The word Israel appears 213 times in the Book of Mormon, almost always preceded by the word "of." Here are the phrases in which it most commonly appears: Phrase # Appearances house of Israel 122 Holy One of Israel 40 God of Israel 11 children of Israel 8 tribes of Israel 6 What is the... Continue Reading →
What Is the Gathering of Israel?
When Lehi taught his family about the scattering of Israel, he reassured them that the Lord would gather them again: And after the house of Israel should be scattered they should be gathered together again; or, in fine, after the Gentiles had received the fulness of the Gospel, the natural branches of the olive tree,... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to “Hearken?”
We don't use the word "hearken" in modern English. But it's an important word in the scriptures: It appears 229 times in the Old Testament, 9 times in the New Testament, and 100 times in the Book of Mormon. Deepening our understanding of the word "hearken" will help us better appreciate God's messages to us... Continue Reading →
What Is a Covenant?
A covenant is a formal agreement between two parties (Oxford English Dictionary). The word comes from two Latin roots: com ("together") and venire ("to come"). So the word literally means to "come together" (See Online Etymology Dictionary.) God loves all of His children. He wants us to achieve our full potential, and He will send blessings... Continue Reading →
How Will the Remnant of Jacob Be Like a Lion Among Sheep?
The prophet Micah, who was a contemporary of Isaiah, wrote about a time when the children of Israel would not be oppressed any more. In a future day, he prophesied, God's people would be far more powerful than their enemies. In contrast with earlier times, when they were scattered and taken captive, they would be... Continue Reading →
What Is a Saint?
The angel who taught King Benjamin emphasized that all people, in their natural state, are in opposition to God. He said that we will always be in this state unless we "[yield] to the enticings of the Holy Spirit," and "[become saints] through the atonement of Christ the Lord." He then listed a number of characteristics... Continue Reading →
What Is the Significance of the Title “the Lamb of God?”
The ancient sacrifices of Adam and Eve, Abraham, and others symbolized the "great and last sacrifice" which Jesus Christ made when He offered Himself for us.
What Does It Mean for Our Garments to Be “Washed White Through the Blood of the Lamb?”
White clothing represents purity and holiness: When Jesus was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John, "his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them" (Mark 9:3). When He visited the American continent following His death and resurrection, He wore a white robe. As He prayed... Continue Reading →
If the Gentiles Shall Hearken – 1 Nephi 14:1-2
1 And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks— 2 And harden not their hearts against the Lamb of... Continue Reading →
The Things Which I Have Written – 1 Nephi 14:28-30
28 And behold, I, Nephi, am forbidden that I should write the remainder of the things which I saw and heard; wherefore the things which I have written sufficeth me; and I have written but a small part of the things which I saw. 29 And I bear record that I saw the things which... Continue Reading →