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"Natural Branches of the Olive Tree", 1 Nephi 15:12-20

1 Nephi 15:12-20

The inciting question of this section is back in verse 7. Nephi's brothers cannot understand what their father had taught concerning the natural branches of the olive tree, and what that has to do with the Gentiles.

Nephi plainly explains to them the significance of these things, pointing out that the olive tree is in reference to the House of Israel. The natural branches are in reference to their direct posterity.

At the heart of the conversation is reception of the Gospel of the Messiah. Nephi understands that at some future date, his own posterity will be blessed with the visitation of the Messiah. Then at some later date, they will reject the Messiah. A great expanse of time will then pass and then the fulness of the gospel of the Messiah will be given to the Gentiles.

For Nephi, I think that the most exciting part of this is in verse 14. At that day when the descendants of Lehi come to the knowledge of their forefathers, they will become aware of their inclusion in the House of Israel, the covenants that from there are applicable unto them, and most importantly, they will learn of the Redeemer and "the very points of his doctrine" so that they may come unto him and be saved!

Christ and man's response to Him are at the very core of how the Lord is able to fulfill his covenants.
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