Near the beginning of Nephi's record, he instructed those who would add to the record after him not to "occupy these plates with things which are not of worth" (1 Nephi 6:6). He emphasized that his father had seen and heard and taught many things which could not be included in his record (1 Nephi... Continue Reading →
Uncertainty and Certainty in the Writings of Nephi
Nephi opens his writings with a statement of conviction: And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge (1 Nephi 1:3). He is unafraid to declare what he knows. For example, here is his reason for accepting... Continue Reading →
What Is Wisdom?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob gives us the following counsel: "O be wise; what can I say more?" (Jacob 6:12). Near the end of the book, the prophet Moroni advises us, "Be wise in the days of your probation" (Mormon 9:28). The words "wisdom" and "wise" appear exactly 100... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to “Fulfill” God’s Commandments?
Fulfill (or fulfil) - put into effect, meet the requirements of, measure up to, bring to an end, develop the full potentialities of, convert to reality (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) I wrote last week about the concept of "keeping" God's commandments. A friend of mine pointed out that in Spanish, the word "keep" is sometimes translated "guardar" (to... Continue Reading →
In What Order Did Joseph Smith Translate the Book of Mormon?
After writing the history of his people on metal plates, the prophet Nephi was instructed by the Lord to create a second set of plates, which are known today as the small plates of Nephi. On these, he was to engrave a record of the ministry of his people. Nephi obeyed this commandment even though... Continue Reading →
Upon the Other Plates – 1 Nephi 9:2-4
2 And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people; for the plates upon which I make a full account of my people I have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates... Continue Reading →
He Prepareth a Way – 1 Nephi 9:6
6 But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen. (1 Nephi 9:6) Because Nephi knew that God has all knowledge and... Continue Reading →
1 Nephi 9:6 He Hath All Power Unto the Fulfilling of All His Words
6 But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen. (1 Nephi 9:6) Do I really believe that God has "all power... Continue Reading →