“Armed with Righteousness” – 1 Nephi 14:14

Nephi saw a future day in which the forces of evil in the world (“the church of the devil”) would fight against the followers of Jesus Christ (“the church of the Lamb”). Statistically, there would be no contest. The forces of evil would be numerous, with “dominion over all the earth.” The disciples of Christ would be relatively few and would have relatively small dominions (1 Nephi 14:11-13). But the situation for the disciples of Christ would be far from hopeless:

I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory (1 Nephi 14:14).

Today, I looked at how this passage has been referenced in recent general conference talks. Here are some of the lessons I learned:

1. This scripture can provide comfort and encouragement to us “when we feel alone, diminished, uncertain, or afraid.” The Savior knows us and will empower His people (“Good Shepherd, Lamb of God,” Elder Gerritt W. Gong, April 2019).
2. We can be inspired to share the gospel, even though our efforts may seem statistically insignificant as we ponder the implications of this passage: “We are seeing the fulfillment of Nephi’s vision. Though our numbers are relatively few, we will continue our effort and outreach to those who will respond to the Savior’s message” (“Prepare to Meet God,” Elder Quentin L. Cook, April 2018).
3. The power described in this verse becomes available “personally to each one of us through the ordinances and the covenants of the temple” (“The Power of Godliness,” Elder Kent F. Richards, April 2016).
4. As we prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming, we can take courage from the knowledge that we are living in “the glorious time of the Restoration…a time when the Lord has promised that He ‘will raise up…a pure people’ and arm them ‘with righteousness and with the power of God” (“Thy Kingdom Come,” Elder Neil L. Anderson, April 2015).
5. “Covenant keeping strengthens, empowers, and protects. Nephi saw in vision the significant blessings the Lord bestows upon covenant keepers” (“The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping,” Linda K. Burton, October 2013).
6. We can be motivated to repent as we think about the immense power that God is willing to share with us. “Nephi saw it. One future day, he said, Jesus’ covenant people, ‘scattered upon all the face of the earth,’ will be ‘armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.’ This will happen, but only after more members become more saintly and more consecrated in conduct” (“Repentance,” Elder Neal A. Maxwell, October 1991).

Today, I will remember the imagery seen by Nephi. I will work hard, even when my abilities seem insufficient, believing that God can bless me with His power and multiply the impact of those efforts.