This is the fifth of six posts answering a set of questions recommended by President Russell M. Nelson. So far, I have written about what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, and what it fulfills. Today, I will write about what it clarifies. As I wrote yesterday, the Book of... 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 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 the Book of Mormon Teach About the United States of America?
About 600 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, a prophet named Nephi experienced a sweeping vision, in which he saw a number of events in the distant future. One of those events was the establishment of the United States of America. Here is how he describes it: I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who... Continue Reading →
Who Is the House of Israel?
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 Is the New Jerusalem?
Heavenly Father wants His children to have unity, holiness, and charity. The ancient prophet Enoch taught his people about God, and they established a city which exemplified these three attributes: UNITY - "They were of one heart and one mind" HOLINESS - "and dwelt in righteousness" CHARITY - "and there was no poor among them" (Moses... 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 →
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 →
