I'll continue with my series on the temple pattern in the Book of Mormon. Se these two prior posts for background and references to shaking:
We left with Mormon's words from Helaman 12 about the power of God's voice to save us if we will hearken. In that passage, he also laments: "how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom’s paths!" (Helaman 12:5)
In the fallen world in which we now live, we are enticed by two voices. (See 2 Nephi 2:16.) Once we have identified the power of the voice of God, the next important step is to learn to overcome the power of the devil.
The next few posts will review some important passages in the Book of Mormon which teach us how to overcome the devil. We'll begin with a man who set such a good example, presumably Mormon named his own son after him.
The example of "Captain" Moroni
Mormon writes very lofty words about that Moroni who led the armies of the Nephites:
17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. (Alma 48)
Notice the use of past/present/future at the start of the verse as well as the word "forever." I believe both of these are designed to point our minds to things of eternal significance. Moroni wasn't just a dedicated public servant or military leader, his example includes a range of commendable attributes.
Notice also the description of the "powers of hell" shaking and the devil "never hav[ing] power over the hearts of the children of men." This echoes themes from the temple pattern described in the overview.
In the preceding verses, we find a list of powerful attributes which allowed Mormon to make such a claim:
And Moroni was:- a strong and a mighty man
- a man of a perfect understanding
- a man that did not delight in bloodshed
- a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
- a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people
- a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
- a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.
- his heart did glory --
- in [the promise that if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land]
- in preserving his people,
- in keeping the commandments of God
- and resisting iniquity.
This is a great list. I see elements of obedience, willingness to sacrifice, dedication to resisting evil, centering one's life on covenant promises, gratitude, and commitment to the "welfare and safety" of God's covenant people.
These are the attributes which bind Satan and cause his kingdom and powers to shake.
A note about "perfect understanding"
This phrase shows up only once in the Book of Mormon. We find it in Luke 1:3 as well, but that instance doesn't add much. The only other closely-related instance comes from D&C 97:14 in a revelation about the building of the temple:
13 For a place of thanksgiving for all saints, and for a place of instruction for all those who are called to the work of the ministry in all their several callings and offices;
14 That they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctrine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you.
15 And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;
16 Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God. (D&C 97)
Take that for what it is worth.
In the next post, we'll look at other scriptures that teach how we can overcome the devil.