Summary of The Words of Mormon + The Words of Mormon 1

Posted on January 7, 2018 by zachridd Standard Reply

The Words of Mormon… is the seventh book in the Book of Mormon….

The Words of Mormon opens up by explaining that Mormon will soon deliver the plates into the hands of his son, Moroni. Mormon explains that it “…is many hundred years after the coming of Christ…” (The Words of Mormon 1:2).

Mormon was abridging the plates, in other words he was condensing down the stories to fit a smaller volume of scripture. He explains that he abridged the plates from the time of Nephi down to the reign of King Benjamin, and from Jacob down to King Benjamin. Mormon explains that he is very pleased of what he sees written on the plates; “…because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled… Wherefore, I chose these things, to finish my record upon them… [for] I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people.” (The Words or Mormon 1:4-5)

Mormon was being instructed and was on a mission from God to maintain the records of the Ancient Inhabitants of America. He explains that he wrote down only the most important parts “…for they are choice unto me [Mormon]; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren. And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirt of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.” (The Words of Mormon 1:6-7)

Mormon writes and abridges these records with the hope that “…they [the future readers of this Book] may once again come to the knowledge of God…” (The Words of Mormon 1:8) Mormon then informs us that the work he has in his hands originally came from Amaleki, and then to King Benjamin and then combined with other plates [books], the record was passed from one generation to another until it finally came to Him. (The Words of Mormon 1:9-11) Mormon warns that in the Last Days, the words that are preserved in this Book “…shall be judged at the great and last day…” (The Words of Mormon 1:11)

Finally, Mormon ends this book by explaining that there were false Christs among them and that through King Benjamin, righteousness and peace had been restored throughout the land.

Jacob 7

Posted on May 10, 2015 by zachridd Standard Reply

Jacob 7: Testimony of Christ

There came a man among the Nephites by the name of Sherem, who “…began to preach among the people, and to declare unto them that there should be no Christ….” (Jacob 7:2), he did this with the purpose of overthrowing the doctrine of Christ and confusing the people. Sherem labored diligently that he might lead away many hearts. Indeed, Sherem was “…learned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people; wherefore he could use much flattery, and much power of speech….” (Jacob 7:4)

Sherem sought out Jacob to contend with him. He explained that no man could have a knowledge of Jesus Christ. Sherem was arguing with Jacob when “…the Lord God poured in his Spirit into my [Jacob] soul, insomuch that I did confound him in all his words.” (Jacob 7:9) Jacob asks Sherem if he would deny Christ and Sherem explained that he wouldn’t deny Christ, if there was a Christ. Jacob then asks Sherem if he believed in the scriptures, to which he responded yes. Jacob then explained that he “…did not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ…” (Jacob 7:11)

Often times this contentious manner exists among the world, even when the truth is right before their eyes. Jacob, being filled with the Spirit of God, was able to confound all of the teachings of Sherem. After this conversation Sherem asks Jacob to show him a sign, so that he might know that what he spoke was true. Jacob responds: “…What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the things which thou knowest to be true? Yet thou wilt deny is, because thou are of the devil….” (Jacob 7:14)

Immediately after speaking these words, the power of God came down upon Sherem, causing him to fall to the earth. Out of fear, Sherem called all those who he had preached to against Christ saying that he had been deceived by the Devil and that he feared he had committed “…the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God.” (Jacob 7:19) Immediately after Sherem had confessed that he was a liar, who was trying to deceive them, he died. The people of Nephi were overcome with the power of God and fell to the earth. Jacob was pleased with this, for the love of God was restored amongst the people; “…they searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man.” (Jacob 7:23)

Jacob explains that he felt as if his death would soon come, he charged his son Enos with the preservation of the records.

Jacob 1

Posted on February 1, 2015 by zachridd Standard Reply

Jacob 1: Wickedness Prevails Among the Nephites

Jacob picks up the story of the Nephites nearly 55 years after Lehi had left Jerusalem with his family to travel to the Promised Land (America). Nephi gives command to his brother Jacob to continue the history of the people, known as the People of Nephi, or, the Nephites.

Jacob explains that he and his people; “…labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest…” (Jacob 1:7) Jacob explains that his brother Nephi was growing old and because his people loved him as a king, they were desirous that future kings be called after him in the manner of 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd Nephi and so forth. Jacob explains that Nephi did grow old, and did die.

We learn from Jacob that there were many groups; Lamanites, Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, Zoramites, Leumeulites and Ishmaelites. However, Jacob chose to categorize the people who were against the Nephites as “Lamanites” and those people for the Nephites as “Nephites”.

“It came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices… they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride.” (Jacob 1:15-16)

Jacob, seeing this great wickedness went to the Temple to teach the people, explaining that he and his priests would take; “…upon [themselves] the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon [their] own heads if [they] did not teach them the word of God with all diligence…” (Jacob 1:19)

Jacob begins his Seven Chapter section of the Book of Mormon…

Summary of 2 Nephi

Posted on January 25, 2015 by zachridd Standard Reply

Summary of 2 Nephi

Lehi opens Second Nephi with his prophecies concerning the future of his posterity. Lehi explains that Jerusalem will be destroyed, and he bestows a general curse and blessing upon Jerusalem. We learn about the redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ, Lehi also speaks about how there is no good without evil and that everything has its opposite. Without the ability to choose for ourselves, there would be no point for us here on earth and without the Fall of Adam and Eve; we would not have had the ability to be saved by a Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Lehi speaks about Joseph, which included Joseph of Egypt. Lehi speaks about how the Lord would raise a prophet named Moses who would free the people of Israel. Interestingly, Lehi also speaks of a seer that would come forth in the Last Days to Restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this, he is referring to Joseph Smith.

Nephi continues the narrative of 2 Nephi by recording the death of his father, Lehi. After his passing, the brothers of Nephi (Laman and Lemuel) rebel against him and try to kill him. Because of this there is a division among the people and Nephi ends up forming his own land, where his people elect him to be king. The people of Nephi adhere to the Law of Moses and even build a Temple like the Temple of Solomon, they prosper exceedingly!

Nephi ordains his younger brothers, including Jacob and Joseph. Nephi puts them in charge of teaching the people. Throughout the remainder of the text for 2 Nephi is the teaching of both Nephi and Jacob. From chapters 6-10 they quote much of Isaiah, Nephi even explains how the words of Isaiah will slowly come to understanding as time goes on… for they are difficult to understand without the spirit.

Nephi ends his record by pleading with his people and the future readers to follow the Savior’s example and be baptized. Here, Nephi explains that there is more to baptism than just baptism. One must have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and endure to the end in order to be saved in the Kingdom of God. He urges everyone to read the scriptures and pray daily!

2 Nephi 33

Posted on January 18, 2015 by zachridd Standard Reply

2 Nephi 33: Those who Believe in Christ, will Believe in Nephi

“And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” (2 Nephi 33:1)

Here Nephi explains that not EVERYTHING God says or commands can be written down. However, the most important and precious things can be recorded. Nephi explains that he is just a man, a man who God called to speak, and while his writing is not the best… his speaking, through the Holy Ghost is perfect, because it is the word of God that can be carried to the hearts of the children of men.

Nephi also knows that not all men will open their hearts to the Holy Ghost, and therefore makes it difficult for some to believe the words of God. Nephi hopes that “…the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good… And it speaketh harshly against sin, according to the plainnessof the truth; wherefore, no man will be angry at the words which I have written save he shall be of the spirit of the devil.” (2 Nephi 33:4-5)

Nephi explains that the words he writes comes from God, those who cannot see the plainness of truth, and are angered by its words can only have the spirit of the devil. Nephi urges his own people and those people who will read this book in the future (us) to heed to its words; “…hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.” (2 Nephi 33:10) Again, Nephi explains that these words are the words of Christ. Those who believe in Jesus Christ will know that these are His words and shall believe in them also.

Nephi calls out the non-believer and explains that these are the words of Christ; “…for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.” (2 Nephi 33:11)

Those who believe in Jesus Christ should recognize His words, and will be shown that they are His words, whether in this life, or in the next life… before the bar of judgment. These are simple truths; the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Nephi testifies of Him, and those who believe in Jesus Christ will believe the words of Nephi, and those who believe the words of Nephi will know that the Book of Mormon is truly Another Testament of Him. Those who believe that the Book of Mormon is true, will know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint is His Restored Church on the Earth today with Modern Prophets who lead and guide His people.

2 Nephi 25

Posted on December 18, 2014 by zachridd Standard 1

2 Nephi 25: Isaiah’s Prophecies will be Understood

Nephi opens up this chapter by explaining that he is going to share some of the words of Isaiah, but he explains that many will not understand, for the words of Isaiah; “…were hard for many of my people to understand…” (2 Nephi 25:1)

Nephi explains that the words of Isaiah are difficult to understand, for those who are not filled with the Holy Ghost; “…the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy…” (2 Nephi 25:4)

Nephi stresses that while he speaks, he is inspired by the words of Isaiah and encourages everyone to read them, for; “…they are of worth unto the children of men…” (2 Nephi 25:8) and he warns that “…in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.” (2 Nephi 25:8) In other words, when things come to pass, men will know that Isaiah did in fact preach of these things!

Nephi goes on to explain that the Jews shall return from Babylon, and they shall crucify the Messiah; “Behold, they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall be saved in the kingdom of God…” (2 Nephi 25:13)

Nephi explains that Isaiah prophesied that after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Jerusalem would be destroyed and the Jews would be scattered among all nations; “… after they have been scattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind—and when that day shall come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and clean hands, and look not forward any more for another Messiah, then, at that time, the day will come that it must needs be expedient that they should believe these things.” (2 Nephi 25:16)

After many generations of being scattered, God the Father would once again bring His Children together, “… he will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men.” (2 Nephi 25:17) This Marvelous work and Wonder would be the Restoration of His Gospel and Church, here on the Earth. This was done through Joseph Smith, who was a servant to Jesus Christ.

Nephi warns that any nation with these words, will be judged by them. The works of the Lord will continue from generation to generation until the world no longer stands! Nephi explains that; “…we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do… we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” (2 Nephi 25:23 and 26)

Nephi ends his writing in this chapter by telling his people that if you believe in God, you believe in His prophets. If you believe in His prophets, you believe in God;

“I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law… the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.” (2 Nephi 25:28-29)

The right way is to believe on and worship Jesus Christ and no one else. It is true that we are saved by God’s grace, but only after we have also done our part. We have to at least try and where we fall short, God will make up in His grace.

2 Nephi 7

Posted on October 8, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

2 Nephi 7: The Learned will accept God

2 Nephi 6

Posted on October 5, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

2 Nephi 6: Jewish History

Jacob speaks to the people of Nephi, he explains that he is anxious and desirous of them, that they might have welfare unto their souls. He explains that Nephi has told them much of the history of the world, but that he would like to read to them the words of Isaiah to give them a better history of their own people, the Jews. Jacob explains that they might be likened unto themselves, because they too are part of the house of Israel.

Jacob speaks the words of Isaiah;

“…Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their faces towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.” (2 Nephi 6:6; see also: Isaiah 49:22)

Jacob reminds the people of Nephi that he reason for leaving the ‘Old World’ and coming to the ‘New World’ was because Jerusalem was to be destroyed (and at this point had already been destroyed) and for this purpose Lehi was led by God to safety with his family. Jacob explains that even though the people were destroyed that God will have them return, however they would also crucify their Savior.

Jacob continues to explain the Jewish people; “…shall be scattered, and smitten, and hated; nevertheless, the Lord will be merciful unto them, that when they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer, they shall be gathered together again to the lands of their inheritance.” (2 Nephi 6:11) Jacob explains that not only will the Jews be blessed, but also the Gentiles; “…if it so be that they shall repent and fight not against Zion, and do not unite themselves to that great and abominable church, they shall be saved; 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.” (2 Nephi 6:12) Jacob explains that those who fight against Zion shall ‘lick up the dust of their feet’ as Isaiah had explained in old.

Jacob explains that those who fight against Zion and believe not on the Lord shall be destroyed; “…both by fire, and by tempest, and by earthquakes, and by bloodsheds, and by pestilence, and by famine. And they shall know that the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel.” (2 Nephi 6:15)

2 Nephi 5

Posted on October 1, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

2 Nephi 5: Lamanites are Cursed

Because of the continued anger from Laman, Lemuel and their families over Nephi being their ruler… Nephi was warned from the Lord that they sought to take away his life and that he should depart into the wilderness with everyone who believed on his words. Nephi departed into the wilderness and traveled many days with those who believed on his words.

Nephi and his people stopped in an area that they called Nephi and the people named themselves the ‘People of Nephi’; “…we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses.” (2 Nephi 5:10)

Nephi and his people began to prosper in the land, because the Lord was with them. Nephi took the sword of Laban and did make many swords like unto it as defense in case the Lamanites returned to kill the Nephites, because of their great hatred toward them. Nephi taught his people; “…to build buildings, and to work in all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance.” (2 Nephi 5:15)

Nephi and his people even built a temple like the Temple of Solomon; “…the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.” (2 Nephi 5:16)

Because of their prosperity, the people of Nephi desired that he be their king. However, Nephi desired that they have NO king! Nephi explains that because the Lamanites disobeyed God, they were cut off from His presence and; “…the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.” (2 Nephi 5:21)

Because Nephi and his people followed the commandments of God, they; “…lived after the manner of happiness.” (2 Nephi 5:27)

Nephi explains that he writes the things that are desirous of God; “And I [Nephi] engraved that which is pleasing unto God. And if my people are pleased with the things of God they will be pleased with mine engravings which are upon these plates.” (2 Nephi 5:32) Essentially, if you believe in the Lord and have faith on Him… you will believe in all His words… including the Book of Mormon.

2 Nephi 4

Posted on September 29, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

2 Nephi 4: Lehi Dies

Lehi calls all of the sons of Laman, Lemuel and Nephi and all their families to give them a blessing before he departs (for Lehi must have known that his death was approaching).

“…it came to pass my father, Lehi, had spoken unto all his household, according to the feelings of his heard and the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, he waxed old…” (2 Nephi 4:12)

After Lehi died and was buried, Laman and Lemuel and their offspring were angered unto Nephi for he spoke many things of the Lord unto them. Nephi explains the purpose of his writings;

“…upon these [the plates] I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and myheart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.” (2 Nephi 4:15-16)

Nephi knows that the scriptures are important for man to ponder and learn from. Nephi knows that he is not perfect, but he knows that when he his encircled in temptations the Lord will deliver him.

“…when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted… God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep. He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh. He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me… he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.” (2 Nephi 4:19-23)

Nephi praises the Lord for being with him through all the hard times, and he puts his trust in the Lord. Nephi then explains how sin can come upon anyone, but how we should overcome our sin and lean on the Lord for strength.

“…why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy? Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions. Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.” (2 Nephi 4:27-30)

Nephi asks why he should yield to sin and let the enemy encircle him. Nephi leans of the Lord, the Rock of his salvation to help him overcome the sins and temptations of the world.

“May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walkin the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!

…Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.” (2 Nephi 4:32;35)

Nephi explains that the temptations of the world and the evil are shut off from him because he has a broken heart and a contrite spirit and leans on the Lord, his Redeemer and Savior! Nephi exclaims that the Lord will answer to anyone who asks.