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Scripture Commentary — Doctrine and Covenants 121:40

Many are called but few are chosen

The following chain reaction illustrates why ‘…many are called but few are chosen…’ :

1. When the hearts of men –
.    • Are set upon the things of the world, or
.    • Aspire to the honors of men,

2. They will act in ways detrimental to  spiritual growth, including –
.    • Covering their sins,
.    • Gratifying their pride and vain ambitions,
.    • Exercising unrighteous dominion over others.

3. These actions cause –
.    • The heavens to withdraw themselves,
.    • The Spirit of the Lord to be grieved,
.    • And power and authority to be withdrawn.

On the other hand, the chain could be stated in positive terms to answer the question, “How can I be called AND chosen?”

1. When the hearts of men –
.    • Are set on the things of God,
.    • Aspire for God’s approval and honors,

2. They will act in ways beneficial to spiritual growth, including –
.    • Repenting of sins,
.    • Humbling themselves,
.    • Seeking the Kingdom of God first,
.    • And exercising love and charity toward others.

3. These actions cause –
.    • The heavens to draw near,
.    • The Spirit of the Lord to draw close,
.    • And an increase in power and authority.

4. Additional insights into Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46
.    • Verse 37: the difference between power and authority are beautifully explained in Alma 17:3.
.    • Verse 38: a ‘prick’ is an iron-tipped stick with a sharpened tip, used to prod and goad cows.
.    • Verse 43: sharpness does NOT mean harshness; it means clarity, focus, speedily, expeditiously, privacy
.    • Verse 44: what is meant by the ‘cords of death’?  See Job 36:1-15, 2 Nephi 15:18, 2 Nephi 26:22, and Alma 12:11.
.    • Verse 44: My love for you and your welfare is much greater that Satan’s desire for your destruction.
.    • Section 122:1 — persecution will always be present.


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