2 Nephi 2:1–10
In his instructions and father's blessing to his young son Jacob, Lehi said, “by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off” 2 Nephi 2:5. Justification is reconciliation to God, when He forgives sin, declaring the repentant righteous and guiltless. When transgressing the commandments (the law), we become guilty and unclean. Since no unclean thing can dwell with God, we are cut off James 2:10; 1 Nephi 10:21. Through the Atonement of Jesus, we are justified and made worthy to enter God’s presence 2 Nephi 2:6–8.
Jesus “answer[ed] the ends of the law” 2 Nephi 2:7. Meaning He paid for the Fall of Adam and took on the punishment for breaking the commandments 2 Nephi 2:5, 10. “Jesus came and suffered, ‘the just for the unjust,’ He that was without sin for him that had sinned, and was subjected to the penalty of the law which the sinner had transgressed” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 204).
In order to accept Jesus sacrificial gift and be justified through Him, we must believe in Him, repent with a broken heart and contrite spirit, and obey the law 2 Nephi 2:7; Romans 10:4; Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–16; Articles of Faith 1:3. There is no other way to receive forgiveness and be justified 2 Nephi 2:6–8. My gratitude is full to the Savior, Jesus Christ, who is full of mercy, grace, and truth. His Atonement will allow me to enter the presence of the Father if I will accept and act upon His gift.
