Come Follow Me - Additional Insights "Built upon a Rock"

Helaman 5:12 is a powerful scripture from the Book of Mormon that emphasizes the importance of building our lives upon a solid foundation, which is Jesus Christ. The verse states:

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it will have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

This essay explores the doctrine taught in this verse, backed by biblical references and teachings from General Conference talks, emphasizing the enduring truth that spiritual security lies in Jesus Christ.

Building on the Foundation of Christ: A Biblical Perspective

Throughout the Bible, the concept of Jesus as the cornerstone or foundation is evident. In Ephesians 2:20, Paul describes the Church as being "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." This aligns with Helaman 5:12 in asserting that Christ is the essential foundation of our spiritual lives.

Matthew 7:24-27 provides a vivid illustration of this principle in the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Christ teaches that anyone who hears His words and follows them is like a wise man who built his house on a rock, which, despite the storms, did not fall.

General Conference Insights

In April 2004, Elder David A. Bednar discussed Helaman 5:12 in his talk “Converted unto the Lord”, emphasizing the need for conversion to a firm foundation in Christ. He illustrated that merely knowing about and even believing in Jesus is not sufficient; rather, real conversion implies building our entire lives upon His teachings and atonement.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, in an October 2004 General Conference address, referenced this scripture to emphasize the safety and peace that come from a committed life to Christ. He stressed that the storms of life spare no one, but the destruction they cause can be mitigated if we have securely anchored our souls to the Savior.

Application in Modern Living

Living in a world full of uncertainty, the promise of Helaman 5:12 is remarkably comforting. By choosing to establish our lives upon the teachings of Jesus Christ, we can find peace amid chaos. The principle of being 'rooted' in something stable (as mentioned in Colossians 2:7) is more crucial than ever. We are urged to be rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith.

Conclusion

Helaman 5:12 is not just a verse for times of trouble but a formula for everyday living. As we anchor our lives in the teachings of Jesus Christ, reflected in both the Book of Mormon and the Bible, we ensure that our spiritual structures are unshakeable. Talks from Latter-day Saint leaders further illuminate how applying these principles can provide not only stability but also profound peace and joy.

This combination of ancient scripture, biblical parallels, and prophetic counsel provides a comprehensive guide for building a life that is not only resilient in storms but also joyous in the sunshine.