Many scriptures make promises and conditions by putting them in a formula, usually stated as a "If [this happens], then [that will happen]."
Look For: Watch for the words like "If..." and "then..." CAUTION: many times the "then" part is implied and the word "then" word is left out.
Example: 1 Nephi 2:20 "Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, (there is no "THEN" but it is implied!) ye shall prosper." This promise to Nephi is a central promise in the book of Mormon and is still maintained for those who continue to inhabit the Promise Land (Ether 2:8-10).
Many If ... Then statements are "principles with promise." Help you students identify principles and promises as they read the scriptures.
(Adapted from Panning for Gold: Various Methods to Understand and Apply the Scriptures to Ourselves by Eric Bacon, Northwest Area Seminaries)
