More questions on pieces – 3 Nephi 9:15-18 with John 1:11-12

If Nephi 9 is to be dated A.D. 34, this predates the writing of the Gospel of John. So why didn’t the Holy Spirit communicate to the author of the Gospel that John 1:11-12 is a direct statement of the Lord Jesus Christ?

And did John’s Gospel recover the word, “power,” that apparently seems absent in 3 Nephi 9:17?

The KJV published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has footnotes connected to John 1:12. For example with the word “power,” you may follow in the corresponding footnote – “GR authority, right, privilege.” This is excellent because in any KJV Bible retaining the translators’ marginal notes, you will find “power: or, the right, or, the privilege.” Are we on the same page that “exousian” (power in the KJV) does not mean that we have some personal, special, inwardly-derived ability or power to become children of God. Do we agree that the privilege is freely given to us by grace as we fully believe in the Logos?

3 comments

  1. My understanding of grace is always growing, but I think most Mormons believe that grace is something freely offered by God that everyone benefits from (via resurrection), but some will benefit from more than others by accepting baptism and allowing God’s grace change our very natures. It’s this last bit that I think is controversial: if I continue in sin, have I really accepted God’s grace fully in my life? I think many Mormons are misguided in focusing on doing good works rather than accepting God’s grace (after which the works will flow naturally)…. Here is an article that is somewhat representative of a (relatively) carefully thought out LDS position on grace: http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/Is_There_Salvation_by_Grace_Alone.html

  2. A couple of thoughts:

    1. It would be helpful if you provided the quoted text (3 Nephi 9:15-18) in your discussion.

    2. Since the Heart Issues for LDS blog readers may have different backgrounds, I suggest including the complete text of all Biblical and LDS references that you use. Not everyone will take the time or have the quoted references to look up the text.

  3. Robert C., I am impressed with your response:

    I think many Mormons are misguided in focusing on doing good works rather than accepting God’s grace (after which the works will flow naturally)….

    You show a good understanding of grace and works!

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