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.