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 Rank: King  Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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From the Life of Joseph Smith
In September 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his family moved 30 miles southeast of Kirtland to Hiram, Ohio, where they lived for about a year in the home of John and Alice (also known as Elsa) Johnson. In this home, the Prophet did much of his work on the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible.
This important work, which the Prophet called a “branch of my calling,” contributes significantly to our understanding of the plan of salvation. The Prophet began this work in June 1830 when the Lord commanded him to begin making an inspired revision of the King James Version of the Bible. The Prophet had long known that the Bible was not always clear on some important matters. He had noted that Moroni quoted some biblical passages to him “with a little variation from the way [they read] in our Bibles” (Joseph Smith—History 1:36). While translating 1 Nephi 13:23–29, he learned that many “parts which are plain and most precious” had been taken out of the Bible, including “many covenants of the Lord” (1 Nephi 13:26).
The Prophet later said: “I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors. … Look at [Hebrews 6:1] for contradictions—‘Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.’ If a man leaves the principles of the doctrine of Christ, how can he be saved in the principles? This is a contradiction. I don’t believe it. I will render it as it should be—‘Therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.’ ”
As guided by the Spirit, Joseph spent about three years going through the Bible, making thousands of corrections to the text and restoring information that had been lost. This restored information sheds marvelous light on many doctrines that are not clearly presented in the Bible as it exists today. These inspired revisions to the text of the Bible are known as the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Hundreds of passages from the Joseph Smith Translation are now included in the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible.
The Prophet’s translation of the Bible was an important part of his own spiritual education and the unfolding restoration of gospel truth. As he revised the Old and New Testaments, he often received revelations clarifying or expanding upon biblical passages. In this way, the Prophet received many doctrines from the Lord, including those now found in Doctrine and Covenants 74, 76, 77, 86, and 91, and in portions of many other sections of the Doctrine and Covenants.
When the Prophet first began his translation of the Bible in June 1830, the Lord revealed to him a lengthy passage from the writings of Moses. This passage became chapter 1 of the book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price. It records a vision in which Moses saw and conversed with God—a vision so remarkable that Joseph Smith called it “a precious morsel” and “a supply of strength.” In this vision, God taught Moses the fundamental purpose of the great plan of salvation:
“And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: … For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:37, 39).
The doctrines, ordinances, and promises that constitute the plan of salvation were revealed to the earth in these latter days through the Prophet Joseph Smith. As one who clearly understood the importance of this plan, the Prophet declared: “The great plan of salvation is a theme which ought to occupy our strict attention, and be regarded as one of heaven’s best gifts to mankind.”
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Rank: King Joined: 6/6/2008 Posts: 1,660
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It can no longer be the KJB Jerry if it has been altered. That is pure subtrafuge on the part of the LDS. Your version has alterations and editions that the KJB does not have. Why not call it what it is . The Bible as interpreted by the LDS. His correction of Hebrews 6:1 was erroneous because he did not understand the meaning of " LEAVING". There is a little foot note in my bible saying that leaving meant 'GOING ON". Jesus had set down the principles and we were to go on from there. You see JS wasn't as smart as you give him credit for. Moses had no idea of the plan of salvation. His one task was to go to Egypt and plead for deliverence of the Hebrews and to bring them to the Promised land. There is no direct mention of God's plan of Salvation. God never had it written in the Bible 'THIS IS HOW I AM GOING TO DO IT." It is only since the bible has been put into its present form have we been able to study it from cover to cover and understand His plan as bits and pieces come together in different books. Until the time of Jesus the Hebrews believed in a Messiah that would free them from the bondage of oppression put upon them by the Roman conquests. One of the reasons they rejected Jesus was because He did not come as a Powerful King with a sword in His hand to slay the oppressors. JS altered the bible to suit his own doctrines. Where did he get these long LOST bits that were taken out of the original bible.? His very own words show his contempt for the organized churches. He had no formal education and yet he claimed "ignorant translators." dajcat
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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dajcat wrote:It can no longer be the KJB Jerry if it has been altered. That is pure subtrafuge on the part of the LDS. Your version has alterations and editions that the KJB does not have. Why not call it what it is . The Bible as interpreted by the LDS. His correction of Hebrews 6:1 was erroneous because he did not understand the meaning of " LEAVING". There is a little foot note in my bible saying that leaving meant 'GOING ON". Jesus had set down the principles and we were to go on from there. You see JS wasn't as smart as you give him credit for. Moses had no idea of the plan of salvation. His one task was to go to Egypt and plead for deliverence of the Hebrews and to bring them to the Promised land. There is no direct mention of God's plan of Salvation. God never had it written in the Bible 'THIS IS HOW I AM GOING TO DO IT." It is only since the bible has been put into its present form have we been able to study it from cover to cover and understand His plan as bits and pieces come together in different books. Until the time of Jesus the Hebrews believed in a Messiah that would free them from the bondage of oppression put upon them by the Roman conquests. One of the reasons they rejected Jesus was because He did not come as a Powerful King with a sword in His hand to slay the oppressors. JS altered the bible to suit his own doctrines. Where did he get these long LOST bits that were taken out of the original bible.? His very own words show his contempt for the organized churches. He had no formal education and yet he claimed "ignorant translators." dajcat 1 Nephi 14:7 For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work a great and a marvelous work among the children of men; a work which shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other—either to the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds unto their being brought down into captivity, and also into destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the devil, of which I have spoken.
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 Rank: Knight  Joined: 7/31/2008 Posts: 48
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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THE BOOK OF ALMA
THE SON OF ALMA
An account of the preaching of Aaron, and Muloki, and their brethren, to the Lamanites. Comprising chapters 21 to 26 inclusive.
CHAPTER 21
Aaron teaches the Amalekites about Christ and his atonement—Aaron and his brethren are imprisoned in Middoni—After their deliverance they teach in the synagogues and make many converts—Lamoni grants religious freedom to the people in the land of Ishmael. Between 90 and 77 B.C.
1 Now when Ammon and his brethren separated themselves in the borders of the land of the Lamanites, behold Aaron took his journey towards the land which was called by the Lamanites, Jerusalem, calling it after the land of their fathers’ nativity; and it was away joining the borders of Mormon.
2 Now the Lamanites and the Amalekites and the people of Amulon had built a great city, which was called Jerusalem.
3 Now the Lamanites of themselves were sufficiently hardened, but the Amalekites and the Amulonites were still harder; therefore they did cause the Lamanites that they should harden their hearts, that they should wax strong in wickedness and their abominations.
4 And it came to pass that Aaron came to the city of Jerusalem, and first began to preach to the Amalekites. And he began to preach to them in their synagogues, for they had built synagogues after the order of the Nehors; for many of the Amalekites and the Amulonites were after the order of the Nehors.
5 Therefore, as Aaron entered into one of their synagogues to preach unto the people, and as he was speaking unto them, behold there arose an Amalekite and began to contend with him, saying: What is that thou hast testified? Hast thou seen an angel? Why do not angels appear unto us? Behold are not this people as good as thy people?
6 Thou also sayest, except we repent we shall perish. How knowest thou the thought and intent of our hearts? How knowest thou that we have cause to repent? How knowest thou that we are not a righteous people? Behold, we have built sanctuaries, and we do assemble ourselves together to worship God. We do believe that God will save all men.
7 Now Aaron said unto him: Believest thou that the Son of God shall come to redeem mankind from their sins?
8 And the man said unto him: We do not believe that thou knowest any such thing. We do not believe in these foolish traditions. We do not believe that thou knowest of things to come, neither do we believe that thy fathers and also that our fathers did know concerning the things which they spake, of that which is to come.
9 Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood.
10 And it came to pass as he began to expound these things unto them they were angry with him, and began to mock him; and they would not hear the words which he spake.
11 Therefore, when he saw that they would not hear his words, he departed out of their synagogue, and came over to a village which was called Ani-Anti, and there he found Muloki preaching the word unto them; and also Ammah and his brethren. And they contended with many about the word.
12 And it came to pass that they saw that the people would harden their hearts, therefore they departed and came over into the land of Middoni. And they did preach the word unto many, and few believed on the words which they taught.
13 Nevertheless, Aaron and a certain number of his brethren were taken and cast into prison, and the remainder of them fled out of the land of Middoni unto the regions round about.
14 And those who were cast into prison suffered many things, and they were delivered by the hand of Lamoni and Ammon, and they were fed and clothed.
15 And they went forth again to declare the word, and thus they were delivered for the first time out of prison; and thus they had suffered.
16 And they went forth whithersoever they were led by the Spirit of the Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the Amalekites, or in every assembly of the Lamanites where they could be admitted.
17 And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, they did convince many of their sins, and of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.
18 And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni returned from the land of Middoni to the land of Ishmael, which was the land of their inheritance.
19 And king Lamoni would not suffer that Ammon should serve him, or be his servant.
20 But he caused that there should be synagogues built in the land of Ishmael; and he caused that his people, or the people who were under his reign, should assemble themselves together.
21 And he did rejoice over them, and he did teach them many things. And he did also declare unto them that they were a people who were under him, and that they were a free people, that they were free from the oppressions of the king, his father; for that his father had granted unto him that he might reign over the people who were in the land of Ishmael, and in all the land round about.
22 And he also declared unto them that they might have the liberty of worshiping the Lord their God according to their desires, in whatsoever place they were in, if it were in the land which was under the reign of king Lamoni.
23 And Ammon did preach unto the people of king Lamoni; and it came to pass that he did teach them all things concerning things pertaining to righteousness. And he did exhort them daily, with all diligence; and they gave heed unto his word, and they were zealous for keeping the commandments of God.
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Rank: King  Joined: 10/7/2009 Posts: 1,121 Location: Purgatory
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Jerry, What is the Mormon's take on the spiritual battle going on? Paraphrased is just as good as posting exact verse. I'll take whateve ryou have the time to share. If you have phrases and verses that you can post or even just where to look in the BOM or Bible, that's fine too. Thanks! "I am one of those unhappy persons who inspire bores to the greatest flights of art. "
Edith Sitwell
"Inka-Dinka-Du" -Jimmy Durante
Contemplating manifestations hidden in buried wounds. Bleed forth bringing old pains to new light Every step is cleansing, renewing and growing In the inertia of cycles, new inspiration flows like Wisdom's kiss.
(c) 2010 N. Marie L...
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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nicolini wrote:Jerry,
What is the Mormon's take on the spiritual battle going on? Paraphrased is just as good as posting exact verse. I'll take whatever you have the time to share. If you have phrases and verses that you can post or even just where to look in the BOM or Bible, that's fine too. Thanks! Hi Nic
I am sorry but I am not quite sure what you are asking. I'll be happy to answer, but I could potentially take your question in a couple of ways and my answer might not be what you were looking for. Spiritual battle in what context?
Jerry
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Rank: King Joined: 10/7/2009 Posts: 1,121 Location: Purgatory
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Most Christians believe that there is a spiritual battle going on that we are not in tuned to in our earthly existance. (With our own earthly eyeballs we cannot see what is going on). Just checking. "I am one of those unhappy persons who inspire bores to the greatest flights of art. "
Edith Sitwell
"Inka-Dinka-Du" -Jimmy Durante
Contemplating manifestations hidden in buried wounds. Bleed forth bringing old pains to new light Every step is cleansing, renewing and growing In the inertia of cycles, new inspiration flows like Wisdom's kiss.
(c) 2010 N. Marie L...
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Rank: King Joined: 10/7/2009 Posts: 1,121 Location: Purgatory
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.....but give me your 'couple of ways' answers too please. I'd like to get all levels of understanding on this. "I am one of those unhappy persons who inspire bores to the greatest flights of art. "
Edith Sitwell
"Inka-Dinka-Du" -Jimmy Durante
Contemplating manifestations hidden in buried wounds. Bleed forth bringing old pains to new light Every step is cleansing, renewing and growing In the inertia of cycles, new inspiration flows like Wisdom's kiss.
(c) 2010 N. Marie L...
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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Hi Nic
The answer to your question is not going to be a short one, for which I apologize for in advance. I am going to break my answer into several segments which will be labeled.
The War in Heaven
Our earliest indication of the conflict is recorded in the scriptures as the War in Heaven, meaning a war that was waged among the spirit children of God in the premortal life. It began, so far as we know, with the rebellion of Lucifer against God over a difference about how God's spirit children, of whom Lucifer was one, could become like God (see Moses 4:1-4; Abr. 3:23-28; D&C 76:25-26). We do not know how long the war lasted, but we do know something of the contending armies and the issues. Each side had a major advocate and many followers. The Father's Firstborn, whom we know as Jesus Christ, defended and supported the Father's plan of salvation. Lucifer, who became the devil, wanted some modifications. Fundamentally the differences were over (1) the principle of agency, which is always coupled with individual responsibility, and (2) the fact that godhood, with ultimate perfection, can be obtained only through individual effort and excellence. Jesus stood for the absolute necessity of these principles; Lucifer opposed them. It was recognized that if individuals had their agency and if there existed a need for individual effort, then some would not be saved. Lucifer offered to save all people but not by requiring individuals to consciously strive for excellence. Since he would save them himself, Lucifer wanted the glory and credit. Jesus defended the Father's plan (the gospel), which requires agency, individual effort, and accountability. He gave the glory to the Father.
The war was severe, and it had eternal consequences. Every kind of sin (with the possible exception of sins involving death) was present in that premortal state, and there were many casualties. Repentance was in order for all who sinned, and forgiveness in that premortal life was available through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to the plan of salvation (see D&C 93:38). This was not a war just of words and debate and forensics. It was a war of misdeeds, lies, hatred, pride, jealousy, remorse, envy, cursing, blasphemy, deception, theft, cajoling, slander, anger, and sins of almost every kind that are also known in mortality. The issues were so well defined that coexistence was not possible. Those who wholeheartedly supported Lucifer's rebellion became like him; and after having sinned beyond the possibility of reclamation, they were cast out of heaven and placed (as spirits) upon the earth, never to have the opportunity to be born with a body of flesh and bone. The precise number who thus rebelled we do not know, but the scriptures speak of them as a "third part" of the spirits who were originally scheduled for birth into mortality (see Rev. 12:4; D&C 29:36). If a "third part" means one-third, then there are half as many evil spirits as the remaining two-thirds who are privileged to come to earth through the birth process and obtain physical bodies. That is, there are half as many spirits who rebelled and were cast out as all the mortals who ever have been born or will be born into this world to the end of the Millennium. These rebellious spirits are "the devil and his angels" and also "vessels of wrath" (D&C 29:36-37; 76:33). They are literally devils, forever miserable, and they are enemies of Christ and of all who align themselves with Christ. They are enemies of the Father's plan and with as many mortals as they can influence, do the devil's bidding on this earth.
Among the righteous, led by the Savior in that premortal war, were many notable men and women. The Lord's chief assistant was Michael, who later came to earth as Adam. There were also many men and women who are called "the noble and great ones" (Abr. 3:22-23), who are chosen to become the prophets and apostles and servants of God on this earth. They, with the rest of the two-thirds of the spirits, are born one by one into mortality. During their mortal probation these spirits with their physical bodies soon find that the war in which they were engaged during the premortal life is raging here on the earth also. In the process of being born, the memory and knowledge of the premortal life is taken away, so the natural man and woman know nothing of their situation in relation to this war. However, when they read the revelations of God, they learn in a general manner who they are, where they came from, that they were on the Lord's side in the premortal war, and what their course of action should be in this mortal sphere. If they do not read or believe the revelations, the natural man and woman do not perceive the nature or purpose of their life or their responsibilities or even that a war exists.
In reality, then, we first became acquainted with the "two ways" in our premortal life, and it was there also that we first became acquainted with Jesus Christ and learned that only in the gospel can we find the knowledge, the tools, and the power to combat the devil's program of defeat and enslavement.
There Can Be No Neutral Position
Just as the consequences of the War in Heaven were severe and decisive, so also are the consequences of that war, which is now transferred to earth, equally severe and decisive. Neither conflict was a practice session; both are real, and both are of such a nature that every person is involved and affected. In neither war could there be a neutral ground. Why is that? Because when a task must be performed by a certain time and the consequences are crucial, so-called neutrality by an able-bodied person is an aid and advantage to the enemy. Neutrality under such circumstances renders comfort and assistance to the opposite side. Such feigned neutrality is twice measured, not only in the help it gives the opposition but in the lack of help that could have been given had the person chosen a side. Not to take a stand is in effect taking a stand for the opposition.
The same principles and issues are still in operation, and the same contenders now find themselves on a new battleground (earth) fighting an old war. It is made new by its introduction to this world at the Fall of Adam and is renewed for each individual as he or she is born into mortality. As each of us grows to maturity and begins to sense the conditions of the world around us, we come to realize that these two major forces are at work in the world, affecting every soul. If we have taken the holy scriptures as our guide, we see more clearly the nature of the conflict and what we as individuals must do about it.
With this introduction we are ready to pursue a segment of Nephi's writings as he warns of the devil's work on the earth and tells of the Lord's plan of salvation and defense for humanity. Among the things that Nephi makes clear is that the Lord works in plainness, in truth, and in goodness for the benefit of the world, whereas the devil deals in deception and cunning, appealing to people's pride and physical appetites until he captures their souls in chains and destruction. This is not a pretty prospect, but it is a fair warning that our enemy is clever and will employ every deceptive and devilish means to accomplish his desires.
In this selected portion of Nephi's prophecy, possibly more than in any other place in the scriptures, particular detail is given about the devil's manner of operation and about how he carefully traps people. It may seem strange that a book of God would contain so much about the devil and his ways, but it is necessary in order that mortals might recognize evil when they see it and know how to prepare against it. The Book of Mormon not only shows us what the gospel of Christ is, but it also shows us what it is not.
Christ's Coming to the Nephites Foretold
In 2 Ne. 26:1-2, Nephi wrote that after the Messiah had risen from the dead, he would appear personally to the Nephites, show them his resurrected body, and give them a law for their guidance. This new law would be necessary because, as Nephi had already explained in chapter 25, Christ would fulfill the law of Moses when he came (see 2 Ne. 25:24-30). The Lord would replace the Mosaic law with the gospel.
Nephi had seen in a vision the future of the Nephites and knew that extensive wickedness would exist among them and that they would experience wars and destructions. He saw that the Nephites would be informed of the birth and the death of Jesus by various signs, yet they would persist in their wickedness. Great earthquakes and other calamities would eventually slay the more wicked among them, after which Jesus in his glory would appear personally to the righteous who remained. (See 2 Ne. 26:3-9).
Nephi did not state categorically that God himself would cause the natural calamities such as earthquakes, floods, and whirlwinds for the express purpose of slaying the wicked, but he definitely implied it, and it is also inherent in the message of his prophecy. For example, in 2 Ne. 26:6 he identified the thunder, lightning, and earthquakes as "the fire of the anger of the Lord" against the wicked. And in verse 7 Nephi lamented in "pain and anguish" that his people were so thoroughly destroyed, but he acknowledged that God's "ways are just." Such expressions show that Nephi viewed these "natural" occurrences as God-sent. In 2 Ne. 26:8 Nephi observed that the righteous who hearkened unto the words of the prophets would not be destroyed. These observations by Nephi deal with an interesting spiritual law regulating this mortal earth, showing that the behavior of human beings can affect and influence the so-called "natural" phenomena. The language of the scriptures also suggests that God uses these "natural" occurrences to punish or at times to reward his children. These expressions cannot simply be a manner of speaking or a literary device, for they are basic not only to Nephi's warning but also to the prophecy of Zenos cited in 1 Ne. 19:10-12 and the words of the Lord in 3 Ne. 9-10, wherein the literal fulfillment of these prophecies is reported and the voice of the Lord proclaims that it is he himself who has sent the destruction in consequence of the wickedness of the people.
Stumbling Block and Priestcraft
Nephi wrote that in the last days not only would the descendants of his people need to be taught the gospel and be reclaimed from their apostasy but that the Jews and the Gentiles would likewise need to be taught and reclaimed (see 2 Ne. 26:12-15). He mentioned also that the record of the Nephites would have been written and sealed up, literally hidden in the ground, for safekeeping. Subsequent verses show that the Nephite record, the Book of Mormon, was to be preserved "untouched" so as to be available for later use as a witness of what the Lord had actually said. The Book of Mormon is thus spoken of in contrast to the Bible, which has suffered change at the hands of men.
Nephi explained that the Gentiles in the last days would be lifted up in pride and would "have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block." As a result they would have "built up many churches," which would lack the power of God (see 2 Ne. 26:20). What the stumbling block is, Nephi did not say at that point, but he had used the identical language earlier to explain that the Gentiles would stumble because the Bible had been significantly altered and was thus lacking "many plain and precious parts" that had been taken out of it (see 1 Ne. 13:28-35).
In view of Nephi's earlier prophecy and explanation about plain and precious parts being taken from the Bible, we can ascertain that the Gentiles' great stumbling block in the last days would be the lack of knowledge and spiritual understanding because of their imperfect Bible, which is the only scriptural record they have ever had. Part of the doctrinal deficiency of the Bible would be made up through the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, as explained in 1 Ne. 13:35-42. Nephi wrote further about the spiritual contribution of the Book of Mormon in 2 Ne. 26 and 27.
Nephi continued his prophecy in 2 Ne. 26, where he described conditions among the Gentiles of the last days. It is a description of spiritual poverty because the Gentiles (1) would be "lifted up in the pride of their eyes"; (2) would stumble spiritually, as noted earlier, because of their stumbling block; (3) would preach for religious doctrine their own ideas gained through their own wisdom and learning; (4) would preach for financial gain; (5) would deny the miracles and power of God;  would be filled with envy, malice, and strife; and (7) would support secret combinations from the devil. All this can be classified as priestcraft (see 2 Ne. 26:20-31).
Priestcraft is specifically and categorically condemned by the Lord. Nephi said that priestcraft occurs when "men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion" (2 Ne. 26:29).
In contrast to the ways of man and the devil, Nephi said that the Lord "doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world . . . even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him" (2 Ne. 26:24). Furthermore, "he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men" (2 Ne. 26:33). The devil works through priestcraft, whereas the Lord works with charity, which is the love of Christ (see 2 Ne. 26:30-31; Moro. 7:45).
The Lord Is Able to Do His Own Work
Nephi stated that in the last days, there would be universal apostasy from the things of God, both among the Gentiles and also among the Jews, not only in this land but in other lands, "yea, even upon all the lands of the earth" (2 Ne. 27:1).
Paraphrasing Isa. 29:7-9, Nephi wrote that conditions in the last days would be as though a hungry and thirsty man dreams that he eats and drinks, but when he awakens from his dream he is still hungry and thirsty; or in other words, his appetite is unsatisfied. This is indicative of the spiritual hunger people have and of the inability of man-made religions to save souls. The people stagger, he wrote, in spiritual drunkenness and blindness.
Nephi explained that in the midst of this worldwide confusion and apostasy, the Lord would bring forth a book that was sealed. The book would contain the word of God and a "revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof" (2 Ne. 27:7). Latter-day Saints are familiar with the details of this prophecy and know of the circumstances wherein Martin Harris took a transcript from the Book of Mormon to Professor Charles Anthon in New York City (see Joseph Smith—History 1:20-21). 1 For the purposes of this particular commentary I have chosen not to retell the account so well chronicled in the other sources but instead to briefly indicate that the prophecy of the sealed book, the learned man, the unlearned man, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and the withholding of the sealed portion until people have more faith are part of the larger message of the "two ways" and the ongoing conflict between the work of God and the works of wickedness on the earth.
In 2 Ne. 27 we find these words of the Lord condemning the unbelieving attitude so often characteristic of the learning of the world: "The book shall be hid from the eyes of the world" (v. 12); the learned seek to read the book for the wrong reasons, "because of the glory of the world, and to get gain . . . and not for the glory of God" (vv. 15-16). Then shall the Lord God say to the unlearned man, "The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them," meaning they have rejected the idea of such a book and also rejected the words of the book (v. 20).
The Lord then repeatedly said that he would show to the world that he "can do his own work" (vv. 20-21) by causing the unlearned man to translate the book by miraculous means. In other words, the Lord will bring forth his word by faith and not by the learning of men. The point is unmistakably clear that the Lord did not want the Book of Mormon to come forth by the wisdom of the world. Such would have been contrary to the way God has always worked with the human family. It is by faith and miracles, not by pride, learning, and worldly means, that God brings forth his word. To assure us that God will work only by faith, Nephi quoted the Lord as saying: "I am able to do my own work . . . for behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith" (vv. 21, 23). "Therefore," said the Lord, "I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid" (v. 26). This is a strong rejection by the Lord of the pride and the learning of the world and a bold insistence that the Lord can do his own work his own way. As a result of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, many who were "blind" shall see, many who were "deaf" shall hear, and many "that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine" (vv. 29-35).
We can quickly see that 2 Ne. 27 is saying that the Book of Mormon is one of the Lord's effective weapons to enable us to fight against the work and influence of the devil. If we believe the words of the Book of Mormon, we can more readily detect the false doctrines of the world in every category, be they religious, political, or anything else.
The book is spoken of as being "sealed." Because a portion of the gold plates obtained by Joseph Smith was sealed, we have generally identified that portion as the sealed book spoken of in Isa. 29 and 2 Ne. 27. However, neither Isaiah nor Nephi clearly differentiate between the sealed and unsealed portions of the book. It may be that the "seal" Nephi was speaking of is that the message of the Book of Mormon (even the unsealed and published part) is "sealed" to anyone without faith, to anyone who trusts in the learning of the world and rejects the revelations of God.
Although the book itself (meaning the gold plates) would be "hid from the world," the message of the book (except the sealed portion) is to go forth to all the world. In order to make the record legally binding or, in scriptural terminology, in order to "establish his word," the Lord promised to provide three witnesses "besides him to whom the book [would] be delivered." These witnesses would behold the book "by the power of God" and would "testify to the truth of the book and the things therein" (2 Ne. 27:12, 14). Those familiar with the history of the Church and with the Book of Mormon will recognize the fulfillment of this in the testimony of the Three Witnesses, printed in every copy of the Book of Mormon (see also D&C 17).
The law of witnesses is discussed in Deut. 19:15, which states that one witness is not sufficient to completely establish a matter and that "at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established." This principle is renewed in the New Testament by the Savior and the Apostles (see John 5:31-39; 8:13; 2 Cor. 13:1; 1 Tim. 5:19). The stipulation that there be witnesses does not mean that the testimony of one witness cannot also be true but rather that two or three witnesses make the matter legally binding. It is the Lord's way of leaving the unbeliever without excuse.
The Devil's Manner of Operation
In the meantime, the devil continues his warfare against the things of God. Being subtle and crafty, he sees no threat to his kingdom if there are many churches, as long as those churches do not teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2 Ne. 28 delineates how well Satan has succeeded in the earth in the last days. Nephi prophesied that there would be many churches but that their priests would "teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost" and would say that the Lord no longer works by miracles, for "he hath done his work" (2 Ne. 28:3-6).
Another false teaching will be from those who say, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die, and if we have sinned, God will smite us a little, and in the end we will be saved" (2 Ne. 28:7 ). Nephi branded this as a false, vain, and foolish doctrine (see 2 Ne. 28:9).
One of the assertions of these chapters is that the conditions described are not isolated or local but are worldwide, universal, and deeply entrenched among all people. This is not to say that there are no good people nor people who desire to do good. But as Nephi observed, the whole of mankind "have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men" (2 Ne. 28:14).
The tenor of Nephi's prophecy is that the whole world is engulfed in pride, sophistry, worldly learning, false teaching, and wickedness. The Apostasy has infiltrated the churches, but also false thinking and false philosophy have penetrated every avenue in human activity: educational institutions, government, families, business, industry, and all else. In the midst of this, the Book of Mormon comes to light by miraculous means to guide those who have faith. It is especially effective because having been hidden in the earth for centuries and translated miraculously, it still contains its original purity and plainness.
Nephi summarized the worldly conditions and the success of the devil with an extensive statement about how the devil works. The devil causes some to fight against the things that are good—even to the extent that he["rage[s] in their hearts" to stir them up to anger. Others he pacifies and lulls away into false security, and they say, "All is well, Zion prospers, everything is fine." Some he flatters and tells that "there is no hell and no devil," and because they believe it, they fail to see the war or fail to sense that they have any obligation in the matter. (2 Ne. 28:20-21.) Or they might think they are serving the Lord, when in reality they are too passive or perhaps too vigorous. This is seduction of the worst and most devilish sort because it leads otherwise honest souls to think they are serving God when in reality they are not. Joseph Smith wrote that "nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God." 2 "And thus," said Nephi, "the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell . . . and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance" (2 Ne. 28:21-22). Or as Nephi explained in another place, the devil leads people "by the neck," first "with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever" (2 Ne. 26:22).
According to Nephi the danger comes when we put our trust in man or "hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost" (2 Ne. 28:31). Putting trust in man means trusting in worldly systems, institutions, and philosophies.
It would be difficult to miss the underlying message of 2 Ne. 26-28, that the devil has been highly successful in beguiling humanity; corrupting the scriptures; invading the churches; and causing widespread wickedness, murders, deceptions, and apostasy. At the same time, the Lord, through faith and miracles, has brought forth his scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, as a beacon to all who love righteousness. The deception of pride, riches, worldly learning, and public acclaim are clearly outlined in this prophecy. Again we see that the mission of the Book of Mormon is not only to tell us what the gospel of Jesus Christ is but also to detail what the gospel is not.
Three Great Scriptural Witnesses for the Lord
The law of witnesses was referred to earlier in connection with 2 Ne. 27:12-14. This subject is again taken up in 2 Ne. 29 and is applied this time not to individual people who are witnesses but to the books of scripture that are witnesses for the Lord.
Nephi quoted the Lord as having said to him, "The words of your seed [the Book of Mormon] should proceed forth out of my mouth unto your seed; and . . . unto the ends of the earth, for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel" (2 Ne. 29:2). In other words, the Book of Mormon is to set the standard, showing the word of God and his particular dealings with the Nephite people and all the house of Israel.
Nephi was told by the Lord that many who think they believe the Bible will not accept the Book of Mormon because they think they already have the complete word of the Lord. To counteract this narrow view, the Lord explained that since there are more nations than one, there are more testimonies than one and that the testimony of two nations is a witness that the Lord is God. The two witnesses in this case are the Bible as a record of the Jews and the Book of Mormon as a record of the Nephites. The Lord expressed astonishment and near-disgust that the Gentiles would seemingly cling so dearly to the Bible and yet fail to appreciate the Jews (especially the Jewish prophets) who made the Bible possible (see 2 Ne. 29:3-6).
Since there are more nations than one and since the Lord remembers all his people, he affirms that all his words are not in just one book (the Bible), for he has spoken and will continue to speak to his people everywhere and command them to write his words. He warns us that he speaks the same words (meaning the same principles) to one nation as to another and that the world will be judged by the words that are written (see 2 Ne. 29:7-11).
The Lord then showed that there are to be three major written testimonies of Christ to come forth: (1) the Bible (of the Jews), (2) the Book of Mormon (of the Nephites), and (3) the records of the lost tribes of Israel, which we do not yet have. These three records are to be shared by each group so that each will eventually have the records of the others. And when Israel is gathered, the records will also be gathered (see 2 Ne. 29:13-14). By these three records, the law of witnesses will be honored and the word of God established.
These records do not consist only of single books from each major branch of Israel. Just as the Bible is a collection of many books and the Book of Mormon is a collection also, likewise the record of the ten lost tribes will probably be a collection of various books. It will tell us, when it is received, about the Savior's visit to the ten tribes after his appearance to the Nephites. However, since Ephraim was the leading tribe among the lost tribes anciently, perhaps our current Doctrine and Covenants should be viewed in perspective as a witness for Jesus Christ among latter-day Ephraim, to be combined someday with the other records of the lost tribes when they come forth.
Among the things to be accomplished by the multiple books of scripture are: (1) to give a multiple witness of Christ; (2) to show that the Lord does speak the same gospel to one people as to another; and (3) to prove that God does honor his covenant that he made with Abraham, promising to remember his seed forever (see 2 Ne. 29:14).
The Eventual Restoration of All the House of Israel
Nephi continued his prophecy by declaring that eventually the Lord's people would not only be gathered but also restored. These are two different conditions. Not only will Israel be gathered geographically from their long dispersion throughout the world but the gospel will be "declared among them," and they will "be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers, and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their fathers." This restoration will take place among all the branches of Israel—the Jews, the seed of Nephi, and the lost tribes, even among "all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people" (2 Ne. 30:3).
Nephi explained an important concept that is sometimes overlooked by persons who take undue pride in being part of the covenant race but who fail to recognize that blessings are based on righteousness. He pointed out that the Israelites should not think they are more righteous than the Gentiles solely on the basis of Israelite lineage. Nor should they suppose that all of the Gentiles will be utterly destroyed. Nephi explained the doctrine this way: "As many of the Gentiles as will repent are the covenant people of the Lord; and as many of the Jews as will not repent shall be cast off; for the Lord covenanteth with none save it be with them that repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel" (2 Ne. 30:1-2).
This principle is known as "gospel adoption," and by it one who is a Gentile by lineage may be adopted into the house of Israel. John the Baptist understood this principle and taught it to the Jews of his day, saying to them, "God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham" (Joseph Smith Translation, Matt. 3:36; Luke 3:13). The "stones" obviously had reference to the Gentiles. 3 Paul taught the same thing in Gal. 3:25-29, showing that by accepting the gospel of Christ, the Gentiles become the seed of Abraham. This is a fundamental provision of the covenant made to Abraham, as recorded in Abr. 2:10, that "as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father."
The other part of the statement cited by Nephi, which says that as "many of the Jews as will not repent shall be cast off," needs some explanation. This principle applies to all who are Israelites by blood lineage. It does not mean only the Jews in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. This is made clear by the fact that Nephi was writing to his people, who were of Joseph's lineage. Paul dealt with this subject also, saying, "They are not all Israel, which are of Israel" (Rom. 9:6). By this Paul meant that some who are of Israel by lineage are not living up to their spiritual privileges and therefore will not receive the blessings that could have been theirs as sons and daughters of Abraham and of the family of Jacob, even though they are of that blood lineage.
2 Ne. 30 closes with the promise of a complete restoration of the work of God on this earth. An entire separation between the wicked and the righteous will occur. The wicked will be destroyed by fire, and peace will be established throughout the earth. Nephi closes with excerpts from Isa. 11, showing that in the coming era of peace, the animal kingdom shall lose its enmity so that even a lion and a lamb shall lie down together in harmony. The portion of the human race that survives the burning will be righteous and will make war no more. Then the whole earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, and he will make all things known unto his children. Satan and his followers will be bound, and people will no longer follow the devil. At this point Christ will have prevailed, the "war" will cease, and peace will reign on earth "for a long time" (2 Ne. 30:10-18).
We know from other scriptures, chiefly D&C 88:110-16, that this period is the Millennium and that after the thousand years of peace, there will be another season of wickedness. Then the devil, his influence, and his followers will be banished from this earth forever. However, Nephi in his prophecy chose to close with the millennial period.
It looks like I have some unwanted musical notes etc. I guess they do not have the bugs worked out of it yet.
Jerry
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Rank: King Joined: 6/6/2008 Posts: 1,660
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Hi Nic
The answer to your question is not going to be a short one, for which I apologize for in advance. I am going to break my answer into several segments which will be labeled.
The War in Heaven
Our earliest indication of the conflict is recorded in the scriptures as the War in Heaven,
Nic this first sentence should have warned you that this is nothing but Mormon Theology. Using the word Scripture should have been enough. Whose Scripture? Certainly not Christian scripture. Nephti is not telling us anything that the bible had not already stated. D&C 88:110-16 is taken from Revelations so is 2 Nephti30 I hope you will not be misled by Mormon Theology. david
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Rank: King Joined: 6/6/2008 Posts: 1,660
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Nic, remember your Catechism.. what are we to fight ? (a spiritual battle) the world ,the flesh , and the devil.to give you the exact wording from the bible regarding Spiritual battles in high places go to Ephesians 6:12 "FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES.
Where does Jerry get his information about this war in heaven. So much detail. Revelations 12 only give us about a half dozen verses on this war and all we know is that Michael the Arch angel fought the battle with a host of other angels and won. Jesus mentions no war. His only statement was "I saw satan fall from heaven like lightning." Luke 10:18 david
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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THE BOOK OF ALMA
THE SON OF ALMA
CHAPTER 22
Aaron teaches Lamoni’s father about the creation, the fall of Adam, and the plan of redemption through Christ—The king and all his household are converted—How the land was divided between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Between 90 and 77 B.C.
1 Now, as Ammon was thus teaching the people of Lamoni continually, we will return to the account of Aaron and his brethren; for after he departed from the land of Middoni he was led by the Spirit to the land of Nephi, even to the house of the king which was over all the land save it were the land of Ishmael; and he was the father of Lamoni.
2 And it came to pass that he went in unto him into the king’s palace, with his brethren, and bowed himself before the king, and said unto him: Behold, O king, we are the brethren of Ammon, whom thou hast delivered out of prison.
3 And now, O king, if thou wilt spare our lives, we will be thy servants. And the king said unto them: Arise, for I will grant unto you your lives, and I will not suffer that ye shall be my servants; but I will insist that ye shall administer unto me; for I have been somewhat troubled in mind because of the generosity and the greatness of the words of thy brother Ammon; and I desire to know the cause why he has not come up out of Middoni with thee.
4 And Aaron said unto the king: Behold, the Spirit of the Lord has called him another way; he has gone to the land of Ishmael, to teach the people of Lamoni.
5 Now the king said unto them: What is this that ye have said concerning the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, this is the thing which doth trouble me.
6 And also, what is this that Ammon said—If ye will repent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast off at the last day?
7 And Aaron answered him and said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God? And the king said: I know that the Amalekites say that there is a God, and I have granted unto them that they should build sanctuaries, that they may assemble themselves together to worship him. And if now thou sayest there is a God, behold I will believe.
8 And now when Aaron heard this, his heart began to rejoice, and he said: Behold, assuredly as thou livest, O king, there is a God.
9 And the king said: Is God that Great Spirit that brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem?
10 And Aaron said unto him: Yea, he is that Great Spirit, and he created all things both in heaven and in earth. Believest thou this?
11 And he said: Yea, I believe that the Great Spirit created all things, and I desire that ye should tell me concerning all these things, and I will believe thy words.
12 And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe his words, he began from the creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto the king—how God created man after his own image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen.
13 And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.
14 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the egrave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king.
15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
16 But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.
17 And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these words, the king did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even he did prostrate himself upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying:
18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead.
19 And it came to pass that his servants ran and told the queen all that had happened unto the king. And she came in unto the king; and when she saw him lay as if he were dead, and also Aaron and his brethren standing as though they had been the cause of his fall, she was angry with them, and commanded that her servants, or the servants of the king, should take them and slay them.
20 Now the servants had seen the cause of the king’s fall, therefore they durst not lay their hands on Aaron and his brethren; and they pled with the queen saying: Why commandest thou that we should slay these men, when behold one of them is mightier than us all? Therefore we shall fall before them.
21 Now when the queen saw the fear of the servants she also began to fear exceedingly, lest there should some evil come upon her. And she commanded her servants that they should go and call the people, that they might slay Aaron and his brethren.
22 Now when Aaron saw the determination of the queen, he, also knowing the hardness of the hearts of the people, feared lest that a multitude should assemble themselves together, and there should be a great contention and a disturbance among them; therefore he put forth his hand and raised the king from the earth, and said unto him: Stand. And he stood upon his feet, receiving his strength.
23 Now this was done in the presence of the queen and many of the servants. And when they saw it they greatly marveled, and began to fear. And the king stood forth, and began to minister unto them. And he did minister unto them, insomuch that his whole household were converted unto the Lord.
24 Now there was a multitude gathered together because of the commandment of the queen, and there began to be great murmurings among them because of Aaron and his brethren.
25 But the king stood forth among them and administered unto them. And they were pacified towards Aaron and those who were with him.
26 And it came to pass that when the king saw that the people were pacified, he caused that Aaron and his brethren should stand forth in the midst of the multitude, and that they should preach the word unto them.
27 And it came to pass that the king sent a proclamation throughout all the land, amongst all his people who were in all his land, who were in all the regions round about, which was bordering even to the sea, on the east and on the west, and which was divided from the land of Zarahemla by a narrow strip of wilderness, which ran from the sea east even to the sea west, and round about on the borders of the seashore, and the borders of the wilderness which was on the north by the land of Zarahemla, through the borders of Manti, by the head of the river Sidon, running from the east towards the west—and thus were the Lamanites and the Nephites divided.
28 Now, the more idle part of the Lamanites lived in the wilderness, and dwelt in tents; and they were spread through the wilderness on the west, in the land of Nephi; yea, and also on the west of the land of Zarahemla, in the borders by the seashore, and on the west in the land of Nephi, in the place of their fathers’ first inheritance, and thus bordering along by the seashore.
29 And also there were many Lamanites on the east by the seashore, whither the Nephites had driven them. And thus the Nephites were nearly surrounded by the Lamanites; nevertheless the Nephites had taken possession of all the northern parts of the land bordering on the wilderness, at the head of the river Sidon, from the east to the west, round about on the wilderness side; on the north, even until they came to the land which they called Bountiful.
30 And it bordered upon the land which they called Desolation, it being so far northward that it came into the land which had been peopled and been destroyed, of whose bones we have spoken, which was discovered by the people of Zarahemla, it being the place of their first landing.
31 And they came from there up into the south wilderness. Thus the land on the northward was called Desolation, and the land on the southward was called Bountiful, it being the wilderness which is filled with all manner of wild animals of every kind, a part of which had come from the land northward for food.
32 And now, it was only the distance of a day and a half’s journey for a Nephite, on the line Bountiful and the land Desolation, from the east to the west sea; and thus the land of Nephi and the land of Zarahemla were nearly surrounded by water, there being a small neck of land between the land northward and the land southward.
33 And it came to pass that the Nephites had inhabited the land Bountiful, even from the east unto the west sea, and thus the Nephites in their wisdom, with their guards and their armies, had hemmed in the Lamanites on the south, that thereby they should have no more possession on the north, that they might not overrun the land northward.
34 Therefore the Lamanites could have no more possessions only in the land of Nephi, and the wilderness round about. Now this was wisdom in the Nephites—as the Lamanites were an enemy to them, they would not suffer their afflictions on every hand, and also that they might have a country whither they might flee, according to their desires.
35 And now I, after having said this, return again to the account of Ammon and Aaron, Omner and Himni, and their brethren.
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Rank: King Joined: 10/7/2009 Posts: 1,121 Location: Purgatory
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dajcat wrote:
Nic this first sentence should have warned you that this is nothing but Mormon Theology.
Which is precisely asked this in a Mormon thread.. "I am one of those unhappy persons who inspire bores to the greatest flights of art. "
Edith Sitwell
"Inka-Dinka-Du" -Jimmy Durante
Contemplating manifestations hidden in buried wounds. Bleed forth bringing old pains to new light Every step is cleansing, renewing and growing In the inertia of cycles, new inspiration flows like Wisdom's kiss.
(c) 2010 N. Marie L...
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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From the Life of Joseph Smith
In Harmony, Pennsylvania, during the winter of 1828–29, Joseph Smith continued to work on the translation of the Book of Mormon, but the work progressed slowly. Not only did Joseph have to work on his farm to provide for his family, but he had no full-time scribe to assist him. In this time of need, he recalled, “I cried unto the Lord that he would provide for me to accomplish the work whereunto he had commanded me.” The Lord promised that He would provide the help Joseph Smith needed to continue the work of translation (see D&C 5:34). On April 5, 1829, a young schoolteacher named Oliver Cowdery accompanied the Prophet’s brother Samuel to Harmony to meet Joseph. Oliver had heard about the plates while staying in the home of the Prophet’s parents and, after praying about the matter, had received personal revelation that he was to write for the Prophet. On April 7, the two men began the work of translation, with Oliver as scribe.
As Joseph and Oliver were translating from the plates, they read the Savior’s instructions to the Nephites regarding baptism for the remission of sins. On May 15, they went to a wooded area near the Prophet’s home to ask the Lord for more understanding about this important ordinance. “Our souls were drawn out in mighty prayer,” Oliver Cowdery recalled, “to know how we might obtain the blessings of baptism and of the Holy Spirit, according to the order of God, and we diligently sought for the right of the fathers and the authority of the holy priesthood, and the power to administer in the same.”
Joseph Smith recorded what happened in answer to their prayer: “While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying: Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.
“He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter. …
“The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us” (Joseph Smith—History 1:68–70, 72).
The coming of John the Baptist was a significant event in the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith and in the progress of God’s kingdom on earth. Although Joseph Smith had seen God the Father and Jesus Christ, had been visited by heavenly messengers, and had received the gold plates and the ability to translate them, he had not yet been given the authority and power of the priesthood. Now Aaronic Priesthood power had been restored to earth, and the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood would soon be restored. Joseph Smith had become a legal administrator in God’s kingdom.
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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THE BOOK OF ALMA
THE SON OF ALMA
CHAPTER 23
Religious freedom is proclaimed—The Lamanites in seven lands and cities are converted—They call themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies and are freed from the curse—The Amalekites and the Amulonites reject the truth. Between 90 and 77 B.C.
1 Behold, now it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites sent a proclamation among all his people, that they should not lay their hands on Ammon, or Aaron, or Omner, or Himni, nor either of their brethren who should go forth preaching the word of God, in whatsoever place they should be, in any part of their land.
2 Yea, he sent a decree among them, that they should not lay their hands on them to bind them, or to cast them into prison; neither should they spit upon them, nor smite them, nor cast them out of their synagogues, nor scourge them; neither should they cast stones at them, but that they should have free access to their houses, and also their temples, and their sanctuaries.
3 And thus they might go forth and preach the word according to their desires, for the king had been converted unto the Lord, and all his household; therefore he sent his proclamation throughout the land unto his people, that the word of God might have no obstruction, but that it might go forth throughout all the land, that his people might be convinced concerning the wicked traditions of their fathers, and that they might be convinced that they were all brethren, and that they ought not to murder, nor to plunder, nor to steal, nor to commit adultery, nor to commit any manner of wickedness.
4 And now it came to pass that when the king had sent forth this proclamation, that Aaron and his brethren went forth from city to city, and from one house of worship to another, establishing churches, and consecrating priests and teachers throughout the land among the Lamanites, to preach and to teach the word of God among them; and thus they began to have great success.
5 And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they were taught the records and prophecies which were handed down even to the present time.
6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
7 For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren.
8 Now, these are they who were converted unto the Lord:
9 The people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Ishmael;
10 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Middoni;
11 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the city of Nephi;
12 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Shilom, and who were in the land of Shemlon, and in the city of Lemuel, and in the city of Shimnilom.
13 And these are the names of the cities of the Lamanites which were converted unto the Lord; and these are they that laid down the weapons of their rebellion, yea, all their weapons of war; and they were all Lamanites.
14 And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither were any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts, and also the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land wheresoever they dwelt, yea, and all their villages and all their cities.
15 Therefore, we have named all the cities of the Lamanites in which they did repent and come to the knowledge of the truth, and were converted.
16 And now it came to pass that the king and those who were converted were desirous that they might have a name, that thereby they might be distinguished from their brethren; therefore the king consulted with Aaron and many of their priests, concerning the name that they should take upon them, that they might be distinguished.
17 And it came to pass that they called their names Anti-Nephi-Lehies; and they were called by this name and were no more called Lamanites.
18 And they began to be a very industrious people; yea, and they were friendly with the Nephites; therefore, they did open a correspondence with them, and the curse of God did no more follow them.
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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Teachings of Joseph Smith
The ordinance of baptism is necessary for exaltation.
“God has set many signs on the earth, as well as in the heavens; for instance, the oak of the forest, the fruit of the tree, the herb of the field—all bear a sign that seed hath been planted there; for it is a decree of the Lord that every tree, plant, and herb bearing seed should bring forth of its kind, and cannot come forth after any other law or principle.
“Upon the same principle do I contend that baptism is a sign ordained of God, for the believer in Christ to take upon himself in order to enter into the kingdom of God, ‘for except ye are born of water and of the Spirit ye cannot enter into the kingdom of God,’ said the Savior [see John 3:5]. It is a sign and a commandment which God has set for man to enter into His kingdom. Those who seek to enter in any other way will seek in vain; for God will not receive them, neither will the angels acknowledge their works as accepted, for they have not obeyed the ordinances, nor attended to the signs which God ordained for the salvation of man, to prepare him for, and give him a title to, a celestial glory; and God has decreed that all who will not obey His voice shall not escape the damnation of hell. What is the damnation of hell? To go with that society who have not obeyed His commands.
“Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
“Upon looking over the sacred pages of the Bible, searching into the prophets and sayings of the apostles, we find no subject so nearly connected with salvation, as that of baptism. … Let us understand that the word baptise is derived from the Greek verb baptiso, and means to immerse. …
“… It may not be amiss to introduce the commissions and commands of Jesus himself on the subject.—He said to the twelve, or rather eleven at the time: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you’: Thus it is recorded by Matthew [Matthew 28:19–20]. In Mark we have these important words: ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned’ [Mark 16:15–16]. …
“… ‘Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, … came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?—Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God’ [John 3:1–5].
“This strong and positive answer of Jesus, as to water baptism, settles the question: If God is the same yesterday, to day, and forever; it is no wonder he is so positive in the great declaration: ‘He that believes and is baptised shall be saved, and he that believes not shall be damned!’ [Mark 16:16.] There was no other name given under heaven, nor no other ordinance admitted, whereby men could be saved: No wonder the Apostle said, being ‘buried with him in baptism,’ ye shall rise from the dead! [Colossians 2:12.] No wonder Paul had to arise and be baptised and wash away his sins [see Acts 9:17–18].”
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith
In all dispensations, Saints have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
“The ancients who were actually the fathers of the church in the different ages, when the church flourished on the earth, … were initiated into the kingdom by baptism, for it is self evident in the scripture—God changes not. The Apostle says the gospel is the power of God unto salvation unto them that believe; and also informs us that life and immortality were brought to light through the gospel [see Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:10]. …
“Now taking it for granted that the scriptures say what they mean, and mean what they say, we have sufficient grounds to go on and prove from the Bible that the gospel has always been the same; the ordinances to fulfil its requirements, the same; and the officers to officiate, the same; and the signs and fruits resulting from the promises, the same: therefore, as Noah was a preacher of righteousness he must have been baptised and ordained to the priesthood by the laying on of the hands, etc. For no man taketh this honor upon himself except he be called of God as was Aaron [see Hebrews 5:4]. …
“… It will be seen and acknowledged that if there was sin among men, repentance was as necessary at one time or age of the world as another—and that other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. If, then, Abel was a righteous man he had to become so by keeping the commandments; if Enoch was righteous enough to come into the presence of God, and walk with him, he must have become so by keeping his commandments, and so of every righteous person, whether it was Noah, a preacher of righteousness; Abraham, the father of the faithful; Jacob, the prevailer with God; Moses, the man who wrote of Christ, and brought forth the law by commandment, as a school master to bring men to Christ; or whether it was Jesus Christ himself, who had no need of repentance, having done no sin; according to his solemn declaration to John:—now let me be baptised: for no man can enter the kingdom without obeying this ordinance: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness [see Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 3:43]. Surely, then, if it became John and Jesus Christ, the Saviour, to fulfil all righteousness to be baptised—so surely, then, it will become every other person that seeks the kingdom of heaven to go and do likewise; for he is the door, and if any person climbs up any other way, the same is a thief and a robber! [See John 10:1–2.]
“In the former ages of the world, before the Saviour came in the flesh, ‘the saints’ were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ to come, because there never was any other name whereby men could be saved; and after he came in the flesh and was crucified, then the saints were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, crucified, risen from the dead and ascended into heaven, that they might be buried in baptism like him, and be raised in glory like him, that as there was but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and father of us all [see Ephesians 4:5–6], even so there was but one door to the mansions of bliss.”
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Rank: King Joined: 6/6/2008 Posts: 1,660
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Noah was a preacher of righteousness he must have been baptised and ordained to the priesthood by the laying on of the hands, etc. For no man taketh this honor upon himself except he be called of God as was Aaron [see Hebrews 5:4]. …Jerry's post
my reply: how could Noah have received the royal priesthood by the "laying on of hands". God destroyed all human life in the flood because there was no one rightous but Noah. If there was no one rightous who could pass on to him the laying on of hands.. No humans outside of Noah's family were saved in the ark.
“In the former ages of the world, before the Saviour came in the flesh, ‘the saints’ were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ to come, because there never was any other name whereby men could be saved; and after he came in the flesh and was crucified, then the saints were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, crucified, risen from the dead and ascended into heaven, that they might be buried in baptism like him, and be raised in glory like him, that as there was but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and father of us all [see Ephesians 4:5–6], even so there was but one door to the mansions of bliss.” Jerry's post
my reply: no records in the bible of any one in the old testament being baptised in the name of Jesus. His name was not announced to the world until Gabriel told Mary that His name was to be Jesus. Even John the Baptist did not know the name of the Messiah, even tho they were blood relatives.
As far as we know Jesus never baptised anyone and only 1 or 2 of His disciples were disciples of John the Baptist. No record of any of the Patriarchs being baptised. Outside of quotes from the bible all the rest is supposition by Joseph Smith. dajcat
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Rank: King Joined: 12/26/2005 Posts: 1,230
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dajcat wrote: Noah was a preacher of righteousness he must have been baptised and ordained to the priesthood by the laying on of the hands, etc. For no man taketh this honor upon himself except he be called of God as was Aaron [see Hebrews 5:4]. …Jerry's post
my reply: how could Noah have received the royal priesthood by the "laying on of hands". God destroyed all human life in the flood because there was no one rightous but Noah. If there was no one rightous who could pass on to him the laying on of hands.. No humans outside of Noah's family were saved in the ark.
“In the former ages of the world, before the Saviour came in the flesh, ‘the saints’ were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ to come, because there never was any other name whereby men could be saved; and after he came in the flesh and was crucified, then the saints were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, crucified, risen from the dead and ascended into heaven, that they might be buried in baptism like him, and be raised in glory like him, that as there was but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and father of us all [see Ephesians 4:5–6], even so there was but one door to the mansions of bliss.” Jerry's post
my reply: no records in the bible of any one in the old testament being baptised in the name of Jesus. His name was not announced to the world until Gabriel told Mary that His name was to be Jesus. Even John the Baptist did not know the name of the Messiah, even tho they were blood relatives.
As far as we know Jesus never baptised anyone and only 1 or 2 of His disciples were disciples of John the Baptist. No record of any of the Patriarchs being baptised. Outside of quotes from the bible all the rest is supposition by Joseph Smith. dajcat
David
How many hundred years did Noah live BEFORE the flood? Is it not obvious that he would have been ordained at a time before the world had reached the point of needing to be destroyed? You do not really believe that he did not warn the people before the flood do you? Who said that Jesus baptized anyone? Do you not think that the prophets knew who Jesus was before his birth?
A little common sense dictates that all of the prophets looked foreward to the birth of the Savior!!!
Jerry
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