Scripture Blog

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

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Ether 14

As we begin to witness the final destruction of the Nephite nation we again see as it was amongst the Nephites -

"...there began to be a great curse upon all the land because of the iniquity of the people, in which, if a man should lay his tool or his sword upon his shelf, or upon the place whither he would keep it, behold, upon the morrow, he could not find it, so great was the curse upon the land."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 14:1)

As a note of warning, I believe that same curse will be upon this nation if wickedness and iniquity tends to prevail.

We see in several instances in the Book of Mormon where king fights with kings and even where the king is the last man standing.  For some, this may seem as a dramatic fairy tale or fabrication, but Hugh Nibley wrote -

"The insane wars of the Jaredite chiefs ended in the complete annihilation of both sides, with the kings the last to go. The same thing had almost happened earlier in the days of Akish, when a civil war between him and his sons reduced the population to thirty (Ether 9:12). This all seems improbable to us, but two circumstances peculiar to Asiatic warfare explain why the phenomenon is by no means without parallel: (1) Since every war is strictly a personal contest between kings, the battle must continue until one of the kings falls or is taken. (2) And yet things are so arranged that the king must be very last to fall, the whole army existing for the sole purpose of defending his person.

This is clearly seen in the game of chess, in which all pieces are expendable except the king, who can never be taken. "The shah in chess," writes M. E. Moghadam, "is not killed and does not die. The game is terminated when the shah is pressed to a position from which he cannot escape. This is in line with all good traditions of chess playing, and back of it the tradition of capturing the king in war rather than slaying him whenever this could be accomplished."36 You will recall the many instances in the book of Ether in which kings were kept in prison for many years but not killed. In the code of medieval chivalry, taken over from central Asia, the person of the king is sacred, and all others must perish in his defense. After the battle the victor may do what he will with his rival—and infinitely ingenious tortures were sometimes devised for the final reckoning—but as long as the war went on, the king could not die, for whenever he did die, the war was over, no matter how strong his surviving forces.

Even so, Shiz was willing to spare all of Coriantumr's subjects if he could only behead Coriantumr with his own sword. In that case, of course, the subjects would become his own. The circle of warriors, "large and mighty men as to the strength of men" (Ether 15:26) that fought around their kings to the last man, represent that same ancient institution, the sacred "shieldwall," which our own Norse ancestors took over from Asia and which meets us again and again in the wars of the tribes, in which on more than one occasion the king actually was the last to perish. So let no one think the final chapter of Ether is at all fanciful or overdrawn. Wars of extermination are a standard institution in the history of Asia." (They Take Up the Sword,  Hugh W. Nibley)

The Book of Ether becomes a more abridged record that reflects much of that of the people of Nephi.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Ether 13

It is from the prophet Ether, that we learn more concerning two cities...a New Jerusalem and a renewing of the old Jerusalem.  We learn that the land of the Jaredites would be -

"...the place of the New Jerusalem, which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 13:3)

"Coming down out of heaven" in my mind would be a city established upon the doctrines and teachings of heaven for -

"...concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come—after it should be destroyed it should be built up again, a holy city unto the Lord; wherefore, it could not be a new Jerusalem for it had been in a time of old; but it should be built up again, and become a holy city of the Lord; and it should be built unto the house of Israel.
6 And that a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 13:5 - 6)

What is this type?

"For as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, even so he died there; wherefore, the Lord brought a remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph that they should perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of Joseph that he should perish not.
8 Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come when the earth shall pass away."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 13:7 - 8)

And who shall live in this "New Jerusalem"?

"...then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 13:10)

In my mind, this is not just the descendants of Nephi, but those who are declared descendants of Joseph.

I personally don't necessarily think this city is restricted to a distinct location as in cities of our day for Isaiah

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

And -

"Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken."  (Old Testament  Isaiah 33:20)

Theses stakes which are part of Zion and the New Jerusalem will  ever be removed.  Therefore, I picture the New Jerusalem as massive tent that stretches to all habitations of stakes.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Ether 12

It is while writing an abridgement of the record of the Jaredites, that Moroni provides one of the greatest discourses on faith.  He begins that -

"...whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 12:4)

He then follows with -

"...I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 12:6)

To explain that, nothing of  good was ever given or granted without faith in Chirst giving several examples -

"For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith in him, for he showed himself not unto the world."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 12:7)

Here recalls the faith of many prophets that brought great miracles, also teaching the doctrine that -

"...neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 12:18)

Even of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon -

"...it is by faith that my fathers have obtained the promise that these things should come unto their brethren through the Gentiles; therefore the Lord hath commanded me, yea, even Jesus Christ."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 12:22)
And then Moroni teaches even of the Savior  -

"For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them..."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 12:12)

Even that faith was necessary for God to grant the greatest miracle and gift of all...the atonement -

"...because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.
9 Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 12:8 - 9)

Therefore -

"...I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness."
(Book of Mormon   Ether 12:28)

In summary, if we desire a miracle of the Lord, we must demonstrate faith in him through fasting, prayer, obedience...being a demonstration of faith.

I would add on important, but related verse -

"...if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 12:27)

Friday, October 26, 2012

Ether 10

As Moroni continued to abridge the Jaredite record, with probably limited time and resources, as with Mormon's record, he covers great parts of history in limited writings.  I'm sure as he searched for guidance from the Spirit, he did so with a central theme.  I sense the theme was -

"...Some of the kings are righteous; others are wicked—When righteousness prevails, the people are blessed and prospered by the Lord." (Book of Mormon   Ether 10:Heading)

Moroni writes the during his reign -

"...Lib also did that which was good in the sight of the Lord."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 10:19)

And thus we read -

"...they built a great city by the narrow neck of land, by the place where the sea divides the land.
21 And they did preserve the land southward for a wilderness, to get game. And the whole face of the land northward was covered with inhabitants.
22 And they were exceedingly industrious, and they did buy and sell and traffic one with another, that they might get gain.
23 And they did work in all manner of ore, and they did make gold, and silver, and iron, and brass, and all manner of metals; and they did dig it out of the earth; wherefore, they did cast up mighty heaps of earth to get ore, of gold, and of silver, and of iron, and of copper. And they did work all manner of fine work.
24 And they did have silks, and fine-twined linen; and they did work all manner of cloth, that they might clothe themselves from their nakedness.
25 And they did make all manner of tools to till the earth, both to plow and to sow, to reap and to hoe, and also to thrash.
26 And they did make all manner of tools with which they did work their beasts.
27 And they did make all manner of weapons of war. And they did work all manner of work of exceedingly curious workmanship.
28 And never could be a people more blessed than were they, and more prospered by the hand of the Lord. And they were in a land that was choice above all lands, for the Lord had spoken it."   (Book of Mormon   Ether 10:20 - 28)

And later in the days of the brother of Shiblon, as prophets came within the land to call the people to repentance -

"...they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord, because of their wicked combinations; wherefore, there began to be wars and contentions in all the land, and also many famines and pestilences, insomuch that there was a great destruction, such an one as never had been known upon the face of the earth..."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 11:7)

It becomes perfectly clear as the Lord did promise the brother of Jared -

"Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ..."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 2:12)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Ether 8

It is in this portion of the Moroni's abridgement of the record of the history of the Jaredites, that we learn more about the works, motives and consequence of wicked secret covenants and combinations. We learn the works and motives as Moroni records that -

"...Akish gathered in unto the house of Jared all his kinsfolk, and said unto them: Will ye swear unto me that ye will be faithful unto me in the thing which I shall desire of you?
14 And it came to pass that they all sware unto him, by the God of heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by the earth, and by their heads, that whoso should vary from the assistance which Akish desired should lose his head; and whoso should divulge whatsoever thing Akish made known unto them, the same should lose his life.
15 And it came to pass that thus they did agree with Akish. And Akish did administer unto them the oaths which were given by them of old who also sought power, which had been handed down even from Cain, who was a murderer from the beginning."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 8:13 - 15)

This plotting and wickedness was so great that individuals covenanted by the "God of heaven" to commit works of the devil.  And these works -

"...were kept up by the power of the devil to administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as sought power to gain power, and to murder, and to plunder, and to lie, and to commit all manner of wickedness and whoredoms."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 8:16)

We are beginning to see such lying and oaths even in our government to maintain power.  And of such -

"...secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God..."   (Book of Mormon   Ether 8:18)

The consequence will be that -

"...whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not.
23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.
24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up."  (Book of Mormon    Ether 8:22 - 24)

The Lord has promised -

"...whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 8:25)

Could there not be a more fearful warning.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Ether 7

The Lord taught in modern day concerning our constitution, that is -

"...that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.
8 I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 98:5 - 8)

And then He warns -

"Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 98:9)

Therefore the Lord commands the people of this nation -

"Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 98:10)

The importance of this doctrine and principles couldn't be more evident among the people of the Jaredites.  In their early years, Shule was the leader an king of these people and Shule -

"...did execute judgment in righteousness; and he did spread his kingdom upon all the face of the land, for the people had become exceedingly numerous."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 7:11)

It never seems to fail as soon as people become prosperous, they seem to forget the God that made them prosperous for during the reign of Shule's father, Shule's older brother, Corihor  -

"...rebelled against his father, and went over and dwelt in the land of Nehor; and he begat sons and daughters, and they became exceedingly fair; wherefore Corihor drew away many people after him."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 7:4)

Do we not see in our day, the those that are exceedingly fair (celebrities) tend to draw many after them. 

Well to make a long story short after much conflict, the wise and honest Shule did combine the people back together.  Thus there was a mixture of righteous and less righteous people mingled together.  Now note how a wise and honest Shule ruled under these circumstances for while  -

"in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent.
24 And it came to pass that the people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 7:23 - 24)

So -

"...king Shule did execute judgment against all those who did revile against the prophets.
25 And he did execute a law throughout all the land, which gave power unto the prophets that they should go whithersoever they would..."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 7:24 - 25)

And as a result of his wisdom -

"...by this cause the people were brought unto repentance.
26 And because the people did repent of their iniquities and idolatries the Lord did spare them, and they began to prosper again in the land..."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 7:25 - 26)

And -

"...there were no more wars in the days of Shule; and he remembered the great things that the Lord had done for his fathers in bringing them across the great deep into the promised land; wherefore he did execute judgment in righteousness all his days."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 7:27)

What great importance the wise and honest men are elected.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Ether 6

As Moroni proceeds with the record of the Jaredites, in just a few verses, he describes how the Jaredites were able to cross the ocean to the promised land.  There seems to be a great lesson in this that has a great analogy to the plan of salvation.  First, the Jaredites had to do a great deal of work to prepare for this event.  It must have taken a great deal of faith to do this.  As they did, the Lord provided "light" and knowledge as we read that as  -

"...the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels.
3 And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.
4 And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God." (Book of Mormon   Ether 6:2 - 4)

Having done all they could, the Jaredites were given a miracle of light.  And then in great faith they went forth into the sea.  These faithful people were not greatly experienced in sailing, but even so they went forth.  Just as in life, this experience was not necessarily a easy, smooth experience, without trial or obstacles for we read -

"...that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind.
6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.
7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.
8 And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 6:5 - 8)

This event was not a short event.  In fact, in my mind, it took a demanding long period as we read -

"...they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 6:11)

And time and time again we read -

"...they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water."   (Book of Mormon
Ether 6:10)   This is a strong analogy to mortal lives, where there are many times, we are in a sense, under water with trials and afflictions.  But our lives are continually in the hands of God.  And instead of murmuring during this trip, these faithful saints -   "...did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 6:9)   This is great analogy in what the Lord would have us live in our lives.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Ether 4

Many are familiar with the revelations given to John on the isles of Patmos.  There are few that know that this same revelation was given to the brother of Jared and later to Nephi.  I personally believe that these other revelations were written in a more clear manner.  But these "much clearer" writings were not to be had among men until they were living in such a righteous manner that they were worthy of such knowledge.  That is probably why John's record is so symbolic and hard to understand.  Of the brother of Jared's writings -

"...the Lord commanded the brother of Jared to go down out of the mount from the presence of the Lord, and write the things which he had seen; and they were forbidden to come unto the children of men until after that he should be lifted up upon the cross; and for this cause did king Mosiah keep them, that they should not come unto the world until after Christ should show himself unto his people."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 4:1)

For -

"...there never were greater things made manifest than those which were made manifest unto the brother of Jared."  (Book of Mormon Ether 4:4)

Thus one would assume that during the righteous years following the Savior's visit to the Americas, it was had amongst the people.  But as the people again turned to wickedness, Moroni was commanded to -

"...seal them up; and he also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation thereof; wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to the commandment of the Lord.
6 For the Lord said unto me: They shall not go forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 4:5 - 6)

Suggesting that if the day ever comes where the world is righteous (such as in the millenium) these words will come forth for -

"...in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are.
8 And he that will contend against the word of the Lord, let him be accursed; and he that shall deny these things, let him be accursed; for unto them will I show no greater things, saith Jesus Christ; for I am he who speaketh."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 4:7 - 8)

If people of our day do not want to be shown greater things, continue in the path they are on.  Thus Moroni instructs he that would translate the record, the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me, according to my memory; and I have told you the things which I have sealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate; for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 5:1)

So Moroni counsels -

"...Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief.
14 Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief.
15 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 4:13 - 15)

Friday, October 19, 2012

Ether 3

One of the greatest recorded scriptural experiences of any man with the Savior was as -

"...the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 3:6)

Of course having experienced such great fear and reverence, the brother of Jared fell to the earth.  Then the Savior commanded -

"...Arise, why hast thou fallen?"  (Book of Mormon  Ether 3:7)

In response, the brother of Jared said -

"...I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 3:8)

It is then that we learn some great truths, as the Savior teaches -

"...Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this?
10 And he answered: Nay; Lord, show thyself unto me.
11 And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak?
12 And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.
13 And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.
14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 3:9 - 14)

For this event to have taken place, the brother of Jared must have been "transfigured" to be able to bear the glory of the Lord, because I believe that being yet a spirit, His the glory of His spirit must have been full.  That is why, I believe, that many times He is in a cloud is to protect others of His glory.  We also learn that the brother of Jared  being "brought back into my presence" would be that as Paul counseled -

"...give diligence to make your calling and election sure..."  (New Testament 2 Peter 1:10)

Or as revealed in modern day -

"...Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.
4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom;
5 Which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son—"  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 88:3 - 5)

It seems unclear what the Savior meant as He added -

"...never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast..."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 3:15)

We know that the Lord appeared to Adam, Shem, Enoch, and Noah.  Even though there has never been any prophetic explanation of the meaning of this verse, it is my personal appearance that there never was a situation like this when man has so much faith that the Lord had to "show" Himself based on eternal principles and declare a calling and electrion sure.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Ether 3

The Lord said -

"...I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 52:14)

The Lord provides a great pattern or prayer as the brother of Jared approaches the Lord -

"...O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires."   (Book of Mormon | Ether 3:2)

You can sense humility and somewhat unworthiness as he begins his prayer.  That seems to continue with an expression of gratitude -

 "...O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people..."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 3:3)

But then with some confidence, having the Spirit of the Lord, he doesn't push the our Father in Heaven, but asks as he has been commanded the things he needs -

"...I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.
5  Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 3:4 - 5)

Again, a good pattern to follow.

 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Ether 1

I had a thought this morning as I began to read the abridged record of Ether.  Now I need to make this clear that my thoughts are only speculative.  The record states -

"...Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered."  (Book of Mormon  Ether 1:33)

This event is recorded in the 11th chapter of Genesis.  Throughout the scriptures, the Lord has always warned the people before exercising his privilege and causing an event.  This seems to the case as it is apparent that the brother of Jared knew that this would happen as we read -

"And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words.
35 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon Jared; therefore he did not confound the language of Jared; and Jared and his brother were not confounded."   (Book of Mormon  Ether 1:34 - 35)

It becomes obvious that the Lord had already warned the people that He was going to do this unless they repented.  My speculation is that the brother of Jared being one "highly favored of the Lord" would suggest to me that he was proven to be very obedient and faithful.  Having thus been proven could possibly suggest that the brother of Jared was a prophet of God and could easily been the prophet or one of other prophets that had testified to the people that unless they repented, their language would be confounded.  It becomes clear that of language of  Jared and his brother was not confounded and that they were able to keep the original or Adamic language.

Another thought was the Jared and all his friends -

"...did build barges, in which they did cross many waters, being directed continually by the hand of the Lord."  (Book of Mormon   Ether 2:6)

Having had this experience, it makes sense than when commanded to build barges to cross the ocean that the brother of Jared recognized the problem of light and ventilation.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Mormon 8

As Moroni concludes the record of his father, Mormon, he writes to both the believers and unbelievers including that state of the world (which is obvious today) in the days following the coming of the Book of Mormon to an overall summary of the plan of salvation or happiness.  In doing so, he speaks of all the prophets and saints that had preceeded him writing -

"Search the prophecies of Isaiah. Behold, I cannot write them. Yea, behold I say unto you, that those saints who have gone before me, who have possessed this land, shall cry, yea, even from the dust will they cry unto the Lord; and as the Lord liveth he will remember the covenant which he hath made with them."  (Book of Mormon | Mormon 8:23)

For -

"...he knoweth their prayers, that they were in behalf of their brethren..."  (Book of Mormon | Mormon 8:24)

And with some understanding concerning the prophecies and prayers of these saints, Moroni tells us  -

"...behold, their prayers were also in behalf of him that the Lord should suffer to bring these things forth."
(Book of Mormon | Mormon 8:25)

The ancient prophets were all aware of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  They all looked forward to the day that he would be called to bring forth this record for -

"...no one need say they shall not come, for they surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it; for out of the earth shall they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall come in a day when it shall be said that miracles are done away; and it shall come even as if one should speak from the dead.  (Book of Mormon | Mormon 8:26)

In conclusion, Moroni again speaks of the prayers of the prophets and saints -

"...these things which we have desired concerning our brethren, yea, even their restoration to the knowledge of Christ, are according to the prayers of all the saints who have dwelt in the land.
37  And may the Lord Jesus Christ grant that their prayers may be answered according to their faith; and may God the Father remember the covenant which he hath made with the house of Israel; and may he bless them forever, through faith on the name of Jesus Christ..." (Book of Mormon | Mormon 9:36 - 37)

Monday, October 15, 2012

Mormon 7

If you had witnessed the deaths of almost everyone you knew, having almost lost your own life and knowing that death was very soon, what would be your final words?  As we read the 7th chapter of Mormon, this is what we find as Mormon chooses to speak to his people -

"...I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of this people who are spared, if it so be that God may give unto them my words, that they may know of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words which I speak:
2 Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel.
3 Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved.
4 Know ye that ye must lay down your weapons of war, and delight no more in the shedding of blood, and take them not again, save it be that God shall command you."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 7:1 - 4)

I am reminded of the the people of Ammon that buried their swords to aleviate any temptation to murder and plunder as they had previously done.  Symbolically, I think Mormon also is suggesting the same theing again that we should lay down our weakness and weapons and take them not again.  Mormon continues -

"Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up.
6 And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgment-seat.
7 And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 7:5 - 7)

Mormon again teaches the plan of happiness and then follow teaches the rock or doctrine of Christ upon which we must build -

"Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you..."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 7:8)

He suggests that this is not only the Book of Mormon but all scriptures including the teachings of the prophets -

"...therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment."  (Book of Mormon   Mormon 7:10)

What profound and complete closing words.  I personally feel pain each time I read the words of Moroni, Mormon's son -

"And my father also was killed by them..."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 8:3)

Friday, October 12, 2012

Mormon 5

I have quoted previously the counsel of James -

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."  (New Testament  James 5:10)

As the saints consider their many afflictions, there are few that experienced a full life of afflictions as did Mormon.  Reading chapters two through six, reveal the magnitude of the wickedness and carnage that Mormon witnessed his whole mortal life.  At an early age, he was commanded to record the history of his people throughout his days.  This he did in all obedience.  But as he wrote this abridged record that was to go forth to future generations, he wrote a limited version adding -

"I, Mormon, do not desire to harrow up the souls of men in casting before them such an awful scene of blood and carnage as was laid before mine eyes; but I, knowing that these things must surely be made known, and that all things which are hid must be revealed upon the house-tops—"  Book of Mormon
Mormon 5:8)   For the purpose, he wrote -   "...I write a small abridgment, daring not to give a full account of the things which I have seen, because of the commandment which I have received, and also that ye might not have too great sorrow because of the wickedness of this people.
10 And now behold, this I speak unto their seed, and also to the Gentiles who have care for the house of Israel, that realize and know from whence their blessings come.
11 For I know that such will sorrow for the calamity of the house of Israel; yea, they will sorrow for the destruction of this people; they will sorrow that this people had not repented that they might have been clasped in the arms of Jesus."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 5:9 - 11)

Also explaining why these records could only come forth as they did to the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"Now these things are written unto the remnant of the house of Jacob; and they are written after this manner, because it is known of God that wickedness will not bring them forth unto them; and they are to be hid up unto the Lord that they may come forth in his own due time."  (Book of Mormon
Mormon 5:10 - 12)   In other words, this record could have never been brought forth by the wicked without being translated in modern day.  There is one more truth that Mormon taught that is important to understand -   "...behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 4:5)   It is the wicked that will destroy the wicked.  Satan does not care.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Mormon 1

Mormon is one of my personal heroes.  There are few that had to live through more difficult times than Mormon.  I look forward to being able to meet him someday.  As Mormon records his own record, it is obvious that he doesn't draw much attention to himself, only that which he experienced. First he humbly records -

"...that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe..."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 1:2)

It seems he brings this up only to tell us how he came to know and receive instructions concerning the records.  Being quick to observe and sober would suggest to me that Ammoron recognized that Mormon was obedient and faithful.  Ammoron knew that there were no one worthy to keep a record of the the people so he approached Mormon instructing that  -

"...when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this people.
4 And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself, and the remainder shall ye leave in the place where they are; and ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning this people."  (Book of Mormon   Mormon 1:3 - 4)

We know little of Mormon's family only that -

"...I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (and my father's name was Mormon)..."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 1:5)

My understanding is the Mormon means "more good".  With that I would have to assume that Mormon's father understood this meaning and gave it to his son.  I would assume then that Mormon was raised in a righteous family.  And when Mormon  -

"...being eleven years old, was carried by my father into the land southward, even to the land of Zarahemla.
7 The whole face of the land had become covered with buildings, and the people were as numerous almost, as it were the sand of the sea."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 1:6 - 7)

Again, I assume that Mormon was was initially raised in a more rural area until he was 11 years old because he noticed that the land was covered with people and buildings.  It was in that same year -

"...there began to be a war between the Nephites, who consisted of the Nephites and the Jacobites and the Josephites and the Zoramites; and this war was between the Nephites, and the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 1:8)

From 11 years old and throughout his entire life, there was wickedness, war and carnage more than most men can imagine for he later records -

"...wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people.
14 And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief."  (Book of Mormon   Mormon 1:13 - 14)

And -

"...there were sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land..."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 1:19)

Mormon's character must have been so outstanding that he humbly with necessity records that -

"...notwithstanding I being young, was large in stature; therefore the people of Nephi appointed me that I should be their leader, or the leader of their armies.
2 Therefore it came to pass that in my sixteenth year I did go forth at the head of an army of the Nephites, against the Lamanites..."  (Book of Mormon   Mormon 2:1 - 2)

Amazing!  But what I find personally as most impressive, even as the Prophet Joseph Smith, Mormon -

"...I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus."  (Book of Mormon  Mormon 1:15)

I have come to love the prophet Mormon.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

4 Nephi 1

The brief Book of Nephi that which is now called Fourth Nephi includes close to 300 years of history.  It reflects first the doctrine and lifestyle of a "Zion" type society and then follows with a progressive oultine of a fall from this society of happiness to the state where there is great wickedness and unhappiness with almost no apparent good.  I thought I would focus more on the extended period and state of righteousness where people experienced more prosperity and happiness that has ever been experienced on the face of the earth.  In my mind, "Zion" is living according to the laws of the Celestial kingdom on earth.

In doing so, I first need to comment that Mormon shared just a brief summary of some 200 years of happiness and righteousness because, in my mind, that all these good works would be so repetitive that it would become somewhat meaningless to the modern day reader with no warning to repent.  As Mormon reviews 200 years of righteous history, he records in his abridgement that after the Savior's ascension, the disciples continued to preach the gospel and -

"...as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost.
2 And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.
3 And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift."  (Book of Mormon  4 Nephi 1:1 - 3)

It was in a Zion society that all were converted, not just baptized, even to the point they had all things in common.  I don't believe that this meant that it was a "communistic" society, but that everyone was unselfish, shared with their own agency (all made free) , those things they had to the poor and needy.  In such a lifestyle, all cared and loved one another.  No one was esteemed above his neighbor.  It was then in this society that the Holy Ghost magnified the bestowed gifts that each possessed to bless the lifes of all.  And because of that -

"...there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus."  (Book of Mormon  4 Nephi 1:5)

And thus -

"...the Lord did prosper them exceedingly in the land..."  (Book of Mormon  4 Nephi 1:7)

I note the word "exceedingly".  There are other things that tended to provide such a happy society -

"...they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them."  (Book of Mormon  4 Nephi 1:11)

The family is where the greatest happiness comes.  And -

"...they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord."  (Book of Mormon  4 Nephi 1:12)

Happiness continues to be dependent upon principles of the gospel.  And what is most critical to a happy society -

"...there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God."  (Book of Mormon  4 Nephi 1:15 - 16)

And because they were all one in unityand love with no classes for -

"There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God."  (Book of Mormon  4 Nephi 1:17)

In summary, Mormon records of this great time period -

"...how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until an hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land."  (Book of Mormon  4 Nephi 1:18)

This is the society that we look forward to in the Celestial kingdom.

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

3 Nephi 29

Again, Mormon makes it perfectly clear to the people of our day -

"...that when the Lord shall see fit, in his wisdom, that these sayings shall come unto the Gentiles according to his word, then ye may know that the covenant which the Father hath made with the children of Israel, concerning their restoration to the lands of their inheritance, is already beginning to be fulfilled.
2 And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel.
3 And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words which have been spoken are vain, for behold, the Lord will remember his covenant which he hath made unto his people of the house of Israel."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 29:1 - 3)

And then Mormon warns us -

"...when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the sword of his justice is in his right hand; and behold, at that day, if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you.

5 Wo unto him that spurneth at the doings of the Lord; yea, wo unto him that shall deny the Christ and his works!
6 Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost!
7 Yea, and wo unto him that shall say at that day, to get gain, that there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus Christ; for he that doeth this shall become like unto the son of perdition, for whom there was no mercy, according to the word of Christ!"  (Book of Mormon   3 Nephi 29:4 - 7)

Wo suggests that trouble is coming.  Therefore Mormon is commanded of the Lord to write -

"Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 30:2)

Numbered suggests the wheat being gathered into the garner, into the house of Israel which is the exalted family of God.  This is the doctrine of Christ.  It is the rock upon which His gospel is built.  You can't say now that you have not been warned.

Monday, October 08, 2012

3 Nephi 27

As there were some disputations amongs the people regarding what the name of the Church should be, the Savior again taught His doctrine -

"Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;
6 And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day."  (Book of Mormon   3 Nephi 27:5 - 6)

I was touched again with the word "called".  He again reminds us that it will be those that have taken upon them the name of Christ will be whom those chosen will be called.  He again teaches His doctrine -

"...my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.  (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 27:14 - 17)

It is as clear as that.  This is the purpose of the atonement.  These are the conditions to be chosen for -

"...I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;
22 Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day.  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 27:21 - 22)

Wherefore  -

"...Enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 27:33)

He reminds all of us "have ye not read the scriptures".  He explains the purpose of the scriptures to His disciples-

"Write the things which ye have seen and heard, save it be those which are forbidden.


24 Write the works of this people, which shall be, even as hath been written, of that which hath been.
25 For behold, out of the books which have been written, and which shall be written, shall this people be judged, for by them shall their works be known unto men.
26 And behold, all things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 27:23 - 26)

Friday, October 05, 2012

3 Nephi 26

For those that would suggest that the scriptures contain all that would be had or is needed among men, Moron records that amongst those in the America, because of their faith, the Savior -

...did expound all things unto them, both great and small."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 26:1)

"And he did expound all things, even from the beginning until the time that he should come in his glory—yea, even all things which should come upon the face of the earth, even until the elements should melt with fervent heat, and the earth should be wrapt together as a scroll, and the heavens and the earth should pass away;

4 And even unto the great and last day, when all people, and all kindreds, and all nations and tongues shall stand before God, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
5 If they be good, to the resurrection of everlasting life; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of damnation; being on a parallel, the one on the one hand and the other on the other hand, according to the mercy, and the justice, and the holiness which is in Christ, who was before the world began."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 26:3 - 5)

Then Mormon confesses -

"...now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people..."  (Book of Mormon   3 Nephi 26:6)

Mormon then explains why he was commanded write all of that was included in the plates of Nephi that were taught to the people -

"...these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken.
9 And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 26:8 - 9)

And to the alternative -

"...if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation."  (Book of Mormon   3 Nephi 26:10)

Suggesting that there is even more that is not  contained in our present scriptures for Mormon adds -

"...I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people.
12 Therefore I, Mormon, do write the things which have been commanded me of the Lord."  (Book of Mormon   3 Nephi 26:11 - 12)

For those that believe that there is no more to be received, I personally consider that discouraging.  I am encouraged and excited that as I am faithful, there is much more to be revealed and learned.

Thursday, October 04, 2012

3 Nephi 24

In modern day, the Lord said -

"...there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:34 - 35)

Having given these words to Malachi, the Savior again has called his covenant people and then outlines the condition of being chosen -

"...Return unto me and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts..."  (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 24:7)

Those whose hearts are more set upon the things of this world seem to justify their actions, whose -

"...words have been stout against me, saith the Lord..."  (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 24:13)

To which they respond -

"...What have we spoken against thee?..."  (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 24:13)

The Lord then answers -

"Ye have said: It is vain to serve God, and what doth it profit that we have kept his ordinances and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts?
15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 24:14 - 15)

In other words, why should we being called keep the commandments.  Look! There are those that don't and they are doing just fine.  The Lord then answers the blessing or tender mercies that will come to those that obey and are faithful -

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 24:16 - 17)

This is the blessing that will come to those that are chosen.

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

3 Nephi 23

Having taught the words of Isaiah to the people of the Americas, in a sense reviewing that which they already had, He counseled and then commanded -

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

And then He explains why -

"For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.
3 And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake.  (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 23:2 - 3)

As He speaks of the "Gentiles", in my mind this would include those that are descendents of the house as well as those that are not which I believe are few.  I believe that because these people probably considered all that were not "Jews" were gentiles.  That is why it is so important to study these words because the words of Isaiah apply to all.

"Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which I have told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles.
5 And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things."  (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 23:4 - 5)

This final command then includes searching not only the words of Isaiah which are great, but the words of all the prophets, even modern day prophets, because they testify of these truths.

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

3 Nephi 22

As I read the words of the Savior as prophesied by Isaiah, I understand that many gospel scholars believe that much of the words of this chapter are in reference to the days of the millenium, but I have a different take.  As the Savior speaks of -

"...the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife..."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 22:1)

He instructs -

"Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes; 3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 22:2 - 3)

These words suggest to me that there will be a great missionary effort in the latter days where many of the house of Israel will return and be converted to the Lord.  This effort will require much more room in Zion or the tent.  Therefore to handle all the newly inhabited cities of righteous converts, the stakes will have to be lengthened and strenghthened.  I believe it is speaking of the stakes of Zion, not necessarily heaven or the millenium, where the Savior says -

"Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 22:11 - 12)

I believe that it is the stakes of Zion that -

"...all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee.  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 22:13 - 14)

And where -

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord."  (Book of Mormon  3 Nephi 22:17)

This is only my opinion for in modern day, the Lord said to those in Zion -

"...Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;
6 And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, 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 115:5 - 6)

Monday, October 01, 2012

3 Nephi 21

As the Lord continues to teach the people of the Americas, He prophecies -

"..I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things shall be about to take place—that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;
2 And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 21:1 - 2)

And -

"...when these things shall be made known unto them of the Father, and shall come forth of the Father, from them unto you; 4 For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 21:3 - 4)

It is the coming forth of the Book of Mormon that is the sign that the covenants of the Father prophesied by Old Testament prophets (especially Isaiah)are being fulfilled. And that it was essential that this land be a land of freedom for that to take place. In other words, the Lord's hand was involved with this country becoming a land of the free. I would suggest anyone that takes away from that is rebelling against the will of God. It is in these teachings the Savior provides many warnings and prophecies. But that which I feel to be most important is -

"...it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 21:6)

The house of Israel will eventually be the sons and daughters of God, His eternal and exalted family. And the warning is -

"...that at that day whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut off from among my people, O house of Israel..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 21:20)

Even though the wicked will be destroyed at His coming, the greatest loss will be being cut off from the house of Israel forever. I believe the gathering spoken of is more related to the spiritual gathering are becoming chosen to be part of the house of Israel than a physical gathering.