Shewn All Things

 1 Nephi 14:18 - 30, NC 1 Nephi 3 pars. 30 - 31

 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and the angel said unto me, Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things, yea, and also many things which have been; and he shall also write concerning the end of the world. Wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and true; and behold, they are written in the book which thou beheld proceeding out of the mouth of the Jew. And at the time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, or at the time the book proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, the things which were written were plain, and pure, and most precious, and easy to the understanding of all men. And behold, the things which this apostle of the Lamb shall write are many things which thou hast seen; and behold, the remainder shalt thou see. But the things which thou shalt see hereafter thou shalt not write, for the Lord God hath ordained the apostle of the Lamb of God that he should write them. And also others who have been, to them hath he shewn all things, and they have written them. And they are sealed up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto the house of Israel.   And I, Nephi, heard and bear record that the name of the apostle of the Lamb was John, according to the word of the angel. And behold, I, Nephi, am forbidden that I should write the remainder of the things which I saw. Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, and I have not written but a small part of the things which I saw. And I bear record that I saw the things which my father saw, and the angel of the Lord did make them known unto me. And now I make an end of speaking concerning the things which I saw while I was carried away in the spirit; and if all the things which I saw are not written, the things which I have written are true. And thus it is. Amen.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim, 1 Nefi 3 pars. 30 - 32

And it came to pass that the angel spoke unto me, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and the angel said unto me, Behold one of the twelve emissaries of the Lamb. Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things, yes, and also many things which have been; and he shall also write concerning the end of the world. Wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and true; and behold, they are written in the book which you beheld proceeding out of the mouth of the Y’hudi. And at the time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Y’hudi, or at the time the book proceeded out of the mouth of the Y’hudi, the things which were written were plain, and pure, and most precious, and easy to the understanding of all men. And behold, the things which this emissary of the Lamb shall write are many things which you have seen; and behold, the remainder shall you see. But the things which you shall see hereafter you shall not write, for Adonai yhwh has ordained the emissary of the Lamb of Elohim that he should write them. And also others who have been, to them has he shown all things, and they have written them. And they are sealed up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of yhwh, unto the house of Isra’el.  And I, Nefi, heard and bear record that the name of the emissary of the Lamb was Yochanan, according to the word of the angel. And behold, I, Nefi, am forbidden that I should write the remainder of the things which I saw. Wherefore, the things which I have written suffice me, and I have not written but a small part of the things which I saw. And I bear record that I saw the things which my father saw, and the angel of yhwh did make them known unto me. And now I make an end of speaking concerning the things which I saw while I was carried away in the spirit; and if all the things which I saw are not written, the things which I have written are true. And thus it is. Amen. 

I would like to consider the following statement from the above two paragraphs in this post.

And also others who have been, to them hath he shewn all things, and they have written them. And they are sealed up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto the house of Israel.

As mentioned in the past, our little Book of Mormon study group considers that every single phrase coming to us from the Book of Mormon has a purpose intended by God to give us instruction and to point our minds to search out greater understanding.

If this was not so, and engraving on metal plates was so difficult a process then, why take the time to engrave and record that others have also been shown all things and recorded there visions?

If not to teach about something important, why make a seemingly offhanded comment like that?

I want to express my gratitude to God for what Nephi was allowed to share from his vision here. As I mentioned before, I consider this a high point of the Book of Mormon.

My question from Nephi's statement here, I have not written but a small part of the things which I saw,  is, is it possible that there is a more fulsome account of Nephi's vision recorded somewhere else which is likewise sealed up to come forth in purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb?

Given what is included in his account of his vision here and subjects that he touches on, can you imagine what would be contained in a full account?

Is it possible for us to identify others in our present scriptures, who like Nephi here, have received from the Father a vision of all things?

Can we learn anything from being made aware that others also saw these things and recorded what they saw and sealed those records up?

Wouldn't it at the very least inform us that we ought to seek to be a part of the house of Israel so that in the own due time of the Lord those records would come forth in their purity to us as well?

My present understanding of Nephi's statement here, I bear record that I saw the things which my father saw,  is that Lehi was shown all things as well as Nephi.

Are there writings of Lehi that we do not presently have?

And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father had written, for he hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams. And he also hath written many things which he prophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a full account. But I shall make an account of my proceedings in my days. Behold, I make an abridgment of the record of my father upon plates which I have made with mine own hands. Wherefore, after that I have abridged the record of my father, then will I make an account of mine own life. (1 Nephi 1:16 - 17, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 4)

Who else?

And it came to pass that the Lord said unto the brother of Jared, Behold, thou shalt not suffer these things which ye have seen and heard to go forth unto the world until the time cometh that I shall glorify my name in the flesh. Wherefore, ye shall treasure up the things which ye have seen and heard, and shew it to no man. And behold, when ye shall come unto me, ye shall write them and shall seal them up that no one can interpret them, for ye shall write them in a language that they cannot be read. And behold, these two stones will I give unto thee, and ye shall seal them up also with the things which ye shall write. For behold, the language which ye shall write I have confounded. Wherefore, I will cause, in mine own due time, that these stones shall magnify to the eyes of men these things which ye shall write. And when the Lord had said these words, he shewed unto the brother of Jared all the inhabitants of the earth which had been, and also all that would be. And the Lord withheld them not from his sight, even unto the ends of the earth. For the Lord had said unto him in times before that if he would believe in him, that he could shew unto him all things, it should be shewn unto him. Therefore, the Lord could not withhold anything from him, for he knew that the Lord could shew him all things. (Ether 3:21 - 26, NC Ether 1 par. 15)

So we have the brother of Jared now.

What about the following?

O ye wicked, and perverse, and stiffnecked people, why have you built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God, for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled. Behold, the Lord hath shewn unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come at that day when these things shall come forth among you. Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shewn you unto me, and I know your doing, and I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts. And there are none, save a few only, who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquity. And your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts. For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies? Because of the praise of the world? Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick, and the afflicted to pass by you and notice them not? Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations to get gain? And cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground for vengeance upon your heads? Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you, and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer. (Mormon 8:33 - 41, NC Mormon 4 par. 5)

Moroni was finishing the record of his father Mormon and he declared at the very first that he had finished talking about the Nephites so those he is speaking to in this paragraph are the future gentiles who would read the Book of Mormon.

Moroni declared that Christ had shown us to him.

Does that sound like a part of a vision Moroni received of all things, just like Nephi?

How about Ether?

Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jerusalem upon this land. And he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come — after it should be destroyed, it should be built up again, an holy city unto the Lord (wherefore, it could not be a New Jerusalem, for it had been in a time of old, but it should be built up again and become a holy city of the Lord, and it should be built up unto the house of Israel) and that a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type. For as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, even so he died there. Wherefore, the Lord brought a remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph, that they should perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of Joseph, that he should perish not.  Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built up upon this land, and it shall be a land of their inheritance. And they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord like unto the Jerusalem of old. And they shall no more be confounded until the end come, when the earth shall pass away. And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth. And they shall be like unto the old, save the old have passed away and all things have become new. And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel. And then also cometh the Jerusalem of old and the inhabitants thereof; blessed are they, for they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. And they are they who were scattered, and gathered in from the four quarters of the earth and from the north countries, and are partakers of the fulfilling of the covenant which God made with their father, Abraham. And when these things come, bringeth to pass the scripture which saith, There are they who were first who shall be last, and there are they who were last who shall be first.  And I was about to write more, but I am forbidden; but great and marvelous were the prophecies of Ether. But they esteemed him as naught and cast him out. And he hid himself in the cavity of a rock by day, and by night he went forth, viewing the things which should come upon the people. And as he dwelt in the cavity of a rock, he made the remainder of this record, viewing the destructions which came upon the people by night. (Ether 13:4 - 14, NC Ether 6 pars. 2 - 4)

What about Jacob, Nephi's brother?

Jacob quoted the allegory of Zenos that describes the workings of the Lord of the vineyard from the beginning of the world until the end, or the destruction of the wicked.  That most certainly is an allegory that covers a vision of all things.

Then Jacob declares the following.

And now behold, my brethren, as I said unto you that I would prophesy, behold, this is my prophecy, that the things which this prophet Zenos spake concerning the house of Israel, in the which he likened them unto a tame olive tree, must surely come to pass. And in the day that he shall set his hand again the second time to recover his people, is the day, yea, even the last time, that the servants of the Lord shall go forth in his power to nourish and prune his vineyard. And after that, the end soon cometh. And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard, and how cursed are they who shall be cast out into their own place. And the world shall be burned with fire. And how merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long. And they are a stiffnecked and a gainsaying people, but as many as will not harden their hearts shall be saved in the kingdom of God. (Jacob 6:1 - 4, NC Jacob 4 par. 1)

Isn't Jacob, who is on the Lord's errand, able to testify of what Zenos spoke because he, Jacob, has seen the very same thing from the beginning to the end?

Now here is a recording from Nephi about Joseph who was sold into Egypt.

And now I, Nephi, speak concerning the prophecies of which my father hath spoken concerning Joseph, who was carried into Egypt. For behold, he truly prophesied concerning all his seed. And the prophecies which he wrote, there are not many greater. And he prophesied concerning us and our future generations, and they are written upon the plates of brass.(2 Nephi 4:1 - 2, NC 2 Nephi 3 par. 1)

How inclusive is "all his seed"?

Are there folks living who are seed of Joseph today?

How would Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, be able to prophesy concerning all his seed unless he had seen all his seed?

What about Moses?

And it came to pass, as the voice was still speaking, he cast his eyes and beheld the earth, yea, even all the face of it; and there was not a particle of it which he did not behold, discerning it by the spirit of God. And he beheld also the inhabitants thereof, and there was not a soul whom he beheld not. And he discerned them by the spirit of God, and their numbers were great, even as numberless as the sand upon the seashore. And he beheld many lands, and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants upon the face thereof. And it came to pass that Moses called upon God, saying, Show me, I pray you, why these things are so and by whom you made them. And behold, the glory of God was upon Moses, that Moses stood in the presence of God, and he talked with him face to face. And the Lord God said unto Moses, For my own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remains in me. And by the word of my power have I created them, who is my Only Begotten Son, full of grace and truth. And worlds without number have I created, and I also created them for my own purpose; and by the same I created them, who is my Only Begotten. And the first man of all men have I called Adam, which is many. But only an account of this earth and the inhabitants thereof give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds which have passed away by the word of my power, and there are many also which now stand, and numberless are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them. (Moses 1:27 - 35, OC Genesis 1 par. 6)

What about the prophet Isaiah?

This is what the Lord declared to the Nephites concerning the words of Isaiah.

And now behold, I say unto you that ye had ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently, for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel. Therefore, it must needs be that he must speak also to the gentiles. And all things that he spake hath been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake. Therefore, give heed to my words. Write the things which I have told you, and, according to the time and the will of the Father, they shall go forth unto the gentiles. And whosoever will hearken unto my words, and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things. (3 Nephi 23:1 - 5, NC 3 Nephi 10 par. 4)

If what Isaiah spake hath been and shall be, doesn't that point to Isaiah having received the same vision as Nephi?

What about the prophet Joseph?

As this vision closed, the Heavens were again opened to their view, and they saw and beheld, and were endowed with knowledge from the beginning of this creation to the ends thereof. And they were shown unspeakable things from the sealed record of Heaven, which man is not capable of making known, but must be revealed by the Powers of Heaven. (T&C 157 par. 30)

Is there any new scriptural record existing right at this moment that might match the above records from previous scripture?

On the 13th of February 2003 I saw the Lord coming in His glory. At first a sign appeared in the heavens, a light emanating from a single point and turning first this way and that. All the world saw it, and men debated over its meaning. At length the light turned upon us and within it was the Lord, showing His glory, with concourses of angels and the hosts of Heaven following in His wake.  And when we saw that it was the Lord we rejoiced and were filled with joy. I turned to my wife and said, Look, it is Christ!, and she said, Yes, it is! And we were filled with joy and peace of mind, for the long awaited day of the Lord had come.  But others were filled with dread. They feared and lamented and wanted the mountains to cover them and hide them from His presence, for he was clothed in red and came in judgment. And Christian ministers knew they had taught falsely and that their faith could not save — and they begged for relief from the Saints.  This caused me to marvel at how this could be. It was given unto me to understand that without the ordinances of salvation through the authorized ministers of the gospel it was not possible for men to shed their sins. And they could not look upon a just and holy Being without being racked with torment and guilt for their sins. And they pled with the Saints to minister to them, but we could not, for we were constrained by the spirit and were forbidden to do so. For this was the day of judgment which the Lord had in His heart, and he was now come to preach His own sermon, clothed in red, and to deliver those who waited on Him and to convict and condemn those who had not.  I write this in my own hand and bear solemn testimony that it is true. Amen. When I had finished recording the foregoing account I replied to the Lord that it was not complete and that I could give a much fuller account. The Lord replied, When the time comes to bear testimony of this, these are the words you shall use. And many other things were told to me that cannot be written. (T&C 160 pars. 1 - 6)

This above account is from a literal living prophet today, Denver Snuffer.

I am convinced from my personal perusal of the scriptures that we could go on and on presenting evidence and examples from the scriptures of those who have been shown the vision of all things but I believe the above is sufficient, for now, to demonstrate the point of what Nephi declared.

Should we take notice of this idea of others in addition to Nephi being shown all things by the Lord, being that these accounts populate every volume of scripture not just the Book of Mormon?

Can we see any patterns, even with the limited examples above, as to why the Lord would show someone a vision of all things?

What did the Prophet Joseph declare concerning the things which he had received from the Lord in vision?

But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the mysteries of his kingdom which he shewed unto us, which surpasseth all understanding, in glory, and in might, and in dominion, which he commanded us we should not write while we were yet in the spirit, and are not lawful for men to utter, neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the holy ghost, which God bestows on those who love him and purifieth themselves before him, to whom he grants the privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves, that through the power and manifestation of the spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory. (D&C 76:114 - 118, T&C 69 par. 29)

And the following.

God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them, for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, Know ye the Lord; for all shall know Him (who remain) from the least to the greatest. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 149)

Do we see time and time again in these accounts the statements that they cannot write more or it is not capable for man to make the things known, etc.?

According to the Prophet Joseph the things God deems prudent to reveal, God reveals those things by the power of the holy ghost, which God bestows on those who love him and purifieth themselves before him.

The Lord further stated concerning Joseph and Oliver's vision of all things in the Kirtland temple as follows.

And they were unable to take it in; therefore, they were commanded to pray and ask to comprehend by the power of the spirit, to bring all things to their remembrance, even the Record of Heaven which would abide in them. Amen and Amen. (T&C 159 par. 32)

What they saw, they had pray and ask to comprehend it by the power of the spirit.

If the Record of Heaven is required to understand these things or in other words the power of the holy ghost, then what did these individuals do to receive that power?

If God must bestow the power of the holy ghost or the Record of Heaven upon someone, how does one purify themselves before God in order to have the power of the holy ghost bestowed upon them? 

What does it mean to be pure before God?

Is it possible to impose our cultural definition of purity onto this action of purifying oneself and therefore obscure it's real definition?

Can someone be pure even if they are not virtuous?

Was Nephi pure?

Was it virtuous of Nephi to kill Laban?

Was Ammon pure?

Was it virtuous of Ammon to kill some Lamanites and cut off the arms of others?

Was Elijah pure?

Was it virtuous of Elijah to make fun of the priests of Baal and to kill them?

Was Abraham pure?

Was it virtuous of Abraham to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice?

Does the idea of God being the one to confer the holy ghost upon someone hold up to what is taught in scripture?

... And the Father said, Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. And also the voice of the Son came unto me, saying, He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the holy ghost like unto me. Wherefore, follow me and do the things which ye have seen me do. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ by baptism — yea, by following your Lord and Savior down into the water according to his word — behold, then shall ye receive the holy ghost. Yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the holy ghost, and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. (2 Nephi 31:5 - 13, NC 2 Nephi 13 par. 2)

Not only does Nephi declare that it is indeed the Father who bestows the holy ghost upon those who follow the path of His Son by being baptized, he also declares that the person receiving baptism must consent to be baptized with the following attributes in order for the Father to bestow such a gift.

A person must follow the Son with full purpose of heart, act no hypocrisy and no deception before God, have real intent, and repent.

What individuals invariably act with full purpose of heart, real intent and without any hypocrisy or deception?

Do children possess these qualities?

Is it possible that a person who acts to follow Christ with the above attributes, could be considered child like?

My present understanding is that all who have been shewn all things by the Lord received baptism; following the example of the Lord with the above attributes so that the Father would bestow upon them the holy ghost.

Nephi states further on that a person must continue in the path they have begun, that path of following the Son through baptism, by feasting upon the words of Christ.

Nephi then declares the following concerning the words of Christ.

...Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the holy ghost, ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the holy ghost? 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. Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them, it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock. Wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way and receive the holy ghost, it will shew unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do. (2 Nephi 32:1 - 6, NC 2 Nephi 14 par. 1)

Doesn't Nephi declare that angels speak the words of Christ?

Nephi equates speaking the words of Christ to speaking by the power of the holy ghost.

Nephi declares that the words of Christ will tell us all things what we should do.

Is it possible that the purity that is required before God in order for God to bestow upon you the holy ghost is the purity of our intent and desire to ask and our absolute willingness to obey God's words whatever they may be to us?

Is God capable of seeing if such things exist in our hearts?

For Nephi, weren't God's words to him, or in other words the words of Christ to him, in a dark Jerusalem street a command to kill Laban?

If Nephi had not been obedient to God's words would he have remained pure before God?

Am I placed in a unique life circumstance where I have opportunities to ask God for direction and act with real intent upon His answers to me in order to work for good within my family and my neighborhood and circle of influence however big or little that may be?

How big was Nephi's circle of influence at the time he received this vision of all things?

Is God able to test my real intent this way within the confines of my family and neighborhood?

Is God able to see whether I will act any hypocrisy or deception as I interact with my family and my neighbors?

In my own personal unique life circumstance is God able to see if I will ask for and feast upon the words of Christ?

What is possible that the words of Christ will tell me to do in order to bless my family and my neighbors?

If I am not obedient to those words of Christ would I be able to consider myself pure before God?

Don't the scriptures point out that I should expect to have my intentions, my desires, and my resolve  tested by real life experiences?

Will I be required to sacrifice in order to demonstrate my real intent?

Is it possible for me to declare that I have arrived at the point that I am pure before God?

Does the brother of Jared provide us any direction in this?

And it came to pass that the brother of Jared — now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight — therefore the brother of Jared went forth unto the mount which they called the mount Shelem because of its exceeding heighth, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass. And he did carry them in his hands up on the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying, O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee, for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the Heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee — because of the Fall, our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires. Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity and hath driven us forth, and for this many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness, but behold these things which I have molten out of the rock. And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man. Therefore, touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness, and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea. Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to shew forth great power which looks small unto the understanding of men. (Ether 3:1 - 5, NC Ether 1 par. 11)

If I understand correctly, by the time the brother of Jared arrived to this point he had moved Mt. Zerin by faith, he had spoken with the Lord in a cloud and had received multiple answers to his mighty prayers or his crying out to God.  Yet here we see him approaching the Lord, pleading with the Lord not to be angry, confessing his unworthiness before the Lord, and asking the Lord for mercy.

Wasn't it the Lord, not the Brother of Jared, who recognized purity in the brother of Jared's heart?

How long must I be proven before God can declare that I am pure?

How long was Nephi tested?

I have given my opinion before in this blog that I believe that the account contained in the Book of Mormon is very condensed and I believe that Nephi proved himself for at the very least many many months or quite possibly multiple years before he had proven himself worthy before God, having feasted upon and been obedient to the words of Christ in all things he was required to accomplish, before he received this vision.

Should I consider that no matter how long it takes, if I am faithful, the time will come according to the Lord's perfect knowledge of my heart where He will be able to declare my purity?

Is such an idea in any way maybe related to the following?

They were they who received the testimony of Jesus and believed on his name, were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he hath given, that by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the holy ghost by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power, and who overcome by faith and are sealed by that Holy Spirit of Promise, which the Father sheddeth forth upon all those who are just and true.(D&C 76:51 - 53, T&C 69 par. 10)

Is it possible that for those who have personally arisen and come to this point that Jesus can testify of their purity before God. (i.e. They receive Jesus Christ's testimony before the Father that they are pure.)

I consider this following declaration of Nephi to be of utmost importance in his walking the path to purify himself before God.

And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us.... (1 Nephi 5:20 - 22, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 23)

I am sure that my thoughts on purifying ourselves before God in order to have the power of the holy ghost to be able to be shewn all things are very incomplete.

I trust, however that if anything I am sharing is correct that the Lord can open up and clarify and completely teach these principles to anyone who will earnestly look into the matter.

One last question for this post, why should we seek to receive or be shewn all things by the Lord?

The Prophet Joseph said that such a thing is possible for even the least saint as soon as they are able to bear it.

I would like to refer back to what the Prophet Joseph declared as shared earlier in the post.

they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the holy ghost, which God bestows on those who love him and purifieth themselves before him, to whom he grants the privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves, that through the power and manifestation of the spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory.

My present understanding is that the pattern for redemption from the fall lies in coming to the point, as Nephi has here, of being purified before God. Then that God grants that purified person the privilege of seeing and knowing these things for themselves by the power and manifestations of the spirit in mortality so that they are able to bear God's presence in the world of glory.

The Lord revealed this above principle to the prophet Joseph as follows.

And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abides the law of a celestial kingdom, for it fills the measure of its creation and transgresses not the law. Wherefore, it shall be sanctified. Yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again and shall abide the power by which it is quickened. And the righteous shall inherit it, for notwithstanding they die, they also shall rise again, a spiritual body. They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body, even you shall receive your bodies. And your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened. You who are quickened by a portion of the Celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fullness. And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fullness. And also, they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fullness. And they who remain, shall also be quickened. Nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received. For what does it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift. (D&C 88:25 - 33, T&C 86 par. 4)

When an individual receives visions and revelations, that which is Celestial, which is unlawful for man to utter or man is incapable of making it known to another man, and they are faithful to those things they receive, that individual is quickened by a portion of the Celestial glory.

Having been thus quickened by a portion of the Celestial glory here in mortality they qualify to receive a fullness of the Celestial glory when they rise again a spiritual body.

My present understanding is that those who receive such Celestial things are laid under a strict burden.

And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying, It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless, they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart — only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word. And he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God, until they know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the Devil and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell. (Alma 12:9 - 11, NC Alma 9 par. 3) 

No wonder Nephi here is commanded that he must write no more of what he will be shown to this point.

He is imparting only that portion of the word, God is granting unto us according to the heed and diligence we are giving to the word of God at this point.

That shouldn't matter to us though should it?

Don't we personally have access through walking on the same path Nephi walked upon to the very same vision of all things?

I hope to walk in that path, with real intent to follow the Son of God, that I might be purified before God and have the power of the holy ghost bestowed upon me just like Nephi and all others who have arrived at this point.

I would invite anyone who may be anywhere in the earth to begin the path if they have not already to enter into the path.  Follow the Son of God with full purpose of heart into the waters of baptism, acting no hypocrisy and not deception before God.  

Believe in the Doctrine of Christ found here. https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/3nephi/5

Then you may go here https://bornofwater.org/ and request baptism from one who has authority directly from Christ to baptize you.  

They will come and perform the ordinance for free and you will then have entered into the path.

One of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb

1 Nephi 14:18 - 30, NC 1 Nephi 3 pars. 30 - 31

 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and the angel said unto me, Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things, yea, and also many things which have been; and he shall also write concerning the end of the world. Wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and true; and behold, they are written in the book which thou beheld proceeding out of the mouth of the Jew. And at the time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, or at the time the book proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, the things which were written were plain, and pure, and most precious, and easy to the understanding of all men. And behold, the things which this apostle of the Lamb shall write are many things which thou hast seen; and behold, the remainder shalt thou see. But the things which thou shalt see hereafter thou shalt not write, for the Lord God hath ordained the apostle of the Lamb of God that he should write them. And also others who have been, to them hath he shewn all things, and they have written them. And they are sealed up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto the house of Israel.   And I, Nephi, heard and bear record that the name of the apostle of the Lamb was John, according to the word of the angel. And behold, I, Nephi, am forbidden that I should write the remainder of the things which I saw. Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, and I have not written but a small part of the things which I saw. And I bear record that I saw the things which my father saw, and the angel of the Lord did make them known unto me. And now I make an end of speaking concerning the things which I saw while I was carried away in the spirit; and if all the things which I saw are not written, the things which I have written are true. And thus it is. Amen.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim, 1 Nefi 3 pars. 30 - 32

And it came to pass that the angel spoke unto me, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and the angel said unto me, Behold one of the twelve emissaries of the Lamb. Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things, yes, and also many things which have been; and he shall also write concerning the end of the world. Wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and true; and behold, they are written in the book which you beheld proceeding out of the mouth of the Y’hudi. And at the time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Y’hudi, or at the time the book proceeded out of the mouth of the Y’hudi, the things which were written were plain, and pure, and most precious, and easy to the understanding of all men. And behold, the things which this emissary of the Lamb shall write are many things which you have seen; and behold, the remainder shall you see. But the things which you shall see hereafter you shall not write, for Adonai yhwh has ordained the emissary of the Lamb of Elohim that he should write them. And also others who have been, to them has he shown all things, and they have written them. And they are sealed up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of yhwh, unto the house of Isra’el.  And I, Nefi, heard and bear record that the name of the emissary of the Lamb was Yochanan, according to the word of the angel. And behold, I, Nefi, am forbidden that I should write the remainder of the things which I saw. Wherefore, the things which I have written suffice me, and I have not written but a small part of the things which I saw. And I bear record that I saw the things which my father saw, and the angel of yhwh did make them known unto me. And now I make an end of speaking concerning the things which I saw while I was carried away in the spirit; and if all the things which I saw are not written, the things which I have written are true. And thus it is. Amen. 

I have decided to consider the final two paragraphs found in 1 Nephi chapter 3 together.

I am sorry to be at the end of Nephi's vision.  Nephi has, by the constraint of the Spirit, shared things with us in this faithful recounting of his vision that inform us of the covenants of God from the very beginning of the world, or the human family, as God first extended promises to Adam and Eve concerning the entire human family.

Nephi's explanation of the condescension of God the Father, God the Mother, and God the Son, all together, I have not found the equal yet in any other scripture.

Everything that has been presented here by Nephi has been calculated to inform us and to persuade us, by of the power of the words used to communicate these things, to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent and come down into the waters of baptism and become as little children so that we may feast upon what the Lord is then able to share with us because the Father will have given us the Holy Ghost.

We are given knowledge to allow us to see where we fit in the Lord's work now so that we may orient ourselves and see that the Lord's promises to the original Fathers, starting with Adam, are driving His present work. He and the Father intend to vindicate all of their words.

Much of what Nephi shared is being played out right in front of us and I continue to be a living witness of the mercy and goodness of the Lord to work among the children of men right this very moment to save them as He goes about to vindicate His promises.

As I have said in earlier posts, I continue to invite all to look into the work the Lord is performing now that all might be saved.

There is so much contained in what Nephi communicates to us through his record of his vision that attempts made in this blog to address them are infinitely inadequate.

I do trust that the Holy Spirit, or mind of God, is able to bring us to a perfect understanding of what Nephi is sharing here.  I believe that that perfect understanding is given to all who will, with time and experience and deep and ponderous thoughts, consider Nephi's words and keep the commandments of God; following the same path Nephi followed to arrive at such a perfect understanding.

I invite all to follow that path.  I hope to remain on that path myself and arrive at precisely the location that Nephi arrived at when he received this vision.

The Book of Mormon as a whole is so great in its message but I must admit at this moment I feel a great affinity for what Nephi was constrained to share here. There is much more to find as we continue but I do feel that this is one of the high points, if I can put it that way, of the Book of Mormon.

Here at the last of the record of Nephi's vision Nephi sees a man dressed in a white robe.

Didn't Lehi also see a man dressed in a white robe?

Why does the Book of Mormon contain the description of wearing a white robe for both instances?

Isn't that a bit confusing given that the results of Lehi's encounter with a man dressed in a white robe is quite markedly different than the person Nephi is seeing who is also dressed in a white robe?

My present understanding of the man Lehi saw in a white robe was that he, the man in the white robe, symbolizes those who claim purity and testify of themselves and encourage people to follow them.  They are very masterful at counterfeiting real purity.  Those who claim purity, testify of themselves, and seek to have people follow them can only lead those who follow them into spiritually desolate wastes like unto where Lehi found himself before repenting and turning to God.

Nephi is seeing an actual person.  The angel testifies to Nephi that the man he is seeing is one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  

We have already read much concerning these twelve apostles of the Lamb just to this third chapter in the Book of Mormon.

Lehi speaks concerning them and Nephi also.  

Who are they?

Who were they before this creation?

How come they are described by Lehi as coming down to this creation already possessing a glory above that of the stars?

We are in a Telestial world compared in glory in scripture to the glory of the stars in the firmament.

If, as Lehi declared, they came down possessing glory above that of the stars, did they also condescend to come down from a higher glory?

We know that the Son of God, our Lord, Jesus Christ came down from a throne above with a glory brighter than the sun.

Doesn't that mean that He condescended from a yet greater place than even His twelve apostles?

Is it possible that others who have ascended higher than us also condescend to come down to perform labors here that are calculated to bring people to Christ in order to save all who will come to Him?

Is being called one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb something different than holding an office in an organization or church?

Is being one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb related to what Alma taught the folks in Amonihah?

And again, my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the time when the Lord God gave these commandments unto his children. And I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests after his Holy Order, which was after the Order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people. And those priests were ordained after the Order of his Son in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. And this is the manner after which they were ordained: being called and prepared from the foundation of the world, according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works in the first place, being left to choose good or evil; therefore they, having chosen good, and exercising exceeding great faith, are called with a holy calling — yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such. And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds (while, if it had not been for this, they might had as great privilege as their brethren — or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren — thus, this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the atonement of the Only Begotten Son who was prepared), and thus, being called by this holy calling and ordained unto the High Priesthood of the Holy Order of God to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest — this High Priesthood being after the Order of his Son, which Order was from the foundation of the world, or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity according to his foreknowledge of all things. Now they were ordained after this manner, being called with a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking upon them the High Priesthood of the Holy Order — which calling, and ordinance, and High Priesthood is without beginning or end; thus, they become high priests for ever after the Order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen. (Alma 13:1 - 9, NC Alma 9 par. 10)

If we use the correct definition of world to be the human family then these priests of the Holy Order were prepared from the foundation of the human family.

When was the foundation of the human family?

Was the foundation of the human family established before this earth was created?

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill and said, You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious; for as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: To the Unknown God. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God, who made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands, neither is worshipped with men’s hands as though he needed anything, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things; and has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth; and has determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord if they are willing to find him. For he is not far from every one of us, for in him we live, and move, and have our being. As certain also of your own poets have said: For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone, engraved by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance, God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by him whom he has ordained; and he has given assurance of this unto all men, in that he has raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:22 - 31, NC Acts 10 par. 14)

Paul taught that the Lord of the heaven and earth, who created all things, determined beforehand the bounds and habitations of all nations in order that all nations might be able to seek the Lord if they were willing to find Him.

Is that the time when He proposed to those souls who were with Him who He saw were good that they should condescend to come down and be teachers (His rulers) in order to draw all men to Christ if they would come?

Isn't that what Abraham was shown by the Lord?

Alma declares that these priests of the Holy Order, who are ordained after the manner of the Son, were ordained at the time of the foundation of the human family here, or before the world was, to teach the commandments of God unto the children of men because they had at sometime before the foundation of the human family here been left to choose good or evil and they had already at some point before the foundation of the human family here exercised exceeding great faith and chosen good while others who were in the same probation with them, left to choose good or evil, hardened their hearts and so they were not ordained to the Holy Order.

Doesn't that mean that all of these who were ordained at the foundation of the human family had already proven themselves in a previous probation?

If that is what Alma is talking about then aren't all of those who were ordained to the Holy Order from the foundation of the world, or human family condescending to come to another probation on a saving mission?

Is this what is meant from the words spoken to Abraham by the Lord as Abraham was seeing what happened at the foundation of the human family?

And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him, We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell. And we will prove them herewith to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them. And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon, and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever. (Abraham 3:24 - 26, T&C 145, The Book of Abraham 6 par. 2)

The Lord declared to those who were souls who He would make His rulers (teachers) that this earth was created so that all who were not yet "souls who were good" could come and be proven herewith to see if we would do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us.

What are we doing here in this creation?

Isn't this experience considered a probation?

Aren't we being proven herewith?

Are we left here to choose between good and evil and to either exercise exceeding great faith in Christ or to harden our hearts?

If we choose to exercise exceeding great faith in Christ and we prove ourselves behind this veil that we will do all things whatsoever our Lord God commands us then is it possible at some future point we might be ordained from the foundation of a future human family to this Holy Order in order to condescend to go down into an earth among said future human family to be teachers, having proven ourselves already in this previous estate or probation?  

If this man dressed in a white robe was ordained from the foundation of the world, or the human family, does he represent, as well as all others who are ordained to the Holy Order, what we must all do in order to progress to where Christ is?

Is it possible that Joseph was addressing this very thing when he declared the following?

Here, then, is eternal life—to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power. And I want you to know that God, in the last days, while certain individuals are proclaiming his name, is not trifling with you or me. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pgs. 346 - 347)

If we prove ourselves faithful here in this probation, being left to choose between good and evil, and then we are ordained after the Holy Order at the foundation of a future world, or human family, to condescend to go down and teach in order to draw all men to the Savior of a future world, then doesn't that follow the pattern Joseph described here of going from one small degree to another and from a small capacity to a great one?

Here Joseph speaks of our necessity in this ascent to attain to the resurrection of the dead.

In the Lectures on Faith Joseph taught the following concerning saved individuals.

...Where shall we find a prototype into whose likeness we may be assimilated, in order that we may be made partakers of life and salvation? Or in other words, where shall we find a saved being? For if we can find a saved being, we may ascertain without much difficulty what all others must be in order to be saved — they must be like that individual or they cannot be saved. We think that it will not be a matter of dispute that two beings who are unlike each other cannot both be saved, for whatever constitutes the salvation of one will constitute the salvation of every creature which will be saved. And if we find one saved being in all existence, we may see what all others must be or else not be saved. We ask, then: Where is the prototype? Or where is the saved being? We conclude as to the answer of this question there will be no dispute among those who believe the Bible that it is Christ. All will agree in this, that he is the prototype or standard of salvation, or in other words, that he is a saved being. And if we should continue our interrogation, and ask how it is that he is saved, the answer would be, because he is a just and holy being. And if he were anything different from what he is he would not be saved, for his salvation depends on his being precisely what he is and nothing else. For if it were possible for him to change in the least degree, so sure he would fail of salvation and lose all his dominion, power, authority, and glory, which constitutes salvation. For salvation consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power, and dominion which Jehovah possesses, and in nothing else, and no being can possess it but himself or one like him. Thus says John in his first epistle, 3:2,3 [1 John 1:13]: Behold, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And any man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. Why purify himself as he is pure? Because if they do not, they cannot be like him.(T&C 110, Lectures on Faith, Lecture Seventh par. 9)

To be a saved individual is to be exactly like Christ.

To what capacity must one move in order to be exactly like Christ?

Must one become a Savior of all they create, like Christ did, in order to attain to the resurrection of the dead, like the Prophet Joseph declared we must do, in order to become a saved individual?

When we are finally resurrected from death here aren't we resurrected through Christ's power?

To attain to the resurrection like Christ did do we not need to be able to rise again by our own power like Christ did?

Is this why the Lord declared the following while He was in mortality?

Truly, truly I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they who hear shall live. For, as the Father has life in himself, so has he given to the Son to have life in himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of Man. Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming in which all who are in their graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth — they who have done good, in the resurrection of the just, and they who have done evil, in the resurrection of the unjust; and shall all be judged of the Son of Man. For as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just. For I can of my own self do nothing, because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who has sent me. (John 5:25 - 30, NC John 5 par. 5)

The Prophet Joseph commented on the above as follows.

The Scriptures inform us that Jesus said, As the Father hath power in Himself, even so hath the Son power—to do what? Why, what the Father did. The answer is obvious—in a manner to lay down His body and take it up again. Jesus, what are you going to do? To lay down my life as my Father did, and take it up again. Do we believe it? If you do not believe it, you do not believe the Bible. The Scriptures say it, and I defy all the learning and wisdom and all the combined powers of earth and hell together to refute it. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 346)

According to the Prophet Joseph the Lord was treading in the same path or in other words going to a great capacity, that of descending below all things in order to save all things created by His hand, in order to lay down His body and take it up again (attaining to the resurrection) just as His Father had done in a previous creation.

If such is the path to become like Christ and then the Father, every time someone condescends to "go down", in order to save others are they sacrificing?

Are these priests of the Holy Order who condescend, willingly putting themselves in jeopardy by condescending to come down behind a veil to be teachers?

What did Paul declare concerning this time of mortality?

Else what shall they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? I protest unto you the resurrection of the dead, and this is my rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord daily, though I die. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what does it advantage me if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. Be not deceived. Evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness and sin not, for some have not the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.(1 Corinthians 15:29 - 34, NC 1 Corinthians 1 par. 64)

Paul, knowing that all would rise from the dead through the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ taught here that because of that rising after our deaths here, we stand in jeopardy every hour here in mortality because our works in this life will follow us when we rise.

As I presently understand this, even those who condescend to come down to teach, after already having proven themselves in a previous probation, are still in jeopardy every hour in this mortality because they risk losing everything they have merited before.

Is that not a sacrifice?

As one progresses to greater capacities to save others and greater glory following their completed saving missions, doesn't their continued condescension from ever increasing glory create greater and greater risks and greater and greater sacrifices they must offer?

The more glory an individual must lay aside in order to condescend, doesn't that increase their sacrifice and if triumphant in their mission increase their capacity to save others until they arrive at the point the Lord arrived to on the path where they must condescend to sacrifice infinitely (descend below all things) in order to save all that has been created by their hands?

Is this the path to the Father that one must tread through the eons of time?

Is this the plan of salvation?

Would such a plan of salvation preserve eternally everyone's right to choose (agency)?

Are those who are sent to teach sent to teach precisely because the Father, having seen their previous exceeding great faith, is able to trust them with such important tasks?

Does this constitute the perfect foreknowledge of God?

Remember that the Prophet Joseph declared that God is not trifling with the souls of men. God would never choose a copper tool to perform a labor that must be done with steel.

As I presently understand things, a mission to teach an authorized message from God is not only difficult because of the hard heartedness among the children of men it is also hard because it must be done with utmost exactness according to the commandments and will of God.

God does not and will not leave the workings necessary for the salvation of the human family to chance.  Those who have been ordained from the foundation of the world to condescend to perform a saving labor in this creation were not ordained willy nilly.

This man Nephi is seeing in vision, ordained from the foundation of the human family to be one of the Apostles of the Lamb (part of the Holy Order), who was ordained to write the remainder of the vision that Nephi will see but is commanded not to write it; when was this man ordained to write these things?

Was he ordained to write these things from the foundation of the human family?

If this man, who is one of the apostles of the Lamb, is dressed in a white robe that describes his real purity indeed through the blood of Christ, how would I be able to tell between him and someone else who appears to be dressed in a white robe as well but only has power to lead me to a spiritually desolate waste?

Would there be a difference in a message that God has ordained to be written or spoken from the foundation of the human family and a message from a person who is on their own errand to testify of themselves?

 Would it be very important to look at the message to see if it contains God's words or their words?

As we look at scripture, has there ever been a true ordained teacher from the foundation of the human family that came to be served or honored or to fare sumptuously?

The Lord said the following concerning Himself in His mortal ministry.

And when the ten heard this, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them and said, You know that the princes of the gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever will be great among you, let him be your minister. And whoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant, even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life, a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:24 - 28, NC Matthew 10 par. 3)

If, as Alma taught, these priests of the Holy Order, ordained from the foundation of the world, or the human family, are ordained in a manner that all may look to their ordinations and see Christ reflected there then where would we expect to find these priests of the Holy Order?  

Would priests of the Holy Order sit in the chief seats, and be in positions of power and dominion over others like the gentiles, and have access to lots of money, and wield political power, and fly first class, and stay in the best hotels, and have multiple vacation homes, and own hunting lodges, and have their children's college tuition paid for, and expect complete obedience from their adherents to their ever word, etc.?

Christ came to serve and so did all those who are after the Holy Order.  They did not come to have people serve them while they pontificated their own greatness and chosen status.

Christ declared that the only tools that one who really possesses priesthood or in other words a connection with heaven can use are persuasion, long suffering, gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned. Those of the Holy Order do not compel using their supposed authority or office in an institution or organization.

The only authority manifest by one of the priests of the Holy Order is that the message they were ordained from the foundation of the human family to deliver contains power because it is authorized from God and it is delivered with exactness and meekness.

In my mind, the contrast between a priest of the Holy Order who Nephi saw here and one who is after the order of a priesthood like unto the man who approached Lehi in his dream is very clear.

I believe that it is very important that we be given the details of this individual Nephi sees here.

Even here close to the end, with Nephi's mention of a true apostle of the Lamb's real purity through Jesus Christ, manifested by him wearing a white robe, and his ordination to write the visions of God, Nephi is turning our minds to things of eternal importance.