An Abridgment of an Abridgment- Nephi's Teachings on Recieving the Sealing Power

Looking back over Nephi’s life, through his record, we discover that he deliberately “hits the mountain tops”. This means he outlines wonderfully a pattern, or path, that must be followed to gain “power in the priesthood”.

Here is an “abridgment” of that path as I have observed so far.

His father taught him and testified of God. (1 Nephi 1:1)

He had a desire to know the “mysteries of Godliness” for himself. (1 Nephi 2: 16)

He “cried” unto the Lord which resulted in the Lord visiting him and he believed. (1 Nephi 2:16)

He entered into the same covenant as Abraham did. (1 Nephi 2, 1 Nephi 3:15)

He testified of this truth to others in the spirit of prophecy. (1 Nephi 2:17)

He cried unto the Lord on behalf of others or ministered in the office of a priest. (1 Nephi 2:18)

He learned the blessings that are given by obedience to the covenant he entered into, namely: Land inheritance (1 Nephi 2:20), prosperity in the form of posterity (1 Nephi 2:20), and priesthood power (1 Nephi 2:22)

He was promised the blessing of being a “ruler and teacher”, or a king, predicated upon his faithfulness. (1 Nephi 2:19-22)

He was given a test to prove if he would be faithful in all things. (1 Nephi 4)

He obtained “power in his word”, or the sealing power. (1 Nephi 7, 1 Nephi 17)

Generally we find all of this information in the first few chapters of the Book of Mormon. This is even before Nephi talks about the vision of the “Tree of Life”. I believe Nephi is trying to show us a pattern. When we truly see this pattern in Nephi’s life, it becomes easier to recognize it in the lives of others in the Book of Mormon, and the in other Standard Works of The Church, and even to pattern our own lives after it.

I am grateful that the Book of Mormon is a beautiful record of how to gain power in the priesthood, and seek for it individually, as Nephi and so many others did.

I know this may seem like a redundant review of my last several posts, but I believe a firm understanding of this process is needed before we can go on to “tackle” the Tree of Life vision and the meaning it has for each of us.

Please ponder and pray about these things and ask for further light and knowledge. Remember the only real difference between Laman and Lemuel, and Nephi, is this outlined process, starting most importantly with the desire to know, and the willingness to ask.

1 Nephi 15:3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought.

8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

Nephi, Prophet, Priest, and King 1 Nephi 2

In some of my previous posts I have discussed the ascension pattern that can be seen when one progresses in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that the steps, or rungs on the ladder, include a noticeable progression of passing from prophet, to priest, and ultimately to king.

To summarize, I believe that a simple way to think of this progression is: a prophet is one who has been given the testimony of Jesus Christ and can testify of Him, a priest is one who administers to others on behalf of Jesus Christ (such as the priests in the tabernacle and temple), and a king is when one has reached a level to be given all that the Father hath. With each level of progression there are more covenants made and, consequently, blessings given. In the language of priesthood ascension it can be termed, Aaronic, Melchizedek, and finally, Patriarchal.

That said, I believe that these certain patterns can be seen in the accounts we have of the lives of the prophets in not only Old and New Testament times, but Book of Mormon times too. Lehi and Nephi are the first we encounter in the Book of Mormon which teach us of the significance of this pattern. I believe that we would see Lehi’s experience more clearly if we had the record he created available to us, unfortunately we don’t have that information but thankfully we can see the progression clearly taught in Nephi’s record too.

Previously we discussed the process Nephi experienced to gain a testimony like his fathers as explained to us in 1 Nephi 2:16.

It is interesting to see what Nephi does as soon as he receives his testimony because of the “visit” with the Lord:

1 Nephi 2:17 And I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the Lord had manifested unto me by his Holy Spirit. And it came to pass that he believed in my words.

I believe that this is an example of Nephi exhibiting the prophet stage of his progression, as he testifies of Jesus Christ.

Look what he does next:

1 Nephi 2:18 But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them.

In his statement that he “cried unto the Lord for them” he raises to the priest level wherein he “administers on behalf of others”.

At this point the Lord pours out a blessing upon Nephi because of his diligence, and humility. Notice the terminology the Lord uses:

1 Nephi 2:19 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart.

20 And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.

21 And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rebel against thee, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.

22 And inasmuch as thou shalt keep my commandments, thou shalt be made a ruler and a teacher over thy brethren.

I believe that the blessing the Lord gives to Nephi is the same blessing he gave to Abraham. That blessing or covenant involves eternal posterity, eternal priesthood, and a land inheritance. I call that the PPL.

Look closely for that blessing in the following wording:

“ye shall prosper”- one with a large posterity was considered prosperous

“a land which I have prepared for you”- a land inheritance

“a ruler and a teacher over thy brethren”- this involves the blessing of priesthood

Because the Lord pronounced Nephi as “Blessed” with these blessings he is elevated to the level of king. A true king is simply a ruler and teacher.

From the very beginning of the Book of Mormon we are taught of this progression. This progression is the same one we all must go through to receive the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant.

Now remember the pattern that was given in my last post... where do you think we are, as far as that pattern goes, in Nephi’s progression?

"I Know That The Record That I Make Is True" 1 Nephi 1

There is a great deal of information to be learned from just the first three verses of the Book of Mormon from the record of Nephi.

In verse 1, look for all the things we learn about Nephi.

1Nephi 1:1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

First, we learn that he had “goodly” parents, or was taught correct principles. This is an important piece of information for us to know. Having a foundation of truth to build upon is essential for anyone to come to a sure knowledge.

Next, we learn that he had seen many afflictions in his life. Trials or tests are part of the learning process we go through in this life to prove us. The test of obedience and sacrifice is made more fully when one is experiencing difficulty, as is illustrated by Job. It is interesting to note the attitude Nephi has about his afflictions as he adds, nevertheless that he was highly favored of the Lord.

Could Nephi have viewed afflictions as part of the process he was to experience to receive a sure knowledge of truth?

Do we view our afflictions and trials as ways we can increase our faith as we come to know the Lord?

Finally we learn that he had come to a “great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God.” This knowledge came to Nephi because of the experiences that he had, allowing him to receive of the Lord. This is made clear because he shares that mysteries, for man, were revealed to him by a higher source than man.

This process:

1) of learning true principles by faith, or having a belief

2) then passing through tests which allow us to experience a trial of that faith,

results in the blessing of “great knowledge”, even of the mysteries of God.

I believe that even in the very first verse of Nephi’s record he is trying to help us understand what it will take for us to receive the same “great knowledge” that he has received.

In verses 2-3, look for what we learn about the record.

1 Nephi 1:2 Yea, I make a record in the language of my father, which consists of the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians.

3 And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.

The first thing we discover is that Nephi makes the record himself, with his own hand. This establishes the fact that Nephi is the creator of the record we are to receive. Even though he explains that it is written in the language of his father, it is still his account of his experiences with the Lord.

The fact that he is the creator of the record allows for the easy transition he makes to testify of the records truthfulness. He states he made it, he knows it is true and adds the reason that he is able to make this bold statement is because of his “knowledge”.

What have we already discovered he “knew” by the description of himself in verse 1?

Not only can we have confidence in Nephi, because he has shared his experience of the process of “knowing”, but we can now have confidence in the record too. We discover that one who “knows” gives us a statement of its truthfulness.

What must we do to have the same knowledge as Nephi does?

The Lord's Pattern For Overcoming Persecution- Section 24

Soon after the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints took place on April 6, 1830, the prophet Joseph Smith was hit with a deluge of persecution from the people of the surrounding areas by way of libelous law suits and unlawful arrests. These were times of great trial and a true test of the faith of the early saints of the Church.

The Lord knew that the Mormon's would be no strangers to persecution so, in His loving fashion, provided a pattern in Section 24 of the Doctrine and Covenants for the saints to follow, to help them endure and even avoid the persecution that would come their way. The pattern was that of pruning.

D&C 24: 19 For thou art called to prune my vineyard with a mighty pruning, yea, even for the last time; yea, and also all those whom thou hast ordained, and they shall do even according to this pattern. Amen.

The act of pruning a tree or a vineyard is the process of removing the “dead wood” or the “sucker saplings” so that the plant does not become drained of its strength and nourishment. By pruning away the unnecessary burden of unproductive branches the whole energy of the plant can concentrate on those branches that will bare fruit.

The Pattern

1) In verse 3 the Lord instructed Joseph to “magnify thine office.” These were specific instruction given to Joseph, but can also be profitable for us today. We all have a calling. We have been called as Children of our Heavenly Father to further His work by proclaiming His gospel, perfecting His saints, and redeeming our dead. When we magnify that office we are entitled to the added blessing of strength that is promised because of obedience and commitment to the Lord. This magnification of our sacred calling is proof to the Lord that we are willing to “make Him our God, and we will be His people” and willing to “walk with Him.” Knowing who we are and what we are called to do is the best protection against persecution that can be given.

2) In verse 5 He instructs us to “call upon God in my name”, or to pray. By submitting ourselves to constant prayer we are showing that we are willing to be directed in the path the Lord would have us take.

3) Also in verse 5, the Lord tells Joseph to “continue writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter.” At this time Joseph was in the process of working on the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. If we think about the process that took place to allow this to happen, it is actually the ultimate scripture study experience. Joseph read the scriptures, pondered their meaning, and was taught by the spirit the truth of the words. In this manner we are taught the perfect pattern for scripture study. When we actually study with this same amount of intensity the spirit will make the scriptures live in our hearts.

4) Again, in verse 5 Joseph is instructed to “expound all scriptures unto the church.” He was promised that “it would be given him in the very moment what he should speak and write.” This is another wonderful example of “teaching by the spirit”. The best way to fully understand a principle is to teach it. This instruction, to teach, was a process that allowed Joseph to solidify the concepts he had learned through his study. The best way to make sure you understand a principle is to try to teach it to someone else.

5) In verse 7 Joseph is instructed to serve. Service is the stepping stone for love. We serve those we love, but miraculously we come to love those we serve.

6) Verse 8 calls for patience. Patience allows for differences in opinion and charity towards those who have not received as much light and knowledge as another may have. Imagine the understanding that the Prophet Joseph Smith was given, and the amount of patience he must have needed to “wait” for others to simply catch up to him. Many times persecution exists simply from ignorance or misunderstanding. Patience is a quality that is essential to overcome the desire to “strike back” or retaliate for wrongs that may be done, or feelings that may be trampled on unintentionally or on purpose.

7) The next instruction given is directed to Oliver. It is to “open his mouth in bearing the name of Jesus Christ before the world”, in other words, bear his testimony. The promise for bearing his testimony was the blessing of “strength such as is not known among men.” This is the strength that is needed to overcome any amount of persecution. Every time a testimony is borne the person becomes more strengthened in his resolve and conviction of truth.

8) In verses 13 and 14 instructions are given regarding the use of priesthood authority. The Lord admonishes us to exercise the power of the priesthood righteously. The priesthood is never to be used to “prove” by way of miracles or in exhibitions of power.

9) Finally, they were admonished to take no “purse or scrip” making sure they relied solely on the Lord for their support. When persecution is raging there are times when we can do nothing else but rely on the Lord.

If we ponder this pattern, we can see that through obedience and commitment, prayer combined with scripture study, teaching and serving others in patience, the blessing that naturally follows is the development of a testimony.

The strengthening of that testimony comes in bearing it. Bearing your testimony among those who would persecute you requires a righteous use of priesthood power relying on the Lord for strength, or in other words a complete exercise of faith.

Thus the pattern is set for protection from any type of persecution that we may face. Our membership in the LDS Church today may not require that we face physical abuse like that of being “tarred and feathered”, but it will certainly be tried by fire none the less. As members we face many different levels of persecution, from public verbal abuse by way of inflammatory media attention, to abuse that may be suffered in the privacy of our own homes. We may be called upon in many different avenues to teach correct principles and bear pure testimony to those who do not hold sacred that which we hold sacred. To practice this pattern that the Lord has given us, to withstand the persecution that will come our way, is a requirement now as well as it was in Joseph Smiths time. That protection from persecution can only be found in the development and nurturing of a strong testimony of Jesus Christ.

How have you strengthened your testimony lately?