Book of Mormon
Covenant of Christ
Jesus Christ sheweth himself unto the people of Nephi, as the multitude were gathered together in the land Bountiful, and did minister unto them; and on this wise did he shew himself unto them.
Jesus Christ showed Himself to the Nephites when a large number of people had gathered in Bountiful; and He ministered to them. He appeared to them as described in the following account.
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11 And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were shewing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place. 2 And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.
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11 Now a large number of Nephites gathered around the temple in Bountiful. They were astonished, talking to each other in amazement, pointing out to each other the remarkable changes that had taken place. 2 They were also talking with each other about Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given about His death.
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3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of Heaven. And they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice. Nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice, it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there were no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake, yea, it did pierce them to the very soul and did cause their hearts to burn. 4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice and they understood it not. 5 And again the third time they did hear the voice and did open their ears to hear it, and their eyes were towards the sound thereof, and they did look steadfastly towards Heaven, from whence the sound came. 6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard, and it said unto them, 7 Behold my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name; hear ye him.
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3 While they were conversing about this, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven. And they looked around, since they didn’t understand the voice they heard. It wasn’t a harsh voice or a loud voice. But despite being a quiet voice, it pierced those who heard it to the core, so much that they trembled. It cut them to the core and melted their hearts. 4 They heard the voice again but didn’t understand it. 5 And they heard the voice a third time and understood and listened attentively to it. They looked toward the sound, looking steadily toward heaven, where it originated. 6 At the third time, they understood the voice, and it said to them: 7 Here is My Beloved Son, in whom I’m well pleased, in whom I’ve glorified My name. Listen to Him!
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8 And it came to pass, as they understood, they cast their eyes up again towards Heaven. And behold, they saw a man descending out of Heaven, and he was clothed in a white robe, and he came down and stood in the midst of them. And the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.
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8 When they understood, they looked up again to heaven. They saw a man descending from heaven, and He was dressed in a white robe. He came down and stood among them, and the whole crowd was looking at Him. They didn’t dare speak, not even to each other, and they didn’t know what it meant, since they thought it was an angel appearing to them.
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9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying, 10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, of whom the prophets testified should come into the world. 11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drank out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. 12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, the whole multitude fell to the earth, for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should shew himself unto them after his ascension into Heaven.
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9 He stretched out His hand and spoke to them, saying: 10 I Am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified would come into the world. 11 I Am the light and the life of the world. And I’ve drunk out of the bitter cup the Father has given Me and have glorified the Father by taking upon Myself the sins of the world, in which I’ve submitted to the Father’s will in all things from the beginning. 12 When Jesus said this, the whole crowd fell to the ground, since they remembered it had been prophesied to them that Christ would show Himself to them after His ascension into heaven.
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13 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them, saying, 14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
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13 And the Lord spoke to them, saying: 14 Stand up and come up to Me, so you can put your hands in My side and you can feel the nail marks in My hands and feet, so you will know I Am the God of Israel and the God of the whole earth who was killed for the sins of the world.
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15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet. And this they did do, going forth one by one, until they had all gone forth and did see with their eyes, and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety, and did bear record that it was he — of whom it was written by the prophets — that should come, 16 and that when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying, 17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus and did worship him.
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15 And the people went up and put their hands in His side and felt the nail marks in His hands and feet. They did this — going up one by one until they had all gone up — and saw with their eyes and felt with their hands and knew for certain and testified it was He the prophets wrote about, who was to come. 16 When they had all gone up and witnessed for themselves, they cried out as one: 17 Hallelujah! Blessed is the name of the Most High God! And they fell down at Jesus’ feet to worship Him.
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18 And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and commanded him that he should come forth. 19 And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord, and he did kiss his feet. 20 And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him. 21 And the Lord said unto him, I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into Heaven.
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18 Then He spoke to Nephi who was in the crowd, and commanded him to approach. 19 So Nephi stood up and went to Him and bowed before the Lord, and he kissed His feet. 20 Then the Lord commanded him to stand up, and he got up and stood in front of Him. 21 And the Lord said to him: I give you power to baptize this people when I’ve ascended into heaven again.
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22 And again, the Lord called others and said unto them likewise, and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them, On this wise shall ye baptize, and there shall be no disputations among you. 23 Verily I say unto you that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them: behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. 24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying, 25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy ghost. Amen. 26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water and come forth again out of the water. 27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name, for behold, verily I say unto you that the Father and the Son and the holy ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. 28 And according as I have commanded you, thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there hath hitherto been, neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there hath hitherto been. 29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the Devil, who is the father of contention; and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. 30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another, but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.
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22 Then the Lord called up others and said the same thing, giving them power to baptize. He instructed them: You must baptize in the following manner, and there must not be any controversies about this. 23 I instruct you that anyone who repents of their sins because of your words and wishes to be baptized in My name, you must baptize them in the following way: You must go down and stand in the water and baptize them in My name. 24 Now these are the words that you must say, calling them by name, saying: 25 Having authority given to me by Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 26 And then you must immerse them under the water and bring them back out of the water. 27 This is the way you must baptize in My name. Truly I tell you that the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are united as one; I am in the Father and the Father in Me, and the Father and I are united as one. 28 And exactly as I’ve commanded you, so you must baptize. You must not argue about this as you’ve done before, and you must not argue about the points of My doctrine either, as you’ve done before. 29 In truth I tell you: Anyone who welcomes the spirit of conflict doesn’t follow Me, but is following the accuser, who’s the father of conflict. He incites people to angrily fight with each other. 30 This isn’t My doctrine, to incite angry fighting by people. But this is My doctrine, everything like that should end.
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31 Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. 32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me — and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the holy ghost beareth record of the Father and me — and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men everywhere to repent and believe in me. 33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved, and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. 34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. 35 Verily, verily I say unto you that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father. And whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also, and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the holy ghost. 36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the holy ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me, for the Father and I and the holy ghost are one. 37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. 38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. 39 Verily, verily I say unto you that this is my doctrine. And whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. 40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establisheth it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil and is not built upon my rock, but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell standeth open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. 41 Therefore, go forth unto this people and declare the words which I have spoken unto the ends of the earth.
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31 Listen carefully to what I tell you: I will declare to you My doctrine. 32 This is My doctrine, and it is the doctrine that the Father has given to Me: I testify of the Father, and the Father testifies of Me, and the Holy Ghost testifies of the Father and Me. I also testify the Father commands all people everywhere to repent and believe in Me. 33 And anyone who believes in Me and is baptized will be saved, and they are who will inherit God’s kingdom. 34 But anyone who doesn’t believe in Me and isn’t baptized will be damned. 35 In truth I tell you this is My doctrine, and I testify of it from the Father. Anyone who believes in Me also believes in the Father, and the Father will testify to them of Me, since He will visit them with fire and with the Holy Ghost. 36 In this way the Father will testify of Me, and the Holy Ghost will testify to them of the Father and Me, because the Father and I and the Holy Ghost are united as one. 37 In addition, I say to you: You must repent and become as a little child and be baptized in My name, or under no circumstance can you receive these things. 38 And again, I say to you: You must repent and be baptized in My name and become as a little child, or under no circumstances can you inherit God’s kingdom. 39 In truth I tell you this is My doctrine. Whoever builds on this builds on My rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against them. 40 And those who declare more or less than this and establish it as My doctrine advocate evil and are not built upon My rock, but are built on a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive them when the floods come and the wind pounds them. 41 Therefore go to this people and declare to the farthest reaches of the earth the words that I’ve spoken.
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12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi and to those who had been called — now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, were twelve — and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude and cried unto them, saying, Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you and to be your servants. And unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the holy ghost. Therefore, blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized after that ye have seen me and know that I am.
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12 When Jesus had spoken these words to Nephi and to the twelve who had been called and received power and authority to baptize, He reached out His hand to the crowd and cried out to them: Blessed are you if you pay close attention to the words of these twelve whom I’ve chosen from this people, to minister to you and to be your servants. I’ve given them power so they can baptize you with water. And after you’re baptized with water, I’ll baptize you with fire and the Holy Ghost. Therefore blessed are you if you believe in Me and are baptized, after seeing Me and knowing that I Am.
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2 And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility, and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the holy ghost and shall receive a remission of their sins.
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2 In addition, more blessed are those who believe in your words because you testify that you’ve seen Me and you know that I Am. Indeed, blessed are those who believe in your words and come down into the depths of humility and are baptized, since they will be visited with fire and the Holy Ghost and will receive a remission of their sins.
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3 Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
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3 Yes, God is with the poor in spirit who come to Me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
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4 And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
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4 And also, God is with all those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
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5 And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
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5 And God remembers the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
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6 And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the holy ghost.
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6 And God accompanies all those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled with the Holy Ghost.
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7 And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
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7 And God loves the merciful, for they will obtain mercy.
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8 And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
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8 And God blesses the pure in heart, for they will see God.
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9 And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
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9 And God is with all the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
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10 And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. 11 And blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake, 12 for ye shall have great joy and be exceeding glad, for great shall be your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.
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10 And God is beside all those who are persecuted for being called by My name, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 And God stands with all of you when people revile, persecute, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, because of following Me, 12 for you should all have great joy and be very glad, because a great reward awaits you in heaven; the prophets who lived before you were persecuted in the same way.
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13 Verily, verily I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth, but if the salt shall lose its savor, wherewith shall the earth be salted? The salt shall be thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trodden underfoot of men.
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13 In truth I tell you: I guide you to be the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its useful flavor, what will the earth be salted with? The salt will from then on be good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled by people’s feet.
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14 Verily, verily I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house. 16 Therefore, let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.
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14 In truth I tell you: I guide you to be the light of this people. A city that’s built on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Ask yourself: do people light a lamp and hide it under a basket? No, they put it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 Therefore let your light shine in the same way before this people, so they can see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
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17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill; 18 for verily I say unto you, one jot nor one tittle hath not passed away from the law but in me it hath all been fulfilled.
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17 Don’t think I’ve come to destroy the Law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 Truly I tell you: Not even the smallest part or requirement of the Law has gone unfulfilled, but in Me it has all been accomplished.
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19 And behold, I have given unto you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Behold, ye have the commandments before you and the law is fulfilled. 20 Therefore, come unto me and be ye saved. For verily I say unto you that except ye shall keep my commandments which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
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19 And know this, I’ve given you the law and the commandments of My Father, that everyone is to believe in Me, and all must repent of their sins, and come to Me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Everyone has the commandments before them and the law is accomplished. 20 Therefore come to Me and everyone can be saved. For in truth I tell you that unless you obey My commandments which I’ve commanded you at this time, you’ll never enter into the kingdom of heaven.
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21 Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, and it is also written before you, that thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God. 22 But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council, and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hellfire.
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21 All have heard what was said since ancient time, and have also seen it written before you, that you shall not murder, and whoever murders will incur condemnation by God. 22 But I say to you whoever is angry with his brother will be in danger of His judgment. And whoever calls his brother, Worthless, will risk offending the Heavenly Council, and whoever will say, You fool! — risks the fires of hell.
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23 Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, and rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, 24 go thy way unto thy brother and first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of heart and I will receive you.
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23 Therefore if any of you will come to Me, or will start to come to Me, and remembers that your brother or sister holds anything against you, 24 go your way first to your brother or sister to be reconciled with them, and then come to Me with full commitment in your heart and I’ll welcome you.
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25 Agree with thine adversary quickly while thou art in the way with him, lest at any time he shall get thee and thou shalt be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out thence until thou hast paid the uttermost senine. And while ye are in prison, can ye pay even one senine? Verily, verily I say unto you, nay.
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25 Accept accountability for your misconduct the instant it’s brought to your attention, to avoid leaving this life unrepentant and risking condemnation. 26 I warn you: You’ll discover no way to escape before paying fully for every sin; and while in prison under condemnation, are you able to redeem yourself? I warn you that you cannot.
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27 Behold, it is written by them of old time that thou shalt not commit adultery; 28 but I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery already in his heart. 29 Behold, I give unto you a commandment that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart, 30 for it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell.
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27 Remember also, it was written since ancient time that you shall not commit adultery; 28 but I say to you that anyone who engages in deliberate planning to seduce a woman to sin sexually has already committed adultery in his heart. 29 Hear now: I command you to not let any of these things enter your heart, 30 for it’s better to stop doing any of these things, and carry your own cross, rather than to be cast into hell.
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31 It hath been written that whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. 32 Verily, verily I say unto you that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery; and whoso shall marry her who is divorced committeth adultery.
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31 It has been written that whoever leaves his wife, let him give her a written divorce. 32 But I say, unless it’s because of unfaithfulness, whoever leaves his wife causes her to be unfaithful. Whoever marries her after such a divorce also betrays the marriage covenant.
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33 And again it is written, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths; 34 but verily, verily I say unto you, swear not at all, neither by Heaven, for it is God’s throne, 35 nor by the earth, for it is his footstool, 36 neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair black or white, 37 but let your communication be, Yea, yea, nay, nay; for whatsoever cometh of more than these are evil.
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33 And the Law also decrees: You are never to renounce, but always strictly do anything you swear unto God. 34 But now I warn you: Don’t swear at all, either by heaven, for it’s God’s throne, 35 or by the earth, for it’s His footstool, 36 neither swear by your head, because you can’t even make one hair black or white, 37 but only say: Yes, yes, no, no; for whatever results from more than that will prove to be evil.
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38 And behold, it is written, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth; 39 but I say unto you that ye shall not resist evil, but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and to him that would borrow of thee, turn thou not away.
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38 And the scriptures state: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth; 39 but I say instead: Accept life’s injustices gracefully, and when someone hits your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone sues you under the law to get your coat, let them have your overcoat too. 41 And whoever orders you to go a mile, go two. 42 Give to any that ask of you, and if someone wants to borrow from you, never turn them down.
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43 And behold, it is written also that thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy; 44 but behold, I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that ye may be the children of your Father who is in Heaven, for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good. 46 Therefore, those things which were of old time, which were under the law, in me are all fulfilled. 47 Old things are done away and all things have become new. 48 Therefore, I would that ye should be perfect, even as I or your Father who is in Heaven is perfect.
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43 The Law also says for you to love your neighbor, and lets you even hate your enemy. 44 But now I say to you: Love your enemies also, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you, 45 so you may become the children of your Father who is in heaven, for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good. 46 Therefore everything ordained anciently under the Law of Moses has all been fulfilled through Me. 47 Those prior things are over and I implement these new things. 48 Therefore I want you to be perfect, just as I or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.
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13 Verily, verily I say that I would that ye should do alms unto the poor, but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise, ye have no reward of your Father who is in Heaven. 2 Therefore, when ye shall do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as will hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, 4 that thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
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13 I categorically say that I want you, whenever you contribute to the poor, to be careful not to make that a public show for others to see; otherwise, you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 Therefore when you contribute help, don’t blow a trumpet to announce it, as hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to impress others. I’m warning you: They have their only reward. 3 But when you give charitably, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand does, 4 so your donations are kept in secret; and your Father who sees that secret will Himself openly reward you.
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5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not do as the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen, for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye, therefore, like unto them, for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.
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5 And when you pray, don’t imitate the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners, hoping to be noticed by others. I’m warning you: They have their only reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your closet, and after shutting the door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees that secrecy will openly reward you. 7 When you pray, don’t use arrogant chanting like the heathen, for they think they’re noticed because of their conspicuous noise. 8 Absolutely do not be like them, for your Father knows everything you need before you even ask Him.
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9 After this manner, therefore, pray ye: Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. 11 And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 12 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 13 For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
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9 So follow this example when you offer prayer: Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain Holy. 10 May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 12 And don’t let us fall into temptation, but rescue us from evil. 13 For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 14 For if you forgive others’ offenses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive yours, 15 but if you don’t forgive others’ offenses, your Father won’t forgive yours either.
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16 Moreover, when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head and wash thy face, 18 that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
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16 Furthermore, when you fast, don’t imitate the hypocrites, acting distressed, for they act as if they’re suffering to be admired by others. I’m warning you: They have their only reward. 17 But when you are fasting, clean up, wash up, dress up, 18 avoid any appearance of fasting, let only your Father know in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will openly reward you.
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19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and thieves break through and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
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19 Don’t accumulate treasures on earth, where moths damage, rust corrodes, and thieves break in and steal, 20 but instead accumulate treasures in Heaven, where there are no damaging moths, corrosive rust, and thieves don’t break in and steal; 21 because what you treasure reveals what’s in your heart.
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22 The light of the body is the eye; if, therefore, thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If, therefore, the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.
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22 The light enters the body through your eyes; if, therefore, your eyes look to God, your whole body is full of His light. 23 But if your eye looks for evil, your whole body is then full of darkness. Therefore if the light within you looks for the darkness, how overwhelming that darkness becomes.
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24 No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
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24 No one can serve two masters, for they’ll either hate the one and love the other, or at least they’ll follow the one and ignore the other. You can’t serve God and covet.