Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
In Hebrews 7-13, Paul continues addressing Christian converts who are tempted to step away from their faith. Paul emphasizes that there are reoccurring elements to our faith in Christ: Assurance, Evidence, and Action. Seeing these elements of faith in others can help us strengthen our faith in difficult moments. Paul also teaches of priesthood authority, power, and keys.
Melchizedek was a type of the Savior and both are called "King of Righteousness" (the literal meaning of Malki zedek or Melchizedek), and both are referred to as "Prince of Peace" (see also JST Genesis 14:33; Isaiah 9:6).
Salem - from the Hebrew word Shalem or Salem. It means complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace, complete, finished, safe, unharmed, peace (of covenant of peace, mind), complete (of keeping covenant relation); paid in full. It comes from the root word shalom peace. When the Savior says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." (John 14:27). It is a reference to the peace or fulness that comes through keeping covenants. Melchizedek is the king of the covenant which produces eternal peace and safety.
What can we do to enter into God’s rest? (Hebrews Chapters 3 - 9)
Joseph Smith: "The power of the Melchizedek Priesthood is to have the power of 'endless lives.'
"...What was the power of Melchizedek? It was not [the] priesthood of Aaron. [Melchizedek was] a king and a priest to the Most High God. [It was] a perfect law of theocracy, holding keys of power and blessings. [He] stood as God to give laws to the people, administering endless lives to the sons and daughters of Adam [by] kingly powers of anointing..." (Kent P. Jackson, comp. and ed., Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1994], 192 - 193.)
Elder David A. Bednar: “The Apostle Paul defined faith as “the substance of things hoped for [and] the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Alma declared that faith is not a perfect knowledge; rather, if we have faith, we “hope for things which are not seen [but] are true” (Alma 32:21). Additionally, we learn in the Lectures on Faith that faith is “the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness” and that it is also “the principle of action in all intelligent beings.”
“These teachings highlight three basic elements of faith: (1) faith as the assurance of things hoped for that are true, (2) faith as the evidence of things not seen, and (3) faith as the principle of action in all intelligent beings.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/09/seek-learning-by-faith)
Elder David A. Bednar: “The Apostle Paul defined faith as “the substance of things hoped for [and] the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Alma declared that faith is not a perfect knowledge; rather, if we have faith, we “hope for things which are not seen [but] are true” (Alma 32:21). Additionally, we learn in the Lectures on Faith that faith is “the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness” and that it is also “the principle of action in all intelligent beings.”
“These teachings highlight three basic elements of faith: (1) faith as the assurance of things hoped for that are true, (2) faith as the evidence of things not seen, and (3) faith as the principle of action in all intelligent beings.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/09/seek-learning-by-faith)
In Hebrews 11, look for:
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright. … Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it. Your faith is either growing stronger or becoming weaker. Faith is a principle of power, important not only in this life but also in our progression beyond the veil. By the grace of Christ, we will one day be saved through faith on His name [see Ephesians 2:8 ]. The future of your faith is not by chance, but by choice.” (“Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 65)
President Russell M. Nelson: “My call to you … is to start today to increase your faith. Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life [see 1 Nephi 7:12 ], even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.
“Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith. That takes work. …
“Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe [see Mark 9:23 ].” (“Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” Liahona, May 2021, 102–3, 104)
"Jesus' cross was a sign of extreme 'shame' (Hebrews 12:2). Paul did not exaggerate when he called the crucified Christ 'a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles' (1 Cor 1:23; see 2:2; Gal 5:11). A crucified person so far from being chosen, anointed, and sent by God was understood to be cursed by God. To the nonbelievers it seemed 'sheer folly' (1 Cor 1:18) to proclaim the crucified Jesus as God's Son, universal Lord, and coming Judge of the world. The extreme dishonor of his death by crucifixion counted against any such claims. A century after Paul, Justin Martyr (ca. 100-165) noted how utterly offensive it was to acknowledge the divine status of a crucified man: 'They say that our madness consists in the fact that we put a crucified man in second place after the unchangeable and eternal God’ (1 Apol. 13.4)" (Anchor Bible Dictionary) 1:1209-10). Although the crucifixion was considered by nonbelievers to be an ignominious way to die, the early Saints saw obedience, humility, love, and power in the Lord's crucifixion. The metaphor of discipleship was "taking up one's cross" and following the Savior (see Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Luke 9:23; 14:27). (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 261-262)
President Russell M. Nelson: “Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!
“And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home—clean and worthy—to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.
If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival)
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “Divine chastening has at least three purposes: (1) to persuade us to repent, (2) to refine and sanctify us, and (3) at times to redirect our course in life to what God knows is a better path. …
“… If we are open to it, needed correction will come in many forms and from many sources. It may come in the course of our prayers as God speaks to our mind and heart through the Holy Ghost [see Doctrine and Covenants 8:2 ]. It may come in the form of prayers that are answered no or differently than we had expected. Chastening may come as we study the scriptures and are reminded of deficiencies, disobedience, or simply matters neglected.” (“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 98, 100)
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Correction is vital if we would conform our lives “unto a perfect man, [that is,] unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” ( Ephesians 4:13). Paul said of divine correction or chastening, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” ( Hebrews 12:6). Though it is often difficult to endure, truly we ought to rejoice that God considers us worth the time and trouble to correct.” (“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 97-98)
Teaching Thoughts:
Melchizedek was a type of the Savior and both are called "King of Righteousness" (the literal meaning of Malki zedek or Melchizedek), and both are referred to as "Prince of Peace" (see also JST Genesis 14:33; Isaiah 9:6).
Salem - from the Hebrew word Shalem or Salem. It means complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace, complete, finished, safe, unharmed, peace (of covenant of peace, mind), complete (of keeping covenant relation); paid in full. It comes from the root word shalom peace. When the Savior says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." (John 14:27). It is a reference to the peace or fulness that comes through keeping covenants. Melchizedek is the king of the covenant which produces eternal peace and safety.
What can we do to enter into God’s rest? (Hebrews Chapters 3 - 9)
- Hear Him! (Heb. 3:7; 4:7).
- “Harden not your hearts” (Heb. 3:8, 15; 4:7).
- Have a heart of belief (Heb. 3:12).
- Stick with “the living God” (Heb. 3:12).
- “But exhort one another daily (Heb. 3:13).
- “Hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end (Heb. 3:14).
- The word of God needs to be “mixed with faith” (Heb. 4:2).
- “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” (Heb. 4:11).
- Priesthood (Heb. 5, 7 and 9).
Joseph Smith: "The power of the Melchizedek Priesthood is to have the power of 'endless lives.'
"...What was the power of Melchizedek? It was not [the] priesthood of Aaron. [Melchizedek was] a king and a priest to the Most High God. [It was] a perfect law of theocracy, holding keys of power and blessings. [He] stood as God to give laws to the people, administering endless lives to the sons and daughters of Adam [by] kingly powers of anointing..." (Kent P. Jackson, comp. and ed., Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1994], 192 - 193.)
Elder David A. Bednar: “The Apostle Paul defined faith as “the substance of things hoped for [and] the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Alma declared that faith is not a perfect knowledge; rather, if we have faith, we “hope for things which are not seen [but] are true” (Alma 32:21). Additionally, we learn in the Lectures on Faith that faith is “the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness” and that it is also “the principle of action in all intelligent beings.”
“These teachings highlight three basic elements of faith: (1) faith as the assurance of things hoped for that are true, (2) faith as the evidence of things not seen, and (3) faith as the principle of action in all intelligent beings.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/09/seek-learning-by-faith)
Elder David A. Bednar: “The Apostle Paul defined faith as “the substance of things hoped for [and] the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Alma declared that faith is not a perfect knowledge; rather, if we have faith, we “hope for things which are not seen [but] are true” (Alma 32:21). Additionally, we learn in the Lectures on Faith that faith is “the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness” and that it is also “the principle of action in all intelligent beings.”
“These teachings highlight three basic elements of faith: (1) faith as the assurance of things hoped for that are true, (2) faith as the evidence of things not seen, and (3) faith as the principle of action in all intelligent beings.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/09/seek-learning-by-faith)
In Hebrews 11, look for:
- Why would Paul pick this story?
- What Assurance did they have?
- What Action was taken?
- What Evidence was given?
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright. … Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it. Your faith is either growing stronger or becoming weaker. Faith is a principle of power, important not only in this life but also in our progression beyond the veil. By the grace of Christ, we will one day be saved through faith on His name [see Ephesians 2:8 ]. The future of your faith is not by chance, but by choice.” (“Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 65)
President Russell M. Nelson: “My call to you … is to start today to increase your faith. Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life [see 1 Nephi 7:12 ], even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.
“Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith. That takes work. …
“Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe [see Mark 9:23 ].” (“Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” Liahona, May 2021, 102–3, 104)
"Jesus' cross was a sign of extreme 'shame' (Hebrews 12:2). Paul did not exaggerate when he called the crucified Christ 'a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles' (1 Cor 1:23; see 2:2; Gal 5:11). A crucified person so far from being chosen, anointed, and sent by God was understood to be cursed by God. To the nonbelievers it seemed 'sheer folly' (1 Cor 1:18) to proclaim the crucified Jesus as God's Son, universal Lord, and coming Judge of the world. The extreme dishonor of his death by crucifixion counted against any such claims. A century after Paul, Justin Martyr (ca. 100-165) noted how utterly offensive it was to acknowledge the divine status of a crucified man: 'They say that our madness consists in the fact that we put a crucified man in second place after the unchangeable and eternal God’ (1 Apol. 13.4)" (Anchor Bible Dictionary) 1:1209-10). Although the crucifixion was considered by nonbelievers to be an ignominious way to die, the early Saints saw obedience, humility, love, and power in the Lord's crucifixion. The metaphor of discipleship was "taking up one's cross" and following the Savior (see Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Luke 9:23; 14:27). (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 261-262)
President Russell M. Nelson: “Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!
“And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home—clean and worthy—to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.
If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival)
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “Divine chastening has at least three purposes: (1) to persuade us to repent, (2) to refine and sanctify us, and (3) at times to redirect our course in life to what God knows is a better path. …
“… If we are open to it, needed correction will come in many forms and from many sources. It may come in the course of our prayers as God speaks to our mind and heart through the Holy Ghost [see Doctrine and Covenants 8:2 ]. It may come in the form of prayers that are answered no or differently than we had expected. Chastening may come as we study the scriptures and are reminded of deficiencies, disobedience, or simply matters neglected.” (“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 98, 100)
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Correction is vital if we would conform our lives “unto a perfect man, [that is,] unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” ( Ephesians 4:13). Paul said of divine correction or chastening, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” ( Hebrews 12:6). Though it is often difficult to endure, truly we ought to rejoice that God considers us worth the time and trouble to correct.” (“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 97-98)
Teaching Thoughts:
- Discovery of the basic elements of faith:
- Assurance
- Evidence
- Action
- Examples of faith in the scriptures, in our lives and in the lives of others around us.
- How to exercise our faith as we run the race of life.
- Receiving correction.