1 Nephi 10:17-22
This is the doctrine that is "no respecter of persons" (see Acts 10:34). And it seems that Nephi feels this same way as he describes his desires to know what his father knew.
Nephi explains that his father spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, and that that power was received because of his faith on Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Then in his youth, Nephi already had a foundation to understand how God communicates with his children-- through the power of the Holy Ghost.
This scripture then broadens our perspective on the purposes and mission of the Holy Ghost. While His presence is evident throughout the Old Testament, I'm not aware of any direct references to the workings of the Holy Ghost in it. As He is introduced in the New Testament through the Savior, the Holy Ghost's mission is to comfort in the absence of the Savior's personal ministry. But thankfully, the pattern of revelation that comes via the Holy Ghost is set up early in the Book of Mormon (Old Testament times) and as Nephi explains it, it is the gift of God available to all that diligently seek Him.
Nephi understands revelation as a part of the way prepared from the foundations of the world for man's salvation, along with repentance and discipleship. Revelation then, and our personal ability to receive it, is as essential to our salvation as are repentance and discipleship. It is part of the pattern laid out for us to come unto Him.
This is the doctrine that is "no respecter of persons" (see Acts 10:34). And it seems that Nephi feels this same way as he describes his desires to know what his father knew.
Nephi explains that his father spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, and that that power was received because of his faith on Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Then in his youth, Nephi already had a foundation to understand how God communicates with his children-- through the power of the Holy Ghost.
This scripture then broadens our perspective on the purposes and mission of the Holy Ghost. While His presence is evident throughout the Old Testament, I'm not aware of any direct references to the workings of the Holy Ghost in it. As He is introduced in the New Testament through the Savior, the Holy Ghost's mission is to comfort in the absence of the Savior's personal ministry. But thankfully, the pattern of revelation that comes via the Holy Ghost is set up early in the Book of Mormon (Old Testament times) and as Nephi explains it, it is the gift of God available to all that diligently seek Him.
Nephi understands revelation as a part of the way prepared from the foundations of the world for man's salvation, along with repentance and discipleship. Revelation then, and our personal ability to receive it, is as essential to our salvation as are repentance and discipleship. It is part of the pattern laid out for us to come unto Him.
D&C 103:36 - "All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith." (See footnote "a" for 1 Nephi 10:19)
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