Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Alma 13

And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such.

So. When a man or woman exercises faith unto good works, and chooses good, they are called with a holy calling. Associated with that holy calling is a preparatory redemption. Is it possible that being called, even if it is a small calling, carries with is a sort of cleansing/redemption to a person who is trying to do good and be good? In the same way that whom the Lord calls he qualifies or magnifies?

When I was called to be the YMP several years ago, I felt very unqualified and unworthy. I know this was a result of my doubts, not my faith, but the answer to my heartfelt prayers came as a very direct feeling of forgiveness, and assurance of my usability. It was as though I was being preparatorily redeemed for that calling.

This scripture isn't talking about callings, it's talking about a call to the priesthood. Not the ordination, but just a sort of abstract call. Maybe in that sense, the call is nothing more than the Holy Ghost working on a man or woman to do better, such that they can receive redemption, such that they can go and serve.

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