Gospel Topics: Book of Abraham

 

A new Gospel Topics page is up regarding the Book of Abraham. It provides a great summary of the salient points in BoA discussions:

https://www.lds.org/topics/translation-and-historicity-of-the-book-of-Abraham

 

Blessings of the Gospel and Compliance to the Law - Pres. Snow

Originally printed in the Journal of Discourses, this discourse was delivered by Elder Lorenzo Snow during a session of the April 1879 General Conference. While highlighting various components of the Abrahamic Covenant, Elder Snow draws attention to one of the lesser discussed events in Abraham's life as it relates to the principle of obedience. Elder Snow also discusses the relevance for us in following the example set by out great patriarch:

Abraham was called to leave his kindred and country. Had he not complied with this requirement, he would not have been approved of the Lord. But he did comply; and while he was leaving his home, he no doubt was living in obedience to this divine law of perfection. Had he failed in this, he certainly could not have obeyed the requirements of the Almighty. And while he was leaving his father’s house, while he was subjecting himself to this trial, he was doing that which his own conscience and the Spirit of God justified him in doing, and nobody could have done better, providing he was doing no wrong when he was performing this labor.

Children of the Covenant - Elder Nelson

During the April 1995 session of General Conference, Elder Russell M. Nelson delivered a talk entitled, "Children of the Covenant." This talk outlined the promises contained within the Abrahamic Covenant and he discussed its relevance and importance to us today.

"The covenant that the Lord first made to Abraham and reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob is of transcendent significance. It contained several promises:

• Abraham’s posterity would be numerous, entitled to eternal increase and to bear the priesthood;
• He would become a father of many nations;
• Christ and kings would come through Abraham’s lineage;
• Certain lands would be inherited;
• All nations of the earth would be blessed by his seed;
• That covenant would be everlasting—even through “a thousand generations.”

This topic, which can occasionally be a bland repetition in Sunday School, is brought to life by Elder Nelson with thoughtful and provoking insights. Very inspiring. Read the full text here.
 

Identity, Priority, and Blessings - Elder Nelson

Elder Russell M. Nelson delivered this speech at Brigham Young University on September 10, 2000. He focuses upon the importance of understanding our heritage through an Abrahamic identity. He also discusses the need to prioritize the covenants of the gospel and the blessings that flow therefrom.

How do you obtain your blessings? How can you qualify for eternal blessings—even “all that [the] Father hath”? With your identity preserved and your priorities properly honored, our Father’s blessings will flow to you by virtue of the holy priesthood, which is without beginning or end.

You can lay claim to all the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant, destined to be fulfilled in these latter days (see 1 Nephi 15:18). Blessings and responsibilities once extended to other nations (see Galatians 3:7–9, 14, 27, 29) have now been given to us (see D&C 110:12). Patriarchal blessings reveal our linkage to the great patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We are the seed of Abraham through whom all the nations of the earth will be blessed. That identity merits our precious priority, which in turn brings to us the blessings of heaven.

Read the full text of this speech here.
 

The Key of the Knowledge of God - Pres. Faust

 

President James E. Faust discussed the power of the priesthood sought and obtained by Abraham, and the blessing of the priesthood to his posterity and to the human family in the October 2004 session of General Conference:

What does it mean to be the seed of Abraham? Scripturally it has a deeper meaning than being his literal descendants. The Lord made a covenant with Abraham, the great patriarch, that all nations would be blessed through him. Any man or woman can claim the blessings of Abraham. They become his seed and heirs to the promised blessings by accepting the gospel, being baptized, entering into temple marriage, being faithful in keeping their covenants, and helping to carry the gospel to all the nations of the earth.

Read more of President Faust's inspiring talk regarding the blessings of the priesthood in the Abrahamic covenant here.

 

The Example of Abraham - Pres. Kimball

 

 

The First Presidency Message in the June 1975 Ensign was entitled, "The Example of Abraham," by President Spencer W. Kimball. An excerpt from his message is as follows:

Abraham’s desire to do God’s will in all things led him to preside over his family in righteousness. Despite all his other responsibilities, he knew that if he failed to teach and exemplify the gospel to his children he would have failed to fulfill the most important stewardship he had received. Abraham’s instruction and example in his home led the Lord to say of him: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” (Gen. 18:19.)

This excerpt provides some insight as to why Abraham was not considered just a righteous prophet, but why he was also known as the "father of the faithful" (Gal. 3:7; D&C 138:41), and why the 'covenant' was made with Abraham and is renewed through his righteous posterity. Read the rest of this great article online here.