Day 9 - 2 Nephi 27-32, D&C 33-36

[pam]

Discussion

[pam]

2 Nephi 27

The Last Days—Days of the Gentiles

We are living in the days of the Gentiles when this prediction was to be fulfilled….If we are living the religion which the Lord has revealed and which we have received, we do not belong to the world. We should have no part in all its foolishness….If I sometimes, and once in a while I do, go to a football game or a baseball game or some other place of amusement, invariably I will be surrounded by men and women who are puffing on cigarettes or cigars or dirty pipes. It gets very annoying, and I get a little disturbed. I will turn to Sister Smith, and I will say something to her, and she will say, “Well, now, you know what you have taught me. You are in their world. This is their world.” And that sort of brings me back to my senses. Yes, we are in their world, but we do not have to be of it. So, as this is their world we are living in, they prosper, but, my good brethren and sisters, their world is coming to its end.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, Apr. 1952, 27-28

Speaking of the overthrow of the Jews and the destruction of Jerusalem, the Lord said to his disciples: “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled….”

This scripture was also referred to by Moroni when he visited Joseph Smith in September, 1823, which scripture he said was soon to be fulfilled. He said that the fullness of the Gentiles was soon to come in….

We all know that from the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70 A.D. until near the close of World War I, Jerusalem was trodden down of the Gentiles, and during all of that time the Jews were scattered and almost without privileges in the Holy Land. The Lord said they should remain scattered among the nations until the times of the Gentiles were fulfilled. Moroni said the times of the Gentiles were about to be fulfilled. Today we are living in the transition period; the day of the Gentiles has come in, and the day of Judah and the remnant of downtrodden Israel is now at hand.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation: Sermons and Writings of Joseph Fielding Smith, ed. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-1956], 3:258-59

What do you mean by their times being fulfilled, and the fullness of the Gentiles coming in?...This Gospel, which God sends by the ministration of “another angel” from heaven, must be preached to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, to the Gentiles first; and when they get through with them, it will go to Israel, for the times of the Gentiles will then be fulfilled; in other words, when God shall speak to his servants,--and say unto them—“It is enough, you have been faithful in your ministry, you have warned the nations, kindreds and tongues of the Gentiles sufficiently, now I call you to a still greater work, and will give you a new mission, not to go and preach to the Gentiles, but go to the remnants of the House of Israel wherever they can be found, and let your testimony be to them. Hunt them up from the four quarters of the earth, gather them out with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, and bring them back to their own land.” When that time shall come Israel will be gathered and not till then.

Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, 16:352

How does our nation stand?

Are not many of us materialistic? Do we not find it well-nigh impossible to raise our sights above the dollar sign?...

Are not many of us status-seekers—measuring the worth of a man by the size of his bank account, his house, his automobile?

Are we not…willing to co-exist with evil...so long as it does not touch us personally?

If the answer to these questions is, “yes”…then surely these are among the many reasons why this is truly an era of peril….

Many of us imagine in the foolishness of pride, that our manifold blessings are due not to God’s goodness, but to our own wisdom and virtue. Too many of us have been so drunk with self-sufficiency as no longer to feel the need of prayer….

This is a sad commentary on a civilization which has given to mankind the greatest achievements and progress ever known. But it is an even sadder commentary on those of us who call ourselves Christians, who thus betray the ideals given to us by the Son of God himself.

Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Oct. 1960, 103, 105

Taking the meridian of time as a starting point, the gospel was preached first to the Jews and thereafter to the Gentiles. In our dispensation, the dispensation of the fullness of times, the gospel was, according to prophecy, brought forth by Gentiles who in turn will take it to all the nations of the earth. After the Gentiles have had ample opportunity to receive it and then turn on it in wickedness, it will be taken from them and given back to its original stewards. Thus, the first shall be last and the last first (see 1 Ne. 13:42).

When we speak of the day of the Gentiles being fulfilled, we are speaking of that time when “the consumption decreed” will make “a full end of all nations” (D&C 87:6), and a messianic kingdom established in their stead. Thus, the day of the Gentile will end—its power, authority, and influence will be no more.

Joseph Fielding McConkie, Third Nephi 9-30, This Is My Gospel, ed. Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, Jr. [Provo: Religious Studies Center, BYU, 1993], 174-175

[pam]

Changed I too, would love to know what is in the sealed records. But obviously we aren't ready to know of it's word.

[pam]

2 Ne 28:3 the churches…shall say…I, I am the Lord’s

Nephi, in this chapter, is going to describe the sectarian churches of the last days. It is useful to make a list of the things which characterize these churches:

1) They declare, ‘I am the Lord’s’ (v. 3)

2) They deny the Holy Ghost (v. 4)

3) They deny the power of God (v. 5)

4) They teach false doctrines (v. 12)

5) They have become corrupted because of pride (v. 12)

6) They rob the poor (v. 13)

7) They wear fine clothing (v. 13)

8) They persecute the meek and the poor (v. 13)

9) They have all gone astray save it be a few (v. 14)

10) They revile against that which is good (v. 16)

These characteristics describe more than just the churches of Joseph Smith’s day. Millet and McConkie explain the fulfillment of the phrase I, I am the Lord’s as follows:

“This prophecy was fulfilled with exactness in the early years of the nineteenth century. ‘There was in the place where we lived,’ Joseph Smith wrote, ‘an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, 'Lo, here!' and others 'Lo there!' Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist’ (Joseph Smith History 1:5). That is, ‘upon inquiring [about] the plan of salvation, I found that there was a great clash in religious sentiment; if I went to one society they referred me to one plan, and another to another, each one pointing to his own particular creed as the summum bonum of perfections.’ (HC 4:536.)

“Most religious orders in our modern day are prone to take a moderate stance toward a single true church; many claim that ‘all roads lead to Rome,’ that all churches teach the truth, and that because God is so merciful everyone will eventually inherit heaven's blessings. Doctrines are thus diluted and witnesses watered down such that (at least in the minds of a surprising number of modernists) all notions of ‘one Lord, one faith, and one baptism’ are nullified through an undiscriminating ecumenism.” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 329

[pam]

2 Nephi 28:8

8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.

I find this so true in many I come in contact with. Many who feel that works hold no value while on earth because grace will save them entirely.

[pam]

2 Nephi 28:29

29 Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!

This made me think of many who come to this site asking questions. Those that feel the Bible is enough and there is no need for any further revelation or Prophets.

The same concept with 2 Nephi 29:3

3 And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.

Edited July 10, 2009 by pam

[pam]

“A Bible—A Bible”

At the end of the book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, the author, John, issues a warning and a curse upon any man who adds to or takes away from the book….(Revelation 22:18-19).

These verses of scripture have been cited repeatedly by those attempting to discredit the Book of Mormon….They assert that the Book of Mormon is an attempt to add to the words of the Bible….

A careful reading of the words makes it clear that the warning against adding to or taking away does not refer to the whole Bible or even to the New Testament, but to use John’s words, only to the words of “the book of this prophecy.” That is, the prophecy contained in the book of Revelation. This is substantiated by the fact that some of the books of the New Testament had not yet been written when John wrote the book of Revelation, and even those that had been written and were in existence at that time had not yet been gathered into one compilation.

The collection of writings consisting of the sixty-six books we know as the Bible were brought together and compiled into one volume long after John wrote the prophetic book that has been placed at the end of the collection. It is clear, therefore, that the terrible judgments pronounced upon those who add to the book could not possibly apply to the whole of the Bible…but only to the book of Revelation….

It is also interesting to note that John himself added to scripture after writing the book of Revelation, which is generally conceded to have been written while he was on the Isle of Patmos. It was long after John left Patmos that he wrote his first epistle….

A study of the revelations of the Lord in holy writ confirms the fact that it is continuous revelation that guides prophets and the Church in any age.

Howard W. Hunter, Conference Report, Apr. 1981 [salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981], 86-87

[KeithLBrown]

It is the Eleventh Hour and There is Still Work to Be Done

Reference: Doctrine and Covenants 33:3
"For behold, the field is white already to harvest; and it is the eleventh hour, and the last time that I shall call laborers into my vineyard."

For my comments on this day, I would like to turn back the pages in my notebooks and share with you some of the thoughts on this subject that I shared during the General Priesthood Session of the Annapolis Maryland Stake on the evening of Saturday, 18 November 2000.

In Conference of April 1959 when President David O. Mckay made the statement "Every member a missionary!", it was more than just an ordinary statement. It was a directive to every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to get busy doing the work of our Heavenly Father by spreading the truths of this glorious Gospel to the regions beyond. When Christ said unto His disciples in Mark 16:15, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature", He was not saying to His disciples that this is something that you can think about doing, or something that you might want to do, but rather this was a mandate – marching orders from the Commander in Chief. There was no time for deliberation, debate, argument or discussion. He was clearly instructing His disciples that this was something that they MUST do. And as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, that same mandate – those same marching orders- are given to us at this the eleventh hour.

All of us may never have the opportunity to wear the black name tag or even have the opportunity to visit foreign lands but that does not exclude us from doing the work that we have been called to do. Those of us who are not full time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints still have a responsibility to share the Gospel with family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow classmates. Speaking on this subject of missionary work George Albert Smith had this to say, "Begin on the man who lives next door by inspiring confidence in him, by inspiring love in him for you because of your righteousness, and your missionary work has already begun." (CR, October 1916, pp. 50-51).

The message that we bring is a message of love, hope, peace and joy. In John 3:16 we read " For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The message that we bring to the world is one that testifies of the fact that God still loves the world and that He has spoken again as an indication of that divine love. He has restored precious truths lost over the centuries of Christian persecution, dark ages, and years of confusion – truths that are essential to our peace and happiness – truths so essential to our eternal salvation that our loving Heavenly Father has restored them in their fullness.

Matthew 9:37-38, "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." I know that He will because this is His work and His work MUST be accomplished. That we may always be found faithful laborers in our Heavenly Father’s vineyard, ready and willing to proclaim His truth at every opportunity is my humble prayer. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Edited July 11, 2009 by KeithLBrown

[Seanette]

Hopefully, gaining ground today (which is 7/14). I decided to skip Enrichment because that would involve spending quite a bit of time in a car without working AC, and it was over 90 degrees by noon here (predicted highs averaged 103). At least that frees up time for me to get more Scripture study done.

2 Nephi 26 – Nephi sees Christ’s ministry to his descendants. At both Christ’s birth and His Crucifixion, those who reject the prophets will be destroyed. Nephi sees the “golden era” of 4 Nephi and the final destruction of his people. The Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man (which has me worrying just how bad you have to be or for how long before the Spirit throws up His metaphorical hands and decides you’re a lost cause). The records of Nephi’s people (the Book of Mormon) will come from the dust in the last days. There will be many churches in the last days, and secret combinations (discussed in more detail later on) will flourish. God does not work in darkness or secrecy, and invites all to come to Him. Priestcraft is forbidden. No form of iniquity comes from the Lord (examples include lying to supposedly advance His work).

2 Nephi 27 – Compare Isaiah 29. There will be a period of darkness and apostasy, then the Book of Mormon will come forth (partially sealed). Three Witnesses will see it, as will a few others according to the Lord’s will. The incident involving Professor Anthon and the copied characters is prophesied. While the learned man cannot read the sealed book, the unlearned man (Joseph Smith, who at that time had a rudimentary education) will bring the book forth by the power of God. The God of miracles will show His power.

2 Nephi 28 – Many false churches will contend with one another, while denying God’s power or that He continues to communicate with man. They will teach false doctrines that excuse sin. The “wise” and “learned” will puff themselves up in pride. False churches will stir up anger against that which God calls good, while lulling followers into complacency. Satan will convince many that he doesn’t exist (helped in this, I think, by the omissions from the Bible of much description of his personality, attributes, and strategies. This information has, of course, been restored via modern Scriptures and the JST). God will reveal His truths “line upon line, precept upon precept”, thus His church will adapt as times change and more is made known. Those who seek and receive wisdom will gain more, while those who reject wisdom will lose what they have.

2 Nephi 29 – The Gentiles will reject the Book of Mormon (“A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible”). God knows all nations and refers to the law of witnesses by saying all nations will bring forth Scripture to add to the Scriptures we already have. All nations have been commanded to write the things of God as Scripture, and all Scriptures will eventually be brought together. God speaks of His covenant with Abraham to remember his seed forever.

2 Nephi 30 – Repentant Gentiles become covenant people of the Lord. Unrepentant Jews will be cast off (we can’t coast on ancestry, but must seek our own individual faith and righteousness). Many Lamanites and Jews will receive the Gospel and become “delightsome” (must find out more about that word). God’s work goes to all nations. There will be a division of the people, with the wicked being destroyed. Millennial peace is described. All things will be made known.

2 Nephi 31 – Christ’s baptism sets the example for us in obedience to commandments. Christ Himself did not need baptism to cleanse Him from sin, as we do, but still obeyed the commandment to receive the ordinance. One who denies Christ after receiving the Holy Ghost is in a worse position than someone who never knew Christ at all. We must endure to the end to be saved, feasting on God’s Word (happily, my spiritual appetite has picked back up this week (smile)). There is no way to salvation other than through Christ and obedience.

Section 33 – We are in the eleventh hour (see parable of the laborers in the vineyard in Matthew 20). Priestcrafts have led people astray. We are to repent and be baptized, and preach the need for this. Scriptures are given for our instruction. We need to be ready for Christ’s return (see parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25).

Section 34 – Believers become sons (and daughters) of God through the Atonement. Preaching the Gospel helps prepare the way for the Second Coming.

Section 35 – Signs and miracles come as a result of faith (rather than to generate faith). The Gospel is to be preached. Joseph Smith holds the keys of God’s authority unless he fails to abide in Christ, in which case the keys will be given to another (prophets will not be permitted to lead the Church away from the Lord’s will, or they will lose their place). The elect will see God and hear His voice.

Section 36 – Everyone receiving the Gospel is called to preach.

Moses 1-2 – Again, this is part of the JST of Genesis. We see in the JST much more detail about who Satan is and how he operates, details that were removed from the present Bible. Moses sees numberless other worlds of our God’s creation. Moses shows us that Satan can be defeated and dismissed by faith and calling on God’s power. Moses is told his records will be edited and information removed by the wicked, to be restored by one like him. Creation.

[Seanette]

“A Bible—A Bible”

At the end of the book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, the author, John, issues a warning and a curse upon any man who adds to or takes away from the book….(Revelation 22:18-19).

These verses of scripture have been cited repeatedly by those attempting to discredit the Book of Mormon….They assert that the Book of Mormon is an attempt to add to the words of the Bible….

A careful reading of the words makes it clear that the warning against adding to or taking away does not refer to the whole Bible or even to the New Testament, but to use John’s words, only to the words of “the book of this prophecy.” That is, the prophecy contained in the book of Revelation. This is substantiated by the fact that some of the books of the New Testament had not yet been written when John wrote the book of Revelation, and even those that had been written and were in existence at that time had not yet been gathered into one compilation.

The collection of writings consisting of the sixty-six books we know as the Bible were brought together and compiled into one volume long after John wrote the prophetic book that has been placed at the end of the collection. It is clear, therefore, that the terrible judgments pronounced upon those who add to the book could not possibly apply to the whole of the Bible…but only to the book of Revelation….

It is also interesting to note that John himself added to scripture after writing the book of Revelation, which is generally conceded to have been written while he was on the Isle of Patmos. It was long after John left Patmos that he wrote his first epistle….

A study of the revelations of the Lord in holy writ confirms the fact that it is continuous revelation that guides prophets and the Church in any age.

Howard W. Hunter, Conference Report, Apr. 1981 [salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981], 86-87

My usual response to this is to cite Deuteronomy 4:2, which says basically the same thing. By the logic most who cite those verses in Revelation use, we'd have to throw out everything after Deuteronomy, including the entire New Testament.