2 Nephi 2

2 Nephi 2

2 Nephi 2: 1-6

rudeness of brothers........................................................Jacob underwent some kind of mockery or nastiness from his older brothers
consecrate afflictions.................................................The Lord knows when righteous people and innocent people suffer by the hands of others.
redeemed....................................................the Lord has chosen Jacob.  He is protected
blessed........................................................he lives under the observance of a just God
justification....................................................God is a righteous God.  He metes out righteous judgment
temporal and spirtitual.................................Divine laws work on both levels
Holy Messiah...............................................the Lord is consistent and the consequences are eternal

This section illustrates that the Lord knows all his children, and he explains how His favor will sustain and elevate his righteous children.  Jacob is assured of this from his father Lehi

2 Nephi 2: 7-10

broken heart and contrite spirit.............................attributes of the repentent.  We must have remorse and we must fight to do things right, even when it hurts
make known.................................................these principles are universal, must be taught
merits and mercy............................................to earn entry to the kingdom one must do something and one must give and receive mercy
Holy Messiah............................................he did both of these prerequisites
intercession..........................................The Father will only honor the salvation of the qualified
punishment affixed...............................Divine rule.  No one is save who is not qualified.  For us this means we must earn the mercy of Christ.
judge....................................................Christ himself will judge all men.  Each will need to stand before him

The passage instructs us about the operating principles of justice and mercy.  The ground rules of both are explained and the overruling power of mercy is explained.  If we seek salvation and eternal life, it will be by Christ's mercy.  We must become His.  There is no other way.

1 Nephi  2: 11-24

Opposition in all things...............................we grow by understanding the spiritual polarities.  We make good choices by them
without opposition, no purpose.............................if we exist with no learning, there is no point.
forbidden fruit..........................................choosing the wrong polarity.  It teaches us, but it alienates us as well and requires repentence
driven out.............................................Adam and Eve broke this rule.  They were punished
children.................................................this state actually made it possible to have families.
probation...............................................allows all of us to live under probation.  It teaches us
state............................................................Adam and Eve started in a spiritual situation but moved to a mortal one.  This enables them to make real choices
joy .............................................................a result of making correct choices
wisdom......................................................the Lord knows the value of doing things this way

A spirtual philosophical introspection would teach us all to accept the polarities of life.  We were meant to learn from them, but to choose the right course.  We benefit both here and in the eternities by choosing the correct course.

2 Nephi 2: 25

men are that they might have joy

2 Nephi 2: 26-30

Messiah................................................................the one who makes all the life experiences work
free.................................................................free agency given to choose the right course
look to Messiah................................................follow the Christ.  He gives the principles
can choose evil.....................................................given to us, but encouraged to go the other way
choose eternal life................................................make the commitment.  It will save you.
Last words..........................................................the dying wish of Lehi to his good son.
souls............................................................This applies to you, but also to others.

Men are given the free agency to make eternal choices.  Life is meant to try and test us all so that we can experience the great joy that comes as we do right.  The promise extends to all.

2 Nephi 2

This chapter of the Book of Mormon is extremely important to anyone who wants to earn the blessings promised by Christ to the faithful.  It promises to help us both in mortality and beyond.