Reading:
Ephesians 4:17-32
Mosiah 3:19
St. Matthew 9:1-8
3 Nephi 17:7-9
In this talk I want to reflect upon the life-changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures we have read invite us to contemplate the path that leads us from our fallen state to the glorious light of redemption and renewal in Christ. These passages from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon speak to us of the necessity of forsaking the “natural man,” embracing righteousness, and experiencing the mercy and healing power of the Saviour.
The Apostle Paul, in his Epistle to the Ephesians, exhorts us to walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their minds. This powerful imagery shows us that when we are consumed by the vanity of our own desires, we risk being alienated from Heavenly Father. Paul’s language is striking—”the understanding darkened,” “alienated from the life of God,” and “blindness of heart”—all speak to a condition of spiritual estrangement, where the natural inclinations of man drive a wedge between us and the divine.
This mirrors what is taught in the Book of Mormon. King Benjamin says that the natural man is an enemy to God and has been since the Fall of Adam, forever resisting the influence of the Holy Spirit unless we choose to yield to it. Without the grace and mercy of Christ, we remain bound by the carnal desires of the flesh. Yet, King Benjamin also offers us hope: through the Atonement of Christ, we can “put off the natural man” and become saints—holy, humble, meek, and full of love. This transformation is not only a change of outward behaviour but a renewal of the very spirit within us, much like Paul’s plea to the Ephesians to “put on the new man” who is created in righteousness and true holiness. Both scriptures call upon us to renounce the corrupt ways of the world and to labour, not for greed or personal gain, but for the benefit of our neighbours and for the glory of God. This labour is not only referring to physical work; it is the work of spiritual refinement and growth. As Paul says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” The words we speak, the actions we take, must build each other up, fostering unity and compassion. In our relationships, we must seek truth, kindness, and forgiveness, for “we are members one of another.”
Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, exemplifies this power of healing and reconciliation. In the Gospel of St. Matthew, we witness His compassion as He heals the man sick with the palsy, also known as paralysis. Yet, what is most significant in this account is not merely the healing of the man’s physical infirmity, but the Saviour’s pronouncement: “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Christ’s power is not limited to healing the body; He heals the soul, forgiving sins and offering the promise of redemption. This miracle was a testimony of Christ’s divine authority to forgive sins and bring us back into harmony with God. This sacred act is mirrored in the Book of Mormon, where we read of Christ’s appearance to the Nephites. His invitation to the people—”Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither”—is a moving declaration of His compassion. He desires to heal all who are afflicted, and He is able to do so because of His deep, abiding love for us. In this moment, He demonstrates that His mission is to bring healing not just in a physical sense, but spiritually and eternally. His healing touch is a symbol of the greater redemption that comes through His Atonement, a redemption that reconciles us with God and restores us to spiritual wholeness.
As we reflect on these passages, let us consider the condition of our own hearts. Are we still walking in the vanity of our minds, clinging to the corrupting influences of the world? Or have we put off the natural man and embraced the new life that is offered through the grace of Jesus Christ? Are we striving to be “tender-hearted, forgiving one another,” as St. Paul teaches? Are we following the example of our Saviour, ministering to those who are in need, and allowing His mercy to flow through us to bless the lives of others?
Much emphasis is placed on the Sacrament, wherein we partake of the body and blood of Christ in remembrance of His great sacrifice. This sacred ordinance places our mind on the fact that His Atonement is not only an historical event but a present, living reality. Each time we partake, we renew our covenant to follow Him, to put away the old man and embrace the new. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we partake of the Sacrament to remember Christ’s Atonement and commit to living in harmony with His teachings.
Let us remember the invitation extended to us in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon—to forsake the natural man, to walk in the light of Christ, and to minister to those in need. Let us be a people of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, as we seek to emulate the example of our Saviour, who has the power to heal both body and soul. As we strive to live these principles, may we find ourselves renewed in spirit, filled with charity, and sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
