2 Nephi 25

After having written many of the words of Isaiah, Nephi begins to explain Isaiah's words to his people. Knowing that -

"...Isaiah spake many things which were hard for many of my people to understand..." Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:1)

Nephi follows with -

"...behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:7)

And much of that which he prophecies in plainess is concerning the Savior and -

"...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.
13 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, with healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Wherefore, my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:12 - 13)

And for those who, for some reason, do not believe that "Mormons" believe in Christ, Nephi speaks in plainess -

"...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..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:14)

"...there is save one Messiah spoken of by the prophets..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:18)

"...his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:19)

"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." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:23)

Therefore -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:26)

"...there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:20)

"...wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:28)

For -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:29)

Is there anyone that has any doubt that the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in Christ?

2 Nephi 24

We find that the teachings of Isaiah from the brass plates are not exactly the same as that found after years of translations in the Bible. I noticed this morning an important doctrine whereby Isaiah prophecies that -

"...the people [or members of many nations] shall take them and bring them to their place; yea, from far unto the ends of the earth; and they shall return to their lands of promise..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 24:2)

It becomes clear that places of gathering are not restricted to one place but to "their lands of promise". Speaking of such lands of promise,Isaiah wrote -

"Enlarge the place of thy tent [or Zion], and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 54:2)

I believe these lands of promise are the stakes of Zion such -

"...that the gathering together upon the land of Zion [lands of promise], and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:6)

And it is in these stakes of Zion or lands of promise that -

"...the house of Israel shall possess them, and the land of the Lord shall be for servants and handmaids..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 24:2)

In other words, within stakes is where the house of Israel or many members may have the privilege to serve and care for the poor and needy for -

"This is the purpose [or the very plan] that is purposed upon the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations.
27 For the Lord of Hosts hath purposed [or planned], and who shall disannul? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 24:26 - 27)

2 Nephi 23

As one reads the Old Testament, there is no question regarding the greatness of the city of Babylon compared to other cities at that time. But some two hundred year years before the fall of Babylon, Isaiah prophecied -

"And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.
21 But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.
22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces; and her time is near to come, and her day shall not be prolonged. For I will destroy her speedily; yea, for I will be merciful unto my people, but the wicked shall perish." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 23:19 - 22)

Though Babylon had existed and at times had flourished for thousands fo years, Isaiah would prophecy that there would be "total" destruction such the Babylon would not exist. That is a pretty bold prophecy and yet we now know it to be true. Why then would anyone question, Isaiah's prophecy of the "worldly Babylon" or the wicked in the latter days saying -

"Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light; the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.
11 And I will punish the world for evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay down the haughtiness of the terrible.
12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 23:9 - 12)

As Isaiah prophecied of ancient Babylon, I too believe this day will come.

2 Nephi 20

As we begin reading the 20th chapter of 2nd Nephi, which is much like the 10th chapter of Isaiah, the heading includes an interesting comment -

"Destruction of Assyria is a type of destruction of wicked at the Second Coming..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:Heading)

I believe this is significant to us as Isaiah prophecies that wicked Assyria, by the hand (or allowed) of the Lord, will conquer even to the gates of Jerusalem. Of course the king of Assyria believes it is all him but is somewhat mocked by Isaiah with one of my more favorite scriptures -

"Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth therewith? Shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? As if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself as if it were no wood!" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:15)

In other words, it ridiculous that work gloves will work without an hand inside. But what is interesting is that at the very point went all appears hopeless for Jerusalem, Isaiah prophecies -

"Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of Hosts, send among his fat ones, leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.
17 And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame, and shall burn and shall devour his thorns and his briers in one day..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:16 - 17)

In one day the powerful military would be almost destroyed. I'm sure everyone would ask; "how can that be?". It did happen that in one night 185,000 Assyrians died somehow.

Because this was a "type" of things to come. It will happen somewhat the same in the latter days. With the present strife in the middle east, it could easily happen again - and could happen soon. I specifically note that this event will take place again at Jerusalem. I am reminded of the prophecies of Zechariah -

"In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem..." (Old Testament | Zechariah 12:8)

"And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee." (Old Testament | Zechariah 14:4 - 5)

"And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends." (Old Testament | Zechariah 13:6)

2 Nephi 19

Speaking of Christ and his covenant to Israel, Isaiah writes -

"For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 19:4)

Though many Israelites may have assumed this was a temporal statement, I sense Isaiah is thinking more of spiritual things for he suggests to Isreal that they are thing temporal and he is thinking spiritual saying -

"For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 19:5)

For -

"...blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 12:2)

The yoke of Israel's burden was wickedness and sin. It is then Isaiah prophecies of the source of this relief -

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of government and peace there is no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 19:6 - 7)

2 Nephi 18

Yesterday, I blogged on the inadequacies and lacking confidence Isaiah must have felt as the Lord called him to the work. But it did not end there. Isaiah's calling was not trivial. It must have been quite overwhelming to Isaiah and his family what he was commanded to do. You can tell that Isaiah never solicited this great calling. If fact, you can almost sense that Isaiah would have preferred to be left alone as he tells us -

"For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:11)

Speaking with a strong hand would suggest that Isaiah needed some strong persuasion. I see Isaiah as a very faithful and obedient man, but I also sense that he wasn't jumping at the chance to condemn his fellowmen for that is what the Lord commanded him to do -

"...saying:
12 Say ye not..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:12)

And you can sense that this did not only affect himself but his family as the Lord commanded -

"..I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me: Call his name, Maher-shalal-hash-baz." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:3)

This effort was a family affair with a promise -

"...neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
14 And he shall be for a sanctuary..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:12 - 14)

As I read these words, Isaiah becomes more real and human to me.

2 Nephi 16

As we are called to serve in the Lord's kingdom, most of us probably experience the same feelings of inadequacy as Isaiah where Isaiah shares -

"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:8)

Isaiah having been in the presence of the Lord declares -

"Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:5)

You can sense Isaiah's feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy. But -

"Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar;
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said: Lo, this has touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:6 - 7)

I note that the live coal was from the altar. The altar would be symbolic of sacrifice, even the infinite atonement of the Savior. It is at altars that we bring forth a broken heart and a contrite spirit of sacrifice with a willingness to make covenants with the Lord. I see the "live coal" as a the symbolic cleansing and sanctifying of and individual where we are qualified before the Lord. Sensing the power of the atonement, Isaiah declares -

"...Here am I; send me." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:8)

Isaiah's calling was that of many missionaries in declaring repentance to the people, and teaching and preaching the gospel. This was not to be easy for Isaiah as it is not easy today. The Lord tries to prepare Isaiah for the challenging work he is called to to do telling Isaiah -

"...Go and tell this people—Hear ye indeed, but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:9)

It is obvious that many would not be willing to listen. In fact, the Lord tells Isaiah -

"Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes—lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:10)

This verse can be somewhat confusing. It almost sounds like the Lord is telling Isaiah to make them this way. But I believe the Lord is trying to prepare and train Isaish (using the word make) to mean something more like invision or "picture in your mind" the conditions of these people and the challenges you are going to face. Because as Isaiah pictures this condition of the people, he asks -

"...Lord, how long?..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:11)

Or in other words, how long will this people be like this. And the Lord answers -

"...Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 16:11)

In other words, even though you may have success, this work will continue to the end.

What great counsel as we are commanded to rescue those around us.

2 Nephi 15

Even thought Isaiah may be speaking to the people of his day, I think his words have just as much application in our day as he writes -

"Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, that continue until night, and wine inflame them!
12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine are in their feasts; but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:11 - 12)

I note that "the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine are in their feasts" were and integral part of their religious practices is their day just as sacramental services and other modern day laws and commandments are practices of our day and yet there are many that may go through the motions but are not faithful in keeping the Lord's commandments. In other words, there has been not conversion or change of heart -

"Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
14 Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:13 - 14)

I believe that because there little or no knowledge of the truth of the plan of salvation and covenants many are "dried up with thirst".

Because of little or no knowledge, and the pride of man, they -

"...draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:18)

They even declare -

"Let him make speed, hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:19)

For how can we even believe unless it is visibly apparent. The Lord warns, which is so apparent in our day -

"Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!
22 Wo unto the mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink;
23 Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:20 - 23)

This is the condition of our day. I am so thankful that truth and knowledge has been restored today.

2 Nephi 14

Yesterday, I blogged on Isaiah's vision of the worldly women of the last days. But after the worldly and wicked women were purged, during the millenium he writes -

"In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious; the fruit of the earth excellent and comely..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 14:2)

"Comely in my mind suggests one that is pleasant to look upon. For -

"...they that are left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem shall be called holy..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 14:3)

For -

"...the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 14:4)

Does that not sound like women that are modest and righteous? What a contrast.

2 Nephi 13

As Nephi writes the words of Isaiah, the Lord describes throughout this revelation the consequence when a society chooses gross sin and wickedness over righeousness. Most of the chapter describes the temporal and spiritual failure and conditions of such a society for the Lord will take away -

"...the stay and the staff, the whole staff of bread, and the whole stay of water..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 13:1)

Which is the support and supplies of the people. But as Isaiah writes of the consequences and afflictions that will come when men choose wickedness, he also turns to the last days and the lifestyles of woman - for -

"Moreover, the Lord saith: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 13:16)

For as the Lord speaks of their worldliness he declares -

"Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret parts." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 13:17)

"And it shall come to pass, instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle, a rent; and instead of well set hair, baldness; and instead of a stomacher, a girding of sackcloth; burning instead of beauty." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 13:24)

My undestanding of baldness in ancient days was a sign of slavery and bondage. I think that prophecy is exactly right. As woman fail to maintain righeous standards, they fall into addictions, controlling environments, abuse, and the list goes on and on.

Amidst all the warnings and consequences of wickedness in the last days, the Lord has Isaiah insert a great promise -

"Say unto the righteous that it is well with them; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 13:10)

2 Nephi 12

Speaking of the atonement, Jacob taught that the Savior -

"...offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:7)

Humility than and repentance is an essential requirement to receive salvation. That is why Isaiah chastises Israel and all generations for their pride and haughtiness saying -

"...the mean man boweth not down, and the great man humbleth himself not, therefore, forgive him not." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:9)

"...they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:8)

But finally in the last days -

"For the day of the Lord of Hosts soon cometh upon all nations, yea, upon every one; yea, upon the proud and lofty, and upon every one who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:12)

"...the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:17)

Isaiah even suggests how the wicked, prideful, and haughty will actually be burned -

"O ye wicked ones, enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for the fear of the Lord and the glory of his majesty shall smite thee." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:10)

"And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for the fear of the Lord shall come upon them and the glory of his majesty shall smite them..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:19)

And again -

"...go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for the fear of the Lord shall come upon them and the majesty of his glory shall smite them..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 12:21)

Is there any question, that his glory will be that that will smite the wicked, prideful and haughty.

2 Nephi 11

After Jacob had finished his teachings of the words of Isaiah, Nephi writes of three things that delights his soul -

"...my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.
5 And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.
6 And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 11:4 - 6)

What seemed to touch me was verse 5 where his "soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord" which plan is "of deliverance from death". Covenants as I blogged las Friday are essential to salvation or spiritual death.

After the Lord had chastised Israel, up and down for all their wickedness, because of covenants, he again extends in love and mercy -

"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:16 - 19)

Herein is the covenant of salvation including the ordinance of baptism. Again, we covenant to not only keep his commandments and ceasing from evil, but we also covenant to "learn to do well". That is, we -

"...must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 44:6)

2 Nephi 10

As Jacob continues his teachings on the words of Isaiah, he returns to the vision of his brother wherein an angel said -

"...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 14:10)

Jacob then explains what the angel meant by these "two churches" -

"Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, both Jew and Gentile, both bond and free, both male and female, shall perish; for they are they who are the whore of all the earth; for they who are not for me are against me, saith our God." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 10:16)

Therefore -

"...cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 10:23)

It is our choice whether we fight against Zion or not. We learn of those Jews that chose to fight against Zion for personal gain, or -

"...among those who are the more wicked part of the world; and they shall crucify him—for thus it behooveth our God, and there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God.
4 For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they would repent, and know that he be their God.
5 But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 10:3 - 5)

For -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:29)

In other words, they fight against Zion. To be for the Lamb of God, we must -

"...reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 10:24)

2 Nephi 9

Jacob taught one of the most humbling truths ssying -

"O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:28)

I believe that where the wise fail most is they are blinded to the necessary covenants and ordinances required for salvation. One of those Jacob taught is that -

"...he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
24 And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and be baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they must be damned..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:23 - 24)

Of course, at this time, Jacob did not cover all covenants and ordinances, but one of those that is required. I am speaking this weekend in stake conference. I have opted to provide my prepared remarks below that outlines the very nature and possibilities of sacred covenants:

Stake Conference - Adult Session - February 2012

After Nephi had expressed a desire -
"...to know the things that [his] father had seen..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:1)

And believing that he could... -

“...as [he] sat pondering in [his] heart, [he was] was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:1)

…where upon such mountain, he received much of the same vision of his father. He saw the Tree of Life, the birth and ministry of the Savior, and even the Savior being –

“…lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.” (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:33)

But His vision did not end there. It continued on through many significant events that would yet transpire upon this the American continent…even to the "end of the world". While caught away in this great vision, an angel of the Lord asked Nephi -

"...What beholdest thou?" (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:2)

And Nephi answered -

"...I behold many nations and kingdoms." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:2)

And as he did, he -

"... saw among the nations of the Gentiles the formation of a great church." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:4)

"...and [he also] saw the devil that he was the founder of it." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:6)

The angel later explained to Nephi that -

"...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..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 14:10)

I believe the word "church" as described by the angel is not in reference to the type of churches as we know today, but much more like individuals, organizations, or even influences that either follow the will of the Lamb of God or the will of the devil.

And as Nephi saw the formation of this abominable church, he also -

"...beheld a book..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:20)

A book that

"...proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:23)

A book much -

"...like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save there are not so many..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:23)

As he saw the book, the angel said that it -

"...is a record of the Jews.. [of which book would be]...of great worth unto the Gentiles." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:23)

The angel then points out that -

"...when [this book] 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..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:24)

But then -

"...after [the writings did] 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 [did take] away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:26)

And then the angel follows with what I consider the most alarming revelation of all, that not only were plain and most precious parts taken away, but -

"...also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:26)

Why would many missing covenants be so disturbing? Because, as Nephi taught, that it is through covenants that we -

"come to the [know our] Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that [we] may know how to come unto him and be saved.” (1 Nephi 15:14)
Because many covenants were taken away, much of the world today is unaware or blinded to the potential blessings that we call salvation and exaltation. Because sacred covenants were taken away, much of the world believes that goodness, or living a good life, is all that is required to go to heaven. That may be true if terrestrial glory is considered heaven, or a place as Nephi suggested where good people could "dwell safely". For we know that ordinances and covenants are not required to enter terrestrial glory, only a confession that Jesus is the Christ. In other words, and I hope to express this in a positive sense – they shall receive their reward.
We find this doctrine revealed in what became known by the early saints as the "The Vision"…or what we now call the 76th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, where the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon testified –
"...we saw the terrestrial world, and behold and lo, these are they who are of the terrestrial…" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:71)

"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." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:75 - 76)

I believe that "blinded by the craftiness of men" is the very consequence of many covenants being taken away by that great abominable church.
For we believe that it is through making and keeping sacred covenants, that the faithful are allowed to receive much more than just a "heavenly" or terrestrial glory or reward, but all the blessings promised by the Father ...even salvation and exaltation. I use the definition of salvation this evening as overcoming the second death which is spiritual death or in other words, as stated in the handbook of instructions, salvation is "Returning to the Father" (HBI 1.2). The Savior told the people of the Americas -
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 14:21)

The will of the Father is that all His children receive the saving ordinances and covenants necessary for salvation and exaltation, that is -

"...baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (for men), the temple endowment, and temple sealing. (HBI 2, 2.1.2)

It is important to understand that salvation and exaltation cannot come without making sacred covenants. We are taught in modern revelation -

"All the ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation are accompanied by covenants with God. A covenant is a sacred and enduring promise between God and His children. God gives the conditions for the covenant, and His children agree to comply with those conditions. God promises blessings that are conditional on the person faithfully fulfilling the covenant.
As Church members honor and keep their covenants, they are greatly blessed in mortality and become eligible for exaltation." " (HBI 2, 2.1.3)
In fact, the very purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is "to assist in [God's] work to bring to pass the salvation and exaltation of His children." Instructions and themes for many Church auxiliaries, express much the same purpose, that is, of "making and keeping sacred covenants".
In order to receive salvation or in other words, "Return to the Father" -

"We must:

1. Exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God.

2. Turn to God through sincere repentance, having a change of heart and confessing and forsaking sins.

3. Receive the saving ordinance of baptism for the remission of sins.

4. Be confirmed a member of the Church and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.

5. Endure to the end by keeping sacred covenants." (HB2, 1.2.1)

This is the doctrine of Christ.

We see this same doctrine revealed again in that great vision where the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...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— [or they that shall receive celestial bodies]
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..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:50 - 53)

...or in other words, endure to the end. It is this covenant that we renew each week where we -

"...are willing to take upon [us] the name of [His] Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us]..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:77)

There is no other way that salvation may come, or in other words, there is no other way that we may "return to the Father".

But in addition to ordinances and covenants for salvation, there are also additional ordinances and covenants, that if received and kept, the saints may receive even greater blessings. That is, we may even -

"...receive of his fulness." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:19)

...or in other words, receive exaltation where in the Prophets great “Vision” -

"… it is written, they are gods, even the sons [and daughters] of God—" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:58)

Such essential saving ordinances for exaltation include receiving the oath and covenant of the priesthood whereby -

"...all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
39 And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:38 - 39)

I don't believe that this covenant is just limited to those that receive him by obtaining these two priesthoods (the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods), but -

"...also all they who receive this priesthood ...
36 For he that receiveth my servants, receiveth me...: (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:35 - 36)

I believe that also "they who receiveth my servants", suggests that even the sisters may also receive this same great oath and covenant of the priesthood.

And there are also the sacred ordinances and covenants of the endowment and temple sealing that provides such marvelous promises and blessings that they should only be iterated in His holy house.

In 1836, the Savior, "even the messenger of the covenant" as Malachi prophesied, did "suddenly come to his temple". Afterwards, He was followed by other heavenly messengers holding priesthood keys to administer the ordinances and covenants of gathering, eternal marriage, and the power to link an eternal family together, forever. Such linking or sealing power whereby -

"...Whatsoever [is bound] on earth shall be bound in heaven..." (New Testament | Matthew 18:18)

Those sacred covenants that were taken away by that great and abominable church are now restored in these, the latter days, even -

"...unto the remembering of my covenant which I made unto thy fathers..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 3:21)

"For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant [a covenant which has been even from the beginning]; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:4)

"And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant [which by the way is combination of all revealed ordinances and covenants], it was instituted for the fulness of my glory [or exaltation]; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned...
7 And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, [first condition of this law] that -

1) "...are not made and entered into... "[that is the ordinances and covenants of baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, Melchizedek priesthood ordination (for men), the endowment and temple sealings, administered by proper priesthood authority must be made and entered into.]

2) [second condition of this law] "...and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise..." [or in other words, sealed by the Holy Ghost which confirms that act has been entered into properly and the covenants have been kept. Also with an understanding that this promise or seal can be broken through unfaithfulness or not keeping our covenants. (see Preach My Gospel )]

3) [and third condition of this law) "...of him who is anointed...for time and for all eternity..." [the very sealing power administered in the temple - the power to bind on earth and in heaven]

...[without satisfying these three conditions, all ordinances, covenants, and promises] -

... are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:6 - 7)

May we begin to understand the importance and blessings of saving ordinances. I testify with the prophet Jacob -

"...how great the covenants of the Lord..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:53)

My hope is that we enter in and keep our sacred covenants.

2 Nephi 9

After having taught the words of Isaiah, Jacob, the younger brother of Nephi, provides one of the greatest lectures on why the need of an atonement. As he does that, he comments -

"...it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:5)

I couldn't help but ask the question of why all men would be subject to him just because he died for them. I thought a great deal on this matter. To understand that, Jacob teaches -

"Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:7)

The question would be then, what is an "infinite" atonement. Even though this not a limitation of the infinite atonement, I see an infinite atonement taking place in time, space, capacity, and even divine nature. One meaning of infinite would almost be a title of God. In other words, an infinite atonement could not be performed by any man but only one that is the Only Begotten of the Father. Infinite meaning of Godly parent. Therefore, there is an eternal requirement that the Savior could be the only one that could do so. He is the only person that has ever lived on the earth that actually had that power -

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (New Testament | John 10:17 - 18)

I also believe that infinite atonement means it has capacity to cover all of God's creations which continues through the immensity of space. And also it is infinite in time. In the Book of Mormon, we learn that the atonement already had its affect before His coming in the Flesh and in Revelations 5, it already had its affect in the pre-mortal life. And we also believe it will continue through the eternities. Jacob taught the application of the infinite atonement in both physical and spiritual death. It was through the infinite atonement that the Savior acquired the only source of power to allow the resurrection, for Jacob taught -

"...there must needs be a power of resurrection..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:6)

And John the Revelator said and angel testified -

"Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power..." (New Testament | Revelation 5:12)

It becomes clear because of Gethsamane and His death, that an infinite atonement was provided, such that the Savior and only the Savior had sufficient power and grace to save man. That is the reason -

"...that all men might become subject unto him." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:5)

2 Nephi 8

As we contemplate the words "arm of the Lord", in my mind it would suggest his omnipotent power. and yet at the same time,we realize that he always seems to do His work through righteous men and women or through His priesthood. So as I read the prophecies of Isaiah in the last days, I found a duel meaning as he wrote -

"Awake, awake! Put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake as in the ancient days..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 8:9)

Isaiah then follows with a reflection on how the arm of the Lord was revealed anciently. You can sense an appeal that the Lord bare his holy arm in these days as well as an appeal that the righteous also step forward and be the instruments of the Lord as in ancient days such as Moses.

Then there is an appeal for Israel (who has not always remained faithful) to step up and be worthy in our day and to do so saying -

"...unto Zion: Behold, thou art my people [or covenant people].
17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury—thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling wrung out—..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 8:16 - 17)

The very definition of Zion -

"...is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 97:21)

or in other words, a people -

"...because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:18)

In our days, as in the days of Enoch, the saints are to -

"Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city [or city of Zion]..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 8:24)

In my mind, beautiful garments are the white garments of purity, righteousness, and holiness. Awake and step up.

2 Nephi 7

As Jacob continues to teach the writings and prophecies of Isaiah, Isaiah records an interesting question of the Lord -

"...Have I put thee away, or have I cast thee off forever? For thus saith the Lord: Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement? To whom have I put thee away, or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Yea, to whom have I sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother [in my mind - nation] put away."
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 7:1)

The question really is "did I leave you or did you leave me?". There is no question that the Lord never leaves us. Isaiah then writes -

"For the Lord God will help me. And all they who shall condemn me, behold, all they shall wax old as a garment, and the moth shall eat them up." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 7:9)

I don't know if Isaiah herein is referring to himself or the Savior, but I don't think it matters. The Lord teaches that generally there isn't an immediate punishment for then no faith would be required. The Lord teaches the unrighteous will wax old like a garment but the day of judgement will come. And then the Lord again asks -

"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light?" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 7:10)

The answer is no one! If we follows his prophets we are promised -

"...if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:67)

But of those that do wickedness, they strive to represent that they have been enlightened, but this only really leads to darkness (absence of light) and to sorrow as Isaiah prophecied -

"Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow."
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 7:11)

These are they that arrogantly say "I did it my way" and not the Lord's way.

2 Nephi 6

As Jacob refers back to the revelations of Isaiah, he quotes a popular prophecy of the latter days -

"...Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
7 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their faces towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 6:6 - 7)

I am more than aware of the many modern interpretations of that prophecy when many see leaders of nations (kings and queens) assist in the gather of Israel, as well as Jacob explaination to his people that -

"...they that fight against Zion and the covenant people of the Lord shall lick up the dust of their feet; and the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 6:13)

My thoughts this morning were a little bit different. The fact that those that fight against Zion will also "lick up the dust of their feet", I also sensed that the gentiles that carry the Jews sons and daughter may also do the same in righteous humility. As Isaiah said of the Jews which we also know of the children of Israel -

"...after they are driven to and fro...they shall be scattered..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 6:11)

In these writings, I believe that Isaiah is writing of the Jews and the gentiles are everyone else which would also include the blood of the childern of Israel. We are taught and know the blessings of an inheritance in the kingdom of God includes being Kings and Queens, my thoughts would be that the righteous of members of the Church may be the kings and queens referred to in these verses. As righteous saints, are we not humbled and in awe of many of the rising generations? My thoughts this morning could be that we are the ones that Isaiah referred to as -

"...shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 6:6)

Just a thought.

2 Nephi 5

As Nephi continued to admonish his brothers to keep the commandments of the Lord, they finally reached the point were they didn't want to hear it any more, in fact as does all the wicked they blame their temporal conditions on others saying -

"..we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:3)

It's seems because of pride we tend to blame others for our failures. Nephi also provides an example that there becomes a point that it is necessary to leave those that we are striving to help when we are in physical or spiritual danger for Nephi writes -

"...that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:5)

I believe the Holy Ghost will also warn us when we are in spiritual danger to leave to situation or condition we are in.

One more thought. Throughout the Book of Mormon the prophets used the word "curse" where the Lord would curse an individual or group. I believe this so called curse is not as many in the world would see a one destined to bad fortune. I see is as a stoppage in ones eternal progression. In my mind, this would be a curse, to not allow one to continue to grow until one repents where the curse would be lifted. Nephi writes of his brethren of whom he fleed -

"...the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that: Inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence.
21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:20 - 21)

In my mind, this was the curse, that they were cut off. Their progression had ceased because of the inquities, hardening of their hearts as flint. Flint is hard and unyeilding, even in spiritual things. It was then that Nephi writes -

"...wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:21)

Note that the darkness of the skin was not a curse. It's purpose was as signe so Nephi's people would avoid those that would influence and destroy their eternal happiness. It was a sign.

2 Nephi 4

Nephi reiterates my thoughts as I write this regular scripture blog -

"...For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:15)

I would also add that I write for own profit and anyone that is interested. Today, I read what some call "the psalm of Nephi". As I ponder his words, they are so truthful and motivating to me, that I opted today to include all of them for also -

"...my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:16)

These are the words that I delight in -

"...notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.
20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.
21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.
22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.
23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.
24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.
25 And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write them.
26 O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?
27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
29 Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.
30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
31 O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?
32 May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!
33 O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way—but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy.
34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:17 - 35)