The book of Enos is short but packed with great nuggets.
Enos' father, Jacob, taught him languages and the nurture and admonition of the Lord Enos 1:1. Teaching and example of righteous parents helps children develop faith in the Savior. “Treat your children as sons and daughters of God. Be kind. Love them. Respect them. Counsel with them. Teach them. Pray for them. Guide them and God will bless both them and you,” Gordon B. Hinckley, 1 Nov. 1997.
Jacob’s teachings inspired Enos to repent of his sins Enos 1:3–4 in mighty prayer Enos 1:2. Changing and repenting is not easy. Enos knew his sins had been forgiven, because the Spirit whispered it Enos 1:5–6. Enos received forgiveness of his sins, because he asked in faith Enos 1:7–8. If we don't believe Jesus can atone for our sins and that we cannot be forgiven, we do not have faith in our Savior.
“If the time comes when you have done all that you can to repent of your sins … and have made amends and restitution to the best of your ability … , then you will want that confirming answer as to whether or not the Lord has accepted of you. In your soul-searching, if you seek for and you find that peace of conscience, by that token you may know that the Lord has accepted of your repentance,” Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places [1974], 185.
After Enos learned that his sins were forgiven, he prayed that the records would be preserved Enos 1:9, 11–14. He wanted the decedents of Laman and Lemuel to be brought unto salvation.
When Enos described the Nephites of his time as a stiffnecked people who were only moved by exceeding harshness and exceedingly great plainness of speech, we can see similarities to people today Enos 1:22–23. So many have hardened their hearts toward God and rejoice in contention. Possibly, people today are even worse. Most of them would laugh the prophet to scorn who spoke of destruction in the latter-days.
Enos’ faith and testimony gave him blessed assurance in the future and in death Enos 1:15–18, 26–27.
