A Time Given to Repent

2 Nephi 2:21 - "And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents." 

President Russell M. Nelson - "Now is the time to show reverent respect for one’s physical body. It serves as the tabernacle for one’s spirit throughout all eternity. Physical appetites are to be controlled by the will of one’s spirit. We are to 'deny [our]selves of all ungodliness.'" 

Elder Henry B. Eyring - "It is hard to know when we have done enough for the Atonement to change our natures and so qualify us for eternal life. And we don’t know how many days we will have to give the service necessary for that mighty change to come. But we know that we will have days enough if only we don’t waste them. " 

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Transcript

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Welcome to Speak This Jesus, a daily podcast dedicated to drawing closer to the Savior through the powerful truths found in the Book of Mormon. Each episode, we focus on one verse that helps us walk more faithfully in his footsteps. Lehi is teaching his sons about the purpose of mortality and the role it plays in God's eternal plan. In this part of his teaching he explains why life continues, why time is given, and why repentance is central to God's design for his children. The verse we will study today is Second Nephi two twenty one. And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh. Wherefore their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent, for he showed unto all men that they were lost because of the transgression of their parents. As we study this verse today, along with teachings from President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Henry B. Iring, we will consider what it means that repentance is built into God's plan, and how we are meant to use the time we have been given to live with purpose in Jesus Christ. The verse teaches that the prolonging of mortal life is not random or accidental. The days of the children of men are extended according to the will of God for a very specific reason, that they might repent while in the flesh. Repentance is not a secondary feature of mortality, it is one of the central purposes. Lehi explains that because of the fall all are lost without divine intervention. Mortality becomes a state of probation, meaning a time of testing, learning, and choosing. That probationary state exists precisely because repentance is available is possible. Without repentance, extended time would serve little purpose. With repentance, time becomes a gift filled with opportunity. This framing changes how we understand God's commandments. Repentance is not simply encouraged, it is commanded because it is essential to our progress. God's plan assumes weakness, error, and the need for change. Rather than disqualifying us, those realities are the very reason time is granted. Application naturally flows from this truth. If repentance is woven into the plan, then encountering the need to repent should not surprise or discourage us. The gospel does not present an expectation of flawless performance, but of continually turning toward our Savior Jesus Christ. Seeing repentance as planned rather than remedial helps us approach it with humility instead of fear. President Russell M. Nelson teaches that repentance involves more than an internal regret. It includes how we govern our physical lives. He said. Repentance often requires discipline, restraint, and alignment between desire and divine law. The body is not an obstacle to repentance but a critical arena in which repentance is practiced. The commandment to repent assumes agency, the capacity to choose differently than before. President Nelson emphasizes that the spirit must govern physical appetites, not the other way around. Repentance is therefore an act of spiritual leadership within ourselves, where the will is exercised in harmony with God's purposes. Application here is practical and immediate. Daily choices about thoughts, habits, and appetites are not disconnected from repentance, they are expressions of it. When we see our bodies as sacred instruments rather than impulses to indulge, repentance becomes a pattern of living rather than a rare event. Elder Henry B. Iring offers reassurance about the role of time in the process of repentance and change. He taught the following.

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But we know that we will have days enough, if only we don't waste them.

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Lehi's teaching that time is lengthened fits beautifully with his message. God does not reveal how long the refining process will take, but he promises that sufficient time will be provided. This reframes repentance as a sustained journey rather than a checklist to complete. The uncertainty Elder Iring describes could lead to anxiety, but instead it invites trust. The key is not knowing how long change will take, but choosing not to waste the time given. Repentance is meant to be steady and ongoing, not rushed or proposed indefinitely. Application emerges in how we view each day. If time itself is a merciful provision, then each day carries spiritual weight. Repentance becomes less about dramatic moments and more about faithful consistency. Small repeated acts of turning toward God that accumulate over time. Lehi's description of mortality as a probationary state calls for intentional living. Repentance is not something reserved for crisis moments. It is the purpose for which time was granted in the first place. Every day of extended life is an invitation to realign with God's will through Jesus Christ. Seeing repentance as planned changes how we respond to weakness. Instead of discouragement, there can be clarity. Instead of delay, there can be engagement. Repentance is not a detour from the plan. It is the path. Application today means treating time as sacred. It means recognizing that progress comes through consistent effort, spiritual discipline, and reliance on Christ's atonement. When repentance becomes a way of life, mortality fulfills its intended role as a season of growth and preparation. So here is today's challenge. Identify one daily habit or pattern where repentance can become more intentional rather than reactive. Choose to use time today, deliberately and prayerfully, as part of God's plan to change and refine us through Jesus Christ. Thank you for listening to Seek This Jesus. I hope this message helps you draw a little closer to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Please, don't let this podcast be your only scripture time today. I encourage you to open your scriptures because when you study God's Word personally, the Spirit will teach you things no podcast ever could. I invite you to come back tomorrow for another verse and message to help you keep focused on Jesus Christ. Until next time, keep seeking this Jesus.