A Study of the Book of Mormon

Mosiah 26:14-33 An important key to receiving revelation is given in verse 14 . Alma poured out his whole soul to God. Then he was blessed with open communication, and "the voice of the Lord came to him." How often do I get to the point that I am in open communion with God? How quick am I to forget the blessings that can freely flow from heaven? The feelings that I have felt as I have read through these verses are almost too tender to recount herein. There is a beautiful review of the core doctrines of the Gospel of Christ. There are important points also that sometimes get overlooked in basic gospel discussions, such as  the importance of covenants and taking upon us the name of Christ. Verse 23 has caught my attention this morning as being particularly curious and at the same time amazing. Verse 22 states that "And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive." Then the reason for such mercy and kindness: " For it is I that...

Mosiah 24:8-15 This group of verses deals with the captivity of the people of Alma under the rule of Amulon in the land of Helam. For context, Alma and Amulon at one point in history where fellow high priest under the wicked reign of King Noah. Alma repented of his wickedness, fled from the king, and eventually moved on with a group of believers to establish the land of Helam where they were found presently. Amulon, on the other hand, narrowly escaped his own death by running deeper into the wilderness when King Noah was burned at the stake. He and the remainder of those wicked priests went on to kidnap a group of Lamanite daughters, causing war between the Lamanites and the people of Limhi (King Noah's righteous son), and now in a cruel twist of events, Amulon has won favor with the Lamanites so that upon discovering the land of Helam, Amulon is made to rule over the people of Alma. Bondage would have been hard enough under the Lamanites, but to have their appointed ruler hold a p...

Mosiah 19 I've chosen to break this chapter up into two parts. The first part focused on the demise of king Noah. In this second part, I now focus on those that were left behind, having not chosen to follow Alma and the people of God, but who now are coming to terms with the effects of corrupt leadership. Given this, we read in verse 1 , "the army of the king returned, having searched in vain for the people of the Lord." Subsequently, the people begin to divide and contend amongst themselves( verses 2 & 3 ). In this division, we are introduced to Gideon, who, in my estimation, is one of the most interesting characters  in the Book of Mormon. What makes Gideon so interesting?  In these verses, there is an element of compassion about this "enemy to the king" ( vs. 4 ) that solicits a desire to know more about him. While at the same time, his actions suggest that there is some internal moral and social compass that causes him to seek out the well being of the ...

Mosiah 18:8-10 I am working to commit this well know passage of scripture to memory. What follows are some of the thoughts and impressions that have come to me in the process of so doing. This verse is frequently quoted out of context as the definitive definition of why we are baptized. That is well. I appreciate however having the historical background fresh in my mind as I study it. The first aspect of the baptismal covenant that impresses me is the commitment to "bear one another's burdens, that they may be light." I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was eight years old. I did not understand, nor do I hardly remember the events on the day of my baptism. However, as I look back at the covenant's significance and the promises that were extended to me, it helps me to understand why my life has taken the course which it has. This point has been reinforced and driven home in several ways over the past week. In a recent leade...

Mosiah 13:11-26 Abinadi proceeds to recount the remainder of the Ten Commandments. He says that he is doing so because it was his perception that the commandments were not written in their hearts. For the benefit of review, I will proceed to list and discuss the remaining eight commandments: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image." The Lord's explanation for the purpose of this commandment is to not deviate from the true form of worship. Praying to idols, or rendering service to them is grievous to the Lord. So He reminds us that so doing will bring upon us the judgments of God unto both us and our children even up until our great-grandchildren. There is a blessing to those that are obedient as well, and that is that mercy is extended to those who love God.  " Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." The Lord goes on to explain that those who do take the Lord's name in vain will be found guiltless. Why? To use the name of Diety as ...

Mosiah 6 At the beginning of the chapter, "king Benjamin thought it was expedient... that he should take the names of all those who had entered into a covenant with God to keep his commandments." There is a footnote that leads to Doctrine and Covenants 128:8 where it speaks of the relationship between records made on earth and records made in heaven. It impresses me, then, the importance of the priesthood in the maintenance of the records and ordinances of the Church. The relationship of making covenants to keep the commandments is also noteworthy. To help the people in this covenant, Benjamin consecrated priests with the purpose of teaching the people how to continue keeping the commandments. It is curious that to assist in keeping the commandments, they made covenants. I'm contemplating the process in which one arrives at that point of wanting to make a covenant to keep the commandments. This can only happen when one has listened to the words of Christ, whether from he...

Omni 1:1-13 It impresses me the sense of obligation, and honor that these men felt towards the instruction given them from their fathers, at least in this regard. Perhaps this is evidence of the Lord's preserving hand upon this record. The record goes from Omni (son of Jarom) to his son, Amaron. Amaron points out that the word of the Lord had been verified in the destruction of the more wicked part of the Nephites, while the righteous had been preserved.  Then Amaron give the record to his brother, Chemish. Chemish's only contribution is to point out that Amaron made his record on the day that he gave the records  to Chemish. Abinadom, the son of Chemish, following his fathers, makes only a few remarks, one being evident of the spiritual decay that had transpired: "I know of no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy;"( verse 11 ). But then Abindom's son, Amaleki, tells of quite a different change of events when he begins by saying that their...

Enos 1:9-21 Enos's subsequent comment in verse 9 is evidence of his repentance being complete. Afterward, he felt a desire toward his brethren to receive of the same blessing. Christ taught Peter, "And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." ( Luke 22:32 ) What strikes me as interesting is that I never had considered that "natural" fruit of repentance and conversion to be a desire to share it with others. This must have been then what Elder Ballard meant back in 2006 when he said: Our love for the Lord and appreciation for the Restoration of the gospel are all the motivation we need to share what gives us much joy and happiness. It is the most natural thing in the world for us to do, and yet far too many of us are hesitant to share our testimonies with others. ( "Creating a Gospel Sharing Home," Elder M. Russell Ballard, General Conference, April 2006, emphasis added) Enos had learned the power and effectiveness of prayer in being able...

2 Nephi 10:7-16 There is a trigger in these verses that has been put in place by way of covenant, or promise, to the children of men. In verse 7 , we learn that when the house of Israel is brought to believe in Jesus as the Christ, then will He fulfill the promises which He had made to their fathers. These divine promises are of such strength that in order for the Lord to bring them about, He must destroy the work of the wicked, or those that fight against Zion. In other words, as the righteous (like young plants) begin to grow, the Lord will go about clearing the way for their growth, so that they are not overpowered by the wicked. "...That my covenants may be fulfilled... I must needs destroy the secret works of darkness, and of murder, and of abominations," ( vs. 15 ). There are specific promises that are made to the believing among the Gentiles. The Lord has promised to bless them upon the promised land forever, so that they would never be subjected to kings. The Lord h...

2 Nephi 10:1-2 Jacob, the day following his profound and insightful discourse in chapter 9 , again resumes the discussion of covenants that are extended to the children of the House of Israel. He is particularly interested in focusing on the righteous remnant that will proceed from their own lineage. In verse 2 , the driving point of this teaching is that these are the the promises that apply to "our children" in this life. These are not theoretical ideas or vague references of general application. "...God will be merciful unto many; and our children shall be restored, that they may come to that which will give them the true knowledge of their Redeemer," ( vs. 2 ).

2 Nephi 9:1-3 Here Jacob gives reason for his inclusion of these two chapters from Isaiah in his discourse to his own people: "I have read these things that ye might know concerning the covenants of the Lord that he has covenanted with all the house of Israel," ( vs. 1 ). For Jacob, Isaiah is evidence of the Lord's covenant relationship with the house of Israel. It is Jacob's hope and motivation for sharing this information that his hearers would find strength from the words of Isaiah. Jacob knows that a true knowledge of the covenants of God gives hope and freedom - reasons for rejoicing.

2 Nephi 6:14-18 , See also Doctrine and Covenants 97:22-26 There are several points of engagement or, better said, doctrines that I am trying to find cohesiveness between this morning. In the end of times, the Lord will return "in power and great glory," ( vs 14 ). At the Lord's return, there will be great destruction among the wicked. Zion shall be spared "if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her," ( D & C 97:25 ) All people shall eventually know that "the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel," whether by faith or by destruction (see vs 15, 18 ). President Henry B. Eyering has commented recently, "...at some moment in the world to come, everyone you met in this life will know what you know now... They will know that you knew. And they will remember whether you offered them what someone had offered you." ( “Let Us Raise Our Voice of Warning,” Liahona , Jan 2009, 2–7 ) There seems to be coming some eventual point in ...

2 Nephi 6:11-13 Jacob explains the conditions associated with the gathering of the House of Israel and the provisions for the adoption of the Gentiles and then adds: "For the Lord God will fulfil his covenants which he has made unto his children; and for this cause the prophet has written these things," ( vs 13 ). The mercy extended to the House of Israel seem difficult to comprehend in any other context than the fulfillment of covenant. Any other people would have been utterly destroyed for rebellion in the presence of Truth. Instead, the House of Israel is driven to and fro, afflicted, smitten, scattered, and hated. Yet the Lord is merciful unto them and they are not utterly destroyed. To this end, when they do repent, the Lord will bring them again into the land of their inheritance ( see verse 11 ). In other terms, when the Lord covenants with his faithful servants, and that covenant is kept by his servants, the Lord is bound and willing to honor such faithfulness. Such...

2 Nephi 6:8-10 "After they had hardened their hearts and stiffened their necks against the Holy One of Israel, behold, the judgments of the Holy One of Israel shall come upon them..." ( vs 10 ). These judgments are real, because God is real. There are consequences for rebellion against God. That God can talk to us and give us personal instruction is real. If we go against that instruction, then the consequences for go against that are real. Where a blessing from God is extended and then not received, the wrath of God is upon them. So even though, the Jews never had accepted the Savior when he came, never even acknowledged that this was the one. The reality was that God was there, so that the opportunity was there and missed. The challenge then is to be where God is. Do what God is doing. Being in harmony with God's work and timing. The Jews on the contrary looked for someone other than the God that had covenanted with their fathers, a different God.

2 Nephi 4:1-9 While not as detailed as the promises made to their little brother, Joseph, Lehi does promise the children of both Laman and Lemuel that in the end of times, "[the Lord] will be merciful unto you and unto your seed forever,"( see vs. 7 ). He also tells the children of Lemuel, "thou shalt not utterly be destroyed; but in the end thy seed shall be blessed," ( see vs. 9 ). Nephi descriptively expounded further upon the blessing that would be extended to remnant of their posterity in the last days, "their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a pure and a delightsome people," ( 2 Nephi 30: 6 ). I feel that, in a very small part, I have been and am a first hand witness of the miracle of the fulfillment of these prophecies. What we see today, may only be a scratching of the surface, compared to what will come about in a generation or two from now. The Latin-A...

2 Nephi 3:4-5 Here Father Lehi begins to explain the significance of being a direct descendant of Joseph of Egypt. He simply taught his son, Joseph, that their forefather had received great covenant promises from God. Specifically, Joseph was promised that the Lord would preserve a righteous branch of his seed, that would be broken off and yet remembered in the covenants of the Lord. Then even more specifically, the way that they would be remembered is by a manifestation of the Messiah to them in the latter-days (our days), "in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light—yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto freedom,"( vs 5 ). God will do his work among his people, and has in many instances already begun to liberate his captive children through faith in Christ according to the conditions of this ancient covenant. But if the words of the prophets are true (and I believe they are), we have only begun to scratch the surface of the f...

2 Nephi 1:7-12 The themes of righteousness and iniquity are addressed here again by Lehi as the conditions by which the covenants of the Lord are effective on their behalf. The theme is extremely relevant to our day and age. In reviewing the story of Sodom and Gomorrah a few days back, it is curious to note that the Lord tells Lot, by means of those holy men and angels, that He cannot destroy that wicked city so long as Lot lived there (see Genesis 19 ). Behold, the strength and weight of righteousness in the eyes of God! I do wonder from time to time, how many of our beautiful, modern cities are held in balance simply because of the righteousness of the righteous people that live among the rest-- especially in the Americas, where the Lord taught Lehi that this land was a land set apart for an inheritance of the righteous. "But unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever," ( vs. 7 ).

1 Nephi 22: 1-5 When Nephi concluded reading these chapters from the prophet Isaiah to his brothers, they ask him how or in what sense are these prophecies to be understood. Whether this was an attempt to rationalize away their importance, or more simply a confession of confusion, Nephi states that these things are given by the voice of the Spirit in reference to things that will actually happen in the flesh. Nephi goes on to explain how sooner or later the House of Israel (which they were a part of), was going to be scattered upon all the face of the earth. He even goes further to explain that this has already happened with many who did at one point belong to the House of Israel. He stops just short of saying that this is exactly what happened to them. Then in verse 5, Nephi states that the reason for their separation and scattering is because of the Holy One of Israel. Everything that happens to the children of the Abrahamic Covenant is relative to their relationship with the Holy O...

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 incl...

1 Nephi 13:20-28 The title has reference to the Holy Bible. In Nephi's time, it wouldn't have been know as the Holy Bible, however. The angel points out to Nephi that this record is similar to the record that he has upon the Plates of Brass. He also describes it as a record of the Jews containing the covenants of the Lord to the house of Israel and the prophecies of the holy prophets. It also contained at one point the fullness of the the Gospel of the Lamb. These verses of scripture are where Latter-day Saints gain our understanding that from its original version, there have been malicious revisions to the sacred text by those with dark motives. (This is offensive to some, that we believe the Holy Bible to have been modified from its original state.) Much of the Gospel of Christ was rewritten, or mystified. Many of the covenants were removed ( see vs. 26 ). However, there is no mention of prophecies being altered. Indeed, this makes sense that the prophecies would be left alo...