Mosiah 5

Mosiah 5

Mosiah 5: 1-6

if believed.......................................................conducts a detailed opinion poll
one voice..........................................................results overwhelmingly support his thoughts
infinite goodness.................................................people united in their religious beliefs
great knowledge...................................................belief that the religion has tremendous potential
covenant.........................................................willing to make a public commitment to be loyal
I desired............................................................King Benjamin pleased with outcome

King Benjamin conducts an extensive public opinion poll to ascertain whether or not the public supports his religious manifesto.  The indicators support his hopes, and he prepares to step up the religious ceremony with a public covenant with God.  Some believe this process is similar to many done in the Middle East when royal leaders were in transition from father to son.

Mosiah 5: 7-12

children of Christ..............................................a designation to indicate acceptance of Messiah
made free............................................................acceptable to God, under his salvation
no other name................................................will accept no other path to salvation
left hand.......................................................other not acceptable to Christ
blotted out............................................................losing your name from the Book of Life
know the voice....................................................important to recognize the voice of God

If we follow the Lord's teachings, and if we accept him, we can gain the skill of knowing when we are in the Spirit of unity with Christ, and we will be blessed.

Mosiah 5: 13-15

master.........................................................men manifest to whom they listen, God or Satan
men drive away.............................................if we have an animal feeding with our own, we cut it out of the herd
learn...........................................................God will do the same
justice and mercy..............................................if we follow Christ's teaching we are promised mercy.

We cannot expect to be of the fold of Christ, if we are not of his children.  It is our duty to learn how this applies to us, and to follow Christ and His directions to us.

Mosiah 5

The people of King Benjamin are reminded of their relationship to Jesus Christ, of how we make choices that can seal us for ever to the Savior.  What we must recognize is that we do not make the rules, rather He does.  Those rules are clear, and we can gain direction to help us during our lives.

Mosiah 2

Mosiah 2

Mosiah 2: 1-7

proclamation to gather..........................................formal meeting between king and people
did not number.........................................assemblage so large as to be uncountable
firstlings.........................................................a day for animal sacrifices
thanks to Lord..................................................a remembrance of the law of Moses
pitched tents.................................................a ceremony requiring temporary lodging
doors to the temple..................................a sacred orientation for the speech of King Benjamin
tower built.............................................necessary in order to have the people hear and see

A huge number of people respond to the proclamation for the people to gather to hear King Benjamin's farewell speech

Mosiah 2: 8-23

words written.............................................assemblage too large for all to hear
mortal man..................................................King Benjamin shows his mortality and humility
suffered..........................................................allowed by lot to lead the people
days in service.................................................the king labored all days for the people
taught commandments....................................established law based on the law of God
not laden with taxes...........................................King himself works so people not overburdened
answers to God.............................................did his best, will be rewarded by God
service........................................................service to man is service to God
serve one another...............................................follow the King's example
give thanks..........................................................show humility by subjecting self to God
prospering.........................................................contingent on keeping God's commandments

The king starts his speech by reminding the people to show service and humility.

Mosiah 2: 24-41

all men of the dust of earth................................reminder of the mortal realities
rid my garments......................................by teaching others, he absolves self from guilt
stepping down...........................................officially coronates his son Mosiah as new king
beware contentions.......................................put down the animosities and work together
punishment..................................................those who stir up contentions are cursed
render to Him............................................we are expected to live for God, doing His will.
transgressing..................................................leads the Spirit to leave that person
unholy temples.......................................God does not reside with the wicked. We need repentance
mercy......................................................only given to the repentant
remember.....................................................a need to remind about the commandments

The king reminds his people of their need to help others and to work with harmony.  He also exorts all to repent for the transgressions against the law, and that those who do not repent will be unworthy of the Lord's mercy.

2 Mosiah

The great king Benjamin served his people, and he calls on all the others to do the same.  He reminds his people to work together as they keep the commandments.

Jacob 6

Jacob 6

Jacob 6: 1-5

surely come to pass................................................Jacob bears testimony to Zeno's prophecy
last time...............................................................a time in last days for the gathering
the servants....................................................................great blessings
others.............................................................................destroyed as if by fire
remembers roots and branches.............................................both the apparent and the less so
repent.............................................................................the underlying message to the House

The prophecy set forth in the parable is a true message to the House of Israel to change its way in order to be found among the servants of the Lord, and not among the one destroyed in the fires.

Jacob 6: 6-12

harden not.....................................................................seek the spirit
nourished for good............................................................the Lord has given constant messages
rejection of word.............................................................shuts off the salvation of the Lord
stand with shame................................................................accountability before God
justice............................................................................if we break the law we are cursed
narrow way................................................................a specific method that must be met
wise..............................................................................we must exercise spiritual wisdom

God reminds us that salvation is a human choice.  The offer is there, the method is specific, and men are accountable for what they do with their free agency.

Jacob 6: 13

farewell..............................................................seen as his last set of entries

Jacob 6 is a strong message to anyone who comes into connection with the gospel.  Once we do this we become accounable before Gdo how we invite or reject the spirit of God into our lives.  it can either bless us and bring out the gifts of salvation, or it can lead to personal destruction through our rejection.  We will all answer for it.

2 Nephi 28

2 Nephi 28

2 Nephi 28: 1-9

spirit constrains me.............................................................something known through spiritual means
great worth...............................................................words in Book of M are of great value
I am the Lord's.......................................................Problem, multiple groups say this
contend.........................................................................actively confronting one another
deny Holy Ghost.............................................................deliberately refuse to listen to Spirit
message.......................................................................No active God, no Christ, and heresies
deny miracles...............................................................Easy to spot, they refuse to accept divine
eat drink marry.......................................................have a very worldly attitude about life
nuances...................................................................accept the premise of worldly with small differences
works are dark..........................................................an examination of their acts reveal evil

In the last days, an examination of the conditions of the leadership of many Christian faiths will reveal a tremendous amount of denial about the truths taught by the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.  The result is a doctrine that does not allow men to receive direct revelation from the Lord.

2 Nephi 28: 10-14

blood of Saints.....................................................contrary doctrine contrasting to the righteous
out of the way...........................................................not of a righteous origin.  It is wrong.
pride........................................................................the underlying sin.  Pride.  Self promotion.
rob the poor...............................................................ultimate sins, preying on the righteous.
save a few............................................................even then, a few righteous people getting by.
precepts of men...........................................................no righteous origin for such doctrine

Revelation about the sects of Christianity that claim divine acceptance has an underlying sin.  Such groups are founded and run by the proud, and they do not represent the Will of God.  They prey on the righteous and do nothing to strengthen faith and harmony.  They are worldly constructs.  They are guilt of nullifying the works and lives of the Saints.

2 Nephi 28: 15-24

wise and learned.........................................................persons who should know better
rich............................................................................those who have monetary advantages
thrust down.............................................................since it is wrong, they will be doomed
ripe in iniquity.....................................................will be counted among the wicked at 2nd coming
repent................................................................opportunity given to change.
abominable church.......................................................the type of religion they represent
tumble....................................................................this system will be destroyed.  It is wrong.
devil's kingdom.......................................................this religion will fail utterly.  Contrary to God's program
he will rage.........................................................In last days, Satan will actively fight God
will pacify............................................................will lull many people into false security
will flatter.................................................................will ensnare some to follow him
cursed..............................................................those who join this evil will be judged
ease in Zion.......................................................they have the opportunity to change and do not.

These people who join and make up these evil systems will have an opportunity to repent and turn to God.  That will be provided in the last days to give these people and avenue to get into the right ways.  However, an angry Satan will actively work to ensnare them, and to make them fall.  He will flatter, trick, pacify, and ensnare them.  If they fail to change when taught by God, they will be judged by the Lord.

2 Nephi 28:  25-32

all is well...............................................................a call by those doing wrong.  Present evil as good
deniers.....................................................................commit the ultimate sin against the Holy Ghost
we need no more....................................................a mantra that reveals the evil.  States that God does not nor can help men and teach men directly.  Utterly false.
sandy foundation.................................................has no spiritual foundation.  Cannot save.
wo............................................................................to be troubled, and destroyed
line upon line.......................................................men do receive guidance, one step at a time
learn wisdom.....................................................God teaches men from where they are.
give more...............................................................if men start, and continue, he gives more
trust in man.........................................................self limitations
Gentiles................................................................prevailing conditions among the Gentiles
merciful.................................................................God loves the Gentiles.
arm stretched out.........................................................the repentant are helped by the Lord

A message to the Gentiles.  Those who live in those days are reminded to follow the Lord, and to believe the words of the Book.  The gospel does not limit people, and those who are taught can believe in a real and active God.

2 Nephi 28

This chapter was written for men in the last days.  It is descriptive of the conditions of the larger Christian world and reveals to those who will look, that many of the teachings of the pastors and teachers are worldly and have no scriptural backing.  They actually limit people and place them under the influence of the devil.  The one thing to focus on most of all is personal revelation of the Lord through the Holy Ghost.  If men will trust that one thing alone, the Lord will lead them to do what he wants, cutting through the obstacles that men place in the spiritual paths.  Ultimately, all men are responsible to repent, so any teaching that diverges from that principle will amount to denying the Holy Ghost.

2 Nephi 11

2 Nephi 11

2 Nephi 11: 1-3

sufficeth...............................................................Jacob only records what he feels he should
words of Isaiah.........................................................he feels that the words are very important
saw redeemer...................................................some prophets record seeing Christ, Isaiah, Jacob
words are true...................................................expression of testimony
words of three........................................................Law of witnesses

Jacob gives his writing purpose, and establishes it firmly on his testimony of Christ's divinity.  He also bears witness to having seen Christ himself, and adds his name to his brother Nephi, Isaiah, and others.

2 Nephi 11: 4-7

law of Moses........................................................Jacob predicates belief on following divine law
grace...................................................................Jacob applauds the Lord's mercy
Christ.......................................................................no one saved, except through Christ
if.......................................................................Jacob's spiritual logic.  Things go together.
Isaiah.................................................................a preface of testimony for Isaiah's message

Isaiah and others teach us of the divinity of Christ's message.  They indicated that we really need to study and to gain testimonies of their words.

2 Nephi 11

This chapter serves as a preface to the recorded words of Isaiah

2 Nephi 4

2 Nephi 4

2 Nephi 4: 1-6

prophecies about Joseph.............................................Lehi's prophetic emphasis on House of Joseph
concerning his seed.............................................makes predictions about those who come through him
Laman...............................................................Lehi calls his oldest son's family
prosperity..............................................................contingent on following commandments
blessing.................................................................loves them.  Still contingent
curse?...................................................................head of your parents

Predictions and both blessings and curses come upon the House of Joseph.  Great blessings come from following the Lord.  Severe penalties accompany the departures.

2 Nephi 4:  7-17

merciful............................................................promise that the group will not disappear
Lemuel...............................................................Second son.  similar issues
same blessing.......................................................both sons have contingencies
Ishmael................................................................blessing parallels with Nephi's
waxed old..........................................................He reaches senescence and dies
angry................................................................with Lehi gone, the brothers rebel again
Nephi's delight..................................................following the commandments, doing what is right
heart sorrow...................................................grave concerns about his brothers

Same blessings of prosperity for all those associated with Lehi.  Some are more likely to receive them.  Without the cornerstone of the family, a huge schism occurs

2 Nephi 4: 18-27

temptations......................................................Nephi recognizes his shortcomings and temptations
trust in God.....................................................Nephi understands the mercy of God
heard my cry...................................................Nephi's safety has always been a result of prayer
high mountains....................................................the spiritual is a blessing of God to man
why................................................................how does this come to be?  such lows?
yielding.........................................................sometimes it is hard to understand our motivations

Psalm of Nephi.  He studies his heart and he dislikes what he sees.  However, he has learned to trust God in temporal terms, and he intends to follow the same path in spiritual situations.

2 Nephi 4: 28-35

Nephi commands himself to follow his own advice.  Do it!
gates of hell..................................................asks God to help him avoid spiritual failure
asks for an easing...........................................severe trials cause him to falter.  He prays for easing
trust................................................................the ultimate strengthening.  He knows his God
not amiss........................................................if we are in tune, we will receive the help of God

Nephi applies contigentcy rules to his predicament.  He pursues the problems with foresight, recognizing his shortcomings and his fear in proceeding through the trials.  The situation that causes the greatest trouble for him is his difficult relationship with his brothers, who are insanely jealous of him.  He also has just listened to his dying father bless his brothers, but the cautions given them also apply to him.  He is definitely questioning his own behaviors, determined to do what is right.  Sometimes that just means that we follow the Lord's path, in trust.

2 Nephi 3

I've had a few medical problems.  Now, I'm just getting back to a reading schedule

2 Nephi 3

2 Nephi 3: 1-7

rudeness of brethern...........................................this young man had suffered because of his brothers
consecrate afflictions......................................Jacob will be blessed for his faithfulness
salvation...................................................Spirit has accepted Jacob's works and faith
glory....................................................men can experience some of the power of God
justification.............................................the law condemns all men
Holy Messiah.......................................the mercy of God that overrules the justification
broken heart, contrite Spirit................................the requirements for mercy

Jacob learns from his father the power of repentance in the laws of salvation.  Each person must receive the approval of the Lord.

2 Nephi 3: 8-13

make known........................................servants of God teach the power of repentance
intercession.........................................Christ is the focal point for forgiveness
judged............................................Christ will judge all men to see if they meet the standards
opposition in all things.............................men must have a clear choice
denial of the purpose..............................denial has no logic to it.  It makes living meaningless

We do not need to fight the oppositions that we face.  These many tough decisions are the way that we demonstrate what makes us function.  Christ is aware of all our battles and of our decisions.

2 Nephi 3: 14-25

God...............................................God does oversee all and he is the creator
the forbidden fruit.................................this is the other choice, the one not meant to save
agent...................................................men are given the choice to follow God or not do so
devil.................................................Lehi explains the existence of Satan
Eve....................................................this devil enticed Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit
human family..................................all men come as a result of this decision to make choices
Adam fell that............................................the purpose of life.  Falling under the power of the forbidden fruit, but given a chance to improve and be forgiven
might have joy....................................if we choose correctly, we will be saved.

2 Nephi 3: 26-30

Christ.............................................the Messiah makes it possible to change and to be saved
men are free...................................people have full freedom to choose Christ or reject him
hearken............................................men should choose Christ and follow him
choose..............................................consequences for the path we choose
object..................................................the salvation of your souls

Christ's atonement makes it possible to overcome the punishments of the law.  Christ's mercy is on those who choose him and follow what he teaches us to do.  We receive the Holy Spirit as we move in the way.

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.