1 Nephi 13

As Nephi's vision continues, he is introduced to -

"...a great church.
5 And the angel said unto me: Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:4 - 5)

This church that John the Revelator saw that was -

"...the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (New Testament | Revelation 17:4 - 5)

And Nephi -

"...beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:6)

And of this great and abominable church founded by Satan, we learn of its teachings, beliefs and temptations as Nephi -

"...saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots.
8 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:7 - 8)

Just as John had seen, the doctrine of the church of the devil is immorality and materialism where the follower's hearts and desires are upon the things of this world. Just as "the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication." But with these two wicked beliefs, Nephi saw their hearts were set -

"...also for the praise of the world..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:9)

The praise of the world would be those seeking power, fame, and worldly glory. I believe these three are the teachings of the church of the devil.

1 Nephi 12

As Nephi's vision continues to unfold, in the future, he -

"...beheld multitudes gathered together to battle, one against the other; and I beheld wars, and rumors of wars, and great slaughters with the sword among my people." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 12:2)

And then, sometime down the road, he -

"...saw a mist of darkness on the face of the land of promise; and I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises; and I saw the earth and the rocks, that they rent; and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces; and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up; and I saw many cities that they were sunk; and I saw many that they were burned with fire; and I saw many that did tumble to the earth, because of the quaking thereof." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 12:4)

And then later, he -

"...saw that the seed of my brethren did contend against my seed, according to the word of the angel; and because of the pride of my seed, and the temptations of the devil, I beheld that the seed of my brethren did overpower the people of my seed." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 12:19)

There is no question in my mind that this revelation was had among the Nephites for many years. They knew concerning the prophecies, but even yet, they did not believe and the events came to pass.

I couldn't help but compare this great revelation concerning the people of Nephi in that of John's revelation concerning our day. In some ways, the seem earily much the same. I am confident that the revelations of John will be fulfilled as did Nephi's, yet the people continue to ignore these prophecies just as the Nephites.

1 Nephi 11

In our day, the Lord told the elders of the Church -

"...ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 43:16)

and of this endowment of being taught from on his the Lord said -

"...for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:32)

Not only was his law given, but few would argue that being taught from on high was to be done in the Kirtland Temple for -

"...I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 95:8)

Throughout the scriptures, the Lord has taught his children from on high in temples and mountains. It seems to me the two are synonymous in many ways. Isaiah saw our day saying -

"...Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 2:3)

As I read the great vision of Nephi, I noticed that Nephi records that -

"...after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:1)

First, I felt I should comment on what Nephi did to receive this great vision. First he desired, then he believed, and then he pondered. And it was then he was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord. And his Nephi's case, he was caught away "into" a exceedingly high mountain. I noticed that Nephi did not write that he was on a high mountain or that he was caught unto a high mountain. I noticed he wrote - into a exceedingly high mountain. My thoughts was, could this be symbolically a temple of the Lord? It would be in the Mountain of the Lord's House or the Temple wherein one would be taught and endowed from on high.

Just my thoughts this morning as I read the testimony of Nephi.

1 Nephi 10

Any one that has read any of my scripture blogs throughout he years, they would be familiar with my quote from Nephi -

"For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..."(Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 10:19)

But that verse continues -

"...as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 10:19)

What my thoughts are this morning is the truth -

"...the course of the Lord is one eternal round." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 10:19)

Though we may consider the doctrine of Christ as Nephi taught -

For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.
18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:17 - 21)

...which is an eternal process. My thoughts this morning is more of an eternal nature of and eternal nature of one eternal round. The first is we know that as an entity, we have always existed where Abraham described this existence as "intelligences" and of such -

"...was not created or made, neither indeed can be." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:29)

But the day came where we were clothed in a "spiritual" body as Paul described -

"For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God..." (New Testament | Acts 17:28 - 29)

It appears that with each new step in this eternal round requires a proving and qualification of "keeping" that estate. By keeping this first estate as spiritual offspring, we were given the privilege our spiritual bodies being clothed with a physical bodies with adds additional blessings. This is where we presently lie in this eternal round. If we are faithful or keep this second estate, we are promised as -

"...children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (New Testament | Romans 8:17)

Of such the First Presidency doctrinally taught -

"...only resurrected and glorified beings can become parents of spirit offspring. Only such exalted souls have reached maturity in the appointed course of eternal life; and the spirits born to them in the eternal worlds will pass in due sequence through the several stages or estates by which the glorified parents have attained exaltation... (THE FIRST PRESIDENCY AND THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, JUNE 30, 1916)

I personally believe that is eternal process is what is the "one eternal round" spoken off.

1 Nephi 9

As Nephi continues writing on the his new record some thirty years after leaving Jerusalem, he again comments of this particular record -

"...wherefore these plates are for the more part of the ministry..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 9:4)

And later he writes -

"...I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:3)

I sense Nephi's vision of what there plates were for is to record the revelations, sacred experiences, and prophetic teachings that may be used in "the ministry" and for "the instruction of my people". I can almost sense that in our day, it would considered a manual. Is it any wonder he included the teachings and experiences of his father, his own revelations, teachings, and testimony, and also the teachings of a recent prophet, Isaiah.

Nephi felt it was very important that his people understand that his father had prophecied -

"...concerning a prophet who should come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord—
8 Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 10:7 - 8)

I think it is interesting that Lehi emphasized that this prophet would come forth teaching in the wilderness. We now know that -

"...John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey..." (New Testament | Matthew 3:4)

Luke wrote of an interesting event of -

"...the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple..." (New Testament | Luke 11:51)

I am no Bible historian and I don't know if this Zacharias referred to was an ancient prophet or maybe the father of John. But I wonder if this is true, that maybe Elizabeth was forced to flee into the so called wilderness for safety and raise John in the most humble of circumstances.

Again, it would be another testament of great prophets, even some in our day, that arose from the humblest of circustances. Another great lesson in Nephi's gospel manual.

1 Nephi 8

As I continued my reading of Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life, I had several thoughts that came to mind that I would like to share. The first being of some of those that had commencedon the path to the tree of life -

"...there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:23)

I noticed that with these that did not hold fast to the iron rod did "wander" off. At the same time there were those who made it to the tree and then having witnessed those that did mock them -

"...after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:25)

It was these that did not wander off but instead -

"...they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:28)

Notice the contrast of those that wandered off and those that was able to approach the tree supposedly with a testimony and knowledge. In this case it would knowing rebellion.

We have been taught that we -

"...must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:20)

In regards to "feasting" upon the word of Christ. This "feasting" is not every once in a while. It seems we must nourish ourselves several times a day whether we feast or not. In Lehi' vision we are told that those that are blessed with the fruit of the tree were they that -

"...did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:30)

Which rod is the word of God. So our feasting must be continual.

The last point that came to mind were those that were in -

"...a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.
27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:26 - 27)

I work in construction industry. I am more than a ware that a building in the air will eventually fall without a sure foundation. But as I pondered these individuals in the building, I couldn't help but think that there are many of us that at times in our life might have checked into this building even for a short time whenever we mock, point our fingers, or speak gossip of others. I guess you could say we could easily bounce from the path to the building in an instance based upon our thoughts and actions.

1 Nephi 8

In Lehi's vision, he recounted that -

"...after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:9)

And what appears to be in or at the perimeter of the large and spacious field -

"...I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:10)

And Lehi even -

"...beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:20)

It appears that the strait and narrow path led not only to the tree but also to the "large and spacious field". It appears that this path is the only way to the tree. I find it interesting that this field was "as if it was a world". Symbolically, Lehi and Nephi was promised a "land of promise". I picture this large and spacious field is the final promised land, land of inheritance, or the Celestial kingdom where all the righteous will be joint-heirs with Christ.

I have thought much about the -

"...river of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:13)

I couldn't help but picture this river coming near the tree but never coming to the tree. In other words, this river was not "a way" to the tree of life or the large and spacious field. It was a representation that it appeared to be a way, but eventually came near, then continued on past the tree to where it does not explain. And angel later shared with Nephi -

"...the fountain of filthy water which thy father saw; yea, even the river of which he spake; and the depths thereof are the depths of hell." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 12:16)

And that Nephi later explains to his brothers -

"...that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 15:27)

I can't help but believe that the world teaches that there are many ways to heaven, but it is obvious that there is but one way - the strait and narrow path.

1 Nephi 7

As Moroni finished his own record, he wrote -

"...I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts." (Book of Mormon | Moroni 10:3)

"Remembering" seems to be the principle we are constantly admonished to do in our reading of the scriptures and in our own personal lives. It is in reading the scriptures that we remember the history, experience, doctrines, and of course the consequences of the teachings of the Savior and His prophets. It is by remembering that we learn obedience, gratitude, and of what I think is most importance, a witness of the Spirit of their truthfulness. There is a persistent theme throughout the Book of Mormon for the people to remember. As Lehi and his families embark on their journey, Nephi wrote -

"...we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.
22 Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 5:21 - 22)

For the very purpose that they would "remember". But his application also applies in our individual lives. We are admonished to look back and remember all the spiritual blessings and witnesses the Lord (the Spirit) has provided in our own lives. Of such, Nephi challenges his brethren -

"How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of the Lord?
10 How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord?
11 Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us, in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record?
12 Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him?..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 7:9 - 12)

If we do not remember all that the Lord has done for us -

"...behold, the Spirit of the Lord ceaseth soon to strive with them..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 7:14)

In other words -

"...in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.
22 Behold, this is according to the law and the prophets..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 59:21 - 22)

Therefore -

"...O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:41)

1 Nephi 5

As Nephi as his brethren return with the brass plates that Laban had been in possession of, we learn some very important doctrine concerning the record of the Jews or the Old Testament. First, Nephi records that upon returning, they -

"...did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord; and they gave thanks unto the God of Israel." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 5:9)

It is apparent that Lehi and his family were descendents of the children of Israel and were living the law of Moses as commanded. From further readings, it is more than apparent that the children of Israel at that time and previously were very aware of the coming of Christ and his teachings and this law was to prepare them for such than the present Old Testament teaches. Of these brass plates, we learn -

"...they did contain the five books of Moses, which gave an account of the creation of the world, and also of Adam and Eve, who were our first parents;
12 And also a record of the Jews from the beginning, even down to the commencement of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah;
13 And also the prophecies of the holy prophets, from the beginning, even down to the commencement of the reign of Zedekiah; and also many prophecies which have been spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 5:11 - 13)

Therefore, like the Bible, this record declares that Adam and Eve were the first parents. We also learn that this record still exists for -

"That these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed.
19 Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should never perish..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 5:18 - 19)

It becomes clear that the day will come, when interpreted, we will be able to have and read that record. It will be an interesting day as we are able to compare this record to the handed down, written, and rewritten present Old Testament. Last of all we learn a very important principle -

"...we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.
22 Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 5:21 - 22)

Just as critical to Lehi and his posterity were the these teachings, so are the scriptures in our day that we also "carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise". The promised land being exaltation.

1 Nephi 4

In the beginning, one like unto God said -

"...we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them..." (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:25)

The plan and purpose then was always to "prove" man. I interpret that to mean to test and try man for the purpose of development and worthiness.

As we consider the proving of many of the great prophets, James counseled -
"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." (New Testament | James 5:10)

In modern day the Lord counseled -

"...let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 127:4)

One would have to assume that in order to learn perseverance and patience, things cannot be a layed out in a straight line with no challenges or stumblingblocks. I am reminded when that after Paul was cast into jail in Jerusalem -

"...the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." (New Testament | Acts 23:11)

It is interesting then to follow Paul's way to Rome which included additional years in prison, delays, and even being shipwrecked. Even thought Nephi believed -

"...I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 3:7)

I think in his young age, he did not believe it would be easy. As Nephi describes the challenges he faced in getting the brass plates of Laban, because it was years later, I don't think he described all the challenges which must have transpired in his approximate two hundred mile return to Jerusalem. I doubt that it was not unsafe and treacherous. And then they had several instances of being rejected and their lives threatened by Laban in just acquiring the plates. It's obvious that Nephi and his brothers were being "proven". But even after several failures, what impressed me the most, as is evidence of perserverance and patient, Nephi shares the beginning of his successful attempt -

"I, Nephi, crept into the city and went forth towards the house of Laban.
6 And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 4:5 - 6)

I don't think there could be a better example of what true faith is.

1 Nephi 3

Alma commented to the poor of the Zoramites -

"...there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe." (Book of Mormon | Alma 32:17)

But he reality is that is not so among a rebellious and disobedient people. The Savior the people of His day -

"...What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not." (New Testament | John 6:30 - 36)

There is something about the rebellious in that in their iniquity without sincere repentance, they receive not of the Spirit and prevents them from belief. This was never more evident as Nephi says that as Laman and Lemuel -

"...as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities?" (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 3:29)

It is apparent that Laman and Lemuel were full of inquity. If the appearance of an angel is not a sign, I don't know what is. The angel even proceeded to promise -

"...Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 3:29)

After witnessing such a marvelous sign, and after the angel departed -

"Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?" (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 3:31)

It becomes clear that even though there are many that say that if a sign is shown, then they will believe, is obviously false. That is why -

"...these signs shall follow [only]them that believe..."
(New Testament | Mark 16:17)

1 Nephi 2

My thoughts this morning are on the relationship and character of Laman and Lemuel in contrast to Nephi and Sam. As Nephi write years later, he very tactfully said that Laman and Lemuel -

"...were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 2:13)

Though I have little evidence specifically to Laman and Lemuel, I think Nephi is suggesting that they were somewhat in line to what the Jews were doing. We may have learned a little to more on the manner of wickedness among the Jews from Lehi if we had his record, but we don't. But we do have Jeremiah's where he wrote of the Jews at that time -

"...they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men..." (Old Testament | Jeremiah 9:2)

"...they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses." (Old Testament | Jeremiah 5:7)

And -

"...every one neighed after his neighbour's wife." (Old Testament | Jeremiah 5:8)

Even to the point -

"...they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush..." (Old Testament | Jeremiah 6:15)

I cannot say if Laman and Lemuel was involved in this wickedness, but we do know they did not have the Spirit with them because -

"...they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 2:12)

But Nephi did have the Spirit with him in that he -

"...having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 2:16)

And like the relationship of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Nephi -

"...spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the Lord had manifested unto me by his Holy Spirit. And it came to pass that he believed in my words." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 2:17)

This does not necessarily say the Nephi and Sam did not at times struggle in their faith, but they -

"...did not rebel against him (Lehi) like unto my brothers." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 2:16)

I think that is the key difference. Rebellion means in my mind to intentionally disobey and keep not he commandments.

One may ask why the Lord continued to bless or allow Laman and Lemuel the blessings of the promised land. First, I believe the Lord continues to love His children in hopes of bringing to pass the eternal life of man. But I also believe that Laman and Lemuel were a great blessing to Nephi and Sam in learning patience, kindness, love, long-suffering, tolerance, and other Godlike attributes. For without Laman and Lemuel, they may not have had such an opportunity. Isn't it interesting that even as Nephi -

"...cried unto the Lord for them." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 2:18)

The Lord's response was more in response to Nephi -

"...Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart.
20 And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 2:19 - 20)

For Laman and Lemuel had their own responsibility and agency to work out their own salvation.

1 Nephi 1

Some thirty years after Nephi had left Jerusalem, he begins another record of the more spiritual teachings and events that had transpired since his days in Jerusalem. He begins this "spiritual" record with -

"...I make an abridgment of the record of my father, upon plates which I have made with mine own hands; wherefore, after I have abridged the record of my father then will I make an account of mine own life." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 1:17)

It seems the first eight chapters of 1 Nephi are the abreviations of his father's record for we know that after Lehi -

"...as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people.
6 And it came to pass as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him; and he saw and heard much..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 1:5 - 6)

And afterwards -

"...he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit and the things which he had seen.
8 And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a vision..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 1:7 - 8)

In this vision, not only did he see "God sitting upon his throne", among other things, the Savior -

"...came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 1:11)

I wonder if this book was much like the little book read by John where -

"We are to understand that it was a mission, and an ordinance, for him..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 77:14)

Or in other words, his patriarchal blessing and how his mission fell in line with the plan of salvation. You can sense a portion of his mission as Lehi faithfully -

"...after the Lord had shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 1:18)

In my mind, this is the very definition we find of "prophets" in the Old Testament. Being that Lehi was living during -

"...the commencement of the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 1:4)

...he would then be a contemporary with Jeremiah, Nahum,. Habakkuk, and Zephaniah for -

"...in that same year there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent, or the great city Jerusalem must be destroyed." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 1:4)

Being a prophet and being one much like these other great prophets, Lehi to -

"...hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams; and he also hath written many things which he prophesied and spake unto his children..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 1:16)

Lehi's mission though was not the same as these other great prophets. His mission was to carry a righteous branch to another part of the world. I'm convinced though, if he had remained, his writings would have been much like the other prophets and would be today a popular Old Testament book.

Revelation 22

In follow up to yesterday's blog, John summarizes this great revelation with the words of the Savior -

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." (New Testament | Revelation 22:14 - 15)

If I could sum up the New Testament it would be the requirement to have faith in Jesus Christ by obeying His commanments for -

"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." (New Testament | Revelation 22:11)

I had one final thought on this revelation. John concluded this revelation with -

"I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (New Testament | Revelation 22:18 - 19)

There are many that have suggested that these words were in reference to the Bible as a whole and that there would never be more revelation. That explanation can quickly be dismissed because there was no Bible in his day. The Bible was not assembled more many generations and this revelation was happened to be included at the end. Many have noted that the Gospel of John was written after this revelation.

Many of the saints have explained that these words were only in reference to this revelation John received. I would argue that because I don't think John ever considered this revelation to be a "book" or to be included in a future combination of writings and epistles called the Bible.

My thoughts this morning was that this statement regarding the "book" is the book spoken of in the 5th chapter of this revelation. John -

"...saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." (New Testament | Revelation 5:1)

This book included the entire plan of salvation, or in other words the prophecy of that which was planned and would come including the seven seals our thousands years from Adam to the coming of a new earth. John was privileged to see the events of much of the sixth and seventh seals of this book.

I don't see this book ever being ammended. It was the plan from the beginning. I believe this is what was meant "if any man shall add unto these things" because it would be contrary to the will of God.

Revelation 21

After John had witnessed the opening and closing of the seven seals, and what seems the conclusion of judgement day, even the the fulfilling of the book -

"...in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." (New Testament | Revelation 5:1)

Or in other words, the fulfillment of the plan of salvation, John was privileged to see -

"...a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." (New Testament | Revelation 21:1 - 3)

Joseph Smith wrote that we believe as John wrote -

"...that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:10)

In fulfillment, the earth and its people would be in a celestial state where -

"...God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new." (New Testament | Revelation 21:4 - 5)

Again, I emphasize that this is the conditions and state of those that are righteous for -

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (New Testament | Revelation 21:7)

Those that confess Christ but do not repent or -

"...the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (New Testament | Revelation 21:8)

The second death would be those not allowed to "inherit all things" and live in this "new earth".

John proceeds to attempt to describe in earthly words the glorious nature of the new earth and the individuals that would be allowed therein with the warning that -

"...there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." (New Testament | Revelation 21:27)

It is those, the righteous, that are written in "the Lamb's book of life" that will be His sons and daughters.

Revelation 19

What appears to me of the central and eternal theme of Revelation regarding the last days is really about two opposites, darkness and light, wickedness and righteousness with light and righteousness prevailing. We see this again as John said -

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." (New Testament | Revelation 19:7)

The woman clothed in the Sun (or light) is the Church or the righteous saints of the Church(reference the parable of the ten virgins). This becomes even more apparent as John explains -

"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (New Testament | Revelation 19:8)

We see such fine line or "white robes" of righteousness of worthy saints in sacred temples. The condition of righteousness is even more evident as we read at the end of the seven seals, John said -

"...I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." (New Testament | Revelation 20:12 - 13)

And those who did not satisfy the conditions or righteousness or in other words -

"...whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (New Testament | Revelation 20:15)

Notice that works or in other words, keeping His commandments and making and keeping sacred covenants are the works of righteousness.

Revelation18

As I blogged yesterday, years before John's revelation, it was also revealed to Nephi that in the last days -

"...all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:14)

The 18th Chapter of Revelation is where John describes this fall. John uses the analogy of Babylon to described the wicked desires of man. What I found most interesting as the wicked in all their unrighteous desires, lusts, riches and their wicked lives is now being destroyed, show no desire to repent for -

"...the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning..." (New Testament | Revelation 18:9)

Even -

"...the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing..."
(New Testament | Revelation 18:11 - 15)

It doesn't seem like they have sufficient remorse unto repentance. It reminds me of the sorrow of the world as I think of Paul's words to the Corinthians -

"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 7:9 - 10)

Before this dreadful day, a voice from heaven pleads -

"...Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." (New Testament | Revelation 18:4)

Revelation 17

In chapter 12, John sees a glorius -

"...woman clothed with the sun..." (New Testament | Revelation 12:1)

...Which we learn was symbolic of Christ's Church, but later John also -

"...saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication..." (New Testament | Revelation 17:3 - 4)

Obviously, being of the world, this woman must then be the Church of the Devil as Nephi also saw in vision was the -

"...great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it.
7 And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots.
8 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:6 - 8)

"...and behold that great and abominable church, which is the mother of abominations, whose founder is the devil.
10 And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 14:9 - 10)

And much like John saw, Nephi also -

"...beheld the whore of all the earth, and she sat upon many waters; and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.
12 And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few, because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters; nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small, because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 14:11 - 12)

As John and Nephi revealed, there are only two woman or two Church and -

"...the great mother of abominations did gather together multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all the nations of the Gentiles, to fight against the Lamb of God." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 14:13)

John even noted -

"...upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (New Testament | Revelation 17:5)

"Mystery" could even suggest secret works and combinations. But with all the wickedness of the this great mother of abominations, John saw that -

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." (New Testament | Revelation 17:14)

What great comfort this brings to the faithful, Nephi also saw, just like John that the day would come that -

"...all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:14)

Again, I see the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ and His revelations.