2 Nephi 2:1 Suffering is not necessarily our fault

Much of our suffering is not necessarily our fault. Unexpected events, contradicting or disappointing circumstances, interrupting illness, and even death surround us and penetrate our mortal experience. Additionally, we may suffer afflictions because of the actions of others.  [See  Alma 31:31, 33 Lehi noted that Jacob had “suffered … much sorrow, because of the rudeness of [his] brethren.”  2 Nephi 2:1 Opposition is part of Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. We all encounter enough to bring us to an awareness of our Father’s love and of our need for the Savior’s help. (Elder Kent F Richards, General Conference, April 2011)

2 Nephi 2:2 Jesus Christ will consecrate our afflictions for our gain

Jesus Christ overcame the world and “absorbed” all unfairness. Because of Him, we can have peace in this world and be of good cheer. [See  John 16:33] If we let Him, Jesus Christ will consecrate the unfairness for our gain. [See  2 Nephi 2:2] He will not just console us and restore what was lost; [See  Job 42:10, 12–13  Jacob 3:1] He will use the unfairness for our benefit. When it comes to how and when, we need to recognize and accept, as did Alma, that “it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case.”[ Alma 40:5] (Elder Dale G Renlund, General Conference, April 2021)

 2 Nephi 2:5 The law is given unto men.

‘Life is meant to be a test to see if we will keep the commandments of God. We are free to obey or to ignore the spirit and the letter of the law. But the agency granted to man is a moral agency. We are not free to break our covenants and escape the consequences.’ (Boyd K Packer, General Conference, October 1990)

2 Nephi 2:7 A sacrifice for sin

‘There is a Redeemer, a Mediator, who stands both willing and able to appease the demands of justice and extend mercy to those who are penitent, for “He offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.” 2 Ne. 2:7

Already He has accomplished the redemption of all mankind from mortal death; resurrection is extended to all without condition.

He also makes possible redemption from the second death, which is the spiritual death, which is separation from the presence of our Heavenly Father. This redemption can come only to those who are clean, for no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God.

If justice decrees that we are not eligible because of our transgression, mercy provides a probation, a penitence, a preparation to enter in.’ (Boyd K Packer, General Conference, April 1977)

2 Nephi 2:8 The merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah

“I once wondered if those who refuse to repent but who then satisfy the law of justice by paying for their own sins are then worthy to enter the celestial kingdom. The answer is no. The entrance requirements for celestial life are simply higher than merely satisfying the law of justice. For that reason, paying for our sins will not bear the same fruit as repenting of our sins. Justice is a law of balance and order and it must be satisfied, either through our payment or his. But if we decline the Savior’s invitation to let him carry our sins, and then satisfy justice by ourselves, we will not yet have experienced the complete rehabilitation that can occur through a combination of divine assistance and genuine repentance. Working together, those forces have the power permanently to change our hearts and our lives, preparing us for celestial life” (Bruce C Hafen, The Broken Heart: Applying the Atonement to Life’s Experiences [1989], 7–8).