and grand destiny that life had bestowed upon him.
“They took him to a community far away, and there they exposed the lad to every filthy and vile thing that life could offer. … For over six months he had this treatment—but not once did the young lad buckle under pressure. Finally, after intensive temptation, they questioned him. Why had he not submitted himself to these things—why had he not partaken? These things would provide pleasure, satisfy his lusts, and were desirable; they were all his. The boy said, ‘I cannot do what you ask for I was born to be a king’” (“The King’s Son,” New Era, Nov. 1975, 35).
Bishop Featherstone commented: “Our Father is a king, and just as the king’s son was exposed to every vile and perverted thing in this life, so you will be exposed to much of the filth and degradation of our generation. But you … are also born to be kings and queens, priests and priestesses” (New Era, Nov. 1975, 35).
As children of our Father in Heaven, we can become like him and inherit all that he has. The epistles of Peter offer valuable teachings to help us live worthily as children of God.
“Many years ago I heard the story of the son of King Louis XVI of France. King Louis had been taken from his throne and imprisoned. His young son, the prince, was taken by those who dethroned the king. They thought that inasmuch as the king’s son was heir to the throne, if they could destroy him morally, he would never realize the great and grand destiny that life had bestowed upon him.
“They took him to a community far away, and there they exposed the lad to every filthy and vile thing that life could offer. … For over six months he had this treatment—but not once did the young lad buckle under pressure. Finally, after intensive temptation, they questioned him. Why had he not submitted himself to these things—why had he not partaken? These things would provide pleasure, satisfy his lusts, and were desirable; they were all his. The boy said, ‘I cannot do what you ask for I was born to be a king’” (“The King’s Son,” New Era, Nov. 1975, 35).
Bishop Featherstone commented: “Our Father is a king, and just as the king’s son was exposed to every vile and perverted thing in this life, so you will be exposed to much of the filth and degradation of our generation. But you … are also born to be kings and queens, priests and priestesses” (New Era, Nov. 1975, 35).
As children of our Father in Heaven, we can become like him and inherit all that he has. The epistles of Peter offer valuable teachings to help us live worthily as children of God.
History and Background
The New Testament is replete with example and guidance on the trial of our faith, enduring through adversity and remaining faithful in turbulent times. Paul, as we just finished in our study was a great teacher for the subject. But there is another, who even with his own eyes, saw the sacrifice of the Savior, given for us, that we would be able to endure to the end.
In his second epistle, Peter encouraged disciples of Jesus Christ to seek after the traits that would enable them to obtain a divine nature like the Savior. By so doing, their knowledge of God would grow and they could make their calling and election sure 2 Peter 1:2–10. To help the Saints avoid being deceived, Peter also warned of “false prophets” and “false teachers”
Peter’s counsel was very timely because Church members were about to enter a period of heightened persecution. Until A.D. 64, about the time when Peter wrote this epistle, the Roman government displayed a general tolerance for Christianity. In July of that year a fire destroyed much of Rome. It was rumored that Emperor Nero himself ordered the fire to be started. In an effort to divert blame for the disaster, Nero accused the Christians of starting the fire. This led to the intense persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire. Some of the mistreatment experienced by Christians came from their former friends and neighbors. Peter indicated that when the Saints “suffer as a Christian” they can feel joy knowing that they are following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
In addition Peter’s words contain perhaps the clearest biblical references to the spirit world and what takes place there. Peter briefly mentioned that Jesus Christ visited the spirit world to preach to the disobedient spirits who had lived in Noah’s day 1 Peter 3:18–20. He added that the gospel was preached to the dead to allow deceased individuals a chance to be judged equitably. Peter’s writings demonstrate his growth from a simple fisherman to a mighty Apostle.
What are some distinctive features of 1 Peter?
Peter knew that the Saints could strengthen each other as they faced increasing persecution. To help alleviate their suffering, Peter exhorted his readers to turn to one another in love and tenderness Furthermore, in 1 Peter 5, Peter specifically explained how congregations and Church leaders could strengthen one another.
In our dispensation, President Joseph F. Smith was pondering the meaning of 1 Peter 3:18–20 and 1 Peter 4:6 when he received a revelation clarifying doctrines regarding the spirit world (see D&C 138).
Peter may have written his second epistle shortly before his death in Rome; if so, this Second Epistle of Peter is one of his last testimonies. As an eyewitness of Jesus Christ’s transfiguration. Peter exhorted his readers to grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ and to seek to obtain divine attributes so they can partake of the “divine nature”. Peter assured his readers, both then and now, that this spiritual growth would lead to having their “calling and election sure”. Modern readers will also be strengthened as they study Peter’s description of latter-day scoffers who would doubt the reality of the Second Coming 2 Peter 3.
President Harold B. Lee said: “I consider the Epistles of Peter among the finest writings we have in the New Testament. When I am wanting to pick up something that would give me some inspiring thoughts I have gone back to one of the Epistles of Peter” ([address given at the regional representatives’ seminar, Apr. 5, 1973], 2).
The content of 2 Peter 1:12–15 shows that Peter meant this letter to be a farewell message to his readers. Unlike the First Epistle of Peter, which helped the Saints deal with external persecution, Peter’s Second Epistle addressed the internal apostasy that threatened the future of the Church. False prophets and teachers were spreading “damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them” . Peter wrote the letter to encourage the Saints to grow in their knowledge of the Lord and to make their “calling and election sure” .
A dominant theme in 2 Peter is the importance of gaining knowledge of Jesus Christ. Peter promised his readers that if they would seek godly attributes and develop a divine nature, they would “neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” and they would have their “calling and election sure”. In chapter 2, Peter contrasted the true knowledge of Jesus Christ with the false knowledge and heresies perpetrated by apostates, writing that one can escape “the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. At the close of this epistle, Peter gave a final admonition for the Saints to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles” (in History of the Church, 5:392). Sublime means exalted in thought, of outstanding worth, and tending to inspire.
Chapter Summaries
1 Peter 1
The elect of God will receive an incorruptible inheritance of salvation. For the elect, trials of faith are more precious than gold and lead to salvation. Peter exhorted Saints to become holy as Jesus Christ is holy. Because the Saints had been redeemed and purified by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, Peter urged them to love others with a pure heart.
1 Peter 2
When the Saints lay aside wickedness, they become living stones in God’s spiritual house, which is built upon the chief cornerstone of Jesus Christ. Peter commended his readers for being a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. Peter counseled readers to follow Jesus Christ’s example of enduring suffering.
The elect of God will receive an incorruptible inheritance of salvation. For the elect, trials of faith are more precious than gold and lead to salvation. Peter exhorted Saints to become holy as Jesus Christ is holy. Because the Saints had been redeemed and purified by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, Peter urged them to love others with a pure heart.
1 Peter 2
When the Saints lay aside wickedness, they become living stones in God’s spiritual house, which is built upon the chief cornerstone of Jesus Christ. Peter commended his readers for being a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. Peter counseled readers to follow Jesus Christ’s example of enduring suffering.
1 Peter 3
Peter exhorted wives to help bring unbelieving husbands to Christ through their righteous conduct. Husbands should honor their wives. Peter encouraged Saints to be united in righteousness, to be ready always to testify of Jesus Christ, and to live so that they dispelled false accusations made against them. Following His death, Jesus Christ preached the gospel in the spirit world.
1 Peter 4
Peter taught that followers of Jesus Christ should cease from sin and that those who are worldly think the Saints are strange for not joining them in sin. The gospel is preached to the dead so that they can be judged fairly. The Saints should rejoice when they suffer trials and reproach for their belief in Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 5
The elders of the Church are to watch over the flock with the same care as the chief Shepherd. The righteous will receive a crown of glory. Peter encouraged Saints to cast all their care upon the Lord and to be strengthened by His grace so they could remain steadfast in the faith.
2 Peter 1
Peter invited the Saints to grow in their knowledge of God. Peter listed attributes of the divine nature and taught that persons who attain a divine nature will make their calling and election sure. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter and others heard the voice of God, were eyewitnesses of the majesty of Christ, and received the more sure word of prophecy.
2 Peter 2
Peter affirmed that false prophets and false teachers were leading Saints astray. God knows how to deliver His followers out of temptation. Peter described the wickedness that the Saints should avoid and taught that Saints who turn to sin are in a worse condition than before they were converted to Christ.
2 Peter 3
The Saints are to be mindful of the words of the prophets and apostles. In the last days, the wicked will scoff at the righteous for believing that Jesus Christ will return. Just as wicked people were once destroyed by the Flood, so the wicked will be destroyed by fire in the Lord’s due time. Saints are encouraged to faithfully watch for the Savior’s return. Peter confirmed the wisdom of Paul’s writings.
Part 1: I can find joy during times of trial and suffering. 1 Peter 1:3–9; 2:19–24; 3:14–17; 4:12–19
In 1 Peter 1:1–2, Peter greeted the Saints in the Roman provinces of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and reminded them that they were an elect people.
In a scriptural sense the word elect means: Those who love God with all their hearts and live lives that are pleasing to Him. Those wo live this life of discipleship will one day be selected by the Lord to be among His chosen children.
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
In 1 Peter 1:3–5, we find future blessings the Saints were promised.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In the scriptures the words salvation and exaltation are often used to mean the same thing. In 1 Peter 1:5, Peter was referring to exaltation, or eternal life, which is to live in God’s presence and to continue as families.
Then in 1 Peter 1:6, we see how the Saints responded to the promise of these future blessings. Note that the word temptations refers to trials and afflictions.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
What can we learn from 1 Peter 1:3–6? Although we experience trials, we can rejoice in Jesus Christ’s Atonement and in the future blessings God has promised to give us.
When we make covenants with Heavenly Father, He makes promises to us. Those promises include that we always have God’s Spirit to be with us (baptismal covenant and sacrament). We can be redeemed of God, be numbered among those of the First Resurrection, and have eternal life (see Mosiah 18:8–10; baptismal covenant). We can be sanctified by the Spirit, have bodies renewed, become the elect of God, and receive all that the Father has (see D&C 84:33–39; oath and covenant of the priesthood). We can find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge (see D&C 89:18–21; Word of Wisdom). We can have windows of heaven opened (see Malachi 3:8–12). Peter taught that despite the difficulties we go through, we can rejoice because the Lord has given us tremendous promises.
When we make covenants with Heavenly Father, He makes promises to us. Those promises include that we always have God’s Spirit to be with us (baptismal covenant and sacrament). We can be redeemed of God, be numbered among those of the First Resurrection, and have eternal life (see Mosiah 18:8–10; baptismal covenant). We can be sanctified by the Spirit, have bodies renewed, become the elect of God, and receive all that the Father has (see D&C 84:33–39; oath and covenant of the priesthood). We can find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge (see D&C 89:18–21; Word of Wisdom). We can have windows of heaven opened (see Malachi 3:8–12). Peter taught that despite the difficulties we go through, we can rejoice because the Lord has given us tremendous promises.
How can remembering Christ’s Atonement help you rejoice even when you are experiencing trials?
What did Peter teach about the Saints’ trial of faith.1 Peter 1:7–9?
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Faith, like gold, is precious. However, faith is more precious than gold because gold “perisheth” while faith in Jesus Christ leads to salvation , which is eternal. In addition, gold is refined by intense heat, and similarly, our faith and beliefs are sometimes challenged by troubles, questions, and doubts. One truth we can learn from Peter’s words to the Saints is that our faith in Jesus Christ is tested and refined as we faithfully endure trials.
Why is faith “much more precious than … gold,” as Peter stated?
What do you think it means to have our faith tried with fire? What is the ultimate purpose of our faith?
Why is faith “much more precious than … gold,” as Peter stated?
What do you think it means to have our faith tried with fire? What is the ultimate purpose of our faith?
Peter told the Saints, “Ye rejoice with joy unspeakable … : receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” 1 Peter 1:8–9. “The end” in this passage can also be translated as “outcome” or “goal” therefore, Peter’s point was that Saints who endure adversity can receive their ultimate goal of salvation through Jesus Christ. For some Christians in Peter’s day, enduring in faith did not mean enduring mortal difficulties such as illness or death of loved ones. For them, enduring in faith resulted in their own deaths. Peter’s testimony was intended to strengthen all the Saints of his time, including those whose faith would cost them their lives.
What are some trials that you are facing right now? In what ways are these trials testing your faith?
“How do you remain ‘steadfast and immovable’ [Alma 1:25] during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith [before the trial]: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others. “When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view” (“Trial of Your Faith,” Elder Neil L. Andersen Ensign Nov. 2012, 40).
Another way to review Peter’s counsel in 1 Peter 1:3–9; 2:19–24; 3:14–17; 4:12–19 is to think about someone you know who is experiencing a trial. Thinking about truths from these verses how would encourage that person?
Part 2: 1 Peter 1:13–20; 2:1–12 We are called to be “the people of God.”
As members of Christ’s Church, we are called to follow Jesus Christ. This means that our choices will often differ from those of other people. Peter said that by “giving all diligence,” disciples can develop the attributes described in these verses. 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
How would you state a doctrine recorded in 1 Peter 2:9–10? God has called the Saints to be His people, separate from the darkness of the world.
What did Peter mean when he said that the Saints were a “peculiar” people? Peter called the Saints “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people” Peter’s message was that by embracing the gospel, gentile converts had become part of God’s chosen people, the new Israel. They were the chosen nation, a royal “kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. Concerning the term “peculiar people,” President Russell M. Nelson taught:
“In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from which peculiar was translated is segullah, which means ‘valued property,’ or ‘treasure.’ In the New Testament, the Greek term from which peculiar was translated is peripoiesis, which means ‘possession,’ or ‘an obtaining.’
“Thus, we see that the scriptural term peculiar signifies ‘valued treasure,’ ‘made’ or ‘selected by God.’ For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order” (“Children of the Covenant,” Ensign, May 1995, 34).
What does it mean to you for Church members to be “lively stones” in the “spiritual house” of God?
How do these verses help you to understand that God has not left you on your own to reach your spiritual potential?
Peter addressed this epistle to Church members “scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia”—the five Roman provinces in Asia Minor, located in modern-day Turkey (1 Peter 1:1). Peter considered his readers to be the “elect” of God (1 Peter 1:2). Peter wrote to strengthen and encourage the Saints in the “trial of [their] faith” (1 Peter 1:7) and to prepare them for a future “fiery trial” (1 Peter 4:12). Peter’s message also taught them how to decrease persecution through their righteous actions (see 1 Peter 2:20–23; 3:14–15).
Peter’s counsel was very timely because Church members were about to enter a period of heightened persecution. Until A.D. 64, about the time when Peter wrote this epistle, the Roman government displayed a general tolerance for Christianity. In July of that year a fire destroyed much of Rome. It was rumored that Emperor Nero himself ordered the fire to be started. In an effort to divert blame for the disaster, Nero accused the Christians of starting the fire. This led to the intense persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire. Some of the mistreatment experienced by Christians came from their former friends and neighbors. Peter indicated that when the Saints “suffer as a Christian” (1 Peter 4:16), they can feel joy knowing that they are following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ (see 1 Peter 2:19–23; 3:15–18; 4:12–19). (New Testament Student Manual)
Peter mentioned in verse 21 that Christ set an example for us. How would you state in your own words what Peter wanted us to learn from the Savior’s example? When we are persecuted for our beliefs and efforts to live righteously, we can be strengthened by Jesus Christ’s example of patient endurance.
What are some of the ways Church members are different from those who follow after the ways of the world? What are some challenges we might face because we are different?
As recorded in 1 Peter 2:1–8, Peter taught that faithful Saints are like living stones built upon the cornerstone of Jesus Christ and that those who are disobedient are offended by Him because He does not support their disobedience. Peter told the Saints that they could be examples to those around them and help others glorify God. He taught that God calls His Saints to be separate and distinct from the world so that others can see their example and glorify Him.
Sister Elaine S. Dalton when she was the Young Women general president said: “If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world” (“Now Is the Time to Arise and Shine!” Ensign May 2012, 124).
What can you do better to be separate and distinct from the world so you can be an example?
Part 3: 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6 The gospel is preached to the dead so they can be judged justly
The First Epistle of Peter contains one of the few references in the Bible to Jesus Christ’s visit to the spirit world after His death. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
An event that modern revelation helps us understand more fully, Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught:“Christian theologians have long wrestled with the question, What is the destiny of the countless billions who have lived and died with no knowledge of Jesus? With the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ has come the understanding of how the unbaptized dead are redeemed and how God can be ‘a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also’ [Alma 42:15].
“While yet in life, Jesus prophesied that He would also preach to the dead [see John 5:25]. Peter tells us this happened in the interval between the Savior’s Crucifixion and Resurrection [see 1 Peter 3:18–19]. President Joseph F. Smith witnessed in vision that the Savior visited the spirit world [see D&C 138:30, 33]. …“Our anxiety to redeem the dead, and the time and resources we put behind that commitment, are, above all, an expression of our witness concerning Jesus Christ. It constitutes as powerful a statement as we can make concerning His divine character and mission. It testifies, first, of Christ’s Resurrection; second, of the infinite reach of His Atonement; third, that He is the sole source of salvation; fourth, that He has established the conditions for salvation; and, fifth, that He will come again” (“The Redemption of the Dead and the Testimony of Jesus,” Ensign Nov. 2000, 9–10).
“While yet in life, Jesus prophesied that He would also preach to the dead [see John 5:25]. Peter tells us this happened in the interval between the Savior’s Crucifixion and Resurrection [see 1 Peter 3:18–19]. President Joseph F. Smith witnessed in vision that the Savior visited the spirit world [see D&C 138:30, 33]. …“Our anxiety to redeem the dead, and the time and resources we put behind that commitment, are, above all, an expression of our witness concerning Jesus Christ. It constitutes as powerful a statement as we can make concerning His divine character and mission. It testifies, first, of Christ’s Resurrection; second, of the infinite reach of His Atonement; third, that He is the sole source of salvation; fourth, that He has established the conditions for salvation; and, fifth, that He will come again” (“The Redemption of the Dead and the Testimony of Jesus,” Ensign Nov. 2000, 9–10).
As well, writings of early Christian teachers (first to third centuries) contain information about preaching to the dead:
Origen: “When [Jesus] became a soul [a spirit], without the covering of the body, He dwelt among those souls which were without bodily covering, converting such of them as were willing to Himself” (The Ante-Nicene Fathers, ed. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson [1907], 4:448).
Hermas: “The apostles and the teachers who preached the name of the Son of God, after they had fallen asleep in the power and faith of the Son of God, preached also to them that had fallen asleep before them” (The Apostolic Fathers, trans. J. B. Lightfoot [1898], 472)
An in depth study of 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6 as well as Doctrine and Covenants 128:17–18; 138:11–32, 57–59 can help inspire us to more fully participate in family history and temple work. Answer the following questions after reading these verses and make note of what impresses you, inspires you, what you learn.
What is the Savior’s role in redeeming the dead?
What is the role of those who have died—both the faithful and those who died without a knowledge of the gospel?
What is our role? Click Below
While the Gospels do not mention details about Jesus Christ’s experiences between the time of His Crucifixion and His Resurrection, Peter provided the insight that Jesus “went and preached unto the spirits in prison; some of whom were disobedient in the days of Noah, while the long-suffering of God waited” (Joseph Smith Translation, 1 Peter 3:19–20 [in 1 Peter 3:19–20, footnote 20a]).- “Their Hearts Are Bound to You”
President Joseph F. Smith was pondering the meaning of 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6 when he received a vision, now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 138. In this vision he learned that following the Savior’s death, the Lord ministered in the spirit world, preparing the way for the gospel to be preached to the spirits of the wicked. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught of the work that is taking place in the spirit world:
“In the justice of the Father, he is going to give to every man the privilege of hearing the gospel. Not one soul shall be overlooked or forgotten. This being true, what about the countless thousands who have died and never heard of Christ, never had an opportunity of repentance and remission of their sins, never met an elder of the Church holding the authority? …
“The Lord has so arranged his plan of redemption that all who have died without this opportunity shall be given it in the spirit world. … All those who did not have an opportunity here to receive it, who there repent and receive the gospel, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God. The Savior inaugurated this great work when he went and preached to the spirits held in prison, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh (or in other words, according to the principles of the gospel) and then live according to God in the spirit, through their repentance and acceptance of the mission of Jesus Christ who died for them” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 2:132–33).
Regarding this work in the spirit world, President Lorenzo Snow (1814–1901) shared his thoughts: “When the Gospel is preached to the spirits in prison, the success attending that preaching will be far greater than that attending the preaching of our Elders in this life. I believe there will be very few indeed of those spirits who will not gladly receive the Gospel when it is carried to them. The circumstances there will be a thousand times more favorable” (“Discourse by President Lorenzo Snow,” Millennial Star, Jan. 22, 1894, 50). (New Testament Student Manual)
Part 4: 2 Peter 1:1–11 Through the power of Jesus Christ, we can develop our divine natures
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Which attributes did Peter describe as part of divine nature? 2 Peter 1:4–7
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Why is it important that we develop these qualities? 2 Peter 1:8
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter exhorted the Saints to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure”
What does it mean to make your calling and election sure? To receive from the Lord the assurance or promise of exaltation in the celestial kingdom. A person whose calling and election is made sure knows that he or she is “sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy” [D&C 131:5]. Joseph Smith received this promise from the Lord, as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 132:49.)
What must we do to have our calling and election made sure? The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost (by the laying on of hands), … then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 150).
Conclusion
The Apostle Peter encouraged the Saints to grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ by seeking to become like Him. Peter also warned that false prophets and teachers lead people astray. He prophesied that in the last days, the wicked would scoff at the righteous for believing that Jesus Christ would return. Thus it is important to head the teachings of these epistles written to Church members who had obtained faith in Jesus Christ. In our day, we are church members who have obtained faith in Jesus Christ, that's why we are here today, studying to bring us closer. Peter strengthens our faith as we suffer intense persecution, he teaches us that we are redeemed through the precious blood of Jesus Christ and reminds us of our divine heritage as God's peculiar People. He instructs us to glorify God among men and endure suffering as Jesus Christ did. While, at the same time, giving this opportunity for learning, growth, and redemption to those how have passed on before us, that are in need. When we follow the teachings of prophets and apostles, we obtain spiritual protection against false teachers. As we heed his counsel and follow the teachings of 1 and 2 Peter,we will be protected and our election can be made sure.
Resources
New Testament Student Manual
Ensign
Conference Reports
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith
Doctrine and Covenants
New Era
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