Alma 1:2-6 Satan most effective lies are half-truths

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

“Satan is the great deceiver, the father of lies (see John 8:44). This is not because Satan tells only lies. His most effective lies are half-truths or lies accompanied by the truth” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Reading Church History” [address to Church Educational System religious educators, Aug. 16, 1985], 3).

Elder L. Tom Perry urged us to have the courage to reject modern-day Nehors and their messages:

 “Nehor’s words appealed to the people, but his doctrine, while popular to many, was incorrect. As we face the many decisions in life, the easy and popular messages of the world will not usually be the right ones to choose, and it will take much courage to choose the right” (L. Tom Perry, “Choose the Right,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 67).

Mosiah 27:24-26 Being born again is usually a long process.

President Ezra Taft Benson

“We must be careful, as we seek to become more and more godlike, that we do not become discouraged and lose hope. Becoming Christlike is a lifetime pursuit and very often involves growth and change that is slow, almost imperceptible. The scriptures record remarkable accounts of men whose lives changed dramatically, in an instant, as it were: Alma the Younger, Paul on the road to Damascus, Enos praying far into the night, King Lamoni. Such astonishing examples of the power to change even those steeped in sin give confidence that the Atonement can reach even those deepest in despair.

“But we must be cautious as we discuss these remarkable examples. Though they are real and powerful, they are the exception more than the rule. For every Paul, for every Enos, and for every King Lamoni, there are hundreds and thousands of people who find the process of repentance much more subtle, much more imperceptible. Day by day they move closer to the Lord, little realizing they are building a godlike life. They live quiet lives of goodness, service, and commitment” (Ezra Taft Benson, “A Mighty Change of Heart,” Ensign, Oct. 1989, 5).

Mosiah 26:29. Confession is not repentance but is an essential step.

Mosiah 26:29

You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. If they are serious transgressions, such as immorality, they need to be confessed to a bishop or stake president. Please understand that confession is not repentance. It is an essential step, but is not of itself adequate. Partial confession by mentioning lesser mistakes will not help you resolve a more serious, undisclosed transgression. Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to fully disclose to the Lord and, where necessary, His priesthood judge all that you have done. Remember, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (“Finding Forgiveness. Richard G. Scott April 1995)

Mosiah 21:15 Real repentance takes time and may require repeated attempts but it is a holy and refining process.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson       Mosiah 21:15

“Repentance means striving to change. It would mock the Savior’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross for us to expect that He should transform us into angelic beings with no real effort on our part. Rather, we seek His grace to complement and reward our most diligent efforts (see 2 Nephi 25:23). … Real repentance, real change may require repeated attempts, but there is something refining and holy in such striving. Divine forgiveness and healing flow quite naturally to such a soul” (D. Todd Christofferson, “The Divine Gift of Repentance,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 39).

Mosiah 18:34 The spirit will always warn you before any major mistake.

President Packer

It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. (President Boyd K Packer, “Council to Youth” Nov 2012 Ensign)

Mosiah 13:11 Get the gospel from your head to your heart!

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, YW General President.             

 “We need to get the gospel from our heads into our hearts! It is possible for us to merely go through the motions of living the gospel because it is expected or because it is the culture in which we have grown up or because it is a habit. …

“We all need to seek to have our hearts and very natures changed so that we no longer have a desire to follow the ways of the world but to please God” (Bonnie L. Oscarson, “Do I Believe?” Ensign, May 2016, 88).

Mosiah 11:26-29. When prophets cry repentance it's sometimes like throwing cold water on the party

Elder D. Todd Christofferson.  

“The message of repentance is often not welcomed. …

“… When prophets come crying repentance, it ‘throws cold water on the party.’ But in reality the prophetic call should be received with joy. Without repentance, there is no real progress or improvement in life. Pretending there is no sin does not lessen its burden and pain. Suffering for sin does not by itself change anything for the better. Only repentance leads to the sunlit uplands of a better life. And, of course, only through repentance do we gain access to the atoning grace of Jesus Christ and salvation” (D. Todd Christofferson, “The Divine Gift of Repentance,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 38).