Nephi’s Honorable Execution of Laban

[LukeAir2008]

Nephi did Laban a huge favor. He shed his blood to not only atone for his sins but to also bring forward a great work. I bet Laban was hugging Nephi in the Spirit world.

Perhaps....of course that would negate Alma's preaching on the probationary period.

It doesn't look like Laban had been using his probationary period to repent and come unto Christ does it? So he had his blood shed, head physically removed and whatever he chooses to do in the spirit prison he's in a far better position than he would have been otherwise.

Compare that with David who never got a chance to pay for the murder of Uriah and the only promise he had was that his spirit wouldn't be left in hell forever!

[LukeAir2008]

Laban didn't die as a martyr but he did the next best thing - he died so the purposes of the Lord might be accomplished. That's going to go a long way towards him qualifying to receive mercy - and that's what it's all about.

[Jason]

Nephi did Laban a huge favor. He shed his blood to not only atone for his sins but to also bring forward a great work. I bet Laban was hugging Nephi in the Spirit world.

Perhaps....of course that would negate Alma's preaching on the probationary period.

It doesn't look like Laban had been using his probationary period to repent and come unto Christ does it? So he had his blood shed, head physically removed and whatever he chooses to do in the spirit prison he's in a far better position than he would have been otherwise.

Compare that with David who never got a chance to pay for the murder of Uriah and the only promise he had was that his spirit wouldn't be left in hell forever!

Yes at the tipping point where only more sin will be accrued and one won't repent in this probationary period....it does indeed become merciful to put an end to that probationary period (flood, fire, earthquake, sword, bullet, etc) rather than have continual increases to the sin burden.

I would hesitate to compare Laban and David....only one who knows the final destination is the Judge. Laban certainly wasn't given a choice in the matter of his head (though he had plenty of choices previously leading up to that point).

[JohnnyL]

Nephi did Laban a huge favor. He shed his blood to not only atone for his sins but to also bring forward a great work. I bet Laban was hugging Nephi in the Spirit world.

Perhaps....of course that would negate Alma's preaching on the probationary period.

I've thought of that, too. And I think so. But, the closer I look sometimes, not necessarily.
The doctrine of the spirit world wasn't known until after his preaching on the topic; up until then, that was the rule. Many prophets preached similarly.
Also, this was preached to members of the church. Members who die wicked will be under Satan's power and pay for their own sins.
The Doctrine and Covenants seems to say the same thing...
But maybe it will be a good research project for me to see if there is anything that is very clearly contradictory.
Searching "according to men in the flesh" on lds.org...

[JohnnyL]

Laban didn't die as a martyr but he did the next best thing - he died so the purposes of the Lord might be accomplished. That's going to go a long way towards him qualifying to receive mercy - and that's what it's all about.

Any references for this doctrine? Because... for example, what about Judas Iscariot?

David didn't get a chance, or he didn't die?

[LukeAir2008]

Laban didn't die as a martyr but he did the next best thing - he died so the purposes of the Lord might be accomplished. That's going to go a long way towards him qualifying to receive mercy - and that's what it's all about.

Any references for this doctrine? Because... for example, what about Judas Iscariot?

David didn't get a chance, or he didn't die?

If you are a murderer you are required to give your life. You cant be forgiven for murder so the best thing is to do what you can to pay in this life by having your blood shed.

And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.

And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall die. (D&C 42:18-19)

As far as we know Laban didn't actually murder anyone but he had his blood shed. David, who did have someone murdered, didn't have his blod shed.

Judas Iscariot betrayed the Lord and is in a different class altogether.

[tuktuk21]

Oh, I meant that in the most sarcastic way sorry I was misinterpreted coach. I agree with you 100% in fact. The lord behaves this way so prevalent throughout the scriptures that I cant believe that any scripturally informed person would use this to discredit the Book of Mormon.

[JohnnyL]

Laban didn't die as a martyr but he did the next best thing - he died so the purposes of the Lord might be accomplished. That's going to go a long way towards him qualifying to receive mercy - and that's what it's all about.

Any references for this doctrine? Because... for example, what about Judas Iscariot?

David didn't get a chance, or he didn't die?

If you are a murderer you are required to give your life. You cant be forgiven for murder so the best thing is to do what you can to pay in this life by having your blood shed.

And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.
And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall die. (D&C 42:18-19)

As far as we know Laban didn't actually murder anyone but he had his blood shed. David, who did have someone murdered, didn't have his blod shed.
Judas Iscariot betrayed the Lord and is in a different class altogether.

The red part of your quote would give Judas extra points--certainly he furthered the purposes of God more than most anyone. I don't think there are any extra points for furthering the work of God by being wicked.

I don't think murderers are required to give their life. (DandC 52 can be interpreted many ways...) Capital punishment for a crime? Fine, it would likely help most, I agree with you there.
I'm sure David could have done things to further his death, had he wanted to.

My $.02.