The prophecies in these chapters are beautiful. They feel good. Towards the end of this chapter, Nephi is told that he shall not write the remainder of the things which he has seen, but that one of the Apostles of the Lamb of God shall write them. Hopefully this sounds familiar, but if not, verse 27 leaves no room to err. The Apostle's name would be John. Let me think for a moment, where was it again that I've read about the end of the world and the events preceding Christ's second coming? I believe that would be the Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John.
Let us also reflect on some of the teachings of the preceding chapters - that many of the plain and precious truths and covenants contained in the record of the Jews (Bible) would be lost.
So - for events concerning the end of the world, we turn to the Bible. For a more clear and all-encompassing collection of the doctrines of Christ's Gospel (faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, endure...), we turn to the Book of Mormon. For a more detailed description of the life of Christ, we turn to the Bible. For a second testament of His life, we open the Book of Mormon. And so on, and so forth.
What I mean to suggest by all this is that BOTH are very desirable. Both have much to offer us. We need these two testimonies as one in our hands, as prophesied would be the case in Ezekiel 37:15-17. One supports the other. What a blessing to have such access to the precious word of God. May we all be overcome with gratitude in so much that we take advantage of these wonderful blessings.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
1 Nephi 13 - Blessed to have the Book of Mormon
Truth and Covenants are what I like from this chapter. In verse 23 we learn that a book that will procede from the mouth of the Jews will containt the covenants of the Lord. This book will also contain the fulness of the Gospel of the Lord (v.24). What is a famous book that was written by the Jews? Good question right? We'd call that book the Bible; the writings of which at one point contained both the covenants, and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And it was pure (v.25)
Unfortunately we go on to learn that after it left the hands of Christ's Apostles, many "parts which are plain and most precious" were taken away, "and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away." And because of all this, "an exceedingly great many do stumble."(v.29). Tragic. Then in v. 35 we learn that Christ will manifest himself to the seed of Nephi. The seed of Nephi will be the writers of the remaining portion of the Book of Mormon, and they, with Nephi, will write things that are "plain and precious", as instructed by the Lord. Therefore, the Book of Mormon contains plain and precious truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and also the covenants of the Lord. The Bible, well, the Bible just contains less of these plain and precious truths. By this we might say that we are extremely blessed to have the Book of Mormon. Of course we are immensely blessed to have the Bible as well - a book with much detail of the teachings and life of our Savior, and an account of the events pertaining to His Atonement. For both these precious books we are immensely blessed.
But a thorough reading of 2 Nephi 31, or 3 Nephi 27, among many other chapters, gives us much clarification on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the principles and ordinances (covenants!) pertaining to it. All I'm trying to say is that the Book of Mormon is incredible and has helped me to understand SO many things and has brought me SO much peace and happiness and I LOVE it. It has what you need and what I need. It contains the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Reading it makes your life better. It is full of beautiful prophecies and truth. You will know exactly how to follow Christ. You will know it is true by the power of the Holy Ghost. Please read it!
Unfortunately we go on to learn that after it left the hands of Christ's Apostles, many "parts which are plain and most precious" were taken away, "and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away." And because of all this, "an exceedingly great many do stumble."(v.29). Tragic. Then in v. 35 we learn that Christ will manifest himself to the seed of Nephi. The seed of Nephi will be the writers of the remaining portion of the Book of Mormon, and they, with Nephi, will write things that are "plain and precious", as instructed by the Lord. Therefore, the Book of Mormon contains plain and precious truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and also the covenants of the Lord. The Bible, well, the Bible just contains less of these plain and precious truths. By this we might say that we are extremely blessed to have the Book of Mormon. Of course we are immensely blessed to have the Bible as well - a book with much detail of the teachings and life of our Savior, and an account of the events pertaining to His Atonement. For both these precious books we are immensely blessed.
But a thorough reading of 2 Nephi 31, or 3 Nephi 27, among many other chapters, gives us much clarification on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the principles and ordinances (covenants!) pertaining to it. All I'm trying to say is that the Book of Mormon is incredible and has helped me to understand SO many things and has brought me SO much peace and happiness and I LOVE it. It has what you need and what I need. It contains the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Reading it makes your life better. It is full of beautiful prophecies and truth. You will know exactly how to follow Christ. You will know it is true by the power of the Holy Ghost. Please read it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)