Free Agency (Choice & Accountability VE1)

2 Nephi 2 is one of my favorite chapters of the Book of Mormon. Starting in v4 -6, Nephi explains how men have agency: “…And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free. And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men...Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth”

Nephi then discusses the importance of the atonement and the necessity of opposition in all things starting with Adam and Eve. Verses 22 – 27 are long, but deep. From these verses we learn that the Fall was necessary for us to come to Earth. Equally important is the atonement that allowed us to overcome the consequences of the Fall. As stated in verse 25 and 27:

“Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy…Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”

Along with agency, however, comes the consequences of our choices. D&C 82:3-4 states, "For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation...and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law…"

The blessings, however, of choosing to keep the commandments and our covenants far outweigh the struggles and adversity that we are asked to endure. This adversity tests our testimonies, but when we are obedient, Heavenly Father is bound to the law and his promised blessings are poured out upon us. "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" (D&C 82:10).