A Study of the Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 26:14-33 The footnotes to verse 20 are quite insightful as to where true power lies: in humility.  The Lord places stumbling blocks in our paths when we know the right way and turn from it. The work of the Lord is accomplished by the humble and weak things of the earth. The poor in Spirit are greater than the mighty ones for they have access to the grace and Spirit of God. Christ, the Lord, placed himself among the humble and poor things of the earth. "But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish,"( vs. 31 ). See also Doctrine and Covenants 38:39 which says, "but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old." Coming back to this entry after having let it sit for a couple of days, I appreciate the title even more: "Concerning the Last Days."  At no other time in the history of the world, has the work of the Lord been so uninhibited. It is interesting to note that as part of this prophe...

2 Nephi 26:1-13 After going to considerable lengths to explain why it is that they observe the law of Moses, even though they regarded it as a "dead law," Nephi begins this chapter with a prophecy of a future law which Christ himself will bring: "and the words which he shall speak unto you shall be the law which ye shall do." ( vs. 1 ) There must be an opposition in all things. The verses that follow this introduction at the beginning of the chapter delve into the fate of the wicked at the time of Christ's coming. Then in verse 8 , Nephi returns briefly to those that will "look forward unto Christ with steadfastness." There are promises given to those that will believe in Him: He shall appear unto them, He shall heal them, and they shall have peace with Him. (The Spirit testifies to me that such are the blessings extended to all those who diligently look to Christ the Lord for their deliverance.) Verses 10 and 11 are explanation of what happens when ...

2 Nephi 25:21-31 The premise for these final verses of chapter 25 is found in the end of verse 20 : ...yea, behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.  Then in verse 21 , Nephi explains that this is the reason that the Lord had promised him that the things which he should write would be preserved and made available to future generations. These verse that follow talk about Nephi's efforts to persuade his children to believe in Christ. He said that he "labored diligently to write, to persuade [his] children, and also [his] brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God;"(See verse 23 ). This same verse then concludes with this defining, doctrinal statement: "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." Nephi goes on to make a very interesting set of observations, ...