Ron Scott wrote: > I'm lousy at parables. Please explain.
Here's my interpretation. I hope that I am not too far off the mark. 1) The filth represents sin, generally, through the individual choices of the children involved. The effects of the filth represents the effects of sin. 2) The children represent ourselves. 3) To be cleansed represents repentance by way of the Gospel. 4) The first father represents an unrighteous plan to bring people to repentance, namely: The use of force, coercion, and fear. 5) The second father represents a righteous plan to bring people to repentance. Applicable scriptures: D&C 121:44-46, and Moses 4:1-2. Charity and long-suffering would appear to be key. 6) The second son genuinely repents because he realizes he needs to change, then takes action accordingly. The first son only takes action so as to APPEAR outwardly to repent. Inwardly, that person doesn't yet see the need to change. 7) Thus, the second son is on his way to salvation. The first son's spiritual status remains in question. * * * Still, having laws on the books doesn't mean that we seek to compel people to do right, but rather, there is an overriding interest to regulate certain things to allow society as a whole to operate in a free and righteous manner. If there were no laws, or if laws ratified or encouraged immoral acts, I submit that it becomes significantly more difficult for either father to teach his son about repentance. All the best, /Sandy/ -- The Rabinowitz Family -- http://www.firstnephi.com Spring Hill, Tennessee ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /// ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at /// /// http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html /// ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// --^---------------------------------------------------------------- This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aaP9AU.bWix1n.YXJjaGl2 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For Topica's complete suite of email marketing solutions visit: http://www.topica.com/?p=TEXFOOTER --^----------------------------------------------------------------
