Responding to the Savior's Invitation: Arise and Come Forth

This morning, during my scripture study, I had a profound experience where I felt the Savior Himself reaching out to me, inviting me to "arise and come forth unto" Him. It was as if a veil was lifted, and I could sense His presence more clearly than ever before. This invitation prompted me to delve deeper into understanding how He invites us to come closer to Him.

As I continue to ponder and study, here are some ways the Savior invites us to "arise and come forth unto" Him:

Through Repentance and a Change of Heart
 
The Savior's visit to the Nephites was preceded by a period of great darkness and destruction. He taught them that their suffering was a consequence of their wickedness and invited them to repent and turn to Him. This principle holds true for us today. Repentance is not simply about acknowledging our mistakes but about actively seeking change and aligning our lives with God's will. By turning away from sin and living righteously, we open ourselves to the Savior's healing power and experience a profound transformation within our hearts. 

Through Seeking and Receiving Revelation
 
The Savior emphasized the importance of seeking revelation and listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. He taught the Nephites to "go forth and do whatsoever ye have heard me say." This requires a deliberate effort to cultivate a relationship with the Spirit, to listen attentively to its whispers, and to act upon its guidance. As we seek and receive revelation, we develop a deeper understanding of God's will for our lives and experience the joy of walking in His light.

Through Participating in Ordinances and Covenants
 
The Savior's invitation to "come forth" included a physical element, as He allowed the Nephites to touch His wounds and bear witness to His resurrected body. This act symbolized the importance of participating in ordinances and covenants. Through baptism, the sacrament, and other ordinances, we make sacred commitments to God and receive blessings that strengthen our relationship with Him. These ordinances are tangible expressions of our desire to come unto Christ and experience His love and power in our lives.

Through Serving Others in His Name
 
The Savior's ministry was characterized by service and compassion. He taught the Nephites to love one another, to care for the poor and needy, and to build up the kingdom of God. This same principle applies to us today. As we serve others in His name, we demonstrate our love for Him and experience the joy of following His example. Service helps us to overcome selfishness, to develop empathy and compassion, and to build bridges of understanding and unity.

 
Through Enduring Trials with Faith
 
The Nephites faced a period of intense trials and tribulations. The Savior taught them to endure with faith, knowing that He would be with them through every challenge. This principle is essential for us as well. Life is full of difficulties, but through faith in Christ, we can find strength to overcome them. We can draw upon His power to heal our wounds, to provide comfort in times of sorrow, and to guide us through the darkest of nights.

 
By repenting, seeking revelation, participating in ordinances, serving others, and enduring trials with faith, we can experience the fullness of His love and grace. As we strive to come unto Christ, we become more like Him and experience the joy of living according to His will.


Excerpt from my Scripture Study Journal, Come Follow Me
28 September 2024
Fairmount Drive SE Calgary AB Canada 

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