Just opened the book

I was reading in Helaman chapter 7 today and Nephi is lamenting about the wickedness of his day. He wished he could have lived in the days of his ancestor, Nephi, when "his people were easily entreated and firm to keep the commandments of God (vs. 7). I don't wish to live in the days of the pioneers, but I do know that it wasn't that long ago that people were more attentive to God. I was raised in Utah, but I here of events here in Virginia, that on Sundays there would be cars lined up in front of all the churches, stores were closed and people's thoughts were of Christ. Oh to live in that not too distant past again. But my greater joy would be for my children and grandchildren to enjoy those times; times of prosperity and times of respect for God and nation. A self-reliant, motivated, generous people prevailed and loved one another. This is what I remember. I know this is probably not what everyone remembers, but times have changed, people seem more anxious and stressed. Anyway I look for a day when people are "slow to be led to do iniquity; and...quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord.

2 Nephi 29

Although I have been reading everyday, I have not published for sometime. It is time consuming so I hope it is beneficial for someone other than me. We know that God wants to bring his word to his children. He wants us to benefit from the scriptures. Chapter 29 focuses on God's written word given to many nations. The Jews whom we have to thank for the Bible, the Book of Mormon in whom we are grateful to the Nephites, who possessed the American Continent. These two act as combined witnesses of God one true word, which is the same message God has always given of Jesus Christ. God's word will continue to be gathered to gather as the 12 Tribes are gathered and restored to the lands of their inheritance.

"Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written. For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written" (v. 10-11).

Why Study World Religions?

Roger R. Keller

To know how God works with all His children is to know that the family of God is much broader than The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Yet many Latter-day Saints wonder why they should study the religions of the world. Why, some ask, should we, who have the fulness of the gospel, study religions that are not true? Such a question shows a lack of understanding of the teachings of the Presidents of the Church from Joseph Smith to Gordon B. Hinckley about our relation to our religiously diverse neighbors. It also exhibits a misunderstanding of the place of truth in our own religion. We need to remind ourselves of prophetic statements, both past and present, that deal with these issues. For example, the Prophet Joseph Smith said the following:

“Wherein do you differ from others in your religious views?” In reality and essence we do not differ so far in our religious views but that we could all drink into one principle of love. . . . If I esteem mankind to be in error shall I bear them down? No! I will lift them up and [each] in his own way if I cannot persuade him my way is better! And I will ask no man to believe as I do. Do you believe in Jesus Christ . . . ? So do I. Christians should cultivate the friendship with others and will do it.[1]

The incredible thing about this statement is that the Prophet did not demand, or perhaps even expect, all persons to become Latter-day Saints. He recognized that the Lord can move people further along the spiritual pathway through various faiths. He will lift people up in their own ways—which could be Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, or Buddhism—if they are not prepared to become Latter-day Saints. While the fulness of the gospel offers the greatest benefits, all are not prepared to receive it. Thus, the Prophet Joseph was willing to work with God in His various ways to bring people to that fulness. Similarly, President Brigham Young recognized that truth can be found in many places. He stated:

For me, the plan of salvation must . . . circumscribe [all] the knowledge that is upon the face of the earth, or it is not from God. Such a plan incorporates every system of true doctrine on the earth, whether it be ecclesiastical, moral, philosophical, or civil: it incorporates all good laws that have been made from the days of Adam until now; it swallows up the laws of nations, for it exceeds them all in knowledge and purity; it circumscribes the doctrines of the day, and takes from the right and the left, and brings all truth together in one system, and leaves the chaff to be scattered hither and thither.[2]

President Young tells us that wherever there is truth, the gospel is present—not necessarily in its fulness—but the gospel encompasses all that is true in whatever venue or discipline or religion it is found. Truth is truth. Wherever there is truth, God has been and is present.

Roger R. Keller, “Why Study World Religions?” in Window of Faith: Latter-day Saint Perspectives on World History, ed. Roy A. Prete (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2005), 213–30.

This information has been obtained from and are direct quotes from the following website;
http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/window-faith-latter-day-saint-perspectives-world-history/26-why-study-world-religions

2 Nephi 28

"And the things which shall be written out of the book shall be of great worth unto the children of men..." (2). "Wo unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of naught and revile against that which is good and say that it is of no worth..." (16). "... because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men" (14). "...For the day shall come that the Lord God will speedily visit the inhabitants of the earth; and in that day that they are fully ripe in iniquity they shall perish. But behold, if the inhabitants of the earth shall repent of their wickedness and abominations they shall not be destroyed, saith the Lord of Hosts" (16-17). "Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost" (26). "Wo be unto him that shall say; We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough! For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have" (29-30). I love the scriptures and particularly the Book of Mormon, but I know in many instances I do err. It is always tough when Christmas is over and my husband returns to work. This year my daughter moved out right after Christmas. I applied for another job and got yet another rejection notice. It would have been fun to be around others. Yet I know I am so blessed and I need to put Satan behind me and overcome any challenges I face. This one is minor compared to others and what others experience. I just need to pick myself up and move forward. I am grateful for the scriptures and the guidance and hope they give. I am also grateful for the Holy Ghost and the peacefulness I feel when I listen. I know that God gives us weaknesses so we will rely on him and in many instances I have learned that we are taught here a little and there a little. Most generally answers do not come all at once but a direction is set and a course can be followed.

2 Nephi 27 compare with Isaiah 29

It is amazing to me that the book of Isaiah states that "And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying. Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed. And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned" (Isaiah 29:11-12). "Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder..." (vs. 14) I am grateful for the prophecies of prophets and the way we can see those prophecies fulfilled. "And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see our of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel" (vs. 18-19).

2 Nephi 26

It is amazing how prophets speak to people of future generations with such great attachment and love. "And after Christ shall have risen from the dead he shall show himself unto you, my children, and my beloved brethren; and the words which he shall speak unto you shall be the law which ye shall do (1). "And after the Messiah shall come there shall be signs given unto my people of his birth, and also of his death and resurrection; and great and terrible shall that day be unto the wicked (3),...And they shall be visited with thunderings, and lightenings, and earthquakes, and all manner of destructions (6)...O the pain, and the anguish of my soul for the loss of the slain of my people! For I Nephi, have seen it, and it well nigh consumeth me before the presence of the Lord; but I must cry unto my God: Thy ways are just" (7).
Nephi rejoices in what the righteous will experience; "But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution---behold, they are they which shall not perish. But the Son of righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him,..." (8-9).
Nephi again speaks of the Jews, but this time includes the Gentiles (other people). "And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God; And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith" (12-13). God teaches all people of the world of his Son. Many great prophets have been instrumental in helping to mold peoples and nations character and to prepare a world ready to receive Christ.

2 Nephi 25

According to Nephi Isaiah's words are not easy to understand. Nephi delights in plainness and prophecies that his words will be easily understood (1-4). The Jews understood Isaiah's writings. Nephi understands the ways of the Jews and he is filled with prophecy so he can understand Isaiah's writings and his soul delighteth in them (4-7).
Nephi prophecies that the Jews will be destroyed from generation to generation because of iniquity. They will never be destroyed unless they are first warned by prophets (9). When Jesus comes among them they will reject Him and crucify him. After 3 days he will "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" (12-13). The Jews will be scattered among all nations (15) and be persecuted "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 is come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and clean hands...he will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men" (16-17).

2 Nephi 24 compare Isa. 14

The Lord will choose Israel and set them in their own land (vs. 1). "In that day the Lord shall give thee rest, from thy sorrow and...fear (vs 3). "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations (vs. 12)! Lucifer thought to rule over God (vs. 13-14). "Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit" (vs. 15). The Lord has all power; He will rise up against the wicked so those that are oppressed by them will have "his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders" (vs.21-24 and 25). This is the purpose of the earth; "and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations" (vs. 26). Verses 28-31 is the destruction by the Assyrians in succeeding generations (this could represent the destruction in the last days). Verse 32 brings comfort and a message "What shall then answer the messengers of the nations? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it."