Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Friday, December 30, 2011

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.