Episode 113: Using the Beatitudes to Understand Christ's Atonement and Grace (Brad Wilcox)

Episode 113: Using the Beatitudes to Understand Christ's Atonement and Grace (Brad Wilcox)

Author: BYU Religious Education October 1, 2024 Duration: 44:50

In 3 Nephi 12:1—12 the resurrected Savior delivers an address to the Nephites similar to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5; Luke 6) and presents the Beatitudes. Like the Matthew 5 account, the Book of Mormon record details how we might enter and build a covenantal relationship with God through the "interrelated and progressive" arrangement of the Beatitudes (Bible Dictionary). But what additional insight does the 3 Nephi account offer that isn't preserved in the New Testament? In this episode Dr. Brad Wilcox, professor of ancient scripture, discusses his book Blessed Are Ye: Using the Beatitudes to Understand Christ's Atonement and Grace, co-authored with his brother Roger Wilcox. He details varied interpretations of the Beatitudes, connects them to the first principles and ordinances of the gospel, and examines their relationship to latter-day temple covenants. As we study the Beatitudes, they become more than a code of conduct. Rather, they can be a holy invitation from Christ Himself to enter a covenant relationship with Him, receive His grace, and become like Him.

 

Publications:

 

Click here to learn more about Brad Wilcox

 


Behind the academic papers and detailed studies produced by the faculty at Brigham Young University, there are personal journeys of faith and intellectual curiosity. Y Religion, from BYU Religious Education, opens a window into that process. Each episode sits down with the professor behind the research, moving beyond the published conclusions to explore the human questions that sparked the inquiry. Conversations delve into why a particular historical detail, scriptural insight, or theological concept demanded a closer look, and what it means for both scholarly understanding and personal belief. This isn't about dry lectures; it's about the intersection of rigorous scholarship and lived discipleship within the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The podcast serves as a unique bridge, making specialized academic work accessible and relevant to anyone pondering deeper spiritual truths. You'll hear scholars articulate the challenges and rewards of their dual commitment to the mind and the heart, offering listeners a richer appreciation for the ongoing dialogue between faith and learning. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that illuminate how dedicated study can deepen, rather than distance, one's spiritual journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Y Religion
Podcast Episodes
Episode 127: Understanding Our Jewish Neighbors (Shon Hopkin) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:27
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation recently introduced the Understanding Our Neighbors series to "foster respect and interfaith dialogue." In this episode Professor Shon Hopkin, Department Chair of BYU Ancient Scripture, dis…
Episode 126: Women Witnesses of the Easter Events (Gaye Strathearn) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:17
The first witnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ were some of his female disciples. Mary Magdalene witnessed the empty tomb and was the first to encounter the risen Savior. Additionally, Joanna, Mary the mother of…
Episode 125: Envisioning the Last Supper (Matthew Grey) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:42
According to the earliest gospel accounts, on the night before his crucifixion, Jesus dined with his disciples to observe the feast of the Passover and institute what would later become the Christian eucharist (or sacram…
Episode 124: Sacramental Connections (Matthew O. Richardson) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:20
How does understanding the interconnected purposes of the sacrament, as presented in Doctrine & Covenants 27, deepen our appreciation for this sacred ordinance? In this episode Matthew O. Richardson, professor of Church…
Episode 121: The Family Proclamation in Context (Michael A. Goodman) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:25
Contemporary views on marriage and family have changed significantly over time. How much of our understanding of marriage and family is shaped by societal norms versus prophetic guidance? In this episode, professor of Ch…
Episode 120: The True Identity of Christ (Krystal V. L. Pierce) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:51
On the day after his Resurrection, the Savior appeared to those who knew him best during his mortal ministry—Mary Magdalene, Cleopas, ten of the apostles, and many other followers. While they saw him physically, they did…
Episode 119: Hear Him! The Restored Voice of the Lord (Anthony Sweat) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
As Professor of Church History and Doctrine Anthony Sweat dropped off a recent painting entitled Jesus of Nazareth, he was met with the response, "That's not what Jesus looks like." After a few laughs, Professor Sweat re…