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JOHN - In 2 Nephi 31:19, “rely wholly upon the merits of [Jesus] who is mighty to save." Does it mean that i don’t need to keep the commandments to earn salvation so long I am faithful and repentant?
JOEL -
To understand that scripture in it's context we need to include the surrounding scriptures:
17 For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.
18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. (2 Nephi 31:19)
There are several commandments we need to keep; repent of sins; baptism; receive gift of the Holy Ghost; keep in the strait and narrow gate; press forward; have hope; love God and man; feast on the words of Christ; and endure to the end.
We cannot save ourselves; only Christ can do that for us through His grace and atonement (merits); but we still need to do those other things to keep us headed in the right direction and to become the kind of person that is worthy of eternal life.
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