“The Mysteries of God”: A Phrase That Wouldn’t Let Me Go
Last Sunday in Gospel Doctrine, someone mentioned “the mysteries of God” just those few words, but they landed deep in my soul. I wrote them at the top of my notebook like a question I didn’t want to forget. I wasn’t even sure what I meant by wanting to study it more. I just knew I did.
And then, sitting next to a sweet sister in class, shared a scripture in class that hasn’t left me since:
Alma 12:10–11:
“And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.”
That verse… it’s not just for prophets. Or stake presidents. Or people with letters after their name. It’s for anyone who will soften their heart. Anyone. That includes me. That includes you.
So, I started thinking…what’s the lesser portion of the word? And what would it even mean to be given the greater?
The lesser portion isn’t a bad thing. It’s actually beautiful. It’s the core of what we teach: that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph restored the gospel, that temple covenants are real, that callings and ordinances matter. This portion of the word can absolutely lead us to the Celestial Kingdom. It’s the foundation.
But there’s more.
And that’s where I’ve been wrestling a bit this week. If the lesser portion is what we already know and do… then the greater portion must be what we read about in scripture, but maybe don’t always believe is possible for us. Things like revelation. Visions. Miracles. Speaking with angels. Calling and election. Standing in the presence of the Savior. Things that sound… lofty. Almost unreachable.
And yet, Alma makes it sound pretty simple.
Don’t harden your heart.
That’s it. That’s the whole pattern. If you’re willing to hear the voice of the Lord, however it comes, and do the thing He asks, without brushing it off or delaying it or saying “maybe later”… then you’re already walking that narrow way that leads to greater things.
Doctrine and Covenants 29:7 ties it together: “Mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts.”
That verse has echoed all week. Because it makes this feel less theoretical. It brings it back to earth. The “greater portion” isn’t some unattainable celestial dream, it’s what happens when you follow a prompting, even a quiet one, and act. That’s the gateway.
I’ve started asking myself things like:
• Do I notice the voice when it comes?
• Do I obey it quickly or hesitate?
• What if the only thing standing between me and miracles is a little more courage to act?
And then I stumbled into Section 76, which is what we are studying this week in CFM (i love how my God does this) verse 7, and it floored me:
“To them will I reveal all mysteries… even the wonders of eternity shall they know.”
That promise isn’t just about learning facts. It’s about experiencing something divine. It’s not just “what are the mysteries of God” but how close do I want to draw to Him? And what am I willing to lay down to get there?
What’s one of the greatest mysteries? What color are the Savior’s eyes? That hit me hard. Because someone who’s been in His presence knows. And scriptures were written, in part, so we could know those kinds of things are possible.
So I’m sitting with all this. Learning that the pathway to knowing more, truly knowing, starts with the simple act of not hardening my heart. Of listening. Of acting. Again and again.
Maybe that’s how the mysteries unfold… one yes at a time.
