Feb 2, 2011 | Bible, Book of Mormon, Current issues, Forgiveness, Jesus Christ
Question Dear Gramps, I read recently that the crucifixion of Christ didn’t atone for all sins. Some sins, such as murder, require a blood sacrifice. This is the idea behind capital punishment. I find this all very confusing. Could you possibly shed some light...
Feb 1, 2011 | Forgiveness, Repentance
Gramps, My son and his girl friend, both 17, recently had a child which they gave up for adoption to a wonderful LDS couple. Coming to the decision to do this was grueling and difficult, but the teenagers knew that they were not ready to commit to each other and both...
Jan 24, 2011 | Current issues, Forgiveness, Testimony
Gramps, I have heard a number of members say they are bearing their testimony because when they do their sins are forgiven..is it this easy ? Or have these members been misled. Confused but Hopeful Dear Confused, Looks to me like a vain hope. Testimony, a...
Jan 14, 2011 | Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Forgiveness, Repentance
Gramps, Many years ago some speakers in the church used an example of the effects of sinning (and the difficulty of repenting): pounding nails into a board, then pulling them out. The point? A hole remains, indicating permanent scaring. I understand that President...
Jan 13, 2011 | Bible, Current issues, Doctrine & Covenants, Forgiveness, God, Repentance
Waz up bro? I’ve been wondering something lately… We all have talents that God gave to us. If we do something bad, does He take them away? Because I’ve sinned and I’ve repented and stuff, and I do the same sins over and over again. I’m...
Jan 3, 2011 | Doctrine & Covenants, Forgiveness, Holy Ghost, Satan
Gramps, Is outer darkness reserved for apostate LDS? The discussion here is the definition of “knowing the Holy Ghost.” Graham, from British Columbia Dear Graham, The term “outer darkness” refers to the place to where Satan will be banished....
Dec 21, 2010 | Current issues, Doctrine & Covenants, Forgiveness
Gramps, I realize that when the Savior said that we are to forgive seventy times seven, the number is not as much realistic as it is symbolic, meaning a limitless amount of times. However, I have heard that the Lord has placed a limit to the number of times we should...
Nov 23, 2010 | Current issues, Forgiveness, Repentance
Dear Gramps, My question is on repentance. How does one go about it? My question arises because in a recent meeting of the stake priesthood (I attend a University student stake) the president advised those who had committed any form of fornicative sin to see his...
Nov 22, 2010 | Baptism, Forgiveness, Repentance
Dear Gramps, Throughout our lives we commit wrongs. Some are worse than others. When we are baptized as adults, if we are truly repentant are we starting again with a clean slate? Later on we again fail in some measure but truely repent. We never do that thing again....
Nov 11, 2010 | Forgiveness, Holy Ghost, Repentance
Question Gramps, I have a question that you may or may not want to answer through your column. What is the status (for lack of a better word) of the Spirit abiding or not abiding with excommunicated persons? I realize that those who are in this situation are worse...