2 Nephi, Chapter 29

What is the “marvelous work”?

“But behold, there shall be many—at that day when I shall proceed to do a marvelous work among them, that I may remember my covenants which I have made unto the children of men, that I may set my hand again the second time to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel (v. 1); And also, that I may remember the promises which I have made unto thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that I would remember your seed; and that the words of your seed should proceed forth out of my mouth unto your seed; and my words shall hiss forth unto the ends of the earth, for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel (v.  2);”  The Lord would restore the gospel to the earth.

The Lord would give blessings for our benefit.  First, He remembers the covenants made with the children of men.  During the Apostasy, the Lord was not bound to remember the covenants made between Him and the children of Israel.  With the restoration of the gospel, he remembers them.  Second, He would recover His people for a second time.  The house of Israel will be gathered.  Third, He remembers the promises made to Nephi.  Forth, He would remember Nephi’s seed.  Nephi knew his seed would be destroyed through their wickedness, but they would be remembered by the Lord.  Fifth, the words of his seed would proceed out of the Lord’s mouth to those remembered seed.  The gospel found in the Book of Mormon is from Nephi’s seed.  Sixth, the Lord’s words would “hiss forth” to all the earth.  The gospel is going to all the world in these latter-days.  We need to help in the missionary work that takes the gospel to the world.

What can the Bible do for me?

“And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible (v. 3).  But thus saith the Lord God: O fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles (v. 4)?  O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people (v. 5).  Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews (v. 6)?”

There are many who say they already have scripture in the Bible.  What group of people wrote the bible?  The children of Israel or the Jewish people wrote it.  I don’t think many think of giving credit to the Jews for preserving the Bible for us to have today.  We can show our gratitude by using the Bible in our lives.  We can show respect for the Jewish faith.  We have the fullness of the gospel, but a great portion of the gospel is found in the Bible.  

A Bible!  A Bible!  We have got a Bible

The Bible goes hand-in-hand with our scriptures found in the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants.  Without one, we would not have the fullness of the gospel.  These revelations work together to give us the tools that are necessary to return to our Heavenly Father again.  In verse 6 (see above), we see that many will say there is already a Bible. But we have been given other scripture from the Lord.  Who am I to reject any of His words?  

Why have more scripture that the Bible?  ”Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth (v. 7)?”  The Jews are not the only children of God.  There has been revelation given to all children of God and we can find these revelations in other scriptures, such as the Book of Mormon.

“Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also (v. 8 ).  And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever (v. 9).”  We will continue to have revelation forever.  We continue to receive it today.  I believe the modern revelation was given in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” for our benefit today.  It is just one example of modern scripture.

“Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written (v. 10).  For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written (v. 11).”  We are judged by the words found in all the scriptures of God.  We have all been commanded to write down revelations given to us.  I love keeping a journal of personal revelations I receive, so that I will benefit and I will be able to help my posterity in there lives.

“For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it (v. 12).  And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews (v. 13).  And it shall come to pass that my people, which are of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions; and my word also shall be gathered in one. And I will show unto them that fight against my word and against my people, who are of the house of Israel, that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham that I would remember his seed forever (v. 14).”  It is through the combining of all of these scriptures that the children of Israel will be gathered together once more.

I am so grateful for the scriptures in my life.  I love to study them and to understand why I am here and what I should be doing in my life.  I hope that my children can also gain a love for the scriptures and an understanding of the gospel through them.

2 Nephi, Chapter 28

What are some of Satan’s tricks?

Satan uses many different things to trick us.  Some of these tricks are discussed in this chapter.  

“… churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord … shall say unto the other: Behold, I, I am the Lord’s; and the others shall say: I, I am the Lord’s (v. 3) … And they shall contend one with another; and their priests shall contend one with another, and they shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance (v. 4).”  One of Satan’s tricks is to use many churches that claim they are Christ’s church, but they are not His church, and they say that there is no such thing as personal revelation, so that they can teach their own interpretations of the gospel.  It is the spirit of the Holy Ghost that converts each of us, and tells us that their is only one true church of Christ.  I have had people say things like, “do you think God speaks to you personally?” when trying to argue with me about my beliefs.  My only response can me, “Yes, he does.”  To them, I’m crazy for believing this.

“… for behold there is no God today, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he hath given his power unto men (v. 5) … if they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work (v. 6).”  Another trick is to try to convince us that there is no God, or that God is not here for us today.

“… Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die (v. 7)…”  Satan will try to convince us that there is no sin and that we should enjoy life in what ever way we want because this is all that there is for us.

“… Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God (v. 8 ).  Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines (v. 9)…”  Another trick he uses for some is that yes there is a God, but it’s okay if we sin a little.  That God will give us a slap on the hand, but we will still be saved.  In contrast we have modern revelation through the prophet Joseph Smith in D&C 1:31-32, which reads, “For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance (v. 31); Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven (v. 32);”

“… they have become corrupted (v. 11).  Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up (v. 12)… fine sanctuaries… fine clothing (v. 13)… in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men (v. 14).  O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts (v. 15)…”  Many will be tempted with pride.  Satan offers us wealth and wisdom of men, which can make us feel proud.

“… turn aside the just for a thing of naught and revile against that which is good, and say that it is of no worth! (v. 16)…”  Some will also be tricked into believing that things that are evil are good and things that are good are evil.  As we pushed for the passage of Prop 8 in California, I couldn’t help, but think that Satan was trying to convince many that we should all say gay marriage is fine and acceptable, but we know that it is against the standards of God.  Many wanted to take the sacred value of the family and marriage and make it open to anyone, which takes away the value making this commitment of no worth.  To continue, Satan will”rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good (v. 20).”  Satan convinces people with a passion, that they should be angry with those that are choosing the right.  We experienced a lot of verbal and physical threats because we stood for what was right.  There are many who claim that we are bigots and prejudice, making us out to be bad people for standing up for our beliefs.  I’m sure the hand of Satan was involved in the aftermath of the passage of Prop 8.

“And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well (v. 21) …”  Satan will lure men by convincing them that they are doing all right.  Those of us who have heard the gospel and been converted, are definitely the targets of this trick.  If we begin to think that everything is going fine, so we don’t need to be doing everything we’ve been told to do, we can fall prey to Satan.

“… others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none (v. 22)…”  One trick is to make men believe they don’t need to fear Hell and Satan, because they don’t exist.

“… We have received, and we need no more (v. 27)… angry because of the truth of God (v. 28 )… We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough (v. 29)… We have enough (v. 30)…”  There will be those tempted to believe that we do not have revelation today and therefore we don’t need the scriptures.

“… trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men (v. 31)…”  Some will be tempted to believe that Man’s teachings and ways are stronger that God’s.

“Eat, drink, and be merry”–right or wrong?

In 2 Nephi 2:25 we read, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”  Our Father in Heaven wants us to have joy in this life and in the eternities.  Satan would have us eat and drink things that God has not designed for our bodies.  He would have us be merry to the point of making grave mistakes like being immoral, crude and vulger.  On the other hand, God wants us to eat and drink those things which will sustain us.  He also wants us to eat the bread of life and to feast upon the gospel.  God wants us to live today so that we can have happiness in this life and true joy after this life.  The word of wisdom has been revealed for our own good, and if we follow it we can eat, drink and be merry the way that God intended.

How much punishment is “a few stripes”?

In verse 8 it says, “God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.”  This is definitely not an accurate portrayal of what we will go through if we do not repent.  The Savior suffered for our sins and it caused Him great agony.  If we do not repent, we will suffer great agony for our sins.  In D&C 76:112 we read, “And they shall be servants of the Most High; but where God and Christ dwell they cannot come, worlds without end.”  Those who do not repent will live as servants for eternity.  It is no wonder why Nephi continued in verse 9 saying, “Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines…”  To believe that God would punish those who live in sin with a “few” stripes, but that they would still be given Salvation makes this life we are living worthless.  If we did not need to prove ourselves, why would God send us here?  It would be foolish to think that we would not have a real punishment for the things we do wrong.

The dreaded triple “wo”

The word “wo” means sorrow or grief.  It is not used lightly in the scriptures.  There are only 4 places where it is tripled in the scripture and one of them is in chapter 28.  ”O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell (v. 15)!”  This gives me the idea that these sins are pretty bad.  Being prideful , preaching false doctrines, committing whoredomes, and perverting Gods ways are obviously sins we should do all we can to avoid.  Other sins that are sorrowful (using the word wo) in this chapter are making things that are good out to be bad and vice versa, being complacent in the gospel and believing that “all is well”, denying God and the Holy Ghost for the knowledge and ways of men, and saying that there is no need for scriptures and commandments or that we have enough.

Do you let Satan treat you like a baby?

Often times a baby will cry when they don’t get what they want.  My babies throw the best tantrums when something they want is taken away from them.  People often get upset when they do not get what they want, even when they think they are mature adults.  God has given us this world to live in with all of it’s possibilities.  But, he has also taken things away from us by forbidding them.  When we are not living righteously, we throw tantrums over not having these things.  Then Satan comes along, “And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security (v. 21)” What does it mean to pacify us?  When we think of a baby, a pacifier is given to quiet crying and to give a comfort when other options are not available.  Their is no nourishment given from a pacifier.  Don’t think I’m judging, I use a pacifier regularly with my baby.  However, do we really want Satan to pacify us?  I use lullabies also to calm my babies and to comfort them when they are sad or scared.  Do we want him to lull us away?  No, we don’t.  We need to become spiritually mature and realize that these things are forbidden for our eternal good.  We must not be at ease and allow Satan to treat us like babies.

2 Nephi, Chapter 27

(Compare to Isaiah 29)

How are the wicked like the blind and starving?

“But, behold, in the last days, or in the days of the Gentiles—yea, behold all the nations of the Gentiles and also the Jews, both those who shall come upon this land and those who shall be upon other lands, yea, even upon all the lands of the earth, behold, they will be drunken with iniquity and all manner of abominations (v. 1)—”  In the last days all people, gentiles and jews, will be “drunken with iniquity”.  I guess that means that we are all under the influence of sin.  Being lost in sin is much like being drunk because when you are drunk you are confused, unable to control your passions, and influenced easily by those around you no matter what you know is right.  Sometimes sinners can be so lost in sin that they don’t even realize the effect it has on their lives, their futures, or others around them.

In the last days we will be “visited” with thunder, earthquake, a great noise, storm, tempest, and with the “flame of devouring fire” (v. 2).  Those who fight against Zion, will be like a dream (v. 3), they will be drunk and stagger without any drink (v. 4), and they will be sleeping and their leaders will be covered (v. 5).  I think this means that those who fight against Zion will be put aside and forgotten by the Lord, because they have rejected the prophets and all they say about Christ.  This describes what happened during the apostasy.  Everyone was so wicked that the gospel was taken from the earth for a time.  The footnote for “covered” in Isaiah says that their mouths will be covered.  The wicked are like a starving man who dreams about eating, because they will dream of a better life, but it without the gospel they will not be able to have it.

In D&C 38:29-30 we read, “Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land (v. 29).  I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear (v. 30).”  We can have faith that if we are prepared for the temptations of the world, we will be able to withstand them and have no need to fear the “dreadful” day of the Lord.

Why weren’t all the gold plates translated?

A portion of the gold plates were sealed.  They were sealed because a commandment was given by God.  In Ether 4:4-7 we read, “Behold, I have written upon these plates the very things which the brother of Jared saw; and there never were greater things made manifest than those which were made manifest unto the brother of Jared (v. 4).  Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I have written them. And he commanded me that I should seal them up; and he also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation thereof; wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to the commandment of the Lord (v. 5).  For the Lord said unto me: They shall not go forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord (v. 6).  And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are (v. 7).”  

In verse 10 of chapter 27 we read, “But the words which are sealed he shall not deliver, neither shall he deliver the book. For the book shall be sealed by the power of God, and the revelation which was sealed shall be kept in the book until the own due time of the Lord, that they may come forth; for behold, they reveal all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof.”  This chapter refers to Joseph Smith’s translation of the Book of Mormon.  He did not deliver the book (the gold plates) to anyone, but they were sealed again, and the sealed portion will be revealed when we have repented and are ready to receive it.  The Lord would tell Joseph Smith, “Touch not the things which are sealed, for I will bring them forth in mine own due time; for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work (v. 21).  Wherefore, when thou hast read the words which I have commanded thee, and obtained the witnesses which I have promised unto thee, then shalt thou seal up the book again, and hide it up unto me, that I may preserve the words which thou hast not read, until I shall see fit in mine own wisdom to reveal all things unto the children of men (v. 22).”

How do we know Joseph Smith really had the gold plates?

“Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the book and the things therein (v. 12).  And there is none other which shall view it, save it be a few according to the will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men; for the Lord God hath said that the words of the faithful should speak as if it were from the dead (v. 13).  Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of the book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good will he establish his word; and wo be unto him that rejecteth the word of God (v. 14)!”  We have the testimony of the three witnesses and then the eight witnesses, so that we can believe that Joseph Smith really had the gold plates.

The Lord’s prophecies come to pass

We know who this chapter is referring to.  ”But the book shall be delivered unto a man (v. 9)…” refers to Joseph Smith Jr., who translated the plates.  Before the translation, Joseph gave the plates to Martin Harris, ”… he shall deliver these words unto another (v. 9)…” and “Take these words which are not sealed and deliver them to another (v. 15)…”.  Martin Harris took the book to Charles Anthon and Samuel Mitchell who were both learned men who were unable to read the Book, just as was prophesied in this chapter, ”… that he may show them unto the learned (v. 15)…” and “Then shall the learned say: I cannot read it (v. 18).”  Joseph was then told that he would translate the Plates, which was also prophesied, ”… the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof to him that is not learned; and the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned (v. 19).  Then shall the Lord God say unto him: The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work; wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee (v. 20).”  Then after the Book of Mormon had been translated, it was seen by three witnesses, ”… that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it (v. 12)…”, Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer.  Then eight more witnesses would be allowed to see the Book of Mormon, ”… there is none other which shall view it, save it be a few according to the will of God (v. 13)…”, Christian Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, Peter Whitmer Jr., John Whitmer, Hiram Page, Joseph Smith Sr., Hyrum Smith, and Samuel H. Smith.

In Isaiah Chapter 29, only a few verses tell of this prophesy.  ”And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed (v. 11):  And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned (v. 12).”  Isaiah was a true prophet because the things he said came true in the latter days.

What is the “marvelous work and a wonder”?

“Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men (v. 25)—Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid (v. 26).” (Isaiah 29:13-14)  These words were spoken to Joseph Smith, which leads me to believe the marvelous work and wonder would be the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith.

It was prophesied that in the last days, many marvelous things happen.  ”And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness (v. 29).  And the meek also shall increase, and their joy shall be in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel (v. 30).  For assuredly as the Lord liveth they shall see that the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off (v. 31);  And they that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of naught (v. 32)… They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine (v. 35).”  The gospel would be heard and learned by those who were sleeping in apostasy.  This prophesy of Joseph Smith has been fulfilled and we are living in the marvelous time that the Lord spoke of, when the gospel would be able to be heard by all.  I am so grateful to live in the dispensation of the fullness of the gospel.  I know that my life is greatly blessed because of it.

2 Nephi, Chapter 26

Would you like to know the end of the story from the beginning?

I’ve heard of some people who read the last page of a story first to decide if they will be interested in reading the whole thing.  When it comes to fiction, I wouldn’t like that.  I like to be surprised by the outcome of the characters and I feel cheated if someone tells me what is going to happen.  However, with things that are facts, they our things that have already happened and I don’t mind knowing how it ended first.

Nephi saw the future of the Nephites and we learn about some of it in this chapter.  ”And after Christ shall have risen from the dead he shall show himself unto you, my children, and my beloved brethren; and the words which he shall speak unto you shall be the law which ye shall do.” Nephi saw that Christ would be resurrected and appear to the Nephites.  In footnote 1a we see a reference to 3 Nephi 11:8 which reads, “And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.”  Then in 3 Nephi 9:17, “And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled.”

Then Nephi writes, “For behold, I say unto you that I have beheld that many generations shall pass away, and there shall be great wars and contentions among my people (v. 2).”  Throughout the book of Alma we can read of many wars and contentions among the Nephites prior to the Savior coming to teach them.  

“And after the Messiah shall come there shall be signs given unto my people of his birth, and also of his death and resurrection; and great and terrible shall that day be unto the wicked, for they shall perish; and they perish because they cast out the prophets, and the saints, and stone them, and slay them; wherefore the cry of the blood of the saints shall ascend up to God from the ground against them (v. 3).  Wherefore, all those who are proud, and that do wickedly, the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, for they shall be as stubble (v. 4).”  We can look at “Prophets, Rejection of” in the Topical Guide and see the many references to this.  We can learn Samuel’s prophecies and rejections in Helaman 13-14.

“And they that kill the prophets, and the saints, the depths of the earth shall swallow them up, saith the Lord of Hosts; and mountains shall cover them, and whirlwinds shall carry them away, and buildings shall fall upon them and crush them to pieces and grind them to powder (v. 5).  And they shall be visited with thunderings, and lightnings, and earthquakes, and all manner of destructions, for the fire of the anger of the Lord shall be kindled against them, and they shall be as stubble, and the day that cometh shall consume them, saith the Lord of Hosts (v. 6).”  In the chapter heading for 3 Nephi 8 we read, “Tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds, and physical upheavals attest the crucifixion of Christ—Many people are destroyed—Darkness covers the land for three days—Those who remain bemoan their fate.”

Nephi tells of the righteous who will believe in the Savior.  ”But the Son of righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him, until three generations shall have passed away, and many of the fourth generation shall have passed away in righteousness (v. 9).”  We learn of these things in 3 Nephi and 4 Nephi.

“And when these things have passed away a speedy destruction cometh unto my people; for, notwithstanding the pains of my soul, I have seen it; wherefore, I know that it shall come to pass; and they sell themselves for naught; for, for the reward of their pride and their foolishness they shall reap destruction; for because they yield unto the devil and choose works of darkness rather than light, therefore they must go down to hell (v. 10).”  The Nephites will fall away and they will reap the rewards for their sins.  In Mormon 6 the chapter heading reads, “The Nephites gather to the land of Cumorah for the final battles—Mormon hides the sacred records in the hill Cumorah—The Lamanites are victorious, and the Nephite nation is destroyed—Hundreds of thousands are slain with the sword.”

It must have been awful to witness these things happening to Nephi’s family.  When I think of children and their future families, I pray that they will remain strong in the faith.  But they will make their own choices.  I have no control over wether they will be members of the church or even have a testimony at all.  I have hope that they will.  Nephi on the other hand, knew that after being very righteous they would become very wicked and eventually they would be destroyed.  In verse 7 he says, “O the pain, and the anguish of my soul for the loss of the slain of my people! For I, Nephi, have seen it, and it well nigh consumeth me before the presence of the Lord; but I must cry unto my God: Thy ways are just.”  Nephi learns that their is a way to be saved.  ”But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish (v. 8 ). . . For the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man. And when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destruction, and this grieveth my soul (v. 11).”  We must remain faithful to Christ and keep the spirit with us always.  This is why we do things like take the Sacrament each week.  This way we renew the spirit in us so that we can endure to the end.

In this case, I would love to know that what I am doing now will eventually lead to a wonderful reward.  In the book of my life, I would love to know how it all ends.  For now I can do my very best and if I can apply the atonement in my life, I know without a doubt that I will be saved.

How can you invite Jesus into your life?

Why is Jesus knocking?  Because there is no doorknob on this door.  This door is like the door to hearts.  We do not have a doorknob where anyone can enter as they please.  Only we can open it from the inside.  We need to listen to the spirit and have an open heart towards it’s messages of the Savior.  ”And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God (v. 12); And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith (v. 13).”

Hearing voices

If my ancestors could speak to me from beyond the grave, I am sure they would help me see what decisions I am making in my life that do not keep me on the path towards my Father in Heaven.  I am sure they realize the things in life that truly matter and would have many encouraging words to help me through the struggles here in life.

“But behold, I prophesy unto you concerning the last days; concerning the days when the Lord God shall bring these things forth unto the children of men (v. 14).  After my seed and the seed of my brethren shall have dwindled in unbelief, and shall have been smitten by the Gentiles; yea, after the Lord God shall have camped against them round about, and shall have laid siege against them with a mount, and raised forts against them; and after they shall have been brought down low in the dust, even that they are not, yet the words of the righteous shall be written, and the prayers of the faithful shall be heard, and all those who have dwindled in unbelief shall not be forgotten (v. 15).  For those who shall be destroyed shall speak unto them out of the ground, and their speech shall be low out of the dust, and their voice shall be as one that hath a familiar spirit; for the Lord God will give unto him power, that he may whisper concerning them, even as it were out of the ground; and their speech shall whisper out of the dust (v. 16).”  The ancestors of the Nephites will “whisper out of the dust”.  ”For thus saith the Lord God: They shall write the things which shall be done among them, and they shall be written and sealed up in a book, and those who have dwindled in unbelief shall not have them, for they seek to destroy the things of God (v. 17).”  The righteous would keep a record, which would be kept away from the wicked.  This sounds like he is referring to the Book of Mormon, which we have today.  We can hear the words and warnings of the prophets of old and their words are more valuable that most of what is said to us today.

Whose invitation will you accept?

“And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor (v. 20).  And there are many churches built up which cause envyings, and strifes, and malice (v. 21).  And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever (v. 22).”  The devil has “invited” the Gentiles to do wicked things.  He “invites” us to be prideful, build up false churches, put God and his miracles down, boast of our own wisdom, be envious, have malice towards others and start up secret combinations.  The devil tempts us little by little until we cannot easily break free of it just as he turns a small piece of cotton into a strong chord that will not break easily.

“For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness (v. 23).  He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation (v. 24).  Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price (v. 25).  Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay (v. 26).  Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance (v. 27).  Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden (v. 28 ).”  All men are “invited” by the Savior to have salvation.  The Savior does not work in darkness like Satan does.  We are invited to come unto Him and be fed by the gospel.  We are also invited to repent. This is something that I take for granted knowing.  I’ve known for as long as I can remember, that I can be forgiven of the things I do wrong, by repenting.  Not everyone knows this.  The Savior invites us all to repent so that we might all have salvation.  The Savior gave His life for all of us to draw us to Him, where Satan uses temptations to bind us and lead us away from salvation.

 ”For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile (v. 33).”  We must listen to the promptings of the spirit, strengthen our testimonies of the Savior, repent, and follow His commandments so that we can accept the invitation that He extends to us all.

What would you do for the love of money?

We all do things for money.  Money is something that we all need to provide food, shelter and clothing to ourselves and our loved ones.  What wouldn’t we do for any amount of money?

“He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion (v. 29).  Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish (v. 30).  But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish (v. 31).”  Priestcraft is preaching for money and not because you care for Zion.  The Lord gives us this commandment because no man should put himself above God and his gospel.  If we accept money to serve in the church it is easy to use the church for our benefit.  People should not be enticed to serve in the church by money.  This can lead us down a path led by Satan and not by the Savior.

2 Nephi, Chapter 25

(Just a note:  When I opened to Chapter 25 and realized it was no longer words from a chapter in Isaiah, I actually was sad.  This time through, the words of Isaiah have been a true blessing in my life and I hope to remember the things that I have gotten out of these past several chapters.  I have truly come to love the words of Isaiah)

Why is Nephi easier to understand than Isaiah?

“Now I, Nephi, do speak somewhat concerning the words which I have written, which have been spoken by the mouth of Isaiah. For behold, Isaiah spake many things which were hard for many of my people to understand; for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews (v. 1).  For I, Nephi, have not taught them many things concerning the manner of the Jews; for their works were works of darkness, and their doings were doings of abominations (v. 2).  Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, for I came out from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld the things of the Jews, and I know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews (v. 5).  But behold, I, Nephi, have not taught my children after the manner of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt at Jerusalem, wherefore I know concerning the regions round about; and I have made mention unto my children concerning the judgments of God, which hath come to pass among the Jews, unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah hath spoken, and I do not write them (v. 6).”

Nephi understood Isaiah’s words because he knew the things that the Jews were doing.  Nephi had lived in Jerusalem and he knew the land and people that were there.  Just as we have a way we speak today, the Jews had a different way of speaking than the Nephites and Nephi knew how the Jews had spoken.  When we learn more about Jewish customs and culture, we can understand Isaiah’s words better.  We are so privileged to live in a time when it is so easy to learn about pretty much anything.  The Nephites did not have this luxury.  We should take advantage of this, so that we can learn more.

“Wherefore, I write unto my people, unto all those that shall receive hereafter these things which I write, that they may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, according to the word which he hath spoken (v. 3).  Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel, and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn (v. 4).  But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass (v. 7).  Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them (v. 8 ).”

Unlike Isaiah, Nephi writes plainly so that the common person can understand his prophesies.  Nephi suggests that we read the words of Isaiah with the spirit of prophecy, so that they will be plain to us.  We can have personal revelation given to us through the spirit if we want it.  What is personal revelation?  In Revelations 19:10, we read, “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”  Therefore,if we have a testimony of the Savior, we will have the spirit of prophecy.

Nephi also says that those who are in the last days will know what is meant by Isaiah because His prophesies will be fulfilled.  I think that is why it has been easier for me to understand them this time.  I feel that in the last few years the world has changed in ways that prove the second coming is truly close.  Isaiah’s words are applicable to our lives today.

How accurate are the Lord’s prophecies?

“Wherefore, it hath been told them concerning the destruction which should come upon them, immediately after my father left Jerusalem; nevertheless, they hardened their hearts; and according to my prophecy they have been destroyed, save it be those which are carried away captive into Babylon (v. 10).”  Babylon destroyed Jerusalem, and the Jews were taken captive into Babylon.

“. . . And notwithstanding they have been carried away they shall return again, and possess the land of Jerusalem; wherefore, they shall be restored again to the land of their inheritance (v.11).”  The Jews were freed and returned to Jerusalem.

“. . . and when the day cometh that the Only Begotten of the Father, yea, even the Father of heaven and of earth, shall manifest himself unto them in the flesh, behold, they will reject him, because of their iniquities, and the hardness of their hearts, and the stiffness of their necks (v. 12).”  Jesus was born and they rejected him.

“Behold, they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead. . . (v. 13)”  Jesus was crucified and resurrected.

“And behold it shall come to pass that after the Messiah hath risen from the dead, and hath manifested himself unto his people, unto as many as will believe on his name, behold, Jerusalem shall be destroyed again. . . (v. 14)”  Jerusalem was destroyed again, but by the Romans.

“Wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered among all nations; yea, and also Babylon shall be destroyed; wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered by other nations (v. 15).”  The Jews were scattered and Babylon was destroyed.

“And after they have been scattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind—and when that day shall come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and clean hands, and look not forward any more for another Messiah, then, at that time, the day will come that it must needs be expedient that they should believe these things (v. 16).”  The Jews are being persuaded to believe in Christ through missionary work today.

“And the Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore his people from their lost and fallen state. Wherefore, he will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men (v. 17).”  The saints of God are being gathered together as they repent and come unto Him.

In verse 9, Nephi tells of us a promise the Lord gives us.  ”And as one generation hath been destroyed among the Jews because of iniquity, even so have they been destroyed from generation to generation according to their iniquities; and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord.”  We need to heed the words of the prophet, because we have been told to prepare.  We have been given signs that will occur before the wicked our destroyed and the second coming occurs.  In D&C 87:8 we read, “Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.”  We need to be prepared, by being righteous.  We must stand firm and immovable in the faith, as the prophets have told us in these days because the Lord’s prophecies will be fulfilled.

“The purpose of the law of Moses”

“For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do (v. 23).  And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled (v. 24).  For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments (v. 25).” Since they believed in the coming of Christ and His sacrifice, the law had become “dead” to them.  The Law of Moses was fulfilled by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

“And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out (v. 29).  And, inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep the performances and ordinances of God until the law shall be fulfilled which was given unto Moses (v. 30).”  The Nephites were to continue to give their sacrifices until the law was fulfilled, because that was the commandment of God.  Once the law was fulfilled, they did not need to follow the Law of Moses and perform the sacrifices it called for, but instead give a personal sacrifice to the Lord as we do today.  We can take the sacrament each week to remind ourselves of the sacrifice that Christ gave for us.

We should continue to keep Christ in our lives and the lives of those around us.  ”And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins (v. 26).”

2 Nephi, Chapter 24

(Isaiah 14)

The great and dreadful day of the Lord (Continued from Chapter 23)

More things that Isaiah prophesied would happen to the righteous at the time of the second coming:

• They will choose Israel, and set them in their own land (v.1)
• The people shall take them and bring them to their place (v. 2)
• They shall return to their lands of promise (v. 2)
• They shall take them captives unto whom they were captives (v. 2)
• They shall rule over their oppressors. (v. 2)
• The Lord will give them rest, from sorrow, and from fear, and from the hard bondage (v. 3)

How did Lucifer fall from heaven?

The name Lucifer is written only once in the Bible, and it can be found in Isaiah 14.  Verse 12 reads, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!”  Lucifer is the name that Satan had in the premortal existence.  In the Bible Dictionary we can read more about the name Lucifer.  ”Literally the Shining One; also Lightbringer or Son of the Morning. Lucifer is also known as Satan or the devil. . . Apparently Lucifer is the name of the devil before his rebellion and fall. Latter-day revelation clarifies the fall of Lucifer and equates him with Satan.”  Isaiah mentions Lucifer in this chapter because the fall of the King of Babylon is like the fall of Satan. The King wanted all the glory of his victories and did not acknowledge God’s hand in it.  When Lucifer offered his plan in the premortal existence, he sought for the glory that belonged to God.  Because Lucifer wanted the glory, his plan was not chosen and he was angry and fell from the presence of God.

God had the power to stop Lucifer from rebelling against Him and taking so many souls with him.  But Lucifer had the gift of agency, and God will not take away the choices we have.  Lucifer chose to fall and become Satan.  In D&C 76 we read, “And was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over him—he was Lucifer, a son of the morning (v. 26).  And we beheld, and lo, he is fallen! is fallen, even a son of the morning (v. 27)!  And while we were yet in the Spirit, the Lord commanded us that we should write the vision; for we beheld Satan, that old serpent, even the devil, who rebelled against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our God and his Christ—(v. 28 )”  Then in Revelations 12:7-9 we read, “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels (v. 7), And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven (v. 8 ).  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (v. 9).”  Likewise, the King of Babylon made the choice not to recognize the Lord’s hand in his work and therefore he and his followers fell.  

Isaiah continues, “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations (v. 26).  For the Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back (v. 27)?”  We too have the gift of agency.  We had this gift in the premortal existence and we chose to follow the Savior.  We use our agency everyday and we will determine if we will be with the righteous at the second coming and ultimately if we will live with our Father in Heaven again.