Commentary for Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 26-30

Although the title for this post says 2 Nephi 26-30, I will discuss chapter 25 as I ran out of time to discuss it last week. However, I kept the title (2 Nephi 26-30) so everyone will know which week of the Come Follow Curriculum this post corresponds to.

Chapter 25

Chapter 25 focuses on the Isaiah teachings that Nephi has quoted. Thus one way to understand the broader meaning of the quoted Isaiah passages and Isaiah in general, is to carefully read chapter 25 (as well as 26-30). Just like I'm providing commentary to the scriptures, chapter 25-30 of 2 Nephi provide commentary to Isaiah. 

However, in addition to providing Nephi's commentary, chapter 25 also gives us insight into the manner of prophesying among the Nephites. One criticism against the Book of Mormon by other Christians is that the Book of Mormon is not a Hebrew styled text. What critics mean by this, is that the style of prophesying is different from that of the prophets in the Old Testament. 

However, Nephi 25 explains why there is a difference between the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament. We'll turn to answering that question and then we'll focus on other aspects of chapter 25. 

"I Proceed With Mine Own Prophecy, According to My Plainness"

Nephi explains that although the words of Isaiah are plain to those who have the spirit of prophecy, without having the spirit of prophecy it's hard for people to learn. As a result, Nephi adopts a different style of prophecy, Instead of following in the ways of the Jewish style, which was heavily rooted in symbolism and literary devices from other surrounding nations, Nephi changes his style of prophecy to a plain one. And the reason for adopting a different style is so people can learn. 

4 Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel, and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn.

And because of his concern for his people to understand his words, he will adopt a new style of prophecy. 

7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err...

This is why the Book of Mormon prophecy is different than the Old Testament -- Nephi and those who also recorded their records followed a plain manner of prophesying.

Learning of the Jews 

In verse 1, Nephi explains that even for his people, whose heritage was Jewish, they could not understand Isaiah because "they [knew] not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews."  Nephi later explains that they did not the manner of the prophesying among the Jews, because the works of the Jews "were darkness and their doing we abominations." (verse 2).

Thus, Nephi links understanding Isaiah to understanding the "manner of prophesying among the Jews." However, it's not clear if everything the Jews knew were abominations. In verse 5, Nephi appears to distinguish the "manner of the Jews" from the "things of the Jews." The "things of the Jews" appears to be Jewish learning, which learning is required to understand Isaiah. Yet, it also seems that this type of knowledge is required to understand the prophets of the Old Testament.

5. ... and mine eyes hath beheld the things of the Jews, and I know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews.

Notice that Nephi says that unless a person is taught after the manner of the Jews he will not understand the Old Testament prophets (this includes Isaiah). Thus in some sense understanding Jewish learning and culture is required. But how far does this go? What might be the difference between the manner of the Jews and the things of the Jews? Or is there not a difference and instead its a matter of degree?

Nephi's Purpose in Writing 

Although Nephi will provide commentary through the book of 1st and 2nd Nephi about creating a record for his people and future audience, verse 3 directly explains Nephi's purpose:

3. Wherefore, I write unto my people, unto all those that shall receive hereafter these things which I write, that they may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, according to the word which he hath spoken.

Thus Nephi's writings are meant to prophesy about the future events that will occur. Thus we know that whatever Nephi has writing is to direct us to future events, particularly related to the "judgments of God." And although some events have passed since he recorded his record, not all of the events have. We know this because in verse 3, Nephi says that not only is he writing to "his people" but also to "those that shall receive" his writings. Thus he is writing these things to a future audience as well. And since he is writing to a future audience and Nephi says that he is writing so they may know of the judgments of God, many of the events are yet future.

This fact further supports reading Isaiah as not only talking about historical events, but also prophesying of future events as well. Like Nephi who saw a vision from his time until the end of the world, Isaiah likely saw the same thing. Seeing this, Isaiah then applied what he saw to his people and also to a future people -- primarily us.

Moreover, in verse 7-8 Nephi once again expresses the significance of Isaiah.

7... in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.
8 Wherefore, they (the prophecies of Isaiah) are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them.

Nephi's Prophecy

Having seen the reason for a different style of prophecy in the Book of Mormon and the importance of Isaiah, Nephi then gives is plain prophecy of the events to occur. Let's get an overview.

Nephi prophecies about the following events:

• The Jewish nation has been destroyed and many carried captive into Babylon
• Even though the Jews were taken captive, they will return to Jerusalem (This was fulfilled by King Cyrus of Persia, who conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. The books of Nehemia and Ezra give accounts of this period).
• During the period where the Jews are living in Jerusalem, they will experience wars and hear rumor of wars
• Christ will come to them within 600 years since the Jews were taken captive into Babylon.
• The Jews were reject Christ.
• The Jews will crucify Christ.
• Christ will remain in sepulcher for three days and the resurrect.
• After Christ has become resurrected, he will visit those who believed on his name.
• After Christ visits those who believe, Jerusalem will be destroyed again. (This was fulfilled by Cesar Titus in 70AD).
• The Jews will be scattered and this scattering and scourging will last for "many generations" and won't stop until they believe in Christ.
• When the Jews began to believe in Christ, then Christ will begin to regather the Israelites. This gathering is the marvelous work and a wonder.
• As part of the gathering, Christ will "bring forth" his words to them. His words, as Nephi explains in chapter 27, consist of the Book of Mormon and Bible, as well as other records written by the lost tribes. These words will convince the remaining lost tribes of Christ.
• Somewhere in this time period a false Christ (anti-Christ) will come onto the scene. Revelations 13 below, which gives more depth about the Anti-Christ. This passage is cryptic. As a helpful guideline, the beat represent the anti-christ (or anti-christs). Knowing this, pay attention to what the beast does. 

11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb (wolf in sheep's clothing?), and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Although Nephi interrupts his prophecy throughout the next few chapters, Nephi's plain prophesy continues to chapter 31. Let's track through the remaining part of the Nephi's prophecy from 26 -31 and then we'll return to other themes in the these chapters.

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Chapter 26

In chapter 26, Nephi picks up where he left off in chapter 25. After prophesying about the Lord's ministry and after events, he directs his attention to his people. He prophesies about the Lord's coming to his people. He then foretells that after the Lord comes, many war will occur. He then shifts back chronologically to explain that after the Lord comes to the earth for the first time, many signs occur and eventual the prophets are killed. This events are fulfilled in Helaman and beginning of 3rd Nephi. Nephi then warns the wicked -- particular the proud and those that kill the prophets and the saints.

Having prophesied about what will happen to his people, Nephi shifts to explaining the future events of gathering. Nephi spends the remaining chapters (26-30) explaining those events in detail.

Nephi's Prophecy Continued 

In chapter 26-31, Nephi prophesies of the following, although not in the order I've listed. I will go in-depth on some these events later on.

• After Christ comes, signs will follow his arrival to the earth. 
• After Christ raises from the dead, he will visit the Nephites.
• After many generations pass away, great wars will arise between the Nephites.
• Nephi then prophesies of his words coming forth to the Gentiles. 
• Nephi sees the stumbling of the Gentiles due to their many churches and their denial of God's power. 
• These churches will teach according to their learning, but deny the Holy Ghost. 
• Nephi also sees secret combinations, similar to what he saw with his Nephites. 
• A book will come forth (the Gold Plates), which will be delivered to Jospeh Smith. This book will generally be hide from the "eyes of the world" except the few who read it. 
• The marvelous work and wonder will commence 
• In the last days (aka--Days of the Gentiles) all those who are upon the American land are "drunken with iniquity and all manner of abominations"
• Different people will believe false beliefs. Some will deny God's existence entirely, surrendering to hedonism; other will be believe in God, but will not stop sinning
• Those people will be visited by the Lord -- through a series of natural disasters. 
• The scattered Jews will begin to believe in Christ 
• The Lord cause a division among the people 
• And in the day the people are ripe in iniquity, the Lord will destroy them. 
• In this process Babylon (the great and abominable church) will fall. 

This of course is an overview, as Nephi goes into great depth on many of these events, but I hopefully this gives a roadmap of what future events will occur. 

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Chapter 27

As noteworthy point, chapters 27-30 are directed to those in last days. Thus, what Nephi writes in chapters 27-30 are directed to us. 

1 But, behold, in the last days, or in the days of the Gentiles—yea, behold all the nations of the Gentiles and also the Jews, both those who shall come upon this land and those who shall be upon other lands, yea, even upon all the lands of the earth, behold, they will be drunken with iniquity and all manner of abominations.

This means that what he says is applicable to us. And since Nephi has adopted a new style of prophesying, that of plainness, we should pay attention to what he says. Although Nephi discusses a lot, I'm going to focus on keys points.

The Words of Them Which Have Slumbered 

In discussing what will unfold in the future, Nephi prophesies of the coming forth of a book. He calls this book "the words of them which have slumbered." While many may think this is referring to the Book of Mormon alone, this isn't the case. Instead this book is referring to the sealed portion of the plates which Joseph Smith received.

To see the difference let's carefully track through verses 6-9

6 And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall bring forth unto you the words of a book, and they shall be the words of them which have slumbered.
7 And behold the book (the book mentioned in verse 6) shall be sealed; and in the book shall be a revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof.
8 Wherefore, because of the things which are sealed up, the things which are sealed shall not be delivered in the day of the wickedness and abominations of the people. Wherefore the book shall be kept from them.
9 But the book (referring to the Gold Plates) shall be delivered unto a man (Joseph Smith), and he (Jospeh Smith) shall deliver the words of the book (writing contained in the Gold Plates), which are the words of those who have slumbered in the dust, and he shall deliver these words unto another;
10 But the words which are sealed he shall not deliver, neither shall he deliver the book. For the book shall be sealed by the power of God, and the revelation which was sealed shall be kept in the book until the own due time of the Lord, that they may come forth; for behold, they reveal all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof.

Consider what the witnesses to the Gold Plates said

A large portion of the leaves were so securely bound together that it was impossible to separate them.—David Whitmer

About two-thirds were sealed up, and Joseph was commanded not to break the seal; that part of the record was hid up. The plates which were sealed contained an account of those things shewn unto the brother of Jared.”—Orson Pratt 

What there was sealed appeared as solid to my view as wood. … About the half of the book was sealed.—David Whitmer

Moreover, an article of churchofjesuschrist.org states the following:

When Moroni was finishing the Book of Mormon record, he was commanded to seal up some of the plates, and Joseph Smith was later commanded not to translate them. This sealed portion contains the complete record of the vision of the brother of Jared (see Ether 4:4–5). This vision included “all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof” (2 Nephi 27:10–11; see also Ether 3:25). So basically the Lord revealed to the brother of Jared the history of mankind, and the sealed portion of the plates was Moroni’s translated copy of it. 

Few people have seen the sealed record—for instance, the Nephites in the land Bountiful at the Savior’s coming (see Ether 4:1–2) and Moroni (see Ether 12:24). The Lord said the sealed portion would be revealed to the world “in mine own due time” (Ether 3:27). He also said it would “not go forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord” (Ether 4:6; see also 2 Nephi 27:8). 

According to Joseph Smith’s associates who saw the golden plates, anywhere from half to two-thirds of all the plates were in the sealed portion

It's thus helpful to turn to Ether 3

21 And it came to pass that the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: Behold, thou shalt not suffer these things which ye have seen and heard to go forth unto the world, until the time cometh that I shall glorify my name in the flesh; wherefore, ye shall treasure up the things which ye have seen and heard, and show it to no man.
22 And behold, when ye shall come unto me, ye shall write them and shall seal them up, that no one can interpret them; for ye shall write them in a language that they cannot be read.
25 And when the Lord had said these words, he showed unto the brother of Jared all the inhabitants of the earth which had been, and also all that would be; and he withheld them not from his sight, even unto the ends of the earth.
26 For he had said unto him in times before, that if he would believe in him that he could show unto him all things—it should be shown unto him; therefore the Lord could not withhold anything from him, for he knew that the Lord could show him all things.
27 And the Lord said unto him: Write these things and seal them up; and I will show them in mine own due time unto the children of men.

And the Moroni recorded the words, which were originally kept by Mosiah, which he then sealed up in the Gold Plates.

1 And 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.
2 And after Christ truly had showed himself unto his people he commanded that they should be made manifest.
3 And now, after that, they have all dwindled in unbelief; and there is none save it be the Lamanites, and they have rejected the gospel of Christ; therefore I am commanded that I should hide them up again in the earth.
4 Behold, I (Moroni) have written upon these plates the very things which the brother of Jared saw; and there never were greater things made manifest than those which were made manifest unto the brother of Jared.
5 Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I have written them. And he commanded me that I should 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.

Thus verses 6-19 are talking about the sealed portion and the Gold Plates. Verses 12-13 are about the Gold Plates in general, the three witnesses, Professor Anthon's infamous comment about being unable to read a sealed book, and the Gold Plates being delivered to the Jospeh Smith who was unlearned.

Verse 22 then explains that after Jospeh Smith has translated the unsealed portion of the Gold Plates, Jospeh Smith will seal the record up and return them to the Lord in order for the sealed portion to be revealed in a future time.

Work Among Men According To Their Faith 

23 For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.

Out faith determines how much of the Lord's hand we'll see in our lives. Faith is to trust in the promises of the Lord. The greater the faith, the greater the promises you'll receive. Each and everyone of us determines how much the Lord will bless us. And this is based on the faith we have. As it stands, we have a plethora of promises contained in the scripture. Some of these promises are directed to select individuals, but most apply to us. If we want to access the Lord's power and receive from him, then we need to search out the promises he has given and trust that they'll be fulfilled.

One promise in particular is found in Alma, where Alma tells his son:

I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

This statement is a promise. We should trust that this promise is real. To do so, we need to trust that when we are facing a trial, that the Lord will support us. To fully trust in this promise means that we wait upon him give that support. This means that we don't seek comfort from other things to relieve the suffering we experience during our trials. We rely on the Lord and wait for him. If we do this, we are exercising real faith. And if we remain loyal and trust that the Lord will support us, we will eventually see that he does.

Consider the example of Alma the Elder's people in Mosiah 24. Here, we learn that after Alma and his people were baptized and established a place to worship the Lord, they were eventually subjugated to Amulon and the Lamanites. So great was their captivity that Mormon notes:

"And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God."In response to this, "... Amulon commanded them (Alma's people) that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death."

In response to this, the Lord speaks to them saying:

13 Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

Here then is the chance for Alma and his people to exercise faith. They have been given a promise by the Lord that he will east their burden and deliver them out of bondage. Thus the Alma's people exercised faith by trusting in the fulfillment of these promises.

We learn:

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.

Notice in verse 16 that is says that because their faith was so great, the Lord said he will deliver them. But important to note, Alma and his people's faith was great because they trusted, without wavering, in the promise that the Lord will ease their burdens and deliver them. Moreover, verse 16 links their level of faith to their time of deliverance. It appears then that the people's faith in the Lord was so great that he was able to deliver them sooner than they imagined.
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Chapter 28

There Shall Be Many...

Nephi observes the belief among many different people in the last days. These observations are found in verse 7-9. Both groups express a belief in "live and let live." Although these groups are not the same. And notably, it appears Nephi has more to say to the second group. 

Group 1: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry For Tomorrow We Die

Nephi observes: 

...there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.

This group, which consists of many, by expressing the sentiment of eat, drink, and be merry likely refers to those who consider spending their life partying and living it up. Moreover, this group does not acknowledge God. Having no belief in God, their partying lifestyle serves as their God. To this group, life is about pleasure and feeling good. Their time and efforts are focused in earning money to support their party lifestyle. They don't think about the next life, and instead their interest is on the present moment and its pleasures.

Group 2: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry; Nevertheless, Fear God

Group 2 is different from Group 1, because unlike Group 1, Group 2 acknowledges the existence of God. Yet their acknowledgement doesn't extend to righteous behavior. Instead, people in this group are those who prefer to have their cake and eat it too. This group enjoys living the worldly lifestyle. This group has no qualms about taking advantage of others for their pursuit of pleasure and fun. 

While they acknowledge their actions are sinful, they justify it by rationalizing that some of it is sin. Alternatively, they may be so adept at rationalizing their behavior that they consider all their actions to be minor, believing that God loves them too much to punish them severely. And if God does punish them, it will be minor, and least minor enough that they can still be saved in God's kingdom. This group has no qualms about taking advantage of others for their pursuit of pleasure and fun.

Nephi's Remarks in Verse 9

Although it's not clear whether Nephi is directing his remarks in verse 9 to both groups or just group 2, it possible that his remarks are directed to group 2 alone. This is mainly because Nephi says that "many...shall teach after this manner". Thus Nephi does not use "these manners" but instead uses "this manner", which suggest he's referring to verse 8. Moreover, it's important to recognize that 

Group 2 is different from Group 1 because the people in Group 1 believe in God ("nevertheless, fear God"). This is more serious because although they believe in God, they don't follow them like they should -- thus they are willingly going against the light. This is a greater offense. This was the reason why the Israel as a whole was captured and destroyed -- they had the higher law, greater light, and they didn't follow it. Nephi then is likely concerned about those who believe in God but treat his commands and judgments lightly. 

Now that we've learned about the two different groups, let's now turn these verses to ourselves by asking what does this say about us?

• Could Nephi being seeing members in the church, who although they profess to believe in Christ, don't follow him like they should? 
• Do we as members sacrifice too much of our values to blend into the world? 
• Do we ignore the other attributes of God, thinking that God is lenient to those who sin? 
• Do we believe that we can be part of the world, yet still have claim to God's kingdom? 

All Have Gone Out Of The Way...Save A Few

In addition to observing these two types of groups above, Nephi remarks:

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

Nephi's statement is direct and encompassing in scope. Without reservation, he states that "all have gone out of the way... save a few." Nevertheless, even those "few" who have not gone out of the way still err in "many instances." This statement should cause us to ask the following questions:

1. What does it mean to "go out of the way"?
2. How are people lead out of the way?
3. What does it mean to be a humble follower of Christ?
4. How does some of these humble followers "err" in many instances?

Let's answer these questions

Question 1: Go out of the way 

The way refers to the path back to God through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Nephi discusses the importance of this in chapter 31. We'll learn more about "the way" when we reach that chapter.

Since the way refers to the path back to God (i.e., the straight and narrow path to the Tree of Life), those who have gone out of the way are those who are not on the path to God. These are those who have let go of the iron rod. Thus they walk in darkness.

Question 2: How are people lead out of the way 

Verse 12-13 gives us our answer:

• Pride
• False teachers 
• False doctrine 
• False churches, which are lifted up in pride and rob the poor to support their buildings and their nice clothes

Verse 14 also teaches that almost all of gone out of the way because of "pride", "wickedness", "abomination", and "whoredoms". 

False Doctrine

Let's focus on the concept of false doctrine, since Nephi attributed it to being one of the reasons people are lead astray. For those of us who are LDS, we tend to spend a lot of time doing the commandments. We go the church, attend the temple, magnify our calling, and obey the word of wisdom and the law of chastity. Having done these, we think that we are in right standing before God.  (to be in a right standing with God is what it means to be righteous). Yet, the purpose of God giving us commandments is not only to transform our character, but to put us in a position to acquire light and truth.

Thus as we seek to follow God, we should be actively aware if the teachings we believe in our true doctrine. The adopting of false doctrine is one way people are lead astray. And why is this? Because false doctrine keeps us away from God. Hence the need for Jospeh Smith. Jospeh Smith's role was to restore the true points of God's doctrine so that people can return to him. We can't have a eye (which represents awareness) single to God's glory if we don't subscribe to God's teachings and seek to understand the things he understands. Since God is truth, to access Him requires us to adopt all truth.

Consider what the Lord teaches in Doctrine and Covenants 93. I've reorganized the verses so its easier to follow.

36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. 

... 

32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation.

... 

28 He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.

 ...

27 And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.

And here's the kicker:

37 Light and truth forsake that evil one. 

... 

38 Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God.
39 And that wicked one (the Devil) cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.

Because the acquisition of light and truth is what brings us into the presence of God, Satan seeks to take away light and truth through disobedience or through our accepting of false doctrine (tradition of our fathers). Thus, we should seek out true doctrine. And avoid false doctrine at all costs!

Question 3: Meaning of being a humble follower

One false doctrine we've adopted as later days saints is what it means to be humble. Generally, I've found that we define humility as self-effacement. To be humble, in other words, is to reduce one's view of him or herself. This is incorrect. To be humble in a gospel context, means that you are willing to be wrong. And when corrected, you don't take offense.

Question 4: How does these humble followers err

Answer: By the precepts (teachings) of men. This is contrasted to the teaching of the Holy Ghost. As followers of Christ, we must be careful that we don't rely on men to such an extent that whatever they teach we follow. Even a man inspired of God, can err and teach false doctrine. No human is perfect. Thus, when we hear someone teach, we should ask whether their precepts come from man or the Holy Ghost.


The Devil's Tactics

Nephi teaches that in the last days, Satan will employe different tactics to deceive and lead people astray:

20 For behold, at that day shall he (the Devil) rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
21 And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
22 And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.

From here we gather three tactics of the Devil:

1. Stir us up to anger
2. Pacify us
3. Flatter us by telling us that there is no hell

We should monitor ourselves to see if we have fallen victim to any one of these tactics. Particularly with (2), we should ask whether we are treating the gospel too lightly? Do we believe that by simply being members we are saved in God's kingdom? Do we place priority on the things of God over that of the world? How do we believe the end-times will be for us? Are we mentally, spiritually, and physically prepared for what will happen?

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Chapter 29

A Bible! A Bible! We Have Got A Bible...

I think most of us understand the main point of chapter 29, that many people, due to their hardness of hearts, will reject the idea that God could bring forth another set of scripture. However, I read on another blog a different reading to this verse that I think is worthwhile to consider.

This chapter is undoubtedly stands for the proposition that God is not limited to what he can or will reveal. On this point, the Lord remarks:

8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.

What this chapter also reveals that our beliefs of who God is and what he can do restrict what God can do in our lives. If we believe that God is finished revealing new information in these modern days, then we miss out on learning more knowledge that God has revealed.

Yet what about when it comes to prophets? If God can reveal his word and will beyond the Bible, is it possible for God to reveal his will through prophets who are not part of the LDS church? As LDS saints, we believe that God has established his prophet to reveal His will. But does the mean that only prophets through the LDS church can speak for God? Does believing such restrict what God can do? Moreover, does believing that prophets can only come from the LDS church place us in the same category as those who believe there can only be one Bible?

Let's repurpose verses 6-12 as follows:

6 Thou fool, that shall say: A [prophet], we have got a [prophet], and we need no more [prophet]....
 7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
 8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
 9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.
 10 Wherefore, because that ye have a [prophet] ye need not suppose that [he speaks] all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be [revealed].
 11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.
 12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it. (2 Nephi 29)

In Numbers, we learn of the prophet, turned fallen prophet, Balaam. Although Balaam succumbs to temptation and falls, his account in Numbers strongly suggest that he was a prophet even though he was not an Israelite. Thus he was a prophet who came from outside God's covenant people.

First, in verse 8-9 of chapter 22, Balaam receives an answer from God in response to his prayer.  

Second, in Number 24 uses the words of see and vision which are often used to connote a prophet.  

Third, in Numbers 23 God personally visits Balaam and instructs him.  

Fourth, in Numbers 24 Balaam, in vision, sees Israel and prophecies of their destiny. 

All of these features indicate characteristics of a prophet. Yet, Balaam came from outside Israel but was still considered a prophet. We know he was not part of Israel because he didn't understand who the Israelites were until God revealed it to him.

Although he fell, this doesn't necessarily mean that other prophets outside the LDS church will also fall. But what it does suggest is that God calls prophets of whomever is righteous enough. After all, God is no a respecter of persons.

Lastly, consider this response from Jesus to his twelve disciples about a man who was performing miracles in Jesus' name, but who did not associate himself with the twelve disciples.

49And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. 

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Chapter 30

Carry The Words Forth Unto The Remnant Of Our Seed 

Nephi explains that the Book of Mormon which come forth from a Gentile (Jospeh Smith) will then go forth to the remnant of Nephi's seed. Thus, as Gentiles of the restored church, our mission to is send this Book of Mormon to those of Nephi's seed -- the Lamanites. For the Book of Mormon's primary purpose is to go forth the Lamanites in order to convince them about their heritage and the promises the Lord has made to their fathers.

3 And now, I would prophesy somewhat more concerning the Jews and the Gentiles. For after the book of which I have spoken shall come forth, and be written unto the Gentiles, and sealed up again unto the Lord, there shall be many which shall believe the words which are written; and they shall carry them forth unto the remnant of our seed.
4 And then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning us, how that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are descendants of the Jews.

While Latino's make a large chunk of Lamanites, the other important chunk are the Native Americans. These people have not be reclaimed yet.

Consider Jospeh Smith's letter to Noah C. Saxton

The Book of Mormon is a reccord of the forefathers of our western Tribes of Indians, having been found through the ministration of an holy Angel translated into our own Language by the gift and power of God, after having been hid up in the earth for the last fourteen hundred years containing the word of God, which was delivered unto them, By it we learn that our western tribes of Indians are desendants from that Joseph that was sold into Egypt, and that the Land of America is a promised land unto them, and unto it all the tribes of Israel will come. with as many of the gentiles as shall comply with the requesitions of the new co[v]enant. But the tribe of Judah will return to old Jerusalem, The City, of Zion, spoken of by David in the 102 Psalm will be built upon the Land of America

Source: https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-noah-c-saxton-4-january-1833/4

The early church focused much of their missionary work on converting the Native Americans

Our dearly beloved Brethren
I have nothing partickuler to write as concerning the Lamanites & because of a short journey which I have <​just​> returned from in consequence of which I have not writen to you since the 16th. of the last month2 <​I​> and brother Ziba [Peterson] went into the county East which is LaFayette about 40 miles and in the name of Jesus called on the people to repent many are of whom <​are I​> believe earnestly [p. 12] (Letter from Oliver Cowdery, 7 May 1831; https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-from-oliver-cowdery-7-may-1831/1). 

The early saints even sung of hymn about the Native Americans, entilted O Stop and Tell Me, Red Man

 1 O stop and tell me, Red Man,
Who are ye? why you roam?
And how you get your living?
Have you no God;—no home?

2 With stature straight and portly,
And deck’d in native pride,
With feathers, paints and broaches,
He willingly replied:—

3 “I once was pleasant Ephraim,
“When Jacob for me pray’d;
“But oh! how blessings vanish,
“When man from God has stray’d!

4 “Before your nation knew us,
“Some thousand moons ago,
“Our fathers fell in darkness,
“And wander’d to and fro,

5 “And long they’ve liv’d by hunting,
“Instead of work and arts,
“And so our race has dwindled
“To idle Indian hearts.
  [p. 83]

Source: https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/collection-of-sacred-hymns-1835/85

The early church recognized the importance of converting the Native Americans because they knew that the Native Americans were those to inherit the American land. They also knew that by converting the Native Americans would bring about Zion.

For any who are interested, Ronal Walker, History Professor at BYU, wrote an essay titled: Seeking the Remnant: The Native American During the Joseph Smith Period. 

The Lord God Shall Cause A Great Division Among the People 

In verse 10, Nephi foresees:

10 For the time speedily cometh that the Lord God shall cause a great division among the people, and the wicked will he destroy; and he will spare his people, yea, even if it so be that he must destroy the wicked by fire.

One noticeable event that Nephi foresees is the Lord causing a "great division among the people." An important observation is that although Nephi says that "time speedily cometh" thus suggesting this division will happen soon, the greater context indicates that this division occurs in the end times.

First, we have to remember that verse 10 exists in the larger context of Nephi prophesying about the end-times. Prior to verse 10, the other verses deal with the Jews and his people being restored to the knowledge of the gospel.

Second, verse 12 contains the phrase "And then" suggesting that the events in verse 12 will follow the great division.

10 ...the Lord God shall cause a great division among the people, and the wicked will he destroy; and he will spare his people, yea, even if it so be that he must destroy the wicked by fire... 12 And then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb; and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling, together; and a little child shall lead them.

Thus peace is established after the great division.

Based on this, we should ask: are we leaving in such a time of great division? Although social media undoubtedly exacerbates the divide, social scientists have collected data about polarization in the United States.

The online media source, Vox, has an article about polarization date form 9 countries. Here is some of the findings:

Although some countries are decreasing in polarity, the US appears to be increasing polarized.

Here is some other data by Pew Research:

                                                                       Table 1

                                                                       Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5

Based on this data, the indication is that Americans are increasingly driving themselves to greater extremes. In just 20 years, Americans who identify as moderate has decreased by 10%. Further note in Table 2 the number of respondents that believe the other party is a "threat" to the nation's wellbeing. Note, not a problem to the country, but a threat. And as a reminder, this data was collected 6 years ago. Where are we now?

Consider this statement by Orson Pratt after the events of the Civil War:

But what about the American nation. That war (The Civil War) that destroyed the lives of some fifteen or sixteen hundred thousand people was nothing, compared to that which will eventually devastate that country. The time is not very far distant in the future, when the Lord God will lay his hand heavily upon that nations...What then will be the condition of that people, when this great and terrible war shall come? It will be very different from the war between the North and the South. Do you wish me to describe it? I will do so. It will be a war of neighborhood against neighborhood, city against city, town against town, county against county, state against state, and they will go forth destroying and being destroyed and manufacturing will, in a great measure, cease, for a time, among the American nation. Why? Because in these terrible wars, they will not be privileged to manufacture, there will be too much bloodshed--too much mobocracy--too much going forth in bands and destroying and pillaging the land to suffer people to pursue any local vocation with any degree of safety. What will become of millions of the farmers upon that land? They will leave their farms and they will remain uncultivated, and they will flee before the ravaging armies from place to place; and thus will they go forth burning and pillaging the whole country; and that great and powerful nation, now consisting of some forty millions of people, will be wasted away, unless they repent. (JD, ORSON PRATT 20:151, Clarification Added) 

No Power Over The Hearts Of The Children Of Men

In concluding his prophecy, Nephi writes:

15 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
16 Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be made known; yea, all things shall be made known unto the children of men.
17 There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed.
18 Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto the children of men shall at that day be revealed; and Satan shall have power over the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time. And now, my beloved brethren, I make an end of my sayings.

In the millennial kingdom we learn that Satan is bound for 1,000 years. Many have speculated whether this binding is a literal binding or a figurative. Based on Nephi's statement, it appears that Satan's binding is figurative. Satan, in other words, is bound because he no longer has power over our hearts.

The name of the game for Satan is getting control over our hearts (over who we really are). He does this through sin. As we sin, our hearts become hard because we embrace darkness over light. The rejection of light means that we embrace darkness. Embracing darkness leads us to hardening our hearts. And when our hearts are hard, we reject the light from God. In this state, Satan has control over us.

The purpose of the Lord's judgment is to shake us so severely out of complacency and to test the integrity of our hearts. It's no doubt that the end-times will be horrific for everyone. However, the question is whether in that day we'll harden our hearts against God or instead will we submit to what happen, trusting in God's will. Those who submit, no matter the circumstances, will show that their hearts can't be corrupted by the Devil. They show that their hearts belong to God no matter what. Those who have reached this level of submission have removed themselves from Satan's power and influence. It is these who can dwell in Zion. These who live in peace and joy.