As we've studied 2 Nephi 26-30 this week, I've noticed a pattern. Every one of these chapters affirms God's desire to bless us with knowledge: "He manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost" (2 Nephi 26:13). "The Lord God shall bring forth unto you the words... Continue Reading →
“I Am Able to Do Mine Own Work” – 2 Nephi 27:20-21
God told Moses that His work is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life (Moses 1:39). He also told Moses, "I have a work for thee" (Moses 1:6). And He assured Moses, "I am with thee" (Moses 1:26). God's work is beyond the capabilities of the best among us. We can only do... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Fulfill?
This is the fourth of six posts answering a series of questions suggested by President Russell M. Nelson. So far I have written about what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, and what it refutes. Today, I am writing about what it fulfills. "The eyes of the blind" The prophet Isaiah wrote about... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Refute?
This is the third of six posts answering a series of questions raised by President Russell M. Nelson in the October 2017 general conference. So far, I have discussed what the Book of Mormon is and what it affirms. Today, I am listing some of the fallacies it refutes. It refutes the concept of original sin,... Continue Reading →
How Can I Recognize the Temptations of the Devil?
The Book of Mormon teaches that there is a being in the universe who is trying to harm us and to thwart God's plan. His name is Satan (שָׂטָן - the Hebrew word for "adversary"), and he is commonly known as the devil, from the Greek word diabolos (διάβολος), which means "slanderer." He was once... Continue Reading →
Which of Isaiah’s Writings Are Quoted in the Book of Mormon?
About a third of the book of Isaiah (21 out of 66 chapters) is quoted in the Book of Mormon. Here is a list of those chapters with a brief description of each: Isaiah 2 (2 Nephi 12) - There will be a great division in the last days: Many people will ascend to God's... Continue Reading →
What Is the Sealed Portion of the Book of Mormon?
Isaiah described a "sealed book" which would confound a "learned man." He would be asked to read it and would say in frustration, "I cannot; for it is sealed" (Isaiah 29:11). An unlearned man would then protest that he could not read the book because of his lack of education. In Nephi's paraphrase of this... Continue Reading →
Who Were the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon?
While Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon, he was not allowed to show anyone else the metal plates containing the original record (Joseph Smith--History 1:42). His scribes sat near him, recording the words he spoke, but Joseph kept the plates hidden from their view. But near the end of the translation process, in... Continue Reading →
The Spirit of Deep Sleep – 2 Nephi 27:4-5
4 For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be drunken but not with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink. 5 For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep. For behold, ye have... Continue Reading →
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder – 2 Nephi 27:25-26
25 Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men— 26 Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, yea, a marvelous... Continue Reading →
