The Words of Mormon

As I read the Words of Mormon this morning, I kept asking myself - "What is the message that Mormon would have me understand". Mormon seems to suggest two important reasons why he included the "Small Plates of Nephi" in his record. First, being -

"...after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi.
4 And the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled; yea, and I also know that as many things as have been prophesied concerning us down to this day have been fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surely come to pass—" (Book of Mormon | Words of Mormon 1:3 - 4)

Much like I have felt lately, Mormon must have been very spiritually moved by the teachings and prophecies of Nephi and Jacob, especially in how many of the prophecies had been fulfilled. So Mormon includes this record before he proceeds to abridge the remaining records explaining -

"...I chose these things, to finish my record upon them, which remainder of my record I shall take from the plates of Nephi; and I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people." (Book of Mormon | Words of Mormon 1:5)

I've wondered if Mormon literally inserted Nephi's plates or whether he copied them on gold plates. I don't think there is any record that suggests that there were different types of plates within the gold plates so you would have to assume Mormon most likely copies the words from the small plates. If that is so, that must have been a lot of extra work. Mormon then explains his second purpose -

"...for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.
7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will." (Book of Mormon | Words of Mormon 1:6 - 7)

Though Mormon may have not ever known the very reason why he included this record, but other than how much doctrine and truth would be provided for his brethren in the latter days (which in my mind includes all of us), we now know that a portion of his record would eventually be lost.

We are grateful for prophets that are willing to follow the Lord's will.

Omni

What I found interesting this morning as I read the Book of Omni was the perspective of individuals that lived different lifestyles related to obedience to the commandments and righteousness. First, Omni confesses that -

"...I of myself am a wicked man, and I have not kept the statutes and the commandments of the Lord as I ought to have done." (Book of Mormon | Omni 1:2)

This fatherly example seems to follow with sons, Amaron and Chemish, and Chemish's son, Abinadom. None of these individuals suggest that that they are wicked, but they certainly do not write anything overly spiritual other than understanding their commitment to keep the commandment to keep and write some history in this record. I would suspect that they were somewhat patriotic men. The only thing Abinadom shares is the wars with the Lamanites -

"...and I, with my own sword, have taken the lives of many of the Lamanites in the defence of my brethren." (Book of Mormon | Omni 1:10)

My inclination that these men were not faithful men in keeping the commandments is as Abinadom (understanding the purpose and commandment of writing only that which is sacred and of worth to Nephi's posterity), comments -

"...I know of no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy; wherefore, that which is sufficient is written." (Book of Mormon | Omni 1:11)

It is hard for me to believe, having observed a pattern of the Lord throughout the Old Testament, amongst the Jaredites, and now the Nephites, that there were not righteous men and prophets that did teach and warn the poeple. And yet Abinadom, obviously, was unaware of any of these. My thought process seems to be reinforced where Abinadom's son, Amaleki, seems to be different in that he followed Mosiah, when -

"...Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness—" (Book of Mormon | Omni 1:12)

It appears, Amaliki is one that did "hearken unto the voice of the Lord" for he followed Mosiah into the wilderness to the land of Zarahemla. In contrast to his father's comments, Amaliki writes -

"...they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm..." (Book of Mormon | Omni 1:13)

As general conference approaches this weekend, there seems to be a sharp contrast to those that do hear and heed and those that do not.

Jarom

The internal message of Jarom to his people and readers of his record that live upon this land is that there is a direct relationship between repentance, righteousness and prosperity and wickedness and being swept away. In that -

"...it is expedient that much should be done among this people, because of the hardness of their hearts, and the deafness of their ears, and the blindness of their minds, and the stiffness of their necks; nevertheless, God is exceedingly merciful unto them, and has not as yet swept them off from the face of the land." (Book of Mormon | Jarom 1:3)

Even such the Lamanites -

"...came many times against us, the Nephites, to battle. But our kings and our leaders were mighty men in the faith of the Lord; and they taught the people the ways of the Lord; wherefore, we withstood the Lamanites and swept them away out of our lands, and began to fortify our cities, or whatsoever place of our inheritance." (Book of Mormon | Jarom 1:7)

And thus -

"...the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land.
10 And it came to pass that the prophets of the Lord did threaten the people of Nephi, according to the word of God, that if they did not keep the commandments, but should fall into transgression, they should be destroyed from off the face of the land." (Book of Mormon | Jarom 1:9 - 10)

For -

"...the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them.
12 And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance." (Book of Mormon | Jarom 1:11 - 12)

It always seemed to hanging over the Nephites heads that if they did what was right, they would prosper. And if they failed to do so and refused to repent, the promise was that they would be swept off the land.

Enos

Enos writes recalling a day he went hunting -

"...the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.
4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul..." (Book of Mormon | Enos 1:3 - 4)

After much prayer, even all day long and even into the night -

"...there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed." (Book of Mormon | Enos 1:5)

We learn a little bit more about the delivery of this voice as he writes of a second time that the voice came to him, for -

"...for, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again..." (Book of Mormon | Enos 1:10)

I think Elijah best described this voice that would come into one's mind as -

"..a still small voice." (Old Testament | 1 Kings 19:12)

But what caught my attention this morning was how Enos reacted shortly after he heard that his sins were forgiven and his "guilt had been swept away" -

"...it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren..." (Book of Mormon | Enos 1:9)

I believe this is the natural result and obligation as we begin to understand "the plan" as our standing improves in the presence of God.

Jacob 7

As Jacob concludes his record, he teaches what I believe to be the Lord's will in regards to our relationship with so called "enemies". Jacob tells us -

"...it came to pass that many means were devised to reclaim and restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; but it all was vain, for they delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 7:24)

It is apparent that that they first attempted to preach the gospel to them -

"...as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 31:5)

But if that didn't work, Jacob teaches -

"Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 7:25)

Conquerors of enemies was not to attack them but to defend oneself as necessary, thus their enemies did not achieve their goals to overtake them.

Jacob 6

Having taught the Allegory of the Olive Tree, Jacob concludes with some of his thoughts. First -

"...how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 6:3)

He also comments -

"...how merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 6:4)

Jacob suggests that the nourishing in the vineyard does not ever end, even all the day long to those who -

"...will not harden their hearts..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 6:4)

Therefore -

"...I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts.
6 Yea, today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts; for why will ye die?" (Book of Mormon | Jacob 6:5 - 6)

In dying, the Lord is referring to spiritual death. Jacob can't help but ask -

"...will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye reject all the words which have been spoken concerning Christ, after so many have spoken concerning him; and deny the good word of Christ, and the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit, and make a mock of the great plan of redemption, which hath been laid for you?" (Book of Mormon | Jacob 6:8)

He concludes with -

"...my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life.
12 O be wise; what can I say more?..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 6:11 - 12)

I can't help to also blog...what can I write more?

Jacob 5

As the Master and His servants nourish His vineyard for the last time, He instructed -

"...let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree in the stead thereof." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:52)

And also -

"...the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would are yet alive; wherefore, that I may preserve them also for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of this tree, and I will graft them in unto them. Yea, I will graft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently strong perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vineyard." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:54)

It appears that there is a grafting or gathering in several parts of the vineyard. But what the Lord instructs in this grafting process, in my mind, is direct instructions to His servants or saints in our day -

z'...we will nourish again the trees of the vineyard, and we will trim up the branches thereof..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:58)

But -

"...Pluck not the wild branches from the trees, save it be those which are most bitter..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:57)

"And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may overcome the evil." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:59)

"...that, perhaps, the trees of my vineyard may bring forth again good fruit..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:60)

And thus he tells His servants -

"...go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:61)

"Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:62)

"Wherefore, dig about them, and prune them, and dung them once more, for the last time..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:64)

And of those servants that were faithful and willing -

"...it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.
73 And there began to be the natural fruit again in the vineyard; and the natural branches began to grow and thrive exceedingly..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:72 - 73)

And as a result of this great nourishing or rescue effort -

"...when the Lord of the vineyard saw that his fruit was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he called up his servants, and said unto them: Behold, for this last time have we nourished my vineyard; and thou beholdest that I have done according to my will; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:75)

This is the great work of the seed of Abraham to blessed the lives of all nations.

Jacob 5

As Jacob relates Zenos's Allegory of the Olive Tree, I noted that after their first visit, several groups of people or branches were planted in several areas of the vineyard. A they followed up with a second visit after much nurturing by the Master's servants -

"...they went forth whither the master had hid the natural branches of the tree..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:20)

I find it interesting that this branch or group of people were hid which would suggest that no one was aware of these other groups. Of the first of one of those groups His servant asks -

"...How comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this branch of the tree? For behold, it was the poorest spot in all the land of thy vineyard." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:21)

The Master answers -

"...Counsel me not; I knew that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much fruit." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:22)

Even such that as -

"...they went forth whither the master had hid the natural branches of the tree, and he said unto the servant: Behold these; and he beheld the first that it had brought forth much fruit; and he beheld also that it was good." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:20)

In my mind, "the poorest spot" would suggest the most humblest and difficult spots in the vineyard. I find it interesting that under these conditions that this group of people "brought forth much fruit" and "it was good". As I recorded earlier, the Lord said to Isaiah -

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

There seems to be a direct correlation between those that are humble and need the blessings of the Lord that deliver "good fruit". In contrast we also see the Master and servant later visiting a corrupt tree tree with bad fruit whereby the Lord asks His servant -

"...Who is it that has corrupted my vineyard?
48 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches thereof overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength of the roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted?" (Book of Mormon | Jacob 5:47 - 48)

Where humility and affliction seemed to bear good fruit, we learn that loftiness or pride taking strength of themselves and not relying on the Lord, His covenants and teachings, that bad fruit is borne.

Jacob 5

As I begin reading Jacob 5 of the "Allegory of the Olive Tree" given by Zenos, I wanted to include this reference for my own use from the Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1996, for the Institutes of Religion.

"The use of the olive tree as a symbol for the house of Israel is an excellent example of how God uses symbolism to teach his children gospel laws and principles. For centuries the olive tree has been associated with peace. War and its grim attendants of destruction—rape of the land, siege, and death—were hardly conducive to the cultivation of olive orchards, that require many years of careful husbandry to bring into full production. When the dove returned to the ark, it carried an olive leaf in its beak, as though to symbolize that God was again at peace with the earth (see Genesis 8:11). The olive branch was used in ancient Greece and Rome to signify peace, and it is still used in that sense in the great seal of the United States where the American eagle is shown grasping an olive branch in its talons. The only true source of peace is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. His peace comes through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. These laws and ordinances are given to the world through the house of Israel, symbolized by the olive tree. Someone once said that Israel was not chosen to be an uplifted people, but an uplifting people.

There is further symbolic significance in the cultivation of an olive tree. If the green slip of an olive tree is merely planted and allowed to grow, it develops into the wild olive, a bush that grows without control into a tangle of limbs and branches producing only a small, worthless fruit (see Harold N. and Alma L. Moldenke, Plants of the Bible, p. 159). To become the productive “tame” olive tree, the main stem of the wild tree must be cut back completely and a branch from a tame olive tree grafted into the stem of the wild one. With careful pruning and cultivating the tree will begin to produce its first fruit in about seven years, but it will not become fully productive for nearly fifteen years. In other words, the olive tree cannot become productive by itself; it requires grafting by the husbandman to bring it into production. Throughout its history Israel has demonstrated the remarkable aptness characterized by the symbol of the olive tree. When they gave themselves to their God for pruning and grafting the Israelites prospered and bore much fruit, but when they turned from Christ, the Master of the vineyard, and sought to become their own source of life and sustenance they became wild and unfruitful.

Two other characteristics of the olive tree further illustrate how it is an appropriate symbol for Israel. First, though requiring nearly fifteen years to come into full production, an olive tree may produce fruit for centuries. Some trees now growing in the Holy Land have been producing fruit abundantly for at least four hundred years. The second amazing quality of the tree is that as it finally grows old and begins to die, the roots send up a number of new green shoots that, if grafted and pruned, will mature into full-grown olive trees. The root of the tree will also send up shoots after the tree is cut down. Thus, while the tree itself may produce fruit for centuries, the root of the tree may go on producing fruit and new trees for millennia. It is believed that some of the ancient olive trees located in Israel today have come from trees that were ancient during Christ’s mortal ministry. How can Israel be compared to an olive tree, which time and again seems to have been cut down and destroyed, yet, each time a new tree springs forth from the roots?

Zenos was not the only prophet to use the olive tree as a symbol for the chosen people of God. Jeremiah, foreseeing the coming destruction of the Jews by Babylonia, compared the covenant people to a green olive tree consumed by fire (see Jeremiah 11:16). The apostle Paul used a brief allegory almost identical to that of Zenos to warn the Roman Christians against pride as they compared their favored position to that of the Jews (see Romans 11:16–24). In modern revelation, the Lord uses the parable of a vineyard and olive trees to show his will concerning the redemption of Zion (see D&C 101:43–58).

An allegory or a parable should not be pushed too far in an attempt to correlate every item precisely with some outside reality. However, certain major elements need to be defined if the allegory itself is to be understood. The following items seem important in Zenos’s allegory:

Item - Interpretation

1. The vineyard - 1. The world

2. Master of the vineyard - 2. Jesus Christ

3. The servant - 3. The Lord’s prophets

4. Tame olive tree - 4. The house of Israel, the Lord’s covenant people

5. Wild olive tree - 5. Gentiles, or non-Israel (later in the parable, wild branches are apostate Israel)

6. Branches - 6. Groups of people

7. The roots of the tame olive tree - 7. The gospel covenant and promises made by God that constantly give life and sustenance to the tree

8. Fruit of the tree - 8. The lives or works of men

9. Digging, pruning, fertilizing - 9. The Lord’s work with his children, which seeks to persuade them to be obedient and produce good fruit

10. Transplanting the branches - 10. Scattering of groups throughout the world, or restoring them to their original position

11. Grafting - 11. The process of spiritual rebirth wherein one is joined to the covenant

12. Decaying branches - 12. Wickedness and apostasy

13. Casting the branches into the fire - 13. The judgment of God"

Jacob 4

Jacob understood that the natural man of all nations, much like -

"...the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 4:14)

The natural man does not want to hear that which is plain and clear. They only want to justify themselves. The "mark" is Jesus Christ and His teachings. It is His true servants, the prophets and priesthood leaders, that teach the things of truth and plainess for -

"...he that prophesieth, let him prophesy [teach] to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 4:13)

In all sincerity, Jacob writes of his motives that -

"...whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon plates must perish and vanish away; but we can write a few words upon plates, which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers—
3 Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents.
4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 4:2 - 4)

Therefore -

"...marvel not that I tell you these things; for why not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him, as to attain to the knowledge of a resurrection and the world to come?" (Book of Mormon | Jacob 4:12)

Wherefore -

"...seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 4:10)

Jacob 3

As Jacob concludes his remarks -

"...warning them against fornication and lasciviousness, and every kind of sin, telling them the awful consequences of them." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 3:12)

He also teaches an important doctrine to -

"...also, remember that ye may, because of your filthiness, bring your children unto destruction, and their sins be heaped upon your heads at the last day." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 3:10)

It becomes clear that the Lord will judge all people in fairness. Each will be given a fair opportunity with their agency to come to Christ. But where a parent fails to teach their children properly, the demands of justice may fall upon the parents for the sins of their posterity.

In summary, Jacob counsels -

"Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 3:1 - 2)

Jacob 2

Yesterday, I blogged that Jacob was very much concerned with the materialism, pride, and immorality of his people. It is in chapter two that Jacob records his teaching to to his people. As I read his words, I can't help but liken these words to myself and the conditions of our day for -

"...this is the word which I declare unto you, that many of you have begun to search for gold, and for silver, and for all manner of precious ores, in the which this land, which is a land of promise unto you and to your seed, doth abound most plentifully.
13 And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 2:12 - 13)

That search and providence is not in itself necessarily evil, but it is what you do with such for -

"...because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 2:13)

Pride seems to follow with the natural man. Jacob seems to be specifically addressing -

"...those of you which have afflicted your neighbor, and persecuted him because ye were proud in your hearts, of the things which God hath given you, what say ye of it?" (Book of Mormon | Jacob 2:20)

In a world of capitalism and free enterprise, the Lord's will concerning us is to -

"Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 2:17 - 19)

Not by coersion, control, taxes, or compulsion, but of ones agency and free will. It is by agency and free will that the blessing flow.

But Jacob does not stop there, he continues on to the "grosser crimes" or sins - the sin of immorality -

"For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 2:28)

Fot it is in these teachings of Jacob regarding having concubines and immorality that we learn the truth of the Lord concerning marriage and even plural marriage. First and foremost Jacob teaches -

"Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 2:27)

But the Lord then adds concerning having more than one wife -

"For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 2:30)

In other words, contrary to some apostate beliefs, there is no restriction to exaltation having but one wife. In fact, I personally believe that through the eternities, an eternal marriage of husband and wife is the plan. But the Lord makes it clear that only when he commands for a purpose known only to Him, there may be times that having more than one wife would be His will. We see this in ancient times with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Jacob 1

Having been consecrated by Nephi to be a priesthood leader and a teacher among the people of Nephi, Jacob seems to sense the magnitude of his calling as he tells us that his people have -

"...began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son.
16 Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 1:15 - 16)

It seems the natural man continues to have the same major temptations or spiritual challenges with immorality, the possession of material things, and pride which seems be reflected in the desire for power, control, and unrighteous dominion. With this great burden, Jacob shares a very important thought and principle -

"Wherefore I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple, having first obtained mine errand from the Lord." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 1:17)

In my mind, the words "having first obtained mine errand from the Lord" would suggest that after pondering, praying, that the Lord revealed to him what His will was that should be taught to the people. In all we do, as I have recently blogged on the Doctrine of Christ and in receiving the Holy Ghost, it is by the guidance of the Holy Ghost that we receive our "errand from the Lord".

2 Nephi 33

As Nephi concludes his comments on the Doctrine of Christ and probably recognizing that these are his final words, he teaches that -

"...when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 33:1)

I think it is significant that Nephi specifically states that words spoken by the Holy Ghost are carried unto the heart of men, not into the heart of men. It is the responsibility of all men to "receive" the Holy Ghost. We receive as we desire, repent, and live worthy of the Spirit. After teaching the doctrine of receiving the Holy Ghost, Nephi concludes with this instruction and testimony -

"And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
11 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day...: (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 33:10 - 11)

I too testify that these are His words.

2 Nephi 31

In yesterday's blog, I spoke of the "Doctrine of Christ" and the Gift of the Holy Ghost as an integral part of that doctrine. Nephi had taught that after baptism -

"...then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:13)

With that, Nephi explains -

"Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?
3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 32:2 - 3)

In my mind, "the words of Christ" is that which Christ would or has taught. When Moroni visited the Prophet Joseph Smith, much of his message was scriptural quotes of the prophets. But I also believe that "the words of Christ" are words of testimony of the divinity of the Savior, His atonement and resurrection. It is these words that tell us all things we should do. Though this doctrine is part of the overall doctrine of Christ, it is considered that -

"...this is the doctrine of Christ..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 32:6)

Nephi adds another essential principle that would must follow that is related to this doctrine -

"...if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.
9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 32:8 - 9)

2 Nephi 31

As Nephi teaches -

"...the doctrine of Christ..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:2)

He writes of one aspect of this doctrine -

"...he that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:12)

The "giving" of the Holy Ghost is a gift or the Gift of the Holy Ghost for when -

"...ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:13)

Which tongue of angels is speaking with a testimony the words of Christ. The LDS Bible Dictionary defines the Holy Ghost as -

"The third member of the Godhead and, as the name implies, a personage of Spirit, not possessing a body of flesh and bones (D&C 130:21–22). The Holy Ghost has been manifest in every dispensation of the gospel since the beginning, being first made known to Adam (1 Ne. 10:17–22; Moses 6:51–68). The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power can come upon one before baptism, and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. It gives one a testimony of Jesus Christ and of his work and the work of his servants upon the earth. The gift can come only after proper and authorized baptism, and is conferred by the laying on of hands, as in Acts 8:12–25 and Moroni 2:1–3. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. More powerful than that which is available before baptism, it acts as a cleansing agent to purify a person and sanctify him from all sin. Thus it is often spoken of as "fire" (Matt. 3:11; 2 Ne. 31:17; D&C 19:31). The manifestation on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) was the gift of the Holy Ghost that came upon the Twelve, without which they were not ready for their ministries to the world.

For some reason not fully explained in the scriptures, the Holy Ghost did not operate in the fulness among the Jews during the years of Jesus' mortal sojourn (John 7:39; 16:7). Statements to the effect that the Holy Ghost did not come until after Jesus was resurrected must of necessity refer to that particular dispensation only, for it is abundantly clear that the Holy Ghost was operative in earlier dispensations. Furthermore, it has reference only to the gift of the Holy Ghost not being present, since the power of the Holy Ghost was operative during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus; otherwise no one would have received a testimony of the truths that these men taught (cf. Matt. 16:16–17; 1 Cor. 12:3). When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries a conviction of the truth into the heart of the hearer (2 Ne. 33:1). The Holy Ghost knows all things (D&C 35:19) and can lead one to know of future events (2 Pet. 1:21).

Other names that sometimes refer to the Holy Ghost are Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Comforter, and Spirit." (Bible Dictionary | H Holy Ghost:Entry)

"For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:17)

Faith in Jesus Christ, sincere repentance with a change of heart, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and then enduring to the end is the Doctrine of Christ -

"...for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:19 - 20)

"...this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:21)

2 Nephi 30

I have several thoughts this morning.

The Abraham was promised that -

"...in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." (Old Testament | Genesis 28:14)

It was his seed that were the covenant or chosen people. Somehow many construe that to mean his "favorite". But I believe his covenant was more of a great responsibility and charge keep His commandments and build His kingdom on the earth. This seems apparent as Nephi teaches -

"...I say unto you that as many of the Gentiles as will repent are the covenant people of the Lord; and as many of the Jews as will not repent shall be cast off; for the Lord covenanteth with none save it be with them that repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 30:2)

Thus His covenant people are those that repent and do so. My second thought was in regards to the parable of the wheat and tares where the Lord said -

"...let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 86:7)

It is apparent that at some point in time, their will be an obvious seperation between the wheat and tares or the righteous and the wicked. As I work with the youth of our day, it seems they must exercise their agency much earlier. Nephi taught -

"For the time speedily cometh that the Lord God shall cause a great division among the people, and the wicked will he destroy; and he will spare his people, yea, even if it so be that he must destroy the wicked by fire." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 30:10)

I noted the word "speedily". It seems more and more that this division is taking place almost overnight.

Last thought was yesterday, I blogged concerning more revelation than just the Bible, where the Lord said -

"I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:12)

We presently have the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and modern day scriptures. As Isaiah prophecies of the conditions of the millenium, he writes -

"...the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
16 Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be made known; yea, all things shall be made known unto the children of men.
17 There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed.
18 Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto the children of men shall at that day be revealed..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 30:15 - 18)

This suggests that all scriptural records of all nations (all things)will be brought forth including the sealed portion of The Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 29

Speaking of our day, the Lord told Nephithat -

"...many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:3)

How did we get the Bible?

"...O fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:4)

There are many that seem to think the Bible is outdated. And even when they don't, the Lord seems to somewhat chastise -

"Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?
7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one?" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:6 - 7)

He even asks -

"Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:8 - 9)

The Lord suggests that there is much more out there than just the Bible -

"For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.
13 And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:12 - 13)

And even in modern day, the Lord reveals his words and they are written.

One more thought,the Lord prophecies -

"And it shall come to pass that my people, which are of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:14)

In my mind the words "lands of their possessions" would suggest where they live with their possessions. This would suggest that the house of Israel will gather in stakes of Zion.

2 Nephi 28

As Nephi follows up on the prophecies of Isaiah, he too foresees the conditions of our day writing -

"For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other: Behold, I, I am the Lord's; and the others shall say: I, I am the Lord's; and thus shall every one say that hath built up churches, and not unto the Lord—" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:3)

For -

"...there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:7)

Sounds much like a liberal philosophy.

"And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:8)

Sounds much like those that suggest that confession of Jesus Christ is all that is necessary. And-

"...and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:9)

Basically -

"...they have all gone out of the way; they have become corrupted.
12 Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up.
13 They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up.
14 They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:11 - 14)

Nephi specifically notes three reasons: "because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine". But he also suggests that even so there will still remain few humble followers of Christ whether in and out of the Church. Nephi comments -

"Wo unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of naught and revile against that which is good, and say that it is of no worth! For the day shall come that the Lord God will speedily visit the inhabitants of the earth; and in that day that they are fully ripe in iniquity they shall perish." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:15 - 16)

It doesn't end there for -

"...at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:20)

We've witnessed that as men get upset if they can't live the lifestyle they choose while -

"...others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
22 And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:21 - 22)

Of these, the Lord said -

"For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:19)

I think that is why we witness so many significant severe weather and earthquakes too catch the peoples attention of what is most important. The Lord even warns those that think ancient revelation is all that is required -

"...I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:30)

Isn't that interesting that those who begin thinking they have enough (such as a testimony), it will be taken away without continual growth and obedience. And finally, Nephi summarizes all these conditions as He warns -

"O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell!" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:15)

"Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:31)

2 Nephi 27

As Nephi again quotes Isaiah from the brass plates, it is interesting what teachings had been lost or intentionally removed as Isaiah prophecied -

"...it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall bring forth unto you the words of a book, and they shall be the words of them which have slumbered."
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:6)

Much like the Bible being words of prophets that have slumbered, it is apparent that this book is another book in that this -

"...book shall be delivered unto a man, and he shall deliver [translate]the words of the book, which are the words of those who have slumbered in the dust..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:9)

And of this particular book -

"...when the book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the book and the things therein.
13 And there is none other which shall view it, save it be a few according to the will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:12 - 13)

Following the instructions of Isaiah, eleven witness viewed the book and bore testimony of it. To those that question these testimonies, the Lord said -

"...I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:23)

"Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:26)

To the supposed wise and learned, Isaiah provides this additional analogy -

"And wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord! And their works are in the dark; and they say: Who seeth us, and who knoweth us? And they also say: Surely, your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay. But behold, I will show unto them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I know all their works. For shall the work say of him that made it, he made me not? Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, he had no understanding?" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:27)

I can't help but think of many current politicians as Isaiah writes -

"...their works are in the dark; and they say: Who seeth us, and who knoweth us?..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:27)

With the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, Isaiah prophecies -

"And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness.
30 And the meek also shall increase, and their joy shall be in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:29 - 30)

These are those that read the Book of Mormon or receive these things and find the book to be true by the power of the Holy Ghost for -

"...They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:35)

2 Nephi 26

As Nephi continues to teach his people he asks several questions followed by answers -

"...doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me?..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:25)

"...Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:25)

"...hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship?..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:26)

"...Behold, I say unto you, Nay." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:26)

"Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation?..."
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:27)

"...Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:27)

"...hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness?..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:28)

"...Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:28)

But nonetheless, and even so, the Lord still has requirements and conditions for -

"He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:29)

"...the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:30)

For -

"...if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.
31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:30 - 31)

And -

"...again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these things; for whoso doeth them shall perish." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:32)

It is obvious that just confessing Jesus Christ is not all that is required. That is why repentance is so important. That is why He provides commandments, ordinances, and covenants. For He -

"...inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:33)