2 Nephi 8; Isaiah 51 and 52
2 Nephi 8: 1-6
rock....................................................................people are built from the "rock"
Abraham and Sarah...............................................blessings of prosperity from God.
blessed him...................................................promises to Abraham offered to the faithful
comfort Zion...............................................in trials we have the power of God to sustain
Joy................................................................the everlasting promise is given to the faithful
law from me..................................................God offers a sure path for men to have joy
righteousness is near..............................................idiomatic that the offering is now, immediate, universal
temporal and eternal............................................regardless of earthly conditions, God prevails above
The Lord reminds us continually that he maintains the promise perpetually with men. If a man meets the conditions he is saved, regardless of the world's attempts to interfere.
2 Nephi 8: 7-10
reproach and revilings.......................................some men are very hateful. Trust God, and endure it
the moth.................................................idiomatic of the futility of human's bad behavior. Overruled
cut Rahab, slay dragon.......................................God had already defeated the work of Satan.
dried the sea................................................his power overcomes the most devastating worldly powers
The Lord has overcome any and all attacks that can come upon man. Accept him and rely on him
2 Nephi 8: 11-21
redeemed.................................................God promises complete separation from the ills of life
I am he.......................................................The Lord tells us that he has done it all. Why fear men?
Lord of Hosts.............................................The Avenger, the Creator, the Comforter
my people..............................................He will certainly stand with his people, despite the world
awake.................................................Israel too often fails to have the proper faith in God
guide...................................................if asked, he will guide us throught the pitfalls of life.
the sons.................................................parable. As sons we will be helped by the good Father
hear this.............................................the Atonement supercedes all the troubles of this world.
Trust the Lord, the Messiah. He has won the battle, and all his followers are under his care. He will help us if he is asked, and his work overrules all the ills of this world. Trust him.
2 Nephi 8: 22-25
pleadeth the case.....................................Savior intercedes for the faithful. His promised mercy.
as dry ground..........................................the faithful will escape the punishment of the evil
shake yourself.......................................the man must do some things for himself. Each man must choose either to follow God, or not do it.
Men must choose whom they follow. Follow the sure. Follow Christ. The Savior possesses the power to have mercy, that will be accepted at the final judgement by the Father.
2 Nephi 8
Men are reminded why they must follow Christ. He is the only means for receiving forgiveness. There is complete freedom to choose.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
2 Nephi 7
2 Nephi 7 Isaiah 50
2 Nephi 7: 1-5
divorcement..........................................................had good completely disowned Israel?
yourselves...............................................any separation comes from the human perspective
have I no.................................................a phrase to remind men that God is divine. His power is greater than anything of the world
blackness, sack clothe.............................symbols of sorrow. God is saddened by man's separation
tongue of the learned..................................idiomatic of Isaiah's intellectual gift
he waketh...............................................Isaiah views his gifts as divinely bestowed
turn away back.............................................idiomatic. God does not abandon men
2 Nephi 7: 6-8
gave my back.................................Isaiah allows himself to suffer in his service to God
not confounded....................................such attacks will not defeat Isaiah
he justifies..............................................the Lord will strengthen his faithful servant
set like flint................................................this allows men to remain faithful in trials
strength of mouth...................................ability to chastise correctly and righteously
Isaiah recounts the gifts that the Lord has endowed upon him. He knows that faithfulness increases the power of the gifts.
2 Nephi 7: 9-11
eat them up................................................the curse on those who reject and work against God
feareth the Lord.................................................true followers and servants of God
voice.............................................................what the servant speaks is the errand from God
walk in light/darkness..........................................the governing path chosen by the person
sparks..............................................................many assume the power of God wrongly. It is not us, rather than God that gives life. Sparks start fires that destroy, while God's light leads men.
lie down in sorrow.........................................end result. Those who reject God are condemned
The purpose of life is joy, but those who reject God and still desire enlightenment cannot find that joy. The servant of God imparts God's will. Those who reject the message, reject the Lord
2 Nephi 7
This chapter instructs the servant of God to be fearless in doing his work, regardless of the reaction from the audience. Those who accept God's word, especially his servants who work faithfully, are blessed by God's righteous oversight. Those who reject or counter God's word are fooling themselves. They delude themselves in their wisdom, because it has no divine stamp of approval and will ultimately lead to sorrow.
2 Nephi 7: 1-5
divorcement..........................................................had good completely disowned Israel?
yourselves...............................................any separation comes from the human perspective
have I no.................................................a phrase to remind men that God is divine. His power is greater than anything of the world
blackness, sack clothe.............................symbols of sorrow. God is saddened by man's separation
tongue of the learned..................................idiomatic of Isaiah's intellectual gift
he waketh...............................................Isaiah views his gifts as divinely bestowed
turn away back.............................................idiomatic. God does not abandon men
2 Nephi 7: 6-8
gave my back.................................Isaiah allows himself to suffer in his service to God
not confounded....................................such attacks will not defeat Isaiah
he justifies..............................................the Lord will strengthen his faithful servant
set like flint................................................this allows men to remain faithful in trials
strength of mouth...................................ability to chastise correctly and righteously
Isaiah recounts the gifts that the Lord has endowed upon him. He knows that faithfulness increases the power of the gifts.
2 Nephi 7: 9-11
eat them up................................................the curse on those who reject and work against God
feareth the Lord.................................................true followers and servants of God
voice.............................................................what the servant speaks is the errand from God
walk in light/darkness..........................................the governing path chosen by the person
sparks..............................................................many assume the power of God wrongly. It is not us, rather than God that gives life. Sparks start fires that destroy, while God's light leads men.
lie down in sorrow.........................................end result. Those who reject God are condemned
The purpose of life is joy, but those who reject God and still desire enlightenment cannot find that joy. The servant of God imparts God's will. Those who reject the message, reject the Lord
2 Nephi 7
This chapter instructs the servant of God to be fearless in doing his work, regardless of the reaction from the audience. Those who accept God's word, especially his servants who work faithfully, are blessed by God's righteous oversight. Those who reject or counter God's word are fooling themselves. They delude themselves in their wisdom, because it has no divine stamp of approval and will ultimately lead to sorrow.
Friday, January 11, 2013
2 Nephi 6
2 Nephi 6
2 Nephi 6: 1-5
Jacob............................................................Nephi's younger brother
ordained to holy order......................................a member of the priesthood, worthy servant
anxiety......................................................as a servant, he worries about others' welfare
diligent....................................................faithful student and teacher of the word
Isaiah.........................................................assigned to teach Isaiah to his people
likened.......................................................when reading stories, place yourself into them
As a servant of God, Jacob is assigned to teach and expound on the words of Isaiah for the edification of his people.
2 Nephi 6: 6-12
Geniles, my standard.........................................the Gentile will receive the word of God
bring my people............................................Lord will use the group to protect the Jews
lick the dust..................................................These people will give honor to Israel
captive....................................................by prophecy he teaches the fall of Jerusalem
smitten and afflicted...................................Under condemnation, Israel is humbled
driven and smitten.................................To be forced to migrate and to endure great troubles
Blessed Gentiles..........................................Those who join with Israel and who reject the worldly
Jacob teaches about the way the Children of Israel will endure and great chastening. The reversal will come with the help of the European peoples, who will help them with honor. The Gentiles will be saved with Israel if they will reject the worldly and evil things of the world.
2 Nephi 6: 13-
Messiah..................................................will save and establish those who come to him
Second time............................................At the second coming, many will join Christ and be saved
destroyed...................................................those who are given the choice to follow Christ and reject him will be destroyed
divine deliverance....................................Christ will save his people, and none can stop
drunk with their own blood............................The evil will use evil to destroy themselves.
A great blessing awaits the faithful, but at the time of separation, those who choose evil will place themselves in a situation in which their own evil will bacfire and destroy them.
Jacob gives an overview of the teachings of Isaiah concerning the scattering and the later gathering of the House of Israel. He explains the role of the Gentile peoples in this process, indicating that many will be numbered with Israel because of their acceptance of the gospel.
2 Nephi 6: 1-5
Jacob............................................................Nephi's younger brother
ordained to holy order......................................a member of the priesthood, worthy servant
anxiety......................................................as a servant, he worries about others' welfare
diligent....................................................faithful student and teacher of the word
Isaiah.........................................................assigned to teach Isaiah to his people
likened.......................................................when reading stories, place yourself into them
As a servant of God, Jacob is assigned to teach and expound on the words of Isaiah for the edification of his people.
2 Nephi 6: 6-12
Geniles, my standard.........................................the Gentile will receive the word of God
bring my people............................................Lord will use the group to protect the Jews
lick the dust..................................................These people will give honor to Israel
captive....................................................by prophecy he teaches the fall of Jerusalem
smitten and afflicted...................................Under condemnation, Israel is humbled
driven and smitten.................................To be forced to migrate and to endure great troubles
Blessed Gentiles..........................................Those who join with Israel and who reject the worldly
Jacob teaches about the way the Children of Israel will endure and great chastening. The reversal will come with the help of the European peoples, who will help them with honor. The Gentiles will be saved with Israel if they will reject the worldly and evil things of the world.
2 Nephi 6: 13-
Messiah..................................................will save and establish those who come to him
Second time............................................At the second coming, many will join Christ and be saved
destroyed...................................................those who are given the choice to follow Christ and reject him will be destroyed
divine deliverance....................................Christ will save his people, and none can stop
drunk with their own blood............................The evil will use evil to destroy themselves.
A great blessing awaits the faithful, but at the time of separation, those who choose evil will place themselves in a situation in which their own evil will bacfire and destroy them.
Jacob gives an overview of the teachings of Isaiah concerning the scattering and the later gathering of the House of Israel. He explains the role of the Gentile peoples in this process, indicating that many will be numbered with Israel because of their acceptance of the gospel.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
2 Nephi 5
2 Nephi 5
2 Nephi 5: 1-7
anger....................................................the anger of the brothers grows to a killing level
afflicted by words.......................................Offended? Afflicted? distorted thinking
flee.......................................................commanded to separate and to take adherents with him
leaves................................................takes Zoram, Joseph, Jacob, Sam
many days..............................................they make the distance quite considerable
Due to the anger of the older brothers, it becomes necessary for Nephi and those who follow him to leave. They pack up quickly and move several days away.
2 Nephi 5: 8-13
place Nephi..............................................named after the leader
observe.........................................................practiced the tenets of their religion
prosper............................................................the group works together well and prospers
brought with................................................sacred objects. The record and the Liahona
The people of Nephi approach the separation very seriously and they do very well.
2 Nephi 5: 14-20
sword of Laban.......................................used as a master template for the making of other swords
metals......................................................the people were quite up to date for weaponry and building
temple.....................................................the temple is built for worship purposes
industrious................................................a productive people. Good economy
king.......................................................Nephi against having a king. But he leads.
ruler and teacher.........................................the prophecy of the angel had been fulfilled
Nephi makes the group strong by initiating a strong work ethic and for worship and self defense.
2 Nephi 5: 21-25
curse.................................................the followers of Laman and Lemuel were cursed with skin
curse......................................................all who joined them would have the same mark
mischief.............................................traits of these people not so good. Legacy of idleness
loathsome..............................................so different that the Nephites would abhor them
scourge.................................................Lord would use them to cleanse the Nephites
After the separation some kind of genetic mutation occurred, making the Lamanites different than the Nephites. The new ethnic group falls.
2 Nephi 5: 26-34
consecrate...........................................the younger brothers are made into spiritual leaders
happiness.............................................the separation brings a great increase to the Nephites
30 years............................................Nephi probably reaching his 60s
records................................................Nephi writes in the journals that he has started
other records.............................................Nephi keeps two sets of records, one spiritual, one secular
please God............................................He takes care to keep the record in tune with Lord.
contentions.............................................In the next 10 years, wars have begun between the groups.
Time moves. Nephi ages. The group prospers, but eventually comes into contact with the Lamanites, and skirmishes begin
This chapter sees the division of Lehi's family into two groups. The Lamanites become a loathsome people, while the Nephites prosper.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
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 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.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
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 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.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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.
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.
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