Many themes from Nephi's vision (1 Nephi 11-14) also appear in Nephi's prophecy (2 Nephi 25-30): 1. Jesus Christ would be crucified. 2. Nephi's descendants would write scripture. 3. God will do a work which will bless the whole world.
The Remnant Shall Return
Isaiah's prophecy about the remnant of Israel returning to God assures that no matter how far they are from home, they are not out of God's sight. Book of Mormon authors echo this sentiment: God is mindful of you, wherever you are, and you can come home.
The Book of Mormon and the Bible: Growing Together and Establishing Peace
Lehi taught that the Bible and the Book of Mormon would "grow together" and establish peace. By recognizing the unity of God's word to different people in different cultures, we learn to build strong relationships based on universal principles.
The Last Shall Be First
An angel taught Nephi, "The last shall be first." One meaning of this sentence is that we take turns serving one another. We can't all be first all the time. Another meaning is that activities which seem small may bring the greatest happiness in the end.
Belonging
One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to assure us that we belong, that because of "the covenants of the Lord," we "are not cast off forever." Jesus taught that we belong to the covenants God made with our ancestors, and that He will not forget us.
The Title Page and Nephi
Although Moroni wrote the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, he was heavily influenced by Nephi. In this post, I show many parallel phrases between the Title Page and Nephi's words. From start to end, the Book of Mormon has a consistent message and purpose
Apostasy and Restoration
Patterns of apostasy and restoration are an example of God's grace. Left to ourselves, we tend to drift, both collectively and individually. But God loves His children, and He provides infusions of knowledge and invitations to act, because He loves us.
Paul Rebukes Elymas
Disciples of Jesus Christ are builders, not destroyers. They are healers, not wounders. They are advocates, not antagonists. Satan is our adversary, and his mission is defined by what he opposes. In contrast, we should pursue uplifting goals.
What Is the “Abomination of Desolation?”
Jesus instructed His disciples to stand in holy places when they see "the abomination of desolation." What does that mean? In this post, I trace that concept from its origins in the Old Testament through modern revelation to better understand its meaning
The Living Christ and the Book of Mormon
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles is a proclamation published by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 January 2000. The document speaks of the Savior's mission before birth, during His mortal ministry, and after His death and resurrection, including in our day. It also testifies that He... Continue Reading →