There are several ways that the word “cannot” is used in the scriptures.
The first has to do with human inability where there are declarations that one cannot do more because of limitations of time, space or strength. This is how we commonly use the word cannot in our everyday language. “I can’t do more than I’m already doing. I can’t go to the store right now because….” This usage of the word “cannot” has many variables and is not particularly pertinent as far as teaching doctrines of the gospel. An example of this use of “cannot” in the scriptures is as follows:
8 And there had many things transpired which, in the eyes of some, would be great and marvelous; nevertheless, they cannot all be written in this book; yea, this book cannot contain even a hundredth part of what was done among so many people in the space of twenty and five years;
(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 5:8)
A second and by far more profound use of the word has to do with eternal laws.. In the “cannot” verses of the scripture we have a picture clearly laid out before us of the roles of justice and mercy and the plainness in which these truths are communicated to man so that man cannot misunderstand the plan of salvation. This is particularly true in the Book of Mormon but all of the scriptures contain such declarations. There are laws given unto this world and laws that pertain to the next world that are immutable and “cannot” be violated or “God would cease to be God.” (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:13)
The “cannot” scriptures testify of the atonement of Jesus Christ and that He is the only way by which man can be saved. Whereas at first we may feel that the “cannot” scriptures are in the negative realm, upon closer reading we find that they are joyous declarations that salvation is ”sure” and “cannot” fail us if we but heed those directives given to us plainly in the scripture. The Book of Mormon particularly seems to play a roll of plainness so that man “cannot” misunderstand the way in which he may return to God. The Book of Mormon clearly illuminates the path and then states that we are “free to choose.” It is not God who determines our salvation or condemnation. The path is laid out before mankind and he chooses his own destiny in the end. It is through God’s perfect love and charity and compassion for his children that He speaks plainly through His prophets to his children upon the earth. The “cannot” scriptures are spoken in plainness so that we cannot misunderstand.
Here are a few examples:
24 ¶ No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
23 And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:23)
Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof
Alma 32:38-39
34 And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.
(Book of Mormon | Ether 12:32 - 34)
My favorite “cannot” scripture is as follows:
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
(Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:12)
Helaman could have used the phrase “will not” but instead he said “cannot.” When “cannot” is used the implication is that the end result is built upon something that is unchangeable, something that is larger than will. It is “sure” because there is no other possible outcome.
Helaman is teaching his sons that if they will build their lives upon Christ it will be a “sure” foundation and they “cannot” fall. What a joyous declaration that is.
And how about:
34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:34)
The "cannot" scriptures remind us that mercy is as sure as justice.
