1 Nephi, Chapter 15

How to get revelation from the Lord

Lamen and Lemuel did not understand the words of Lehi because they needed to ask the Lord for understanding.  They were hardening their hearts and not keeping the commandments.  Verse 11 says, “Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.”  Nephi knew there was truth in this, because he had done these things and received personal revelation for himself.  Being worthy to receive inspiration is so important to me.  I’m not perfect, but I try to do my best.  I pray each day for the guidance of the spirit, that I may know right from wrong and also that I may know what the Lord would want me to do each day.  I have a desire to be an instrument in his hands.  And I receive personal inspiration.  I don’t have dreams and visions of the magnitude that Nephi had, but I do hear the still, small voice.  I feel so blessed to have the guidance of the Holy Ghost in my life.

Label the objects

How is the word of God like an iron rod?

Because we can hold onto the scriptures, the word of God, and they will guide us to eternal life.  I love the idea of holding fast or clinging to the iron rod.  It just shows, that in this life no one can hold on to the scriptures passively.  We all must hold fast, even the best of us, if we intend on making it to eternal life.

What promise does Nephi make to those who hold to the rod?

He promised those who would hold to the rod would never perish and the temptations and fiery darts of Satan would not overpower them.

How are temptations like fiery darts?

Because temptations will hit us and then continue to do the burn damage once they’ve stuck.  They are extremely difficult to remove and I imagine they would more likely than not, lead to spiritual death like a fiery dart would lead to physical death.  If they do not hit us, but perhaps land in our path, they will block our way.  They will blind us with the brightness of the fire and burn us if we get too close.  But if we hold to the scriptures, they will not have the power to stop us on the path.  This is a promise from a prophet of God and I believe it to be true.  I have seen the power that the scriptures give me in avoiding temptations.

How does filthiness separate us from God and the Saints?

“Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.” (1 Nephi 10:21)  No unclean thing can dwell in his presence.  It separates us from the saints because they don’t want to be made dirty and we separate ourselves because we are ashamed to be with that which is clean, if we are not clean.

What does it mean to be clean?

If I had a choice between a stained white sock and a new, clean white sock, I would always choose the clean new sock over the stained one.  I have worn clean, all-white clothing for my blessing as an infant, for my baptism and for all of my experiences in the temple. White clothing represents a cleanliness and purity like godliness.  If I knew I was meeting the Savior, I would hope my clothes were brand new, clean and white.  I would definitely want my soul to be that clean.  Unclean souls will be judged for their uncleanness and since no unclean thing can dwell with God, they will be banished to a place where the unclean can dwell, or to hell. 

When I dress for the day, I consider what I will be doing.  If I’m just running my daughter to and from school, I don’t overdress.  I can where the clothes I plan on cleaning the house in.  This is okay because the other people I see are all dressed about the same.  I am comfortable dressed like that.  On the other hand, if I am going to a nice event, I dress in my best clothes.  I would feel ashamed around people wearing beautiful clothes if I was wearing jeans with holes and a stained t-shirt.  I believe this is why we have degrees of glory after this life.  If my soul was just off-white, I would feel so uncomfortable talking to someone with a soul of a brilliant white.  So Heavenly Father, being the loving father He is, would keep me with others with off-white souls so that I don’t feel quite so bad.  However, there would always (eternity is a long time) be the desire to have a brilliant white soul, but by that point the washing machine (and bleach) provided by the Savior would no longer be available.  That is the hell we create for ourselves.  We would know without a doubt what is true and right, but we would not be able to change it because we knew before and didn’t do anything about it.  Through the atonement, Jesus has made it so we can become clean through repentance.  If we repent, he will make up for our difference between our lives and godliness. The Savior will help me wash my soul so that I will have that brilliant white I want so much and then I will feel more than comfortable being with my Father in Heaven.

I cannot imagine my life on earth without my family.  I know that things will mean so much more to me in the eternities. I love my family so much now, so I know I will want my family with me there.  I need to continue to live a good life and make use of the atonement so that I can live with God and not be ashamed of myself.  I pray that my family will remember to live clean lives also so that they can be with me there.  I must always ask myself, ”Are my clothes clean?”

1 Nephi, Chapter 14

Find the “if-then” promises

If then statements include:  

• If we hearken to the Lamb of God, then He shall manifest himself to us in word and power and take away our stumbling blocks
• If we harden not our hearts against Christ, then we shall be among the seed of Lehi and the House of Israel and shall be blessed in the promise land forever, with no more captivity and to be no more confounded.
• If we harden our hearts against Christ and work wickedness, then we will be in captivity like Satan and have destruction both temporally and spiritually.

These promises apply to us today.  We need to hearken to Christ and make sure we do not harden our hearts against Him.  I look forward to the blessings promised if I follow Christ.

Why Are There “Two Churches Only”?

There is only one true church and all others are not the true church.  No matter what sect or denomination, all other churches are “perverted” in some way and therefore they belong to the great, abominable church and not the church of God.

How the Saints Can Defeat the Great and Abominable Church

The saints are few because of the wickedness of the abominable church.  Multitudes will fight against the few saints.  The saints will have the power of Christ with them as they are scattered over the earth.  The saints will be armed with righteousness and the power of God.  The Lord will always be more powerful than the wicked, no matter how many there are.  There are blessings in numbers, and if we stand together with the Lord, we will not fail.

Nephi sees the mission of John the Apostle

Who was the man Nephi saw in vision?  The man Nephi saw in his vision was John, who wrote Revelations in the New Testament (v. 20, 27).

What was the book Nephi beheld proceeding out of the mouth of the Jew?  The book Nephi saw was the Bible (Footnote refers to the revelations written by John).

What did the angel say about the things that were written in the book?  The things written were many, just and true, plain and pure, most precious and easy for all men to understand (v. 23).  

Why was Nephi forbidden to write all the things he saw?  Nephi was told not to write the rest of what he saw, so they would come forth at the right time and because John would write them down (v. 25). 

Others have seen what Nephi saw.  Where are their writings?  They wrote them in the scriptures, which were sealed and are probably found in the sealed portion of the plates that Book of Mormon came from, which were not translated (v. 26). 

When will we get those purer accounts?  At the second coming, the new dispensation of time will begin, which is probably when we will be ready to see these sealed writings.

Nephi closes with His testimony that what he saw was true and what his father saw was true (by the testimony of two witnesses).  We are not ready to know all that Nephi saw, because we are not able to follow all he has given us so far.  We need to use the scriptures and truly adhere to them, before we will be ready to receive that additional knowledge.

1 Nephi, Chapter 13

Who are the gentiles?

The word  ”Gentile” in the Bible Dictionary (page 679) is defined as the nations not of the house of Israel or without the gospel.  Usually in the Book of Mormon, it means those without the gospel. No one had the gospel until the restoration, so this verse is talking about all the people during the apostasy, and I believe those without the gospel today.

What is the Great and Abominable Church?

In verse 6 we read that the Great and Abominable church was started with the devil, “and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it.”  It desires the precious and fine things of the world, praise of the world, and to destroy the saints.  Anything that leads men away from God is part of this abominable church.  If we truly think of the depth of what is happening in our nation today, we can see that there are leaders trying to lead us to away from God, by changing the definition of marriage, which is not a man-made institution, but one created by God.  Therefore if we do not stand up for it as the prophets have told us to do, we are giving in to that Great and Abominable Church.  In 1 Nephi 8:33-34, we learn that we should not heed those in the great and spacious building.  Avoid people doing things that are ungodly and you can avoid being deceived by them.

How well does the Lord know the future?

This chapter tells of historical events in America.  

• Verse 10 – “And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters; and they divided the Gentiles from the seed of my brethren.” This is in reference to the Atlantic Ocean, which separated America from the old world.
• Verse 12 – “And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.”  This is in reference to Christopher Columbus, who crossed the Atlantic to America.
• Verse 13 – “And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters.”  This is in reference to the many other pilgrims, who also crossed the Atlantic to America in search of freedom.
• Verse 14 – “And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten.”  Verse 15 – “And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain.”  These verses are in reference to the colonists who obtained America for their inheritance.
• Verse 17 – “And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them.”  Verse 18 – “And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.”  Verse 19 – “And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.”  These verses refer to the old world trying to claim America, America eventually going through the Revolutionary War and winning their freedom.
• Verse 20 – “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that they did prosper in the land; and I beheld a book, and it was carried forth among them.”  Verse 21 – “And the angel said unto me: Knowest thou the meaning of the book?”  Verse 22 – “And I said unto him: I know not.” Verse 23 – “And he said: Behold it proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew. And I, Nephi, beheld it; and he said unto me: The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save there are not so many; nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the Gentiles.”  These verses refer to the Bible, which Nephi was not aware of.  The Bible came to America with the colonists and was like the Plates that Nephi and his family had preserved.

The awesome thing about all that Nephi saw is how perfectly it all came to pass.  We know it as the true history and beginning of America, which was prepared so that the Gospel could be restored.  If one of these steps had not happened, we would not have the fulness of the Gospel now.  Plus, if Nephi’s words of this vision were not the truth, how could we believe the rest of his prophecies.  What an incredible thing to be shown.  I can only imagine what Nephi felt like, to see so far into the future and to know what was going to happen so that we could have the gospel in our lives today.

Who was the “man among the Gentiles”?

Nephi learned of Columbus in about 600 B.C. and the discovery of America was in 1492, which is about 2100 years later.  Just as it says in verse 12, Christopher Columbus recognized God’s hand in his preparation and his success of discovering the New World.  The study guide quotes Christopher Columbus, “From my youth onward, I was a seaman and have so continued until this day. . . .  The Lord was well disposed to my desire, and he bestowed upon me courage and understanding; knowledge of seafaring He gave me in abundance, of astronomy likewise. . . .  I have studied all books-cosmographies, histories, chronicles, and philosophies, and other arts, for which our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed.  Those who heard of my [enterprise] called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed.  But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?” (Jacob Wassermann, Columbus, Don Quixote of the Seas, pp. 19-20.)

I love knowing that Columbus was inspired by God to find America, and that he was aware of it even though he did not know why and did not have the true gospel in his life.  He was an awesome man, led by the hand of God, to prepare the way for the gospel to be restored.

How were the Lamanites “scattered before the Gentiles”?

Disease killed many of the American Indians because the colonists brought it to them.  Also, the colonists took over the lands and pushed the indians all over America and to other parts of the world.  This fulfilled the things said in verse 14.

What has been taken from the Bible and why?

In Article of Faith 8, it says “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”  Verse 26 says, “And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.”  From the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible, I can see that there were many things removed or altered in the Bible when it was translated.  There have been many versions of the bible written, but none were written to contain the full gospel of Jesus Christ as it was originally intended.

These things were removed from the bible to “pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men” (v. 27).  It is easy to persuade people away from God by altering His words.  If people believe it to be the correct translation, than they will follow it.  It is important to see for yourself where the contradictions are in those translations, to know what is the true gospel.  This is why we need the Book of Mormon, to give us the fulness of the Gospel.

What will the Lord do about the truths missing from the Bible?

Nephi’s seed would write the Book of Mormon, which would be hidden and come forth by Joseph Smith (v. 35).  Other books that have come forth are the new testament, the Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants.  These books combined with the Bible give us the fullness of the gospel in these latter days.  Also there are other revelations given to Joseph Smith and the other Latter day prophets.  We should be (and are) different from the rest of the world because we have these books.  What a waste it is of our lives, if we do not use the teachings of God found in all of these books.

1 Nephi, Chapter 12

Overview of Nephite history

Maps are extremely useful. They show the way to get from one place to another.  They show landmarks and alternate routes.  The value to seeing where you have been, where you are and where you are going, is that it gives you perspective.  It is much easier to find the way when you have the right perspective.

When I was dating my husband, I drove from my house to his parents house for church.  I did not take a map because I had written directions down.  I had never driven on the freeway that I was suppose to take to get there and in fact had never noticed the ramp to get to that freeway.  I got on the road near our home and drove right passed the ramp, which was very close to home.  I drove on another freeway for a long time (probably an hour) expecting the whole time to see the sign for the other freeway.  Finally, I stopped to get some help at a gas station.  The attendant couldn’t help me and told me I would need to buy a map, which I did.  With the map, I was able to see how I had missed the onramp.  I figured out a route to get where I wanted to go from my location and arrived two hours late for church.  I would have avoided the mistake, if I had taken a map (or maybe had clearer directions).  I learned the value of a map that day.  

Chapter 12 gives us a “map” or overview of the Nephite history:  finding the promise land, the downfall of the people, Jesus visiting the Nephites, and the twelve become judges.

Chapters 11 to 15 shows the map of the gospel and saints.   

• Past: Chapter 11 tells of the birth, baptism, ministry and crucifixion of Christ.  It also tells of the apostleship of the twelve.  Chapter 12 tells of the Nephites finding the promise land, the downfall of the people, Jesus visiting the Nephites and the twleve becoming judges.  Chapter 13 tells of the establishment of the church of the devil, America’s discovery and colonization, loss of parts of the bible, the apostasy, the restoration of the gospel, and the building of Zion.  Chapter 14 tells of the blessings and cursings to the Gentiles, the persecution of the saints, that John would write about the end of the world, and that the Lamanites and Nephites would receive the gospel in the latter days.
• Present:  Chapter 13 tells of the building of Zion, which continues today.  Chapter 14 tells of the blessings and cursings to the Gentiles and the persecution of the saints, which also continue today.  Chapter 15 tells of the Gospel getting to Lehi’s seed and the gathering of Israel.
• Future:  Chapter 15 tells of the gathering of Israel which will be completed in the future and also the justice of God.

Nephi’s vision was completely accurate for those things that have already happened and are happening now.  I know they will continue to be accurate for the things to come.  We are so blessed to have prophets and other general authorities to lead us today.  I believe the prophets of today have seen ahead of our time.  Last year, I heard of a sister who had seen President Hinckley in an elevator.  As they rode in silence, President Hinckley said to her that she did not have her food storage prepared.  She said she did not and he replied, “If you knew what I knew, you would.”  I believe he saw the needs of the saints to have a food storage.  And I believe now we are beginning to feel the need as our country is having times of hurricanes, floods, other natural disasters, and financial troubles.  President Hinckley had hope for the future, and knew of the successes of God.  I know that God’s will is going to prevail.  No matter what, God will win and my family and I will be blessed for staying on his side.  I must remember to be “engaged” in the work.

The burden of knowing the future

The events Nephi was shown in his vision:

• Nephites and Lamanites grown in number, then they have great wars. (This continues from this chapter through 3rd Nephi.)
• Destruction of the land of promise when the Savior died in Jerusalem. (This happens in 3 Nephi 8.)
• The righteous Nephites witness the resurrected Savior. (This happens in 3 Nephi 9-11)
• The twelve disciples in the Americas are chosen to be judges of the Nephites.  (This happens in 3 Nephi 12-30)
• Three generations of people are righteous, and the fourth begins to fall away.  (This happens in 4 Nephi)
• Nephi’s people fight with the Lamanites, who overtake the Nephites. (This is what happens in Mormon and Moroni)
• The Lamanites fall away.  (This happens in Mormon 8:8.)

I imagine Nephi, knowing his seed would witness the Savior.  This was probably so exciting.  However, the knowledge that with time they would all lose their way, was probably really sad.  It is a reminder that we need to keep the faith.  It’s been generations, since the Saints witnessed the restoration of the Gospel.  It gets harder to believe on the words of others as the generations pass.  We must gain a testimony for ourselves through prayer and study.  Knowing these things may have put a heavy burden on Nephi’s shoulders.  He had only recently learned he was going to be a leader over his brothers.  He was still following the words of his father Lehi and then to be shown such awesome things, it must have been a bit overwhelming.  I think there are sad things that the modern prophets know of, that weigh on their minds.  I am so glad that I do not have that burden.

What is the meaning of the “mists of darkness” and the “spacious building?”

I think the mists of darkness represent the temptations of the devil, because when you follow those temptations, you truly lose your way.  The more temptations, the harder it becomes to find your way back.  Plus, I heard recently that the Devil will work his hardest to get you to fall into temptation and then leave you there, because he has other souls to work on and you’ve already fallen.  On the other hand, the Saviour works hard to bring you into his fold with the spirit.  He lets the spirit remain with you, to continue to guide your way.

The large and spacious building is the vain imaginations and pride of the people.  A large and spacious building demands attention, like prideful people do.  To see some enormous building, many would wonder what wonderful things could happen there.  Smaller buildings represent a humbleness to me, where larger buildings say money and success, and truly entice those outside.

1 Nephi, Chapter 11

Illustrating the vision of Nephi

This chapter is about a vision that Nephi is given.  Included in his vision, are events in the Savior’s life.  The Lord showed his love for us by being born in the most humble of situations.  He was of royal blood, and yet, he was born in a stable and raised so modestly.  The Lord showed his love for us by being baptized by John the Baptist.  He was the only person, who has ever or will ever live, that did not need to do it, but he provided the example to all of us.  The Lord showed his love for us by healing people.  He was not selfish, in fact he was the exact opposite.  He gave all of his time and priesthood power to lifting those who were suffering (physically, mentally, socially, and most of all spiritually) in life.  The Lord showed his love for us by allowing Himself to be crucified.  He was given the choice, and He chose to sacrifice Himself, so that we all may be able to be resurrected and be perfected, to live with our Father in Heaven again.  God is bound by laws of justice and mercy and the Savior gave of His life to fulfill these laws for all of us.

What does it take to receive personal revelation?

Before his revelation, Nephi had a desire to know, had faith the Lord would let him know, and “sat and pondered in his heart”.  Other examples of what it takes include D&C 138:1, where Joseph Smith also sat and pondered over the scriptures before he received his vision.  Also, in D&C 76:19, before Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received their vision of the kingdoms and degrees of glory, they meditated on the things they had just translated in the scriptures.  In Enos 1:3, it says that while hunting, the words of his father about eternal life and joy sank deep in his heart, then he hears the voice of the Lord in his mind.  In Helaman 10:2 it says that before Nephi was given the sealing power, he pondered on the things he had been shown.  In Joseph Smith History 1:8-12, Joseph Smith pondered about all the churches and then on the scripture James 1:5, which led him to pray for an answer.  It is important to remember these steps, when seeking an answer from God.  Have a desire, have faith in the Lord’s response, and ponder before and after asking God, and you will get an answer.  It’s also important to know that our answers do not always come in the ways we expect or want them to come.  Sometimes, they do not come right away.  And other times, the answer that we get is not one we really want, but our Father in Heaven knows what is best for us and we need to have faith in that.  I know that the more I ask for revelation and the more I trust the promptings of the spirit as they come, the more personal revelation I get.

What is the meaning of the tree of life?

What did Nephi want to see?  He desired to see what his father told him he had seen in his vision (v. 3). 

What question did Nephi have after he saw the tree?  He wondered what the tree meant or stood for (v. 11).

What was Nephi shown when he asked what the tree meant?  He was shown the Savior’s birth; Nazareth, Mary, and Christ as a new babe (v. 13-20). 

How is the birth and mission of Jesus Christ like the tree Lehi saw?  The tree was beautiful, exceeding all beauty and the white was the most white.  Like the tree, the Savior’s birth and mission were more beautiful and pure than any other ever to exist on Earth. 

What did the fruit of the tree do for Lehi?  In 1 Nephi 8:12, the fruit of the tree filled Lehi with exceedingly great joy. 

What did Jesus do for Lehi, and all people, that would make Lehi happy?  The Savior makes all men clean and pure again through the atonement and gives us all great joy. 

Why is the atonement of Jesus most desirable and joyous?  Because it is the one and only way to become clean again, so that we can live with Heavenly Father again and have eternal life. 

What must we do to feel the joy that Lehi talked about?  We must repent of our sins and live life as best as we can.

How is the word of God like a “rod of iron” as we travel through this world?  It is the instructions we need to be guided to eternal life, just as the rod guides Lehi to the tree.  Plus, what better way to know of God’s love then to learn of Him through the scriptures.

What does the “great and spacious building” have to do with the crucifixion of Christ and the persecutions of His apostles?

The angel showed Nephi the ministry of Christ and his crucifixion.  The he was shown how the people of the world rose up against those who were apostles of Christ.  Just like that, the people of the great and spacious building mocked those who ate of the fruit of the tree (the fruit of the Love of God – Christ).  Pride pushed the people of Jesus’ time to crucify him.  The building therefore represents the pride of the world.  People get angry when others try to do what’s right, because it means they are doing wrong.  No one likes to be told they are doing the wrong thing, especially if they enjoy doing it.  I can remain strong as long as I keep an eternal perspective.  The Lord will bless me beyond anything I can imagine if I will choose the right and repent for the wrong I do.

What does “condescension” mean?

The condescension of God is God going lower than His station or raising another up to His status.  God is willing to put himself so near to us, to give us all He can, because He is our loving Father in Heaven.  God allowed His perfect Son to walk among us and be crucified by people.  God showed His love for us by allowing this to happen.  I know God loves me and wants me to return to his presence.

1 Nephi, Chapter 10

Nephi begins his own record

We learn that the book of first Nephi prior to this chapter is an abridgment of the book of Lehi and a summary of Lehi’s experiences.  At this point, Nephi starts his record, but he still talks of Lehi’s teachings. This is how we have the important things that were lost with the 116 pages of translation.

The absolute reliability of prophecy

Lehi prophesied of the jews after Jerusalem is destroyed.  He said they would be taken captive, but return to the land of their inheritance (Jerusalem). He said 600 years from “now”, the Savior would come to this world.  He said a prophet would prepare the way for Him (John the Baptist).  he said the prophet would baptize the Savior with water and bear testimony that He was the Lamb of God and Savior of the world.  He said the gospel would be given to the Jews, but they would “dwindle in unbelief” and slay the Messiah.  He said the savior would be resurrected and show himself to the Gentiles.  He said the Gentiles would be scattered and then gathered again because they would be given the fullness of the gospel.

All of these have been fulfilled except the gathering of the Gentiles, which is now being fulfilled by the missionary work of the church.  In D&C 1:37-38 it says the prophecies and promises of the scriptures will be fulfilled and His word will not pass away.  In D&C 82:10 it says, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.”  Sometimes prophecy is given and it will happen no matter what, because the Lord said it would.  Other times promises are given, which require something on our part to be fulfilled.  I have been promised and eternal family based on my faithfulness to the Lord’s commandments and to my husband.  I cannot have this promise unless I do my part.

What does the title Messiah mean?

Messiah “denotes the King and Deliverer whose coming the Jews were eagerly expecting.”  The Messiah would save and redeem the world.  In the New Testament they call the Messiah, “the Christ”.  And this is why we call him Jesus the Christ.

Why do we need a Redeemer?

If I fell into a deep pit with no way to get out, my only feelings (after freaking out for a minute or two) would be to pray to Heavenly Father for some kind of help.  Like falling into a pit, verse six says “All mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state”.  Adam’s transgression led to man’s fallen state where we could not return to live with our Father in Heaven, and life was only mortal, not everlasting.  But, there is a way out of this pit.  The Savior made it possible, through the atonement, for us to have that perfect, everlasting life.  Repentance is the key to allowing the atonement to work in our lives.

What is the scattering and gathering of Israel?

The children of Israel were scattered physically and spiritually throughout the Earth.  They separated because of not being able to agree on the true gospel.  That leads to contentions that drive people apart.  When you are in line with others on gospel principals, you want to be with them and share your beliefs.  We can help the gathering by sharing the gospel with those around us.

To listen requires more that hearing.

To listen we must use our ears, eyes, and hearts. In D&C 1:2 it says “For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.”  Nephi chose to listen to the spirit.  In order to see, hear, and feel messages from my Father in Heaven, I must keep the commandments to keep the spirit with me at all times.  Then with practice, I can learn how to feel, see, and hear the spiritual promptings that come from God.

What are the mysteries of God?

Mysteries of God are saving principles of the gospel.  If we look as natural men, we cannot understand the mysteries.  They just won’t make sense to us.  But when we seek earnestly, with the help of the spirit, we can understand and they are no longer “mysteries”, but plain and simple truths of the gospel.

1 Nephi, Chapter 9

The Plates of Nephi

Plates are things we put food on, so that we don’t have to eat off of the table or floor.  When I was a kid we would fight over the “special” plates.  These were plates that were homemade by my siblings.  The plates used by Nephi were a different kind of plate.  They were sheet metal used for engraving, which took a good deal of time to engrave.  The large plates consisted of Mosiah to Mormon, the small plates were First Nephi to Omni.  “These plates” must mean the small plates, which contain First Nephi, and the “other plates” must mean the large plates.

Why did the Lord tell Nephi to make another set of plates?

A good example of doing something just to be obedient, only to find out the reason later happened to my parents in January of 1994.  My Mom, Dad, brothers and I were visiting family in Arizona.  We had planned to drive home on the Monday holiday, but my parents had the strong feeling (the spirit prompting them) that they should drive home on Sunday instead.  That Monday morning, we were all home together with my sisters who had stayed home to work, when the Northridge Earthquake hit.  My parents knew then why they felt they should go home early, when there was no obvious reason to do it.  I’m glad they followed and were obedient to the prompting.  My sisters were not left alone and we did not hit the road problems that were created by the earthquake.

Nephi did not know why he should make the smaller plates, since he was already making a record of his people.  However, he did it anyway.  Nephi spent a lot of time and energy on the plates, because he had faith that there was a good purpose for them.  If we did not have the small plates, than the story of Lehi would have been lost with the 116 pages lost during translation. In D&C 10:45, the Lord instructed Joseph Smith to translate the plates of Nephi because they gave greater views upon the Gospel.  So there is more than just lost pages that make the small plates of great worth to us today.  I believe that everything happens for a reason.  I know that a lot of little things happened that did not make a lot of sense at the time, which led to my husband and I both being at a meeting where we met for the first time.  That was definitely the Lord’s hand and Him knowing all things from beginning to end, for a “wiser purpose”.

1 Nephi, Chapter 8

What are some ways Heavenly Father talks to His children?

There are many ways that Heavenly Father talks to us.  The Lord chose to speak to Nephi through a dream or vision.  He has spoken to prophets face to face, as with Joseph Smith.  He has sent messengers or angels to give his messages.  Plus, we each have the personal revelation of the spirit, which is also a way that our Father in Heaven speaks to us.

What is the meaning of Lehi’s dream of the tree?

We can follow the Savior’s example and with the help of the scriptures and gospel truths we can make our way through the darkness of the world toward the Love of God and Everlasting Life.  The scriptures contain the ways that we can gain Eternal Life.  If we hold to the words of the prophets, we will find our way.

Prayer delivers us from darkness

Lehi found himself lost in darkness.  He prayed and found his way.  When I am in total darkness, I first feel a sense of panic knowing I cannot see my way.  Prayer gives me comfort that I will get through it and find some source of light, just as Lehi was able to see the field once he prayed.

Can you find yourself in Lehi’s dream?

The people in verses 21 to 23 wanted to find the path, which led to the tree.  Then ended up finding the path, but lost their way in the mist of darkness.  Their goal was only to find the path.

The people in verses 24 to 25 and 28 pressed forward, clinging to the rod until they made it to the tree, but were ashamed once they ate the fruit.  They thought much about what others might think.

The people in verses 26 and 27 were already in the building, mocking at those eating the fruit.  They are those people  of the world who laugh at those of us who believe in the Love of God.

The people in verse 30 held fast to the rod until they partook of the fruit, because it means everything to them.

The people in verses 31 to 33 were searching for the building and those that did not get lost on the way, made it and then mocked those eating the fruit.

Lehi wanted to get to the tree because he knew the fruit was desirable (as an answer to his prayer). The tree represents the gospel and through the gospel we gain Eternal Life.  

The rod of iron is the scriptures and other words of the prophets and apostles that keeps us following the path.  If I “cling” or “hold fast” to those teachings, I’m sure to find my way, but when I casually use them or forget them all together, I am sure to follow some other path that does not lead the right way. 

Sometimes we think too much about what others think and that if we are too religious we are silly or will offend.  This makes us ashamed and willing to deny our beliefs.  Lehi was not ashamed because he understood the value of the fruit.  Sometimes we don’t quite understand how precious the blessing of Eternal Life is and will be for us.

I am working on being in Lehi’s group of people, but I know there have been times when I may have lost my way a little.  It’s a battle that I must work on every day.  The less I am around people who make fun of my beliefs or treat me different because of them, the happier I am as a person.  Most of my acquaintances now are people who have the same or pretty similar values.  I hope that my children can follow the same ideas and choose friends that are good kids with good values.

1 Nephi, Chapter 7

How important is marriage in the eyes of the Lord?

In Genesis 1:27-28, Adam and Eve were created and are told to multiply and replenish the Earth.  The Lord wanted Nephi and his brothers to go to Jerusalem again to get wives, so that they could also multiply and replenish the earth.  Ishmael’s daughters had not grown up with Lehi and his visions.  They probably were not looking forward to leaving their home to live in the wilderness.  But marriage is an eternal thing.  Without a wife, the sons of Lehi could not obey the commandments fully and would not inherit the kingdom of God.

Why was Ishmael’s family chosen?

According to Joseph Smith, Ishmael was of the house of Ephraim, Nephi of Manasseh, and his sons had married into Lehi’s family before they left Jerusalem.  In other words Ishmael’s daughters were chosen because Lehi’s daughters had already married Ishmael’s sons, so they were already family (according to Elder Snow, 1882). 

Scavenger Hunt – Finding Hearts

The heart of Ishmael was softened.  The spirit bore witness to him of the things Nephi told him and he was willing to take his family into the wilderness.  The hearts of Lamen and Lemuel (and two daughters of Ishmael who were probably their wives, and two sons of Ishmael and their families who were probably daughters of Lehi) were hardened with time in the wilderness.  Their hearts were hardened because they wouldn’t listen to the Lord.  Lamen and Lemuel had forgotten that they had seen an angel and that the Lord had blessed them and made it possible to get the plates.  They had forgotten to have faith in the Lord.

In order to keep soft hearts, we must have faith in the Lord.  We must always be grateful for all the Lord does for us and we must listen to the spirit.

Find the prophecy

Nephi reminds his brothers of the prophesy that Jerusalem will be destroyed and they will find the land of promise.  In second Kings, chapter 25, Jerusalem is destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and most of Judah is carried into Babylon, while the remnant flee to Egypt.  This happens at about 587 BC and 1 Nephi, Chapter 7 is between 600 and 592 BC.  The scriptures teach us that “all things which the Lord hath spoken…must be fulfilled” (v. 13).  This is so important to me because I have made commitments to the Lord and there would be no reason to continue living a good life if those promises He made in return would not be fulfilled.  In D&C 1:36-37, it also says the prophecies and promises in the scriptures will come to pass.  I love the promise that I have been given to have my family for eternity as long as I am faithful.  There is hope and happiness knowing my children are sealed to me for time and all eternity as well as knowing my sweet husband is mine forever.

Discuss a miracle

Nephi’s brothers tied him up and planned to leave him for dead in the wilderness.  He prayed for the strength to break the bands and the bands were made loose by the hand of God.  One miracle in my family was a few years ago, my brother was in the hospital with fluid around his heart.  The doctors did not know what was causing it so they could not fix it.  My mom asked everyone to hold a special fast, which we did.  The next batch of tests came back clear of any problems and the doctors could not explain why the problem was completely gone.  We knew it was because of our faith and prayers.

When we remember these miracles, it reminds us that anything is possible with faith in God.

Why was Nephi so quick to forgive?

Nephi was truly a man of God, who followed the spirit and knew that he needed to be willing to forgive his brothers for all they had done to him.  In Matthew 18:34-35, we learn that if we don’t forgive everyone, the Lord will not deliver us from our enemies or our tormentors.  And in D&C 64:10-11 it says that it is required of us to forgive all men and leave the judgement to God.  Heavenly Father is just, and those who do us wrong and do not repent will be “rewarded” according to his deeds.  We need to remember that we are not perfect.  I need to repent for my own sins and not spend my time thinking about how others have wronged me.  I must forgive even when the person who hurts me does not apologize.

Treating each other with love, kindness, and forgiveness

If I were Laman or Lemuel, and I hurt my brother and tried to kill him, I think the regret that would come later would out weigh the pleasure of taking my frustrations out on him.  It’s hard to imagine being in their “shoes” and not believing in the promises of God.  Nephi was able to stand up to his brothers when needed and to speak to Ishmael’s family and his own, with the spirit.  That is the best way to speak to anyone. To follow Nephi’s example, I should be as faithful as I can and remember to forgive.  It’s hard sometimes, but it is so important.  I think that of all the people that I want to show love, kindness, respect and forgiveness, my family should be the most important, because I intend to share eternity with them.  And most of all because no matter what, I do love them.

1 Nephi, Chapter 6

Why I choose to please God

I do not think that Nephi expected everyone who read his book, to like it.  Especially since, at the time he was writing, he did not have everyone as followers (remember this is around 30 years after arriving in the promise land).  I’m sure he understood that those who were open to the spirit would be influenced to follow and understand his writings because they were words pleasing unto God.  Nephi was not trying to please the people around him.  He was trying to please God.

I ask myself, what am I or what is my family doing to please God?  We are trying to live righteously.  We are attending church regularly, putting family as a priority, serving others through our church callings and trying to keep our family on the right track.  We have family home evenings regularly.  We have made a habit of prayer and scripture study as a family.  We are working on our family food storage.  We obey the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89).

What more can I or my family do?  The answer is so much more.  We need stronger habits of the little things.  We need to pray more often.  I need to have personal prayer more often.  We need to make better choices in our daily activities.  I need to listen more each day.

I love that Nephi writes, “For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.” (v. 4)  I think that this is the driving force behind this blog.  I want to put my testimony and what I learn of the Gospel out in the open for anyone to read, and hopefully persuade them to come unto God.  I choose to allow others to know who I am, because I believe it pleases God.