Close Topic Options

Sin, Depression And Perception

I used to believe Satan's purpose was to influence us to sin so that we will be unclean to enter into God's presence.

Now I believe Satan's purpose is to influence us to sin so that we will be more susceptibe to his false teaching that we cannot repent and be forgiven - and thus we will remain unclean (and perhaps more importantly) in a state of mind or perception whereby we cannot move forward regardless of our actual uncleanness...

What do you think?

Dubhdara.

Perception Depression Sin

I think you make a very good point. After all, it isn't the sin, in and of itself that makes us unfit to enter the Kingdom of God. It is the unforgiven sin or better put the sin of which we don't repent. So, if you feel unworthy of the Savior's love, you can easily reach a point where you stop trying to live righteously. As you say, you stop moving forward.

Sin, Depression And Perception Studies Doctrine Mormon

I think you make some great points. It seems to me that depression and despair are two of the adversary's most potent weapons.

Perception Depression Sin

"In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil
and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement
strike--and they will--you remember and never forget that if our eyes could
be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can
see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection (see 2 Kgs. 6:16-
17). They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of
Abraham's seed."

(Jeffrey R. Holland, "For Times of Trouble," New Era, Oct. 1980, 15)

Perception Depression Sin

I think you're on the right track there. To understand the gospel requires many paradigm shifts, even on beliefs we take for granted. I have had some thoughts lately that seem to complete the other side of your philosophical coin.

I used to think that the scriptures were supposed to tell us exactly what to do to be saved. Now, I still believe that the scriptures do teach the true doctrine, but more than that, they help us understand how to recognize the Spirit, and invite Him to dwell with us. The Spirit will tell us exactly what we each need to do personally to overcome the obstacles impeding our salvation. If we follow the commandments rigidly without the Holy Ghost, we are missing the point.

THEREFORE, we sin, and the adversary tries to keep us down - away from prayer, away from the scriptures, away from the Holy Ghost. Sometimes, even when we read the scriptures, the Spirit isn't there. It's just habit. We all experience this spiritual depression sometimes. It's hard to find a way out.

A major part of the solution is to read the scriptures, not as a roadmap, but as a medium for revelation. The times I know I've received revelation while reading the scriptures, it has often been on entirely different subjects from the verses I read. The message is just for me. I cannot stay depressed when I know I have received an answer. The escape from Satan's traps is to invite and heed the Holy Ghost, especially with the power of scripture study and honest prayer.

I don't know if any of that made sense. Sorry. But it connected quite well in my mind to the original topic.

Sin, Depression And Perception

Well it all goes like that... Step by step. The evil one can't just make you sign the contract without listing a lot of 'incentives' for you to do so. That's why sin is made to look inviting, enticing.