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).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.
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