2 Nephi 3

As lehi recounts some of the prophecies of Joseph, son of Jacob, that are not found in the Old Testament, the Lord said to Joseph -

"...A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 3:7)

But what seem to jump out at me was that -

"...I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 3:8)

As I read this as I'm the Prophet Joseph Smith did, I sense the Lord was telling Joseph that he would never be greatly properous or rich. His calling in life was to do the Lord's work. of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord said -

"...out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.
14 And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 3:13 - 14)

"...behold, I will give unto him that he shall write the writing of the fruit of thy loins, unto the fruit of thy loins; and the spokesman of thy loins shall declare it.
19 And the words which he shall write shall be the words which are expedient in my wisdom should go forth unto the fruit of thy loins. And it shall be as if the fruit of thy loins had cried unto them from the dust; for I know their faith.
20 And they shall cry from the dust; yea, even repentance unto their brethren, even after many generations have gone by them. And it shall come to pass that their cry shall go, even according to the simpleness of their words." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 3:18 - 20)

One of the Prophet's great work was to translate the Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 2

As Lehi provided one of the greatest lessons and incite on the plan of salvation made a very interesting comment -

"...the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:21)

What caught my attention was the word "prolonged". Tbis seemed to suggest to me that that the Lord understands the process that allows us to repent and grow. For many of us, it takes a great deal of time as we fail or sin, repent, grow, and improve. It is more of a process than a single action. Even thought Lehi said "while in the flesh", we know that there a some whose life is cut unfairly short. My personal opinion is the Lord will prolong this repentance period even into the next life. In other words, our probationary period will be lengthend depending on the commandments He gives. All will be right in the end.

2 Nephi 2

As Lehi spoke to his son Jacob, whom I picture as a young man, he acknowledged -

"...Thou art my first-born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:1)

I think rudeness in this case may have even meant cruelty. But then, Lehi follows that because -

"...thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:2)

This suggest that there is something special that happens as we suffer aflictions in righteousness. No question there is spiritual growth. As I recently blogged, Isaiah said of Israel -

"I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 20:10)

As we search the scriptures, it seems all prophets suffered some manner of afliction. 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)

It seems all benefit and are refined in righteous suffering of affliction in patience. The Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith as he suffered afliction in the Liberty Jail -

"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:7)

It doesn't take much to look at the prophets and recognize how minimal our afflictions are and were to theirs.

2 Nephi 1

As Nephi was commanded to make a record of the more spiritual or sacred things, he recorded some of the words of his father, Lehi, to his sons shortly before his passing. In doing so, he comments on this land saying -

"...the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:5)

Prophesying -

"...that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.
7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:6 - 7)

And unto those that he shall bring he provides promise and conditions -

"...if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:7)

The blessing and curse seems to be -

"...inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land, and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever.
10 But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord—having a knowledge of the creation of the earth, and all men, knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of the world; having power given them to do all things by faith; having all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his infinite goodness into this precious land of promise—behold, I say, if the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is just shall rest upon them.
11 Yea, he will bring other nations unto them, and he will give unto them power, and he will take away from them the lands of their possessions, and he will cause them to be scattered and smitten." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:9 - 11)

As we witnessed the political climate of today, we must understand the conditions of possessing this land. I worry that many of our leaders or the people that vote for them that keep not the commandments of the Lord. Again the Lord promised -

"Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:20)

Let's keep this in mind as we consider those that represent us.

1 Nephi 22

Yesterday, I blogged the idea that the blood of Israel has been spread through all nations. Statistically, it's very probable that almost everyone has an ancestory line to Israel. This becomes more evident as Nephi told his brothers -

"...for it appears that the house of Israel, sooner or later, will be scattered upon all the face of the earth, and also among all nations.
4 And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:3 - 4)

And because of that -

"...since they have been led away, these things have been prophesied concerning them, and also concerning all those who shall hereafter be scattered and be confounded, because of the Holy One of Israel; for against him will they harden their hearts; wherefore, they shall be scattered among all nations and shall be hated of all men." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:5)

And as such, since many are scattered and mixed through all nations, Nephi will then suggest that they are also gentiles also. Thus I see this that in many ways, we are of the house of Israel but also considered gentile therefore in the latter days -

"...the Lord has lifted up his hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and their children have been carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:6)

In my mind, the words "also all our brethren" would suggest any that are willing to keep the commandments and their covenants with the Lord. In this way Israel is gathered. But not necessarily gathered to one place, but -

"...he will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:12)

I personally believe that lands of their inheritance would be the "stake of Zion".

One more thought. The angel told Nephi -

"...that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:28)

We see a few of these things as Nephi quotes Isaiah -

"Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.
18 Behold, my brethren, I say unto you, that these things must shortly come; yea, even blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke must come; and it must needs be upon the face of this earth; and it cometh unto men according to the flesh if it so be that they will harden their hearts against the Holy One of Israel.
19 For behold, the righteous shall not perish; for the time surely must come that all they who fight against Zion shall be cut off." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:17 - 19)

I don't believe these words can be found in our present Old Testament. It is a comforting thing that Isaiah prophecies that -

"...the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 22:17)

1 Nephi 21

The Lord covenanted with Abraham -

"...I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations;
10 And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father..." (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:9 - 10)

Since those days, the responsibility of the descendents of Israel was always intended to teach and bless the lives of all people and nations by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though at times, the children of Israel have also failed, it is Isaiah that reminds Israel that this covenant and responsibility has not changed as he writes -

"...Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that are broken off and are driven out because of the wickedness of the pastors of my people; yea, all ye that are broken off, that are scattered abroad, who are of my people, O house of Israel. Listen, O isles, unto me, and hearken ye people from far; the Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 21:1)

In other words, "from the bowels of my mother" means that almost from the beginning it is Israel's jobe to preach His name and His gospel. This does not apply only to the preaching to scattered Israel but to all people for -

"...It is a light thing (or not enough)that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel. I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 21:6)

As we learn of our lineage in patriarchal blessings, especially "Ephraim", this is the very responsibility we have having the blood of Israel.

1 Nephi 20

I was impressed this morning as the Lord said to those of whom he loves -

"...behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 20:10)

A week and a half ago, Terri and I were able to sit and watch a glass maker blow and mold glass objects. In this particular case, we watched as he created a glass vase, with glass moldings, and a waving top. We watched as he heated glass, blew, molded, shaped, reheating the glass each time to add and mold the glass vase. This verse seemed to make so much sense knowing that through the furnace of affliction that He is able to mold or refine us towards our potential. Without the furnace of affliction, it would not be possible. He tells us that because of this we are one of His or His own -

"...for mine own sake will I do this..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 20:11)

1 Nephi 19

As Nephi taught his brethren the words and prophecies of Isaiah, he tells us -

"...I spake unto them, saying: Hear ye the words of the prophet, ye who are a remnant of the house of Israel, a branch who have been broken off; hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house of Israel, and liken them unto yourselves, that ye may have hope as well as your brethren from whom ye have been broken off; for after this manner has the prophet written." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:24)

It is evident that the words of Isaiah, are for "all the house of Israel" which house or "blood" has been spread through all nations. In other words, most people have the blood of Israel and considered to be of the house of Israel. Nephi explains why the words of Isaiah are so important -
"...that ye may have hope...for after this manner has the prophet written." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:24)

The definition of hope in our day seems to suggest that "maybe" things would work out, but in regards the two thousand stripling warriors, Helaman explained -

"...that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him." (Book of Mormon | Alma 58:11)

I feel in these words that "assurance" is synonomous to "hope". This is the kind of that comes by faith assured by the Spirit. I believe the words of Isaiah provide hope or assurance to all the house of Israel. Is it any wonder the Savior commanded us -

"...Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 23:1)

1 Nephi 19

As Nephi again explains his purpose or preparing a more sacred record the ministry and prophecies of the Lord in his day, a sense that he is somewhat worried as he comments -

"...I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred. And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:6)

But then he makes a truthful and important observation -

"For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:7)

I am one of the that esteem Nephi's words as of great worth. I know they are true. I also, just as Nephi did for his people -

"...I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:23)

I know there are others that mock. But the Lord said -

"...Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness..." (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:26)

1 Nephi 18

While Nephi and his extended family were upon the sea being driven forth to the promised land, two things seemed to touch my mind this morning. As had happened so many times previously, when the group did rest from their journey, rebellion and iniquity seem to happen or increase. Again on the open waters, I'm sure there was much more idle time. It was during this period that, that Nephi records that -

"...after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:9)

At first, one might think - "What is wrong with that?. There are many scriptures that the Lord loves dancing and singing. But I think the word "merry" in this case may be a little misleading as we generally think of "merry". It seems merry in case would seem to suggest - boisterousness, inappropriate speaking, loud laughter from inappropriate humor, and possibly, inappropriate dancing. This seems more apparent and Nephi continues -

"...and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:9)

The fact that someone can't help laugh out loud at a humorous situation, loud laughter and inappropriate humor and vulgarity would obviously be contrary to the Spirit. This brings better understanding of "loud laughter".

My second thought was how Nephi reacted to having been painfully tied up for several days, as he shares -

"...wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:15)

How Nephi reacts to all of this teaches us the manner of men the Lord would have us be for even in all this pain and afflictions, Nephi -

"...did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 18:16)

Now that is great character.

1 Nephi 17

As we follow the record of Nephi, we get a sense of the love and patience of our Father in Heaven for all his children. I specifically speak of Laman and Lemuel. Over and over, Laman and Lemuel rebell against the Lord. But the Lord, in patience and love, continues to give them opportunity and after opportunity to repent. They seem to repent but quickly fall back in rebellion and iniquity. It seems each warning from the Lord becomes even stronger even to the point that Nephi said -

"...I stretched forth my hand unto my brethren, and they did not wither before me; but the Lord did shake them, even according to the word which he had spoken.
55 And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:54 - 55)

But even with that, we know they would later again rebel. There are prophecies in the 88th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants that suggest some of the stronger warnings that will come in the latter days. Nephi again warns his brethren -

"...the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it.
37 And he raiseth up a righteous nation, and destroyeth the nations of the wicked.
38 And he leadeth away the righteous into precious lands, and the wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land unto them for their sakes." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:36 - 38)

Even such that -

"...he loveth those who will have him to be their God." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:40)

I believe "loveth" in this case is that He blesses them. But of those that rebel and do iniquity, He -

"...straitened them because of their iniquity." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:41)

And with that -

"...he prepared a way that they might be healed..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:41)

He seems to be willing to do that over and over. But there comes a point where -

"... this people had rejected every word of God, and they were ripe in iniquity; and the fulness of the wrath of God was upon them..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:35)

It is when we are fully ripe or have rejected every word of God such that -
"...the wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land unto them for their sakes." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:38)

It becomes apparent that in our rebellion and inquity that there is a point of ripeness or in other words, the point of no return.

1 Nephi 17

As I read of the journey of the Lehi's family and associates in the wilderness, I noticed that when they were actually traveling, though it was very difficult and challenging, Nephi never records any significant murmuring or rebellion. This only seems to take place when they stop for a period to rest. Work seems to bless our lives while "resting" or being idol seems to be "the devils workshop".

In years past, we have taken young men and women of "handcart treks". I can testify that as these young people work together in an exhausting way, they become humble and more teachable.

Nephite records that they -

"...did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:1)

And while traveling which must have been hard work, Nephi testifies that -

"...so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:2)

I note then that it was during their journeyings that they were not murmuring. Nephi then concludes -

"...thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:3)

The blessings and tender mercies always seem to depend on faithfulness and keeping the commandments.

1 Nephi 16

After the Lord had commanded Lehi in the night to continue their journey in the wilderness –

“… as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.” 1 Nephi 16:10

Soon after, Nephi observes that –

“…the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.” 1 Nephi 16:28

And, not only did the ball have spindles –

“…there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it.” 1 Nephi 16:29

The can’t help but relate the Liahona to that of the scriptures or the word of God. The principles are the same. Nephi then teaches a a profound doctrine that I will later follow up on –

“…thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things” 1 Nephi 16:29

1 Nephi 16

After having answered several sincere questions from his elder brothers, Nephi then logically explains why not everyone is allowed to return to live with our Heavenly Father –

“Wherefore, if they should die in their wickedness they must be cast off also, as to the things which are spiritual, which are pertaining to righteousness; wherefore, they must be brought to stand before God, to be judged of their works; and if their works have been filthiness they must needs be filthy; and if they be filthy it must needs be that they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God; if so, the kingdom of God must be filthy also.” 1 Nephi 15:33

So the truth is –

“… the kingdom of God is not filthy, and there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God; wherefore there must needs be a place of filthiness prepared for that which is filthy.” 1 Nephi 15:34

Being so called “filthy” at that time, Laman and Lemuel respond –

“…Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear.” 1 Nephi 16:1

Nephi truthfully answers –

“…the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center.” 1 Nephi 16:2

This is not so amongst those who have a testimony and are converted to gospel of Christ or in other words, a change of heart for Nephi explains –

“…if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us.” 1 Nephi 16:3

The key is –

“…I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord.” 1 Nephi 16:4

1 Nephi 15

When Nephi’s brothers admit that they cannot understand the things that their father has taught, Nephi asks with a very teaching question –

‘…Have ye inquired of the Lord?” (1 Nephi 15:8)

And then they seem to sarcastically answer –

“…We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.” (1 Nephi 15:9)

I is then that, in patience, Nephi teaches how one comes to understands the word of the Lord, or in other words, come to receive the mysteries of God(by revelation) –

"…If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you." (1 Nephi 15:11)

The very words “with diligence in keeping the commandments” suggest that answers do not generally come immediately. It suggests a level of patience with diligence.

As Nephi continues to explain the words of his father, he teaches an important doctrine to those of our day -

“And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer, which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved.” (1 Nephi 15:14)

I specifically noticed that the “covenant people”, with a knowledge of the gospel and the doctrine if Christ, may come to know “how to come unto him and be saved”. This is where LDS doctrine and non-Christian and Christian begin to differ or disagree. – the meaning of “being saved”. I blogged several days ago where Nephi learned of the Bible that –

“…many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.” (1 Nephi 13:26)

We believe that making and keeping sacred covenants will lead to all the promised blessings of the Father where those blessings promise “all the Father hath shall be given him”. Others believe that in living a good life, they will inherit heaven meaning a place of glory. In fact, both statements are true – but one is much greater than another. The following is what the Prophet Joseph Smith received in a great vision of the two potential rewards where one is significantly greater than the other. I will note that receiving the Terresteral glory requires not covenants – just a function of goodness or living a good life for –

“…we saw the terrestrial world, and behold and lo, these are they who are of the terrestrial, whose glory differs from that of the church of the Firstborn who have received the fulness of the Father, even as that of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament…
75 These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.
76 These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fulness.
77 These are they who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father.
78 Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun.
79 These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.
80 And now this is the end of the vision which we saw of the terrestrial, that the Lord commanded us to write while we were yet in the Spirit.” (D&C 76:71-80)

But of those that also make and keep sacred covenants having them sealed upon them –

“…we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just—
51 They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given—
52 That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power;
53 And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true.
54 They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.
55 They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things—
56 They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory;
57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.
58 Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God—
59, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
60 And they shall overcome all things.
61 Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his feet.
62 These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.
63 These are they whom he shall bring with him, when he shall come in the clouds of heaven to reign on the earth over his people.
64 These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection.
65 These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just.
66 These are they who are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all.
67 These are they who have come to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of Enoch, and of the Firstborn.
68 These are they whose names are written in heaven, where God and Christ are the judge of all.
69 These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.
70 These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical. (D&C 76:50-70)

1 Nephi 14

In the summer of 2013, our stake will again hold a handcart trek for the youth of the stake. As I was contemplating a theme for this event, my mind kept going to the initial words of a great LDS hymn - "Come, Come Ye Saints". I felt the very meaning of the word "saint" was seemed to stand out.

As I continued my reading of the great vision of Nephi, Nephi helps define the meaning of saint. He begins by teaching -

"...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 14:10)

Some may immediately think of the many Christian and non-Christian churches of the world, but I believe it is more the organization administered by the Lamb and the other, by the devil. And as Nephi looked, he -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 14:11)

I believe "waters" in this case is symbolic much like Nephi said that 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)

Water is a fluid and symbolically seeps in and through all things. But Nephi then beholds in our day -

"...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 14:12)

The saints of God are therefore, by Nephi's definition, the church of the Lamb. And Nephi -

"...beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 14:14)

In my mind then, saints are those that have taken upon themselves covenants - they are covenant people. Covenants is that as previously blogged about is that which was taken out of Jewish record by the Church of the Devil. It is covenants that make one a saint and qualifies one if they keep such covenants, to armed in righteousness and power, and the glory of God which means celestial glory and exaltation.

1 Nephi 13

Nephi records of his vision -

"...that I beheld the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the book of the Lamb of God, which had proceeded forth from the mouth of the Jew, that it came forth from the Gentiles unto the remnant of the seed of my brethren." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:38)

Seeing that the seed of Lehi had received the Bible, then -

"...after it had come forth unto them I beheld other books, which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the Gentiles unto them, unto the convincing of the Gentiles and the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true."
(Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:39)

It become evident that the Book of Mormon as well as modern revelation are not only another testament of Jesus Christ but also that the Bible is true. Many Christians of our day, believe the Bible to be true because they have been told so. But with these "other books", we have further testimony of the truthfulness of the Bible. And not only that the Bible is true, but also these "other books" -

"...shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:40)

What Christian would not want access to these truths for these other books shall -

"...come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb.
36 And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb, and my rock and my salvation.
37 And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:35 - 37)

1 Nephi 13

It is in this great vision of Nephi that we learn some truths of the Bible. One is that -

"...The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save there are not so many; nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:23)

This suggests that there are many teachings, prophecies, and I specifically note "covenants" that are not included in our present Old Testament that was had at the time of Lehi. We also learn that the writings -

"...when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew it contained the fulness of the gospel of the Lord, of whom the twelve apostles bear record; and they bear record according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God.
25 Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is in God." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:24 - 25)

I note that "fulness" means "the quality or state of being full" suggesting the record was full of gospel covenants and teachings or the fulness of the "doctrine of Christ".

But then we learn that -

"...after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:26)

What is important in my mind isn't necessarily the plain and precious parts but the covenants of the Lord. I note that there are no covenants related to entering the terrestial and telestial kingdoms. Does this not explain of those that enter the terrestial kingdom -

"These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.
76 These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fulness.
77 These are they who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:75 - 77)

These are good people that fail to take upon themselves sacred covenants, mainly because these the importance of these covenants have been taken away in the Bible and as such are blinded of their necessity.

I want to also note that the removal of these covenants and plain and precious writings was not the works of any religious church, sincere servant, or sincere translators. It appears to have taken place before that for -

"...after these plain and precious things were taken away it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:29)

Nonetheless, with the coming forth of the Books of Mormon we receive many of the essential covenants and plain and precious things that assist us in qualifying for the celestial kingdom or to return and live worthily with The Father.