The Rod of Iron Which our Father Saw

  1 Nephi 15:21 - 30, NC 1 Nephi 4 par. 5

And it came to pass that they did speak unto me again, saying, What meaneth this thing which our father saw in a dream? What meaneth the tree which he saw? And I said unto them, It was a representation of the tree of life. And they said unto me, What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word of God, and that whoso would hearken unto the word of God and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish, neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always, in all things. And they said unto me, What meaneth the river of water which our father saw? And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water. And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf which separateth the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the saints of God. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful hell which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked. And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous, and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire which ascendeth up unto God for ever and ever and hath no end.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 4 par. 5

And it came to pass that they did speak unto me again, saying, What is the meaning of this thing which our father saw in a dream? What is the meaning of the tree which he saw? And I said unto them, It was a representation of the tree of life. And they said unto me, What is the meaning of the rod of iron which our father saw that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word of Elohim, and that whoever would hearken unto the word of Elohim and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish, neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. Wherefore, I, Nefi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of yhwh; yes, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of Elohim and remember to keep his mitzvot always, in all things. And they said unto me, What is the meaning of the river of water which our father saw? And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was tum’ah; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the uncleanness of the water. And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf which separates the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the k’doshim of Elohim. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful Gehinnom which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked. And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of Elohim did also divide the wicked from the righteous, and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire which ascends up unto Elohim for ever and ever and has no end.

Why did Nephi record a more extensive response to his brothers' question about the iron rod than he recorded as a response to their first question about the tree of life?

I would imagine that it is rather laborious to ask such questions again and again but I hope that in spite of the laborious nature of considering "why" some insight might be discovered by that consideration. 

Given that I believe that Nephi inscribed what he was constrained by the spirit to inscribe on the plates, and given that I believe that the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God (i.e. God translated the text and told Joseph what to write), my present opinion is that I personally can gain important insight into the Book of Mormon by considering what is both included and also what is omitted.

Why does the Book of Mormon contain expansive information on certain things and yet cloud information into other things?

Is there an effort by God, through the Book of Mormon, to open to everyone, certain principles that apply to everyone, regardless of their level of understanding, while also inserting further parts of the gospel of Christ that are purposely veiled, except for references that pique a curiosity, that invite anyone who applies the principles that are open to all to come and see for themselves something greater yet?

Is it possible that the iron rod leading to the tree which represents the tree of life is a principle that is open for all which, if applied, will allow anyone to experience something greater yet; the tree of life?

I have always been taught that the iron rod is a representation of the scriptures.

I believe this to be partially true.

Is it possible that there is yet more to the iron rod than just the words of scripture?

Nephi exclaims the following concerning the iron rod.

whoso would hearken unto the word of God and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish, neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction

Are there other places in the scriptures that talk about never perishing, not being overpowered unto blindness by temptations and fiery darts, and an avoidance of being lead away to destruction?

If we look at these other scriptures is it possible that we might encounter that there is more to the iron rod than just the scriptural cannon?

And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long do you make us to doubt? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you and you believed not. The works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But you believe not because you are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. (John 10:22 - 30, NC John 6 par. 29)

Christ is very clear here that He will give eternal life to His sheep and His sheep will never perish.

Who holds His sheep in His hand so that no man is able to lead them away to destruction?

Nicodemus said unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born? Jesus answered, Truly, truly I say unto you, except a man be born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, you must be born again. The wind blows where it desires and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell from where it comes and to where it goes; so is everyone who is born of the spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said, Are you a master of Israel and do not know these things? Truly, truly I say unto you, we speak that which we do know and testify that which we have seen, and you receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you believe not, how shall you believe if I tell you Heavenly things? I tell you, no man has ascended up to Heaven, but he who came down from Heaven — the Son of Man who is in Heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:4 - 16, NC John 2 par. 2)

Isn't is clear from Christ's words here that it is because of Christ's condescension that all who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life?

O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people. Yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world. And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom in the city of Ammonihah, for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins. And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance. Therefore, he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls. And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation, that when the Devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless woe because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build, they cannot fall. (Helaman 5:9-12, NC Helaman 2 par. 17)

Is it possible that the Devil's shafts in the whirlwind and his hail and mighty storm is another way of saying the temptations and fiery darts of the adversary?

If it is possible that the above is correct, then could harkening unto the word of God and holding fast to it be properly equated with building a foundation on the rock of our Redeemer even Christ, the Son of God?

Alma had something interesting to say concerning being taken captive and being led down to destruction.

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)

What are the mysteries of God?

What does that mean, "mysteries of God"?

That knowledge which is hidden from the world and only made available through revelation to the faithful. Much of such knowledge may be learned but is not to be taught. One will have to apply the process of learning the mysteries in one’s life if he or she intends to learn the mysteries themselves. The scriptures tell us how to get the “mysteries of God.” Learning these mysteries is the fullness of Christ’s Gospel. There is a system by which men learn the mysteries of heaven and are saved. That system is set out in Alma 9:7: first, angels are sent to prepare men and women; second, they are allowed to behold the Lord’s glory; then they converse with the Lord, at which point they are taught the things that have been prepared from the foundation of the earth for their salvation. All of this is driven by the man or woman’s faith, repentance, and holy works. Joseph Smith said, I advise all to go on to perfection and search deeper and deeper into the mysteries of godliness…. [As for myself] it has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries, new things, for my hearers. This is the Book of Mormon theme. Search deeper, and find God.Ask that you may know the mysteries of God. That is a commandment. Although given to Oliver Cowdery, it is a principle that is applicable to all of mankind (see T&C 3:3). The claim that one should stay away from the mysteries of God is false. Refusing to follow the command to ask that you may know the mysteries of God (JSH 13:26) denies the power of godliness and opposes the doctrine of salvation. It is anti-Christ. “We make our own mysteries; we are not meant to be kept in darkness, and the mysteries of heaven will be unfolded to us as we make an effort to understand them.” Christ said that the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are understood only by those who have been initiated and given that understanding (see Matthew 7:2). Mysteries can also be defined as solemn ceremonial ordinances or rituals which take place in a special setting. “Mysteries (from the Greek, mystērion, μυστήριον)…[are] confided only to the initiated and not to be communicated by them to ordinary mortals.”

Knowledge of the mysteries of godliness is obtained only through obedience to God. He ordained this method to make His greatest truths universally available to all His humble followers. If it were otherwise, men and women would all have to go to college to receive training for the ministry. Education is no real advantage in receiving light and truth from God. Humility is the only real, great advantage which any soul ever possesses (see T&C 159:31–32).9 Alma’s teaching that it is given unto many to know the mysteries of God (Alma 9:3, emphasis added) means what it says. This is God’s promise in every age. Even if only few men or women are willing to receive it, that does not cancel the promise. “The principle involving limited disclosure of things received in personal revelation is explained by Alma. If you are incapable of obeying these requirements, then you cannot receive any new mystery by revelation. Heaven will not permit any soul to receive mysteries if they cannot resist revealing them unwisely to others. The constraint — that they may be learned, but cannot be taught — is enforced by withholding them from those who will not abide by this constraint. If you are one of those who cannot respect this limitation, then the process will not work for you. Joseph said: ‘The reason we do not have the secrets of the Lord revealed unto us is because we do not keep them, but reveal them; we do not keep our own secrets, but reveal our difficulties to the world, even to our enemies, then how would we keep the secrets of the Lord?’ The mysteries of God are His hidden but simple truths.” (Mysteries of God, Glossary of Gospel Terms, Teachings and Commandments)

There are two things that stand out to me from the above definition related to this post.

1)  There is a system by which men learn the mysteries of heaven and are saved. That system is set out in Alma 9:7: first, angels are sent to prepare men and women; second, they are allowed to behold the Lord’s glory; then they converse with the Lord, at which point they are taught the things that have been prepared from the foundation of the earth for their salvation. All of this is driven by the man or woman’s faith, repentance, and holy works.

As Nephi is speaking to his brothers concerning the iron rod hasn't Nephi already completed walking the path to the tree of life by following the system set out in Alma 9 par. 7?

Hasn't Nephi practiced faith, repentance, and holy works?

Was it not by harkening to and holding fast to the "word of God" that Nephi practiced faith, repentance, and holy works?

Could it be said of Nephi that his eyes have been open to see the mysteries of heaven?

If one's eyes are not open then are they considered blind?

Alma declared that those who receive less and less until they know nothing are taken captive by the will of the Devil and led by his will down to destruction.

Is it possible that this is the same thing as the adversary overpowering people to blindness in order to lead them away to destruction like Nephi declared to his brothers?

2)  Knowledge of the mysteries of godliness is obtained only through obedience to God. He ordained this method to make His greatest truths universally available to all His humble followers. If it were otherwise, men and women would all have to go to college to receive training for the ministry. Education is no real advantage in receiving light and truth from God. Humility is the only real, great advantage which any soul ever possesses (see T&C 159:31–32).

Does the above give greater meaning to what Nephi declared here in his record?

And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us. And we had obtained the record which the Lord had commanded us and searched them and found that they were desirable, yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children. Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us as we journeyed in the wilderness toward the land of promise. (1 Nephi 5:20 - 22, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 23)

When Nephi talked about keeping the commandments that the Lord had given them doesn't that match with what is required to obtain the mysteries of godliness?

When Nephi and Lehi were obedient to the commandments who were they harkening to and holding fast to?

Were they harkening to or holding fast to another mortal, group of mortals, traditions, culture, or an institution or an organization?

I don't believe so.  I believe they were harkening and holding fast to the Lord alone.

Were the commandments they were given only the commandments that are contained in the scripture cannon?

We they given additional individual commandments by the Lord that applied to their unique situation in life?

By their obedience to the commandments of the Lord to them weren't they clinging to the iron rod?

Does this match Nephi's exhortations to his brothers here?

Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always, in all things.

Is it possible that a more fullsome interpretation of the iron rod is that it represents Christ?

Could we examine a couple of things along this line?

In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made which was made. In him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the world, and the world perceives it not. (John 1:1 - 5, NC John 1 par. 1)

John is clear that the gospel was the word which was in the Son and it was preached through the Son.

What does this mean?

Please consider the following.

Christ is the “Word of God” because He lived and did all in conformity with the will of the Father. ( 3 Nephi 11: 11.) ("1 Nephi 14:8 - 9, Denversnuffer.com, July 8, 2010)

In fact John further testified as follows concerning Christ.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came into the world for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, to bear record of the gospel through the Son unto all, that through him men might believe. He was not that Light, but came to bear witness of that Light, who was the true Light who lights every man who comes into the world, even the Son of God, he who was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God — only to them who believe on his name. He was born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the same Word was made flesh and dwelled among us. And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:6 - 14, NC John 1 par. 2)

John boldly declared that Christ was the Word made flesh when He came to dwell in this fallen world.

In a newly revealed fullness of the record of John we have further clarification of who Christ really was and what it was He led to in His ministry on this earth.

The Messenger of the Heavenly Council was in the cosmos, and the cosmos existed through Him, and the cosmos had not acquired His knowledge. He came into His own creation, but those there were unable to understand Him. As many as perceived the Light in Him, to them He gave knowledge to enable them to follow the path to become like Him, begotten children in the family of the Most High God. This is only possible for those who believe through His name. Those who believe through His name are no longer born of blood to follow the appetites of flesh, nor the ambitions of man, but are able to become, like Him, the offspring of God. This one who was Spokesman from the Heavenly Council was made flesh, and He temporarily cast His tent among us, and we could see His knowledge of the path to ascend in light and truth, he was a member of the Family of God, full of the power to ascend and able to display truth to others. (John 1:10 - 14, T&C 171, Testimony of St John 1 par. 3)

Can we consider the vision of the tree of life again here?

In the previous post we talked about a possible meaning represented by the tree of life.

Did we not review scriptures and teachings that demonstrate the possibility that the tree of life is a representation of the family of God?

In the above newly revealed account written by John what knowledge did John declare Christ had to impart to the children of men?

 As many as perceived the Light in Him, to them He gave knowledge to enable them to follow the path to become like Him, begotten children in the family of the Most High God. This is only possible for those who believe through His name. Those who believe through His name are no longer born of blood to follow the appetites of flesh, nor the ambitions of man, but are able to become, like Him, the offspring of God.

Would it be unreasonable, given John's testimony above and our other investigation into the tree of life, to represent Christ as the "word of God" (the iron rod) with knowledge to give to all who would harken to Him and hold fast to Him to come to the tree of life or in other words become children in the family of the Most High God?

Is it Christ who is alongside the path that leads to the tree of life?

Christ, in a 2017 revelation declared the following.

There are only two ways: the way I lead, that goes upward in light and truth unto Eternal lives — and if you turn from it, you follow the way of darkness and the deaths. Those who want to come where I am must be able to abide the conditions established for my Father’s Kingdom. I have given to you the means to understand the conditions you must abide. I came and lived in the world to be the light of the world. I have sent others who have testified of me and taught you. I have sent my light into the world. Let not your hearts remain divided from one another and divided from me.(Teachings and Commandments 157 par. 52)

Would such a description fit within the vision of the tree of life given to both Nephi and Lehi and I believe Alma and others?

This is a bit of an aside, but I believe it is very intertwined in what we are discussing here.

And there appeared a great sign in heaven, in the likeness of things on the earth: a woman, clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. And the woman, being with child, cried, travailing in birth and pained to be delivered. And she brought forth a male child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up unto God and his throne. (Revelation 12:1 -2, 5, NC Revelation 4 par.1)

My present understanding is that the above reference to the birth of a male child is a representation of the kingdom of God.

However, I do believe that it invokes the imagery of Christ and sets one's mind to thinking on Christ and it interests me that the phrase "rule all nations with a rod of iron" is used.

What does it mean to "rule"?

How would one "rule" all nations with a rod of iron?

The following is found in the Glossary of Gospel Terms in the Teachings and Commandments for the term "Ruler"

A teacher of truth. “We were spirits before we were born (Abraham 6:1–3). We were all there when some were chosen to be rulers, or in other words, teachers.” To rule is to be responsible to teach all those in one’s dominion. A ruler is a teacher responsible for instructing others (see 1 Nephi 1:9).3 The account in Genesis explains that Eve (and by extension her daughters) was put under Adam’s rule. Adam was handed responsibility and accountability for Eve. These are the words in the parable: Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee (Genesis 2:18). Adam was made accountable to “rule” in the fallen world. All the mistakes, mismanagements, failings, wars, and difficulties of mortality are the responsibility of the appointed “ruler.” Adam would not have been accountable for Eve unless she was made subject to his “rule.” Once under Adam’s rule, the redemption of Adam became also the redemption of Eve. Therefore, Adam (and the sons of Adam) and Eve (and the daughters of Eve) were all rescued through Christ’s atonement for mankind. In the Book of Mormon, the term “ruler” was synonymous with teacher (see e.g., Jacob 1:2). In Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews, the use of the word “rule” in context means the assigned role to teach. Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God (Hebrews 1:59). He repeats it twice: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls as they who must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief (Hebrews 1:61); Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints (Hebrews 1:64).

With Nephi's definition of the iron rod being the word of God, wouldn't ruling all nations with a rod of iron refer to having the responsibility of teaching all nations the word of God?

Is the above principle clearly pointed out by what occurred in the book of Mosiah?

And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted unto Alma that he might establish churches throughout all the land of Zarahemla, and gave him power to ordain priests and teachers over every church. Now this was done because there were so many people that they could not be all governed by one teacher, neither could they all hear the word of God in one assembly... (Mosiah 25:19 - 24, NC Mosiah 11 par. 17)

 How would a teacher "govern" or "rule"?

Would this indicate a teacher's solemn responsibility to impart the word of God?

Is this principle related in any way with what Jacob declared?

And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old, desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son. Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride. Wherefore, I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple, having firstly obtained mine errand from the Lord. For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph, had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people by the hand of Nephi. And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence. Wherefore, by laboring with our mights, their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise, their blood would come upon our garments and we would not be found spotless at the last day. (Jacob 1:15 - 19, NC Jacob 1 par. 4)

Because Jacob was consecrated a priest and a teacher to the Nephites he understood his solemn responsibility to "rule" by imparting the word of God with all diligence when the Lord gave him, Jacob, an errand.

Could it be said concerning Jacob that he was ruling the Nephites with a rod of iron?

Does all this give new meaning to the words of the Prophet Joseph below?

How vain and trifling have been our spirits, our conferences, our councils, our meetings, our private as well as public conversations—too low, too mean, too vulgar, too condescending for the dignified characters of the called and chosen of God, according to the purposes of His will, from before the foundation of the world! (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 137)

Is it possible that in all of the above mentioned activities, conferences, councils, meetings, private and public conversations, God would prefer that the rod of iron, His word, be taught and instead we act meanly, with vulgarity, and with condescension?

I personally believe that the term vulgar in the context used here is different in meaning than how we culturally view it.

My present understanding is that if Jacob had decided to go into the temple on his own errand and address the Nephites, using his own teachings and his own life experience and understanding instead of imparting the words the Lord had given him to impart, that would have been vulgar.

Do we believe that anyone or any group who has a responsibility to "rule" or in other words, impart the word of God, can do so with condescension towards others, or meanly(with contempt or belittling others), or with vulgarity (I believe this means we teach according to our own experience and wisdom instead of teaching God's words (the philosophies of men mingled with scripture))?

If these deficiencies are present in the character of an individual or group or institution or organization  who claims to have divine responsibility to "rule" over others then aren't such persons liars in claiming they are "rulers"?

Would God give responsibility to "rule" to such individuals?

God is not trifling with the souls of men, but in my opinion individuals who are condescending, vulgar, and mean while claiming divine authority to rule are doing just that; trifling with the souls of men.

Back to the post.

What does all of this mean for me personally?

If I am to hearken to and hold fast to the iron rod that leads along the path to the tree of life then is it not incumbent upon me to exercise faith in Christ, repent, and work holiness by obedience to Christ?

Can my obedience to another mortal, or an organization, or traditions, or an institution, or a group of mortals ever keep me from being blinded and led away to destruction by the adversary?

Can I expect, from what Lehi and Nephi, experienced that if I begin by being obedient to the commandments of God in the scriptures, that the Lord will bless me with further commandments that are individual to me that are suited to my unique situation in life?

Is it possible for me as an individual mortal to hear the voice of God and respond to that voice?

Is it possible that the Lord always intended to interact personally with every individual seeking to follow the path that leads to the tree of life?

Is it possible to see in the image of an individual holding fast to the rod of iron the commandment of the Lord as follows?

And again, verily I say unto you my friends, I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that you shall call upon me while I am near. Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and you shall find me, ask and you shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Whatever you ask the Father in my name, it shall be given unto you that is expedient for you. And if you ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your own condemnation. (D&C 88:62 - 65, T&C 86 par. 11)

The more one holds fast to the Iron Rod the closer the Iron Rod comes into contact with them.

What Meaneth this Thing?

 1 Nephi 15:21 - 30, NC 1 Nephi 4 par. 5

And it came to pass that they did speak unto me again, saying, What meaneth this thing which our father saw in a dream? What meaneth the tree which he saw? And I said unto them, It was a representation of the tree of life. And they said unto me, What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word of God, and that whoso would hearken unto the word of God and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish, neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always, in all things. And they said unto me, What meaneth the river of water which our father saw? And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water. And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf which separateth the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the saints of God. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful hell which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked. And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous, and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire which ascendeth up unto God for ever and ever and hath no end.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 4 par. 5

And it came to pass that they did speak unto me again, saying, What is the meaning of this thing which our father saw in a dream? What is the meaning of the tree which he saw? And I said unto them, It was a representation of the tree of life. And they said unto me, What is the meaning of the rod of iron which our father saw that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word of Elohim, and that whoever would hearken unto the word of Elohim and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish, neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. Wherefore, I, Nefi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of yhwh; yes, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of Elohim and remember to keep his mitzvot always, in all things. And they said unto me, What is the meaning of the river of water which our father saw? And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was tum’ah; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the uncleanness of the water. And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf which separates the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the k’doshim of Elohim. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful Gehinnom which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked. And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of Elohim did also divide the wicked from the righteous, and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire which ascends up unto Elohim for ever and ever and has no end.

Is this conversation between Nephi and his brothers a separate conversation from the ones Nephi had with them earlier where they were pacified and humbled?

If so, what is the context for Nephi's brothers asking Nephi these questions?

Are they angry or is it possible they are genuinely curious at the moment?

In their present humbled and pacified state is it possible that the previous words of their father Lehi are troubling them?

And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord. And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent that they would hearken to his words, in that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them. And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them. And all these things did my father see, and hear, and speak as he dwelt in a tent in the valley of Lemuel, and also a great many more things which cannot be written upon these plates. (1 Nephi 8:36 - 38, NC 1 Nephi 2 par. 13)

Should I be pacified in my own life and let words that have been spoken by those sent by God, like Lehi and Nephi, trouble me?

What were Alma's words to his son Corianton?

And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance. O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins by denying the justice of God, but do you let the justice of God and his mercy, and his long-suffering, have full sway in your heart, but let it bring you down to the dust in humility. And now, my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way; declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you, yea, even according to my words. Amen. (Alma 42:29 - 31, NC Alma 19 par. 17)

Aren't the things Nephi is sharing with his brothers here meant to communicate to them Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins by denying the justice of God, but do you let the justice of God and his mercy, and his long-suffering, have full sway in your heart, but let it bring you down to the dust in humility?

Don't the themes of the tree of life and the iron rod and the fountain of filthy water address the justice and mercy and long-suffering of God?

With these themes being repeated again and again in the Book of Mormon, would it be beneficial for me to consider these themes?

What about Nephi's statement of the tree of life?

Is this theme of the tree of life a theme that connects the entire human family from the beginning of the earth until the end?

The Lord revealed His plan for our day approximately three thousand years ago. We now begin fulfilling that ancient prophecy. Our current struggles were foreseen and foretold: The Lord of the whole earth considered destroying all the wicked, but His servant pled for Him to grant more time (Jacob 5:49-50). The Lord of the whole earth hearkened to His servant and decreed that He would spare it, and would labor within His vineyard a final time in our day (Id., v. 51). 

The Lord determined long ago He would use a covenant to graft back people who had become wild and bitter, and connect them to the original roots of the tree of life, or in other words restore a people in our day to His covenant. The covenant offered today is from God and is the first step required to restore the family of God or tree of life on the earth. It will change the lost, wild and bitter fruit and begin to recover them and turn their hearts to the fathers. This will connect those who are living today, with the natural roots or those Fathers who still hold rights under the original covenant. (Id., v. 52-54). ("Opening Remarks", Denver Snuffer, Covenant of Christ Conference, Boise Idaho, Sept. 03, 2017, pg. 3)

If I understand this correctly, the family of God is represented by the tree of life.

When was the family of God or tree of life originally established on this earth?

Who were the first "children" of God or the first individuals to partake of the fruit of the tree of life on this earth during this round of creation?

What do the scriptures declare?

And it came to pass when the Lord had spoken with Adam our father that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water. And thus he was baptized, and the spirit of God descended upon him. And thus he was born of the spirit and became quickened in the inner man. And he heard a voice out of Heaven saying, You are baptized with fire and with the holy ghost. This is the record of the Father and the Son, from henceforth and for ever. And you are after the Order of him who was without beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity to all eternity. Behold, you are one in me, a son of God. And thus may all become my sons. Amen. (Moses 6:64 - 68, OC Genesis 4 par. 10)

Do we have here a record of the word of God Himself, speaking to a mortal on the earth and declaring to that mortal that they are one of His children?

Did this declaration by the Father to mortal Adam create the family of God in this earth for the first time in this round of creation?

Was Adam alone in this?

I don't believe so.

And in that day the holy ghost fell upon Adam, which bore record of the Father and the Son, saying, I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and for ever, that as you have fallen, you may be redeemed — and all mankind, even as many as choose. And in that day, Adam blessed God, and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying, Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again, in my flesh I shall see God. And Eve his wife heard all these things and was glad, saying, Were it not for our transgression, we should never had seed, and should never had known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God gives unto all the obedient. And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters. (Moses 5:9 - 12, OC Genesis 3 par. 4)

Can it be reasonably stated that the scriptures testify that the family of God or tree of life was created for the first time with Adam and Eve?

My present understanding is that Adam and Eve became the parents, in the family of God, to all of their descendants who likewise received the same "gospel" or, in other words, promises that Adam and Eve received directly from the mouth of God, because of their repentance and heed to the words of  God to them given through Adam and Eve.

Remember the above: And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.

Stated more simply, Adam and Eve ministered the word of God to their children after they themselves received God's words and promises and were sent by God to their children.  Most of their physical children rejected their words but a residue who received the word of God through them and responded and repented and received the very same experiences and promises as Adam and Eve now became their children in more than just a physical sense.  They became their children in the line of the family of God. 

This is the same principle as the promise given to Abraham. 

... And I will bless them through your name; for as many as receive this gospel shall be called after your name and shall be accounted your seed, and shall rise up and bless you, as unto their Father... (Abraham 2:6 - 11, T&C 145, Abraham 3 par. 1)

All who became part of the family of God on the earth had promises given to them by God's own voice out of the heavens just like those who had received the promises before them.

As I presently understand it, this is what the dispensation of Adam consisted of; the original family of God on the earth. (the tree of life) This family of God continued uninterrupted from Adam down to Melchizedek or Shem the son of Noah.

After Shem there was a general apostacy and Abraham became the first to arise out of generations of apostacy and re-establish this original order or family of God, obtaining for himself the original promises given to the fathers beginning with Adam, by God's own voice out of the heavens, again on the earth, which order continued uninterrupted from Abraham to Joseph the son of Jacob, renamed Israel, who was sold into Egypt and possibly to Ephraim the son of Joseph.

My present understanding is that this original dispensation, the family of God, is represented by the tree of life; which dispensation or the tree of life will be re-established before the end of the final dispensation on this earth in this creation cycle.

When God delivers a dispensation of the gospel to the earth, the head of that dispensation is granted the right and privilege of organizing the dispensation. As the head organizes their dispensation according to righteous principles and receives God’s approval of the pattern, the dispensation is established and remains in effect until apostasy necessitates another restoration.

Adam was given the first dispensation, and he patterned it after the order of Heaven.

Abraham was also given a dispensation, which he patterned after Adam’s dispensation.

Moses was given a dispensation, but established a different pattern for the children of Israel according to the hardness of their hearts, which dispensation John the Baptist brought to a lawful close.

Jesus Christ began a new dispensation which he patterned in a manner to reflect Abraham’s family, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob mirrored in Peter, James [Jacob], and John; the twelve tribes led by twelve sons of Jacob reflected by the twelve disciples; the seventy children of Jacob who entered Egypt at the time of father Joseph reflected by the seventy. And thus, Christ used his right to honor the family of Abraham.

Joseph Smith Jr. was given a dispensation, which he organized to honor the pattern Christ established.
Such is the right and privilege granted to those who stand at the head of dispensations of the gospel.
Adam, when given dominion over the whole earth by the word of God, received the Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God.

The Order of this Priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the chosen seed to whom the promises were made. This Order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by lineage in the following manner:

From Adam to Seth, who was ordained by Adam at the age of sixty-nine years, and was blessed by him three years previous to his (Adam’s) death, and received the promise of God, by his father, that his posterity should be the chosen of the Lord, and that they should be preserved unto the end of the earth, because he (Seth) was a perfect man. And his likeness was the express likeness of his father’s, insomuch that he seemed to be like unto his father in all things and could be distinguished from him only by his age.

Enos was ordained at the age of one hundred and thirty-four years and four months by the hand of Adam.

God called upon Cainan in the wilderness in the fortieth year of his age, and he met Adam in journeying to the place Shedolamak. He was eighty-seven years old when he received his ordination.

Mahalalel was four hundred and ninety-six years and seven days old when he was ordained by the hand of Adam, who also blessed him.

Jared was two hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam, who also blessed him.

Enoch was twenty-five years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam, and he was sixty-five and Adam blessed him. And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his face continually; and he walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, making him four hundred and thirty years old when he was translated.

Methuselah was one hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam.

Lamech was thirty-two years old when he was ordained under the hand of Seth.

Noah was ten years old when he was ordained under the hand of Methuselah.

Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-Ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing. And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the Prince, the Archangel. And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him, I have set you to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of you, and you are a prince over them for ever.

And Adam stood up in the midst of the congregation, and, notwithstanding he was bowed down with age, being full of the holy ghost, predicted whatsoever should befall his posterity unto the latest generation. These things were all written in the Book of Enoch, and are to be testified of in due time.

Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also — or in other words, at the end of the world, the final dispensation will restore again the pattern of the first, or Adam’s, dispensation. (T&C 154)

If we take what Lehi and Nephi have shared concerning the tree of life, is it possible to see the above reflected in what they taught about the tree of life?

And it came to pass, after I had prayed unto the Lord, I beheld a large and spacious field. And it came to pass that I beheld a tree whose fruit was desirable to make one happy. And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof, and beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.

And as I partook of the fruit thereof, it filled my soul with exceeding great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also, for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit. And as I cast my eyes around about, that perhaps I might discover my family also, and I beheld a river of water and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit. And I looked to behold from whence it came, and I saw the head thereof a little way off. And at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi, and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go. And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit. And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also. And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river that perhaps I might see them. And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of the fruit. (1 Nephi 8:8 - 18, NC 1 Nephi 2 pars. 8 - 9)

Lehi describes that partaking of the fruit of the tree of life was desireable to make one happy.  He further declared that as he partook it filled his soul with exceeding great joy.

Could these effects on the soul of an individual, explained by Lehi, be reasonably connected to the effects on the soul that an individual experiences when they partake of the the fruit of or, in other words, become part of the family of God?

Do we have a possible example of an individual who repents and becomes part of the family of God and the effects such an action brings upon their soul?

And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now as my mind catched hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart, O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who art in the gall of bitterness and art encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy and what marvelous light I did behold! Yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pains. Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there can be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as was my pains.

Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy. Yea, and methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there. But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God. Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance, that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste, that they might also be born of God and be filled with the holy ghost. (Alma 36:17 - 24, NC Alma 17 pars. 4 - 5)

The above is Alma the Younger's account to his son Helaman concerning what he, Alma, had experienced.

Do Alma's words mirror Lehi's words?

Is it important for us to have the record of Alma apparently experiencing the same thing as Lehi?

Lehi also declared that after partaking of the fruit he desired that his family might also come and partake.

Could that be likened to wanting his family to also become a part of the family of God so as to experience it's fruits?

Did Alma experience the same feelings?

And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart — yea, with great anxiety even unto pain — that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance, but that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the holy spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering, having faith on the Lord, having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life, having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest. And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye may not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down by the chains of hell, that ye may not suffer the second death. And Alma spake many more words unto the people which are not written in this book. (Alma 13:27 - 31, NC Alma 10 par. 4)

Was the Prophet Joseph speaking about those who are part of the family of God when he declared the following?

A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 174)

Lehi declared that he beckoned to his family and said unto them with a loud voice that they should come and partake of the fruit.

Do we see this same feeling and action manifest with Alma?

Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people. Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption — that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might be no more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish, for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me. I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life. Yea, I know that he allotteth unto men — yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable — according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction. Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men, or he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless, but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience. (Alma 29:1 - 5, NC Alma 15 par. 12)

Do we see Alma's desire to cry with a loud voice and beckon all to come and partake of the fruit of the tree of life?

Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceeding great joy in the fruits of my labors. For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen. Therefore, they do know of these things of which I have spoken as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God. And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions. Yea, God has delivered me from prisons, and from bonds, and from death. Yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me. And I know that he will raise me up at the last day to dwell with him in glory. Yea, and I will praise him for ever, for he has brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the Egyptians in the Red Sea, and he led them by his power into the promised land. Yea, and he has delivered them out of bondage and captivity from time to time. Yea, and he has also brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem. And he has also, by his everlasting power, delivered them out of bondage and captivity from time to time, even down to the present day. And I have always retained in remembrance their captivity; yea, and ye also ought to retain in remembrance, as I have done, their captivity. But behold, my son, this is not all, for ye ought to know as I do know that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God, ye shall prosper in the land. And ye ought to know also that inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God, ye shall be cut off from his presence. Now this is according to his word. (Alma 36:25 - 30, NC Alma 17 par. 6)

Is it possible to see here in Alma's words to his son Helaman a mirroring of the experiences of Lehi and Nephi with respect to beckoning to others to partake of the fruit of the tree of life or, in other words, to become part of the family of God and experience the fruits of that connection?

Should it be any surprise to us that Alma goes into a discussion at great length, (Alma 32, NC Alma 16 pars. 26 - 30) concerning how to come and partake of the fruit of the tree of life or in other words how to become part of the family of God and partake of the fruit of that association?

Should it be any surprise to us that Alma thoroughly understood the order of the family of God or the tree of life? (Alma 13:1 - 20, NC Alma 9 par. 10 - Alma 10 par. 2)

By considering that the tree of life might be a representation of the family of God on the earth, would that give new and greater meaning to what Nephi declared in his vision concerning those who came and partook of the fruit or became part of the family?

And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father. But to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron. And they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree...(1 Nephi 8:29 - 35, NC 1 Nephi 2 par. 12)

What type of reverence and praise is associated with falling down and then partaking of the fruit?

Who would be present for someone to feel that they should fall down and worship?

And after he had said these words, he said unto me, Look. And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God a going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him. And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron which my father had seen was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life, which waters are a representation of the love of God. And I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God. (1 Nephi 11:24 - 25, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 10)

Who represents God's love to all of the world or, in other words, God's love for entire the human family?

... For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, NC John 2 par. 2)

Could it be appropriately stated that Christ is the foundation of the tree of life or the family of God?

What did Christ declare to His disciples?

I am the true vine or head of the Father’s family, and my Father is the husbandman over that family. Every branch connected to me that does not produce fruit, he will remove, and every branch that produces fruit he will prune back so that it produces better fruit. You will bear fruit if you follow the things I have taught you. Stay connected to me as part of the Heavenly family, and I will nourish you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit if it is not connected to the vine, neither will you be able to bear fruit unless you remain connected with me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. He that stays connected to me, and I to him, will be abundantly fruitful; but without the connection to me you will perish. If a man loses his connection with me, he is merely a withered branch; and men take the withered branches, cut them away and burn them. If you stay connected to me, and my words live in you, you will ask according to my will, and you will be given the ability to accomplish my will. It will please and vindicate my Father if you produce abundant fruit, and that will prove you follow me. Just like the Father has loved me, I have in turn likewise loved you. Therefore, remain connected with me and my love will be with you. If you practice my teachings you will always remain connected with me; just as I have kept my Father’s teachings and have remained connected with him. (John 15:1 - 10, Teachings and Commandments Section 171, Testimony of St John 10 par. 17)

If the tree of life is a representation of the family of God on the earth would that explain why it is impossible for someone to take fruit from the tree to give to others?

Isn't it impossible for anyone to experience the fruit of being part of the family of God on the earth unless they come and fall down before the True Vine, Jesus Christ, and are adopted into the family of God?

There is way more that could be said concerning this subject but maybe this is sufficient to spark a curiosity to look into the matter.

If I seriously look at my own present condition, is it possible for me to ask myself, am I part of the family of God and experiencing the fruit associated with that relationship?

Have I heard the voice of God speaking from the heavens, declaring that I am now His son?

If I am not yet a part of that family don't I find myself in the same situation as Laman and Lemuel in this part of the Book of Mormon record; outside of that blessed relationship and in need of repentance?

One question the Book of Mormon answers very clearly is the question of whether an individual needs to be part of an institution or organization to be brought into the family of God.

Was Lehi brought into the family of God or, in other words, did Lehi partake of the fruit of the tree of life due to being in or a part of any organization or institution?

How about Nephi?

Weren't their journeys to and actions to partake of the fruit of the tree of life or to become part of the family of God individual undertakings?

Is this something that I ought to seriously consider?

Can anyone on the earth deny me from partaking of the fruit of the tree of life or, in other words, becoming part of the family of God and experiencing that fruit if I exercise faith in Christ and seek to connect to Him, the True Vine, as an individual?

Isn't He, Christ, the keeper of that gate?

O my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally minded is death and to be spiritually minded is life eternal. O my beloved brethren, give ear to my words. Remember the greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Do not say that I have spoken hard things against you, for if ye do, ye will revile against the truth; for I have spoken the words of your Maker. I know that the words of truth are hard against all uncleanness, but the righteous fear them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken. O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteousness. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel, and he employeth no servant there. And there is none other way save it be by the gate, for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name. And whoso knocketh, to him will he open. And the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich — who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches — yea, they are they whom he despiseth. And save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them; but the things of the wise and the prudent shall be hid from them for ever, yea, that happiness which is prepared for the saints. (2 Nephi 9:39 - 43, NC 2 Nephi 6 par. 11)

If Christ is the keeper of the gate and He employs no servants to keep the gate then if anyone declares that they have authority to bar my passage through the gate can I write them off as charlatans and liars?