“Jesus Christ: The Center of Our Faith,” Liahona, Aug. 2024.
Come, Follow Me
Jesus Christ: The Center of Our Faith
That Ye May Know, by Gary L. Kapp, may not be copied
In Hebrew texts, chiasmus is a poetic structure in which words or ideas are presented and then repeated in reverse order, with the center being the focal and most crucial point. The repetition intensifies in the latter half, emphasizing the main message. An example is found in Alma 36, illustrating the beauty of this pattern.
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Keep the commandments (verse 1)
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Keep the commandments (verse 30)
Notice that the Savior is at the center of this example of chiasmus. Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught about the blessings of centering our lives on Jesus Christ: “Enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ.”
We know that having faith in the Savior will bless us eternally. But sometimes we forget how having faith can bless us right now. Through its display of chiasmus, Alma 36 shows us the power of faith and how it all points to Jesus Christ.
The following scriptures—from different lessons in August’s Come, Follow Me—show how faith in Christ gives us power:
He Will Deliver Us
If we are trapped by harmful thoughts, feelings, or situations, faith in Christ can help us break free.
“Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually. …
“And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies. And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered us.”
We Can Seek and Find Answers
Having faith in Christ can lead us to find answers if there is something we don’t understand or don’t know.
“There are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know.”
Our Souls Will Be Filled with Joy
Faith in Jesus Christ can clear the dark clouds from our minds and brighten our hearts with joy.
“They did … wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation.”
We Can Overcome Fear and Afflictions
If we have faith in in the Lord, He will support us during the hard times in our lives.
“We were grieved and also filled with fear. …
“Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us. …
“… The Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.”