The Book of Mormon

Mosiah 4:2

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~124 BC

1830 Edition

and they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying, O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ, that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified: for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created Heaven and earth, and all things, who shall come down among the children of men.

Influences

Acts 26:18 (KJV)
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Changes

aAnd they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying,: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ, that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified:; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created Hheaven and earth, and all things,; who shall come down among the children of men.

Simple English

They saw how bad they were. They felt smaller than dirt. They all cried out together: 'Please have mercy on us! Use Jesus Christ’s blood to forgive our sins and make our hearts clean. We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s Son. He made heaven and earth and everything. He will come down to live with people.'

Paraphrase

They saw themselves as they really were—fallen, sinful, worth less than dust. Together they cried out: 'Have mercy on us! Let the blood of Christ cleanse us so our sins can be forgiven and our hearts made pure. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who made heaven and earth and everything in them—the One who will come down to walk among us.'