The Power of the Lamb of God

1 Nephi 11:31, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 13

And he spake unto me again, saying, Look. And I looked and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and shewed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God, and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out.


The Stick of Joseph, 1 Nephi 3 par. 13

And he spoke unto me again, saying, Look. And I looked and I beheld the Lamb of Elohim going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick and who were
afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with demons and unclean spirits; and the angel spoke and showed all these things unto me.  And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of Elohim, and thedemons and the unclean spirits were cast out.

Above we have a description from Nephi of the Lord's mortal life.

Why is it that Alma, who saw the same vision, described the earthly advent of the mortal Lord as follows?

...Yea, the Son of God cometh in his glory, in his might, majesty, power, and dominion. Yea, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the spirit saith, Behold, the glory of the King of all the earth and also the King of Heaven shall very soon shine forth among all the children of men... (Alma 5:49 - 52, NC Alma 3 par. 9)

How does what Alma declared above square with the words of the prophet Isaiah?

Yea, even doth not Isaiah say, Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men — a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from him. He was despised and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. (Mosiah 14:4 - 10, NC Mosiah 8 par. 3)

Hasn't it always been popularly taught that when the Lord came into mortality to dwell among us that He came without glory and that He will come with glory when He comes again?

Is it possible that what Nephi records reconciles Alma with Isaiah?

Again, I want to point out that in our little study group we believe that God intentionally put every word in the Book of Mormon to convey meaning in order to increase our understanding.

Why in Nephi's description of these events in the life of the mortal Lord does Nephi use the title "The Lamb of God"?

Of all the titles He possesses why use that one in this part of the vision?

What comes to mind when thinking about a lamb?

Is the symbol of the Lamb apt in describing what Alma declared that the Son of God comes in might, majesty, power, and dominion?

Do we consider that a lamb could possess might, majesty, power and dominion?

Do we consider that glory would shine forth from a lamb?

Can we look at the recorded life of the Lord and see Him, as a Lamb, possessing the above characteristics?

To begin our look, let's look at a newly revealed account of the life of Christ from the apostle John the beloved.

As an aside, I would invite you to consider what was covered in the previous post, "Knowest Thou the Condescension of God?" to see how totally appropriate it was for Christ's Mother to instruct Him on what to do.

On the third day of the week, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his followers were invited guests at the marriage. And when the wedding party wanted more wine, his mother said to him, They have run out of wine. Jesus replied, Mother, why are you talking to me about it? The time for me to provide sacramental wine has not yet arrived. But his mother instructed the servants, Whatever he tells you to do, follow through with it.  There were six waterpots made of stone that were used for ceremonial purification in religious observances, each containing twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus instructed the servants, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he said, Now remove some and take it to the host. And they took it to him. When the host of the wedding tasted the ceremonial water, it had been converted to wine. But he did not know the source that converted the water, unlike the servants who recognized the Source. The host of the feast called for the bridegroom, and praised him using a proverb, saying, Careful men introduce their plans using the best wine, and later, when their followers are drunk, then their worst — but you have brought us better wine than at the start.  This was a sign confirming his role as the Messiah that was performed by Jesus in Cana of Galilee. It was a demonstration of authority over both the elements and ordinances of salvation. Those who recognized this as a sign of his authority were awed as they considered it was him present among them. (Teachings and Commandments, Section 171, The Testimony of St. John 1 pars. 15 - 17)

Was this event a sign of the might, majesty, power, and dominion that the Lamb of God possessed?

Was this a glorious work?

Who were the individuals who witnessed the sign, recognized the Source, and were awed by Him being in their presence?

Are servants considered important in this world?

Does this world view a servant's status as a status of having anything of beauty that they should desire that status?

Did Christ demonstrate might, majesty, power, and dominion by possessing authority over the elements and ordinances of salvation?

What about these next two events?

And again he entered into Capernaum after many days, and it was noised abroad that he was in the house. And immediately many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive the multitude, no, not so much as about the door. And he preached the word unto them. And they came unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was borne of four people. And when they could not come near unto him for the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was. And when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.   When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, your sins are forgiven you. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, Why does this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately, when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why do you reason these things in your hearts? Is it not easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Your sins are forgiven you, than to say, Arise and take up your bed and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins, he said to the sick of the palsy, I say unto you, arise and take up your bed, and go your way into your house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all, insomuch that they were all amazed. And many glorified God, saying, We never saw the power of God after this manner. (Mark 2:1 - 12, NC The Gospel According to St Mark 1 pars. 10 - 11)

What might, majesty, power, and dominion is demonstrated in both healing the body and forgiving sins?

Is it a glorious work to forgive sin and heal the body?

Early in the morning, he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him, and he sat down and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery. And when they had set her in the middle of the people, they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us that such should be stoned, but what do you say? This they said testing him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down and with his finger wrote on the ground. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. And they who heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last.   And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the middle of the temple. When Jesus had raised up himself, and saw none of her accusers and the woman standing, he said unto her, Woman, where are those your accusers? Has no man condemned you? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more. And the woman glorified God from that hour, and believed on his name. (John , NC The Testimony of John 6 pars. 10 - 11)

What might, majesty, power, and dominion is demonstrated by refraining from condemning someone who is clearly guilty of a wrong?

Is it a glorious action to refuse to condemn?

Consider the following.  It was part of a revelation from God on the definition of "mutual agreement."

When the definition was given, it was accompanied by the realization the Lord could have disputed every day of His life with someone. He deliberately chose to not contend. He was not an argumentative personality... the Lord’s example is to refrain from disputing, as He did. When confronted, He would respond, but He did not go about picking a fight with others. He responded. The only exception was when He went up to Jerusalem to be slain. Then He went into the seat of Jewish power and authority to throw it down and provoke their decision to finally judge, reject and crucify Him. He, and not they, controlled that timing. His provocation at that time was a deliberate act on His part because His “time had come,” and His sacrifice needed to be made. ("Discernment, Part 2", Podcast 52, Denver Snuffer Podcast, January 13, 2019)

Except for when Christ had to provoke the rulers in order to have them finally be enraged enough to take Him and crucify Him at the appointed time, did Christ ever confront, argue with, or belittle anyone?

What might, majesty, power, and dominion is required to be a peacemaker, to bless them that curse you, to pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you?

What might, majesty, power, and dominion is required to not be an argumentative personality when you are right?

Are these actions glorious actions?

We could go on but hopefully the above is sufficient to demonstrate the principle.

Are any of these actions taken by the Lord considered by this world to be representative of might, majesty, power, and dominion?

What does all this mean for me?

What can I possibly gain by reading a description of and understanding a little of what Nephi and many others saw?

A couple of things come to mind right off.

1) If Christ is the Great Exemplar, is what Nephi saw being communicated to me in order for me to follow The Lord's example?

Consider this.

Nephi saw multitudes of people who were sick and afflicted with all manner of diseases and with devils and unclean spirits.

Are there still in the world today multitudes of people who are sick and afflicted with all manner of diseases and with devils and unclean spirits?

In my sphere of influence, do I come into contact with any of these people?

Do I have opportunities in my daily walk to assist to heal, to assist to cast out devils and unclean spirits?

Although, I cannot forgive sin, in my daily walk can I forgive other's sins and trespasses against me?

Do I have opportunities in my daily walk to refrain from condemning others, to refrain from disputing and arguing with others even if I happen to be right, to pray for those who may abuse me and persecute me?

Although I am unable to perform the above actions to the same degree the Lord performed them can I still in the least degree reflect His glory, His might, His majesty, His power, and His dominion by my actions and works of faith among my family and neighbors; all who are in my sphere of influence?

If I am allowed to perform a labor of service to my fellow man, to alleviate suffering and to share light and joy, would not that labor be accomplished by the power of the Lamb of God just as much now as it was when He was on the earth?

Isn't any labor to save and to bless performed by the power of the Lamb of God?

If I become a servant, like Christ, will I be able to recognize and be in awe of His authority over the elements and ordinances of salvation?

2) Christ is both the Lion and the Lamb.

I believe that the title Lamb of God is used wittingly here by Nephi.

I believe that all things require a balance and just as the Lord possesses the characteristics that are aptly symbolized by the Lamb He also possesses the characteristics aptly symbolized by the Lion.

The actions of the Lord during His mortality display the qualities of the Lamb, in the demonstration of His might, majesty, power, and dominion.

I believe that the Lord even now extends all of these blessings, as the Lamb, to anyone who humbly and meekly approaches Him with real intent.

However, I also believe from scriptures that this mortal life is the time appointed unto us to approach the Lamb and if we do not take the opportunity to do so then because of justice we must appear before Christ as the Lion.

And now, I speak also concerning those who do not believe in Christ. Behold, will ye believe in the day of your visitation, behold, when the Lord shall come? Yea, even that great day when the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Yea, in that great day when ye shall be brought to stand before the Lamb of God, then will ye say that there is no God? Then will ye longer deny the Christ? Or can ye behold the Lamb of God? Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with him under a consciousness of your guilt? Do ye suppose that ye could be happy to dwell with that holy Being when your souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt that ye have ever abused his laws? Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and a just God under a consciousness of your filthiness before him than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell. For behold, when ye shall be brought to see your nakedness before God, and also the glory of God, and the holiness of Jesus Christ, it will kindle a flame of unquenchable fire upon you. O then, ye unbelieving, turn ye unto the Lord. Cry mightily unto the Father in the name of Jesus that perhaps ye may be found spotless, pure, fair, and white, having been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, at that great and last day. (Mormon 9:1 - 6, NC Mormon 4 par. 6)

As we look at the above scripture we can see clearly that the Lord even then is not condemning but because of justice, if we waste our probation and do not approach Him, we will be left to view our own deficiencies and filth before a just and holy Christ. We will condemn ourselves and thereby face the Lion.

I agree with the following statement.

The Lord is affable, but He is not gregarious. He is approachable. He is not aloof. He is patient and He is willing to guide and willing to teach. He is intelligent, but He not overbearing. He is humble and approachable in His demeanor, even though His power is absolutely undeniable. Therefore, He is both a Lamb and a Lion. If you come to Him in the day He offers redemption to you, you will be coming to the Lamb. But if you wait for His coming in judgment, you are waiting on the Lion, and you will not like what you will see. (Forty Years in Mormonism, #7 - Christ: The Prototype of the Saved Man, Denver Snuffer, pages 241 - 242)

I am certain there are many more things that can and should have come to my mind over and above these two things as I consider Nephi's description of the Lord's mortal life, and I hope one day to come to better recognize and understand those many other things.

However, for now, I glory in what Nephi was allowed to share with us concerning the Lord.

I do believe all of the witnesses of the Lord and His life.  I believe that we are given these witnesses in mercy that we may believe on the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and be saved.

The Ministry of Angels

1 Nephi 11:30, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 12


And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying, Look. And I looked, and I beheld the Heavens open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children of men, and they did minister unto them.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 3 par. 11

And it came to pass that the angel spoke unto me, saying, Look. And I looked, and I beheld the Heavens open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children of men, and they did minister unto them.

There is a part of the paragraph of the preceding post that I would like to present for further consideration a little further on.  It is the part where Nephi states, "And I also beheld twelve others following him." but we will continue here with the ministration of angels.

One thing that I hope comes through in this blog as I ask questions and share my present understanding of things is that I am not declaring that what I presently understand must be true or right.

I consider that until I actually experience the things that are occurring in the Book of Mormon for myself that I am unable to speak with authority on any matter.

What I am sharing and asking questions about constitute, as I have said before, ideas that I presently believe are true, ideas that make sense to me, ideas that are delicious to me, ideas that have brought me increased light and understanding, ideas that cause me to ask more and more questions, ideas that have, by their compelling nature, inspired me to act.

I hope that will always be the case.

I agree with what has been taught that even though my understanding is exceedingly limited and flawed that I can still be diligently obedient to what the Lord in His mercy has given and He can fix my understanding.

I believe that He wants me to look into these things.  I believe that He wants every man, woman and child to look into these things.

With these things that I share I want only to invite and persuade people to, in a thoughtful patient way,  look into these matters themselves contained right before us in the Book of Mormon.

Why right smack dab in the middle of showing Nephi concerning the Lord and His mortal life and ministry does the angel show Nephi the ministry of angels?

Why is Nephi's vision ordered this way?

Is the ministry of angels so important that it requires attention here?

The following is from the prophet Mormon.  

It is a discussion on the ministry of angels and how that ministry is related to faith.

And now my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing? And now I come to that faith of which I said I would speak, and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing. For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ, and in Christ there should come every good thing. And God also declared unto prophets by his own mouth that Christ should come. And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men which were good, and all things which are good cometh of Christ; otherwise, men were fallen and there could no good thing come unto them. Wherefore, by the ministering of angels and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith they did lay hold upon every good thing, and thus it was until the coming of Christ; and after that he came, men also were saved by faith in his name. And by faith they become the sons of God.

And as sure as Christ liveth, he spake these words unto our fathers, saying, Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, hath miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into Heaven? And hath sit down on the right hand of God to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing. Wherefore, he advocateth the cause of the children of men. And he dwelleth eternally in the Heavens.

And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, hath miracles ceased? Behold, I say unto you, nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, shewing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness. And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfill and to do the work of the covenants of the Father which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him; and by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the holy ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men. And Christ hath said, If ye will have faith in me, ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. And he hath said, Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved.

And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case, that these things are true which I have spoken unto you — and God will shew unto you with power and great glory at the last day that they are true — and if they are true, have the day of miracles ceased? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the holy ghost from them? Or will he so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold, I say unto you, nay. For it is by faith that miracles are wrought, and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men. Wherefore, if these things have ceased, woe be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain. For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name. Wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also, and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made. (Moroni 7:20 - 38, NC Moroni 7 pars. 4 - 7)

From the very beginning, Adam and Eve, who was sent to give them understanding concerning the command they were obeying to offer sacrifice?

For anyone who has been through an LDS temple endowment, who are Adam and Eve waiting for?

Who are "true" messengers from the Father?

If we are to consider ourselves as if we were respectively Adam and Eve then who should we be waiting for?

Mormon taught that by the ministering of angels, as well as every word that proceeded forth from the mouth of God, men began to have faith in Christ.

Does that mean that "faith" is inseparably connected with the ministry of angels?

Mormon declared, "...it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men. Wherefore, if these things have ceased, woe be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain. For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name. Wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also, and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made."

That is a very serious statement isn't it?

By who's will do the angels minister unto the children of men?

Can the angels (true messengers) be conjured or summoned by us?

Can we or should we request according to our own will that angels be sent to minister to us?

By God's will who is it that the angels are sent to minister to?

What does it mean to be of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness?

If they show themselves to those of strong faith, how do we move from belief to "faith"?

What happened with Adam and Eve?

And Adam called upon the name of the Lord, and Eve also, his wife; and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden speaking unto them, and they saw him not, for they were shut out from his presence. And he gave unto them commandment that they should worship the Lord their God and should offer the firstlings of their flocks for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.  And after many days, an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying, Why do you offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him, I know not but the Lord commanded me. And then the angel spoke, saying, This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father who is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, you shall do all that you do in the name of the Son. And you shall repent and call upon God in the name of the Son for ever more. (Moses 5:4 - 8, OC Genesis 3 pars. 2 - 3)

Is this following the pattern that Mormon described?

Did Adam and Eve first hear the voice of God giving them commandments?

Were those words that proceeded forth out of the mouth of God?

Were they diligently obedient to the command even though they did not understand why they were obeying it?

Does "many days" mean weeks, months, years, decades; how long were Adam and Eve diligently obedient to the commands of God?

I have heard it taught, and I believe it, that many generations passed; Adam and Eve had grandchildren and great-grandchildren before the angel was sent to give them understanding of why they were sacrificing.

Are the scriptures words that have proceeded forth from the mouth of God?

Am I able to hear God's voice speaking to me and giving me commandments for me?

If I am diligently obedient for "many days", whatever time that would entail, to the commands of God (not the commands of men) to me through the scriptures and by hearing His voice as He speaks to me personally, even if I do not understand why He has commanded me to do something, will I move from "belief" to "faith" like Adam and Eve?

Is it diligent obedience to God's commands for many days what would bring me to the point where I would have a firm mind in every form of godliness?

If I am a person of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness, why would the angels need to declare repentance to me?

What would I gain from communication with angels?

How would that bring me to God and cause me to repent?

How did Adam and Eve or anyone else for that matter gain anything important from communication with angels?

The Prophet Joseph stated, 

The Hebrew Church "came unto the spirits of just men made perfect, and unto an innumerable company of angels, unto God the Father of all, and to Jesus Christ the mediator of the new covenant."  What did they learn by coming to the spirits of just men made perfect? Is it written? No. What they learned has not been and could not have been written.  What object was gained by this communication with the spirits of the just?  It was the established order of the kingdom of God: The keys of power and knowledge were with them to communicate to the Saints. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.325)

Nephi declared,

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. (2 Nephi 32:3, NC 2 Nephi 14 par. 1)

Who speaks the words of Christ?  

Who's words are we to feast on because they will tell us all things what ye should do? 

Is it possible that the answer to both of the above questions is the angels?

Are all things what we should do associated with keys of power and knowledge that pertain to the established order of the kingdom of God?

And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.  He who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory." (D&C 88:21-22, Teachings and Commandments Section 86 par. 3)

The established order of the kingdom of God (the law of Christ, the law which sanctifies), which any individual must have information about and live according to those principles in order to be saved in that kingdom, cannot be communicated mortal to mortal. The Prophet Joseph said they are not written. They must be communicated to the Saints (revealed) by the angels.  They are the words of Christ we are to feast upon after entering into the way.

But how does what the angels have to give to good people of firm faith in Christ relate to those good people repenting?

The Hebrew word for repentance is "shuv" (I think pronounced shube).

If I understand correctly, in Hebrew "shuv" literally means to turn around or face another direction or used in context to turn around and face God.

If an individual who has already developed strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness receives from the angels that which man cannot teach, the established order of the kingdom of God, which allows them to move even more in the direction of God aren't they ever turning towards God or "repenting"?

Do we have an example of this type of "repentance"?

Abraham speaks a little concerning himself at the beginning of the book of Abraham.

...having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge...and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir,..."(Abraham 1:2, Teachings and Commandments, Section 145, the Book of Abraham 1 par. 1)

Is it possible that repentance or turning to face God has everything to do with what Abraham did by gaining greater and greater knowledge to go from a follower of righteousness to a greater follower of righteousness?

When an individual voluntarily submits to the will of the Lord in the scriptures are they repenting and turning to face God? 

Do they become a follower of righteousness and receive knowledge at this point? 

Is it possible that once God has proven the individual faithful in the line and precept they have received from scripture God will begin to reveal His ways that cannot be written in scripture neither is it lawful for man to utter by sending His angels, true messengers, to teach these things? 

The ways of God or the order of God's kingdom cannot be written remember. 

As an individual responds and follows what they are given by revelation from the angels are they repenting more? 

Are they turning, even more, to face God to follow the established order of His kingdom?  

Are they becoming greater followers of righteousness and desiring greater knowledge? 

If we become strong in faith and firm in our minds in every form of godliness so that we qualify to be ministered to by the angels, according to the will of God, and then we feast upon the words they are sent to deliver, will we find ourselves at some point ready to come back into the presence of the Lord?

If we look at the record of the brother of Jared coming back into the presence of the Lord don't we learn from the Lord Himself that that is what it means to be redeemed from the fall?

If we don't at some point come back into the presence of the Lord in mortality, like the brother of Jared and many many others, does that mean that we have not been redeemed?

Would that be like unto being in a situation where there had been no redemption made?

Remember what Mormon said?

Wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also, and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.

According to what Mormon taught, is it possible to be redeemed without the ministry of angels?

Can any individual have revealed to them the established order of the kingdom of God: The keys of power and knowledge that are necessary for an individual to enter into in order to be a part of the kingdom of God without this ministry?

What about "unbelief"?

Mormon declared that if the ministry of angels ceases it is because we find ourselves in a state of unbelief.

What constitutes "unbelief"?

I agree with what the glossary of terms in the Teachings and Commandments states about "unbelief".

As used in the Book of Mormon, it means one does not understand and has not accepted true doctrine. The word unbelief means to accept false doctrine or to have an incomplete and inaccurate understanding of correct doctrine. Unbelief is often used in conjunction with losing truth, forsaking doctrine, and “dwindling.” The phrase dwindling in unbelief is the Book of Mormon’s way to describe moving from a state of belief, with true and complete doctrine, to a state of unbelief, where the truth has been discarded. Miracles end because men dwindle in unbelief.

Is it possible for our traditions or for the commandments of men to create a situation of "unbelief" where we find ourselves unable to develop "faith"?

There is so very much concerning this subject and there are so many scriptural examples of this ministry among men, women, and children in the scriptures.

I wonder if the indispensable nature of this ministry is what qualified this subject to be recorded in Nephi's vision at this point.