Righteous Forever, Garments made White

1 Nephi 12:7 - 10, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 16

 And I also saw and bear record that the holy ghost fell upon twelve others, and they were ordained of God and chosen. And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold the twelve disciples of the Lamb, who were chosen to minister unto thy seed. And he said unto me, Thou remembereth the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Behold, they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them, for ye are of the house of Israel; and these twelve ministers whom thou beholdest shall judge thy seed. And behold, they are righteous for ever, for because of their faith in the Lamb of God, their garments are made white in his blood.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 3 par. 16

And I also saw and bear record that the Ruach HaKodesh fell upon twelve others, and they were ordained of Elohim and chosen. And the angel spoke unto me, saying, Behold the twelve talmidim of the Lamb, who were chosen to minister unto your seed. And he said unto me, You remember the twelve emissaries of the Lamb. Behold, they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of Isra’el. Wherefore, the twelve servants of your seed shall be judged of them, for you are of the house of Isra’el; and these twelve servants whom you behold shall judge your seed. And behold, they are righteous for ever, for because of their faith in the Lamb of Elohim, their garments are made white in his blood.

I have always been blind to things that have been right in front of my face and I believe what Nephi is leaving here in this description is a help to me concerning something that I have had right in front of my face in the Book of Mormon but have never connected the dots.

For this I am exceedingly grateful to Nephi.

Also, I am learning little by little that I have for soooo long compartmentalized teachings contained in the separate books of scriptures instead of viewing them all together which makes them understandable.

As an example of what I am talking about please consider the following.

And I have given unto you another law and commandment, wherefore teach it unto your children: that all men everywhere must repent or they can by no means inherit the kingdom of God; for no unclean thing can dwell there or dwell in his presence, for in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name. And the name of his Only Begotten is the Son Ahman, a righteous judge who shall come in the meridian of time. Therefore, I give unto you a commandment to teach these things freely unto your children, saying that by reason of transgression comes the Fall, which fall brings death. And inasmuch as you were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit whom I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so, you must be born again into the kingdom of Heaven of water, and of the spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of my Only Begotten, that you may be sanctified from all sin and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory. For by the water you keep the commandment, by the spirit you are justified, and by the blood you are sanctified... (Moses 6:56 - 63, OC Genesis 4 par. 9)

I had considered that I understood what it meant that all need to be born of water and the spirit in order to be born again into the kingdom of Heaven but I had confusion as to what it meant to be cleansed by the blood of the Only Begotten.

What would that look like?  

What is entailed in that?

I believe that my confusion stemmed from the fact that I considered this principle of being cleansed by the blood of the Only Begotten taught here alone and apart from what the other scriptures said about the matter.

I did not realize until I began to take the Book of Mormon more seriously than I have in the past that the Book of Mormon has a tremendous amount to teach on one being cleansed by the blood of Christ.

Since the Book of Mormon contains a fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, is it any wonder that Nephi would take the opportunity here to point to an event that clearly demonstrates what the Lord was declaring to Adam from the beginning; an event that clearly demonstrates the Doctrine of Christ as well as the end result of the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost?

And it came to pass that on the morrow, when the multitude was gathered together, behold, Nephi and his brother whom he had raised from the dead, whose name was Timothy, and also his son whose name was Jonas, and also Mathoni, and Mathonihah his brother, and Kumen, and Kumenonhi, and Jeremiah, and Shemnon, and Jonas, and Zedekiah, and Isaiah — now these were the names of the disciples whom Jesus had chosen — and it came to pass that they went forth and stood in the midst of the multitude. And behold, the multitude was so great that they did cause that they should be separated into twelve bodies, and the twelve did teach the multitude. And behold, they did cause that the multitude should kneel down upon the face of the earth and should pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus. And the disciples did pray unto the Father also in the name of Jesus. And it came to pass that they arose and ministered unto the people. And when they had ministered them same words which Jesus had spoken, nothing varying from the words which Jesus had spoken, behold, they knelt again and prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus; and they did pray for that which they most desired. And they desired that the holy ghost should be given unto them. And when they had thus prayed, they went down unto the water’s edge, and the multitude followed them. And it came to pass that Nephi went down into the water and was baptized. And he came up out of the water and began to baptize, and he baptized all those whom Jesus had chosen. And it came to pass when they were all baptized and had come up out of the water, the holy ghost did fall upon them, and they were filled with the holy ghost and with fire. And behold, they were encircled about as if it were fire, and it came down from Heaven, and the multitude did witness it and do bear record. And angels did come down out of Heaven and did minister unto them. And it came to pass that while the angels were ministering unto the disciples, behold, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and ministered unto them. And it came to pass that he spake unto the multitude and commanded them that they should kneel down again upon the earth, and also that his disciples should kneel down upon the earth. And it came to pass that when they had all knelt down upon the earth, he commanded his disciples that they should pray. And behold, they began to pray, and they did pray unto Jesus, calling him their Lord and their God.(3 Nephi 19:4 - 18, NC 3 Nephi 9 par. 2)

In this account we can clearly see two parts of what God described to Adam happening to the twelve Nephi saw in vision here; being born of water and of the spirit.

Is this the part of the vision Nephi saw when he declared, "I also saw and bear record that the holy ghost fell upon twelve others,"?

The account continues

And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still continue without ceasing to pray unto him. And they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they were filled with desire. And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him, and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them. And behold, they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus. And behold, the whiteness thereof did exceed all whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof. And Jesus said unto them, Pray on. Nevertheless, they did not cease to pray. And he turned from them again and went a little way off, and bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed again unto the Father, saying, Father, I thank thee that thou hast purified these whom I have chosen because of their faith; and I pray for them, and also for them who shall believe on their words, that they may be purified in me through faith on their words, even as they are purified in me. Father, I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given unto me out of the world because of their faith, that they may be purified in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one, that I may be glorified in them. And when Jesus had spoken these words, he came again unto his disciples, and behold, they did pray steadfastly without ceasing unto him; and he did smile upon them again, and behold, they were white, even as Jesus. (3 Nephi 19:24 - 30, NC 3 Nephi 9 par. 4)

Do we see here in this event the twelve disciples chosen by the Lord being cleansed by the blood of the Only Begotten after having been born anew of water and of the spirit?

Is this what Nephi saw and the angel described when the angel declared to Nephi, "And behold, they are righteous for ever, for because of their faith in the Lamb of God, their garments are made white in his blood."?

The Lord Himself declared to His Father here, "Father, I thank thee that thou hast purified these whom I have chosen because of their faith."

Is this event similar to what Moses experienced as witnessed by those who saw him after descending from the mount?

And it came to pass when Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of testimony in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. And Moses called unto them. And Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him, and Moses talked with them. And afterward, all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in Mount Sinai. And until Moses was done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the veil off until he came out. And he came out and spoke unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone. And Moses put the veil upon his face again until he went in to speak with the Lord.(Exodus 34:29 - 35, OC Exodus 19 par. 1)

When Moses descended and the skin of his face shown could it be said concerning Moses that the countenance of the Lord had smiled upon him and that because of his faith in the Only Begotten he was purified?

Was this event with Moses in like manner of the Nephite disciples the washing of Moses' garments in the blood of the Only Begotten making him righteous forever?

Is any of this related to the parable the Lord delivered while sojourning here in mortality?

And Jesus answered the people again, and spoke unto them in parables, and said, The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain king who made a marriage for his son. And when the marriage was ready, he sent forth his servants to call them that were bid to the wedding; and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bid, Behold, I have prepared my oxen, and my fatlings have been killed, and my dinner is ready, and all things are prepared; therefore, come unto the marriage. But they made light of the servants and went their ways — one to his farm, and another to his merchandise. And the remnant took his servants, and treated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard that his servants were dead, he was angry. And he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then said he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they who were bid were not worthy. Go therefore into the highways, and as many as you shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all, as many as they found, both bad and good, and the wedding was furnished with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment. And he said unto him, Friend, how did you come in here not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king unto his servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take and cast him away into outer darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for many are called, but few chosen; wherefore, all do not have on the wedding garment. (Matthew 22:1 - 14, NC Matthew 10 pars. 17 - 19)

As we look at this parable what does it mean that both bad and good were ultimately invited to attend the wedding?

Who are the servants bidding the bad and the good to come?

How would I recognize a "servant" bidding me to come from the highway to the prepared wedding?

Are the "servants" going into the highways bidding both the bad and good to come to the wedding related to what the Lord declared to His Father while He was among the Nephites?

I pray for them, and also for them who shall believe on their words, that they may be purified in me through faith on their words, even as they are purified in me. Father, I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given unto me out of the world because of their faith, that they may be purified in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one, that I may be glorified in them.

When an individual is purified, when the countenance of the Lord has smiled upon them, is it their job to go out to the highways and invite all, the bad and the good, to come to the wedding feast?

Is that how I might recognize one of the servants because they have been sanctified by Christ?

What does it mean to be sanctified?

What was it that was happening to the twelve Nephite disciples Nephi saw in vision?

In the Teachings and Commandments glossary of terms referring to "sanctification" we read the following.

Sanctification

The baptism of fire and the holy ghost is for sanctification. It is done upon the body and the Spirit within each person. The work of this “baptism of fire” is always sanctification. It brings the recipient into greater contact with God. The end of that increasing contact is to receive the Son, through whose blood all can be sanctified (see Genesis 4:9). Once sanctified, one is prepared for the presence of the Father (see Alma 21:3; 1 Nephi 3:5). It is the companionship of the Spirit that makes one justified by leading him or her to do what is right. It is the resulting application of Christ’s blood on one’s behalf that sanctifies (see Genesis 4:9). One cannot receive sanctification without first receiving baptism and then also the holy ghost. “In effect, you receive holiness through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. This in turn makes your own spirit holy.” Man is unworthy to enter into God’s presence and, therefore, requires a power higher than his own from which to borrow purity. This purifying agent is the holy ghost (see 3 Nephi 9:3–4). Christ will administer the final rites and confer the final blessings only upon the pure (see 3 Nephi 9:4–5). The reference to “blood” as sanctifying is a reference to the Lord (see Genesis 4:9). He alone sanctifies. Christ sanctifies mankind; they don’t sanctify themselves. “To be purified, to be sanctified by the Lamb — removing from you, and taking upon Himself the responsibility to answer for whatever failings you have — this is not ritual purity. This is purity in fact. To be sanctified is to be qualified to stand in the presence of God without sin, clean of all blood and sin — righteous forever. He is Christ’s, and Christ is the Father’s, and all that each of them will be is the same; for we shall see Him as He is, because we will be like Him. To be like Him is to be sanctified.” (Teachings and Commandments, Glossary of Terms, Sanctification)

Were the 12 Nephite disciples described as being like unto Christ during this event?

At the feast where do the guests get a wedding garment?

Who gives them a wedding garment to wear before the King?

Is the act of receiving a wedding garment the action of being purified or sanctified through faith on the Only Begotten?

Would this action be preceded by baptism of both water and the spirit?

Is being baptized the manner in which those on the highways respond to the invitation to come to the wedding?

Would such a course follow the pattern given to Adam in the beginning which was then demonstrated by the twelve disciples at the coming of the Lord to the Nephites who Nephi saw in vision?

Are these things part of the original religion of the Fathers?

Is this why the Prophet Joseph taught the following?

You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.  The Savior says, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 314)

If we look again at the steps the twelve disciples of the Lord among the Nephites took didn't they follow this pattern with the intent of receiving the Holy Ghost?

Is this what allowed the purification or the washing of their garments to take place?

Why is Nephi so specific to point out this event to us in his vision? 

Is it important that we study and understand this important event and see what the Lord intends to perform upon all who truly exercise faith in Him unto salvation?

When Alma was speaking to the church in Zarahemla he taught the following.

And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your own countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption? To stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body? I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord saying unto you in that day, Come unto me, ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth — or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord at that day and say, Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth — and that he will save you? Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God? I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances? I say unto you, can ye think of being saved when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to the Devil? I say unto you, ye will know at that day that ye cannot be saved; for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white. Yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins. (Alma 5:14 - 21, NC Alma 3 par. 3)

Didn't Alma use the same terms and phrases that Nephi used and the Lord; garments washed white, purified from all stain through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people?

Is what Alma taught here equivalent to Nephi's words "they are righteous for ever, for because of their faith in the Lamb of God, their garments are made white in his blood."

The Glossary of Terms in the Teachings and Commandments speaks of  "white garments".

White Garments

To have the blood and sins of one’s generation removed from him; to be purified; to be sanctified by the Lamb — removing from the individual and taking upon Himself the responsibility to answer for whatever failings he has. This is not ritual purity. This is purity in fact. Therefore, they were called after this Holy Order and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb. Now they, after being sanctified by the holy ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence. And there were many, an exceeding great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God (Alma 10:1). This describes those who are qualified to stand in the presence of God without sin; they are clean of all blood and sin — righteous for ever. “He is Christ’s, and Christ is the Father’s, and all that each of them will be is the same; for we shall see Him as He is, because we will be like Him. To be like Him is to be sanctified.” These people are sanctified by the holy ghost as a result of having their garments made white. They are pure and spotless before God. This is the reason they can enter His presence. He has accepted them because, just like Him, they are without sin. They were not perfected by their own acts. The earlier reference to their repentance makes that clear. They become pure and spotless before God because they have done what was asked of them to become clean. They have repented. “Christ sanctifies us, we don’t sanctify ourselves. Our ‘righteousness’ is borrowed from Him. It can be symbolized in this way. He provides a white robe, we put it on, and then He looks upon the whiteness and purity of the robe we received from Him and treats us as if the borrowed robe is our condition. We owe Him for that. He is willing to proceed with us as if we merited the robe.(Teachings and Commandments, Glossary of Terms, White Garments)

If we are to take the words of Alma seriously then do we need to consider that in order for us to be saved we must have the same type of cleansing that happened to the Nephite disciples happen to us; to have our garments washed white through the blood of the Lamb of God?

Is such a course even possible for most individuals or is it reserved for a select few?

Does the fact that the Lord declared in the parable that the "servants" called to both the bad and the good mean that such things are possible for all?

What does Alma have to say on the matter?

Now as I said concerning the Holy Order, or this High Priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God. And it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish. Therefore, they were called after this Holy Order and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb. Now they, after being sanctified by the holy ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence. And there were many, an exceeding great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God. And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may also enter into that rest. Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek, who was also a high priest after this same Order which I have spoken, who also took upon him the High Priesthood for ever. And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes — yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed. Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his Order, or it being his Order, and this that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord. (Alma 13:10 - 16, NC Alma 10 par. 1)

Does the fact that Alma declared that there were many, an exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God, give us confidence that even though we may be the bad who are bid to come from the highway to the wedding that we too can receive a wedding garment?

On a side note,

Is this related to "priesthood"?

When we talk of the Holy Order are we talking about "priesthood"?

If we are talking about "priesthood" when we are talking about the Holy Order, then if one has not experienced their garments being washed white because of their faith in the Only Begotten can they truthfully say that they are part of the Holy Order or that they possess that "priesthood"?

Does this make "priesthood" appear to be more like an association with the Lord and God than some kind of control or office?

Would that mean that men women and children, if they are made pure and enter into the rest of the Lord, can all possess "priesthood"? 

Back to the post.

There are prophecies of a future time when a New Jerusalem will be built up and the Old Jerusalem as well.

Ether prophesied something important about those who will inhabit those blessed places.

Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built up upon this land, and it shall be a land of their inheritance. And they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord like unto the Jerusalem of old. And they shall no more be confounded until the end come, when the earth shall pass away. And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth. And they shall be like unto the old, save the old have passed away and all things have become new. And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel. And then also cometh the Jerusalem of old and the inhabitants thereof; blessed are they, for they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. And they are they who were scattered, and gathered in from the four quarters of the earth and from the north countries, and are partakers of the fulfilling of the covenant which God made with their father, Abraham. And when these things come, bringeth to pass the scripture which saith, There are they who were first who shall be last, and there are they who were last who shall be first.(Ether 13:8 - 12, NC Ether 6 par. 3)

What did Ether prophesy concerning the inhabitants?

And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel. And then also cometh the Jerusalem of old and the inhabitants thereof; blessed are they, for they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

If all the inhabitants of both the old and new Jerusalem have their garments washed white then would that mean that the countenance of the Lord smiles down upon each and every inhabitant of those two places?

Would that fulfill this prophecy of Jeremiah?

Behold, the days come, says the Lord, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. And it shall come to pass that as I have watched over them to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict, so will I watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. In those days, they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge — but everyone shall die for his own iniquity. Every man that eats the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge. Behold, the days come, says the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah — not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt (which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband unto them, says the Lord), but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: after those days, says the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord — for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more. (Jeremiah31:27 -34, Jeremiah 12 par. 9)

If all who dwell in the old and new Jerusalem's have their garments white through the blood of the Lamb and are able to stand in God's presence wouldn't that mean that they all had entered into the rest of the Lord or in other words they know the Lord personally from the least to the greatest?

On the side note, if to be part of the Holy Order is to possess priesthood then wouldn't all the inhabitants of the two Jerusalems possess priesthood from the least to the greatest?

This is a significant thing that Nephi is sharing here.

 

The Lamb of God Descending out of Heaven

1 Nephi 12:1 - 6, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 15


And it came to pass that the angel said unto me, Look and behold thy seed, and also the seed of thy brethren. And I looked and beheld the land of promise; and I beheld multitudes of people, yea, even as it were in number as many as the sand of the sea. And it came to pass that I beheld multitudes gathered together to battle one against the other. And I beheld wars and rumors of wars and great slaughters with the sword among my people. And it came to pass that I beheld many generations pass away after the manner of wars and contentions in the land. And I beheld many cities, yea, even that I did not number them. And it came to pass that I saw a mist of darkness on the face of the land of promise. And I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises. And I saw the earth and the rocks, that they rent, and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces, and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up. And I saw many cities, that they were sunk, and I saw many that they were burnt with fire, and I saw many that did tumble to the earth because of the quaking thereof. And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of darkness, that it passed from off the face of the earth. And behold, I saw the multitudes who had not fallen because of the great and terrible judgments of the Lord. And I saw the Heavens open and the Lamb of God descending out of Heaven, and he came down and he shewed himself unto them.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 3 par. 15

And it came to pass that the angel said unto me, Look and behold your seed, and also the seed of your brothers. And I looked and beheld the land of promise; and I beheld multitudes of people, yes, even as it were in number as many as the sand of the sea. And it came to pass that I beheld multitudes gathered together to battle one against the other. And I beheld wars and rumors of wars and great slaughters with the sword among my people. And it came to pass that I beheld many generations pass away after the manner of wars and contentions in the land. And I beheld many cities, yes, even that I did not number them. And it came to pass that I saw a mist of darkness on the face of the land of promise. And I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises. And I saw the earth and the rocks, that they split, and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces, and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up. And I saw many cities, that they were sunk, and I saw many that they were burnt with fire, and I saw many that did tumble to the earth because of the quaking thereof. And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of darkness, that it passed from off the face of the earth. And behold, I saw the multitudes who had not fallen because of the great and terrible judgments of yhwh. And I saw the Heavens open and the Lamb of Elohim descending out of Heaven, and he came down and he showed himself unto them.

Isn't it interesting that at this point Nephi, who I believe saw everything concerning the future of his posterity including King Benjamin, and Mosiah, and Alma, and the sons of Mosiah, and Abinadi, etc. etc., summarizes all of those experiences into beholding wars and rumors of wars among his seed and the seed of his brethren?

Why pass over the high points of the Nephite history without even touching on it even briefly to only state that I beheld many generations pass away after the manner of wars and contentions in the land?

Our little Book of Mormon study group believes that Nephi is recording this vision by the power of the Holy Ghost after he has had forty years to ponder and consider this vision.

We believe that Nephi is including in the vision what is most critical at this point for us, a gentile audience, as well as a near future Jewish and Native American audience to read and understand.

Notice how the majority of what Nephi describes at this point in the vision has to do with the time immediately preceeding and then during the advent of the Savior to the people of Nephi here on the American continent.

Why?

All of prophecy is essentially focused on two events. You can always find an acception to this because there are all kinds of intermediate events that get covered. But essentially the burden of prophecy focuses upon two and only two events. The first one is the looking forward to the coming of the Lord in the flesh in His mortal ministry. And the second one is looking forward to the coming of the Lord in glory to judge the world. Those are the two primary events that are the burden of prophecy, the burden of scripture, and you’re living on the cusp of the fulfillment of the second of those two events. And therefore, you would be well served to learn as much as you can about those two events. (Podcast #48, "Prophecy", Denver Snuffer Podcast)

If Nephi is following the pattern of the burden of prophecy then what are we to learn concerning what Nephi recorded about the Lord's advent to the Nephites in the promised land?

Is it possible that Nephi focusing attention on the coming of the Lord relates to What Lehi saw concerning the covenants that God made with the Fathers from the beginning?

When Nephi began this event speaking with the spirit of the Lord this was their conversation together.

...And the spirit said unto me, Behold, what desirest thou? And I said, I desire to behold the things which my father saw. And the spirit said unto me, Believest thou that thy father saw the tree of which he hath spoken? And I said, Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father. And when I had spoken these words, the spirit cried with a loud voice, saying, Hosanna to the Lord, the Most High God, for he is God over all the earth, yea, even above all! And blessed art thou, Nephi, because thou believest in the Son of the Most High God; wherefore, thou shalt behold the things which thou hast desired... (1 Nephi 11:1 - 7, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 6)

As I have mentioned in an earlier post, I believe that Lehi saw everything just like Nephi.

Why do I believe this?

1) Nephi's statement above that he desired to behold the things which his father saw.

2)Lehi's teachings to his sons which were what caused Nephi to ponder upon his father's words.

For behold, it came to pass after my father had made an end of speaking the words of his dream, and also of exhorting them to all diligence, he spake unto them concerning the Jews, that after they should be destroyed — even that great city Jerusalem — and many be carried away captive into Babylon, according to the own due time of the Lord, they should return again, yea, even should be brought back out of captivity. And after that they should be brought back out of captivity, they should possess again their land of inheritance. Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews, even a messiah, or in other words, a savior of the world. And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had testified of these things concerning this Messiah of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the world. Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer.  And he spake also concerning a prophet who should come before the Messiah to prepare the way of the Lord. Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight! For there standeth one among you whom ye know not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. And much spake my father concerning this thing. And my father said he should baptize in Bethabara beyond Jordan; and he also said he should baptize with water, even that he should baptize the Messiah with water. And after he had baptized the Messiah with water, he should behold and bear record that he had baptized the Lamb of God, who should take away the sins of the world.  And it came to pass, after my father had spoken these words, he spake unto my brethren concerning the gospel which should be preached among the Jews, and also concerning the dwindling of the Jews in unbelief. And after they had slain the Messiah who should come, and after he had been slain, he should rise from the dead and should make himself manifest by the holy ghost unto the gentiles. Yea, even my father spake much concerning the gentiles, and also concerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared like unto an olive tree whose branches should be broken off and should be scattered upon all the face of the earth. Wherefore, he said it must needs be that we should be led with one accord into the land of promise, unto the fulfilling of the word of the Lord that we should be scattered upon all the face of the earth. And after the house of Israel should be scattered, they should be gathered together again, or in fine, after the gentiles had received the fullness of the gospel, the natural branches of the olive tree — or the remnants of the house of Israel — should be grafted in, or come to the knowledge of the true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer. And after this manner of language did my father prophesy and speak unto my brethren, and also many more things which I do not write in this book; for I have written as many of them as were expedient for me in mine other book. And all these things of which I have spoken were done as my father dwelt in a tent in the valley of Lemuel. ( 1 Nephi 10:2 - 16, NC 1 Nephi 3 pars. 2 - 4)

I believe that as Lehi was teaching his sons concerning the house of Israel being scattered and comparing them to an olive tree who's branches were scattered Lehi was using as a scaffolding to his words the allegory of Zenos because he saw the events all unfold.

We touched on the Zenos' Allegory in an earlier post.

If I am correct in my thinking in this matter, then I believe that Lehi was interested in his sons coming to an understanding of the the covenants that God had made with the original Fathers, starting with Adam, to restore His house or family to the earth in the end just as it was in the beginning.

I intend to address what Nephi spoke of concerning the destruction that occurred among the Nephites and Lamanites at the time of the Lord's crucifixion later on.

Right now I would like to focus on the Lamb of God descending out of heaven among the Nephites who were left.

I believe that Nephi, as well as his father Lehi, was interested in our attention being drawn to those very same promises and so he recorded his vision in a manner that we would focus on what he was shown that would occur through history for God to fulfill His intended purposes of vindicating His original promises.

If we study this event that Nephi is describing can we see anything that the Lord taught or promised to the surviving Nephites that has to do with God's promises to the original Fathers?

Following His instructions to the Nephites concerning His doctrine and His law (the Sermon on the Mount repeated at Bountiful), the Lord began to prophesy concerning the house of Israel which He had scattered.

And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he said unto those twelve whom he had chosen, Ye are my disciples, and ye are a light unto this people, who are a remnant of the house of Joseph. And behold, this is the land of your inheritance, and the Father hath given it unto you. And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell it unto your brethren at Jerusalem; neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell unto them concerning the other tribes of the house of Israel whom the Father hath led away out of the land. This much did the Father command me that I should tell unto them, that other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. And now because of stiffneckedness and unbelief, they understood not my word; therefore, I was commanded to say no more, of the Father, concerning this thing unto them. But verily I say unto you that the Father hath commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because of their iniquity; therefore, it is because of their iniquity that they know not of you. And verily I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them, and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them. And verily I say unto you that ye are they of whom I said, Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the gentiles; for they understood not that the gentiles should be converted through their preaching. And they understood me not, that I said, They shall hear my voice, and they understood me not that the gentiles should not at that time hear my voice, that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the holy ghost. But behold, ye have both heard my voice and seen me, and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me. And verily, verily I say unto you that I have other sheep which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister. For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice, neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them. But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore, I go to shew myself unto them.
And I command you that ye shall write these sayings after I am gone, that if it so be that my people at Jerusalem — they who have seen me and been with me in my ministry — do not ask the Father in my name that they may receive a knowledge of you by the holy ghost, and also of the other tribes whom they know not of, that these sayings which ye shall write shall be kept and shall be manifested unto the gentiles; that through the fullness of the gentiles, the remnant of their seed, who shall be scattered forth upon the face of the earth because of their unbelief, may be brought in, or may be brought to a knowledge of me, their Redeemer. And then will I gather them in from the four quarters of the earth, and then will I fulfill the covenant which the Father hath made unto all the people of the house of Israel. And blessed are the gentiles because of their belief in me, in and of the holy ghost, which witness unto them of me and of the Father. Behold, because of their belief in me, saith the Father, and because of the unbelief of you, O house of Israel, in the latter day shall the truth come unto the gentiles, that the fullness of these things shall be made known unto them. (3 Nephi 15:11 - 24, 16:1 - 7, NC 3 Nephi 7 pars. 3 - 4)

As a cultural gentile what should I take away from this?

Who did the Father give this land of America to specifically?

What does that mean for me, a gentile? (this is a huge important subject)

Are the Nephites the only branch of the house of Israel who were separated from the main body?

I would recommend a paper "Other Sheep Indeed" that addresses this topic.  It can be found for free in the downloads section of denversnuffer.com

If I am going to hear the voice of Christ by what power will He manifest Himself to me?

What does that mean and what would that entail for Christ to manifest Himself to me by the power of the holy ghost?

Why did Christ command the Nephites to record His sayings here so they could be manifest to the gentiles?

What is the fullness of the gentiles?

How is it that the Lord will use the fullness of the gentiles to bring those parts of the house of Israel who have been scattered back in to a knowledge of their Redeemer Jesus Christ?

What does that look like?

What if these events are unfolding in a way that is completely different than what we have culturally been taught?

Would we be able to recognize what is going on?

Christ calls these believing gentiles blessed.

What does it mean to be a believing gentile?

When Christ speaks of a fullness of "these things" being made known to the believing gentiles what are "these things" that Christ is talking about?

Are "these things" related to what the Lord said a little later during His visit?

And verily I say unto you, I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things shall be about to take place, that I shall gather in from their long dispersion my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion. And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign: for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you — and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself and by the power of the holy ghost, which shall be given unto you of the Father — shall be made known unto the gentiles, that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them, verily, verily I say unto you, when these things shall be made known unto them of the Father and shall come forth of the Father from them unto you — for it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel — therefore, when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the gentiles unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity — for thus it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the gentiles, that he may shew forth his power unto the gentiles for this cause, that the gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel — and when these things come to pass, that thy seed shall begin to know these things, it shall be a sign unto them that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel. And when that day shall come, it shall come to pass that kings shall shut their mouths, for that which had not been told them shall they see, and that which they had not heard shall they consider. (3 Nephi 21:1 - 8, NC 3 Nephi 9 par. 11)

What were the things that Christ declared unto the Nephites here and what did He declare "hereafter" during His visit among them?

Do the things He declared include those things that are unlawful to be written that He declared unto them and that He prayed for them?

What were the works wrought among the Nephites at this time?

Did they include the ministry of angels and manifestations and things that pertain to the other side of the veil?

Christ declares that it is by "these things" that the scattered remnant of the house of Israel will recognize that what the believing gentiles are bringing to them come from Him.

If I look around me do I see the works that Christ performed among the Nephites occurring in my worship tradition?

Do I receive all the words that Christ declared among the Nephites in my worship tradition?

What are the true points of Christ's doctrine? He declared it.

In my worship tradition are the true points of Christ's doctrine observed or is there more or less than the true points of Christ's doctrine taught?

Am I a "believing gentile" if these things are not part of my worship tradition?

Why is this important?

What is the reason for these things coming to believing gentiles?

What is driving everything the Lord is speaking of here?

We have talked about it before. What are the covenants the Father has made with the house of Israel?

How does He intend to use believing gentiles to vindicate these covenants?

The Lord continues.

But if they will repent, and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance. And they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city which shall be called the New Jerusalem. And then shall they assist my people, that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem. And then shall the Powers of Heaven come down among them, and I also will be in the midst. And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem. Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name. Yea, and then shall the work commence with the Father among all nations, in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance. And they shall go out from all nations, and they shall not go out in haste nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward. (3 Nephi 21:22 - 29, NC 3 Nephi 10 par. 1)

The Lord declared that if the gentiles repent.  Repent of what? (This is a huge and important subject in and of itself. I would recommend reading and studying the entire 40 years in Mormonism series you can find for free in the downloads section of www.denversnuffer.com to address this question. )

What is the Lord's church that will be established among a group of believing gentiles?

Here's how the Lord defined His "church".

Behold, this is my doctrine: whosoever repents and comes unto me, the same is my church. Whosoever declares more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me. Therefore, he is not of my church. (D&C 10:67 - 68, T&C 1, Joseph Smith History, part 10 par. 19)

Does this sound like an institution or organization?

Could this "church" exist among people who belong to many different religious denominations?

The Lord declares that this group of believing gentiles comes in unto the covenant.

What does that look like?

How do these believing gentiles receive a covenant from God?

Now the Lord declares that they are no longer gentiles but that they have now transitioned to be numbered among the remnant of Jacob.

So, you can change your identity. You can change your identity from being a Nephite into becoming a Lamanite. You can change your identity from being a Lamanite to being a Nephite. But more importantly, you can change your identity from being a Gentile into being of the house of Israel. (Podcast #123, "Numbered Among", Denver Snuffer Podcast, www.denversnuffer.com)

There is a podcast that was just recently released which sheds such great light on this matter.  I plead with you to listen to it again and again and ponder what is being taught.

The podcast is Podcast #123 "Numbered Among" on the Denver Snuffer Podcast at www.denversnuffer.com.

It is through changing believing gentiles into the house of Israel so that they become the remnant of Jacob and are made part of the house of Joseph that the Lord uses them to take the fullness of His gospel, with His works, to the scattered remnants of Israel all over the earth to bring them back in to His fold.

The Lord uses this group, now adopted into the house of Israel, to build the New Jerusalem and a temple that He will commission that He will come to in order to restore what has been lost, which is necessary to redeem all the house of Israel.

My understanding is that the believing gentiles are benefiting because of the Father's desire to vindicate His promises to the original Fathers that He would bring about all of these above events.

The gentiles cannot drive the show.  It is the promises and only the promises that are driving the show.  The believing gentiles are blessed and adopted into the house of Israel as they work cooperatively with God to accomplish His work.  They cannot be on their own errand.

I give great thanks to God for showing these things to Nephi for my benefit as well as for the benefit of everyone.

I give great thanks that Nephi's vision is given to focus my attention on this event where the Savior prophesied concerning the gentiles and the house of Israel so that I can find my bearings and hopefully be true to the covenant He God has now extended to believing gentiles.

If you want to know concerning this covenant you can read everything about it in sections 156, 157, and 158 in the Teachings and Commandments found for free at scriptures.info.

Please, as you read the scriptures let them inform you.  Do not read traditions and cultures into the book.

Until six years ago I read my traditions and culture into the Book of Mormon.

Since ceasing to do so I have learned soo much.  The Book of Mormon is a book I had never really read before.

I still know nothing.  I am seeking after truth and so I consider that what I presently understand may change even in the next little bit of time.

What God has given and is willing to give is so vast and so glorious.

It's such a shame that anyone outside our little Book of Mormon study group only sees what little I can share on this blog.

God is working a work right now among a small number of believing gentiles, as unlikely as it may seem.  This work is a direct fulfillment of the prophesies of Christ here among the Nephites.

As we continue to view the rest of what Nephi recorded from his vision I suspect that we will see in everything Nephi recorded a pattern of Nephi showing how the Lord intends to work among the gentiles to vindicate His promises to restore His house or in other words His family again upon the earth as it was in the beginning.

A Large and Spacious Building

1 Nephi 11:, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 14

And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people, yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. And after he was slain, I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb, for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord. And the multitude of the earth was gathered together, and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying, Behold, the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold, the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And it came to pass that I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and the fall thereof was exceeding great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying, Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.


The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim, 1 Nefi 3 par. 14


And it came to pass that the angel spoke unto me again, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld the Lamb of Elohim, that he was taken by the people, yes, the Son of the El Olam was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. And I, Nefi, saw that he was lifted up upon the Tz’lav and slain for the sins of the world. And after he was slain, I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the emissaries of the Lamb, for thus were the twelve called by the angel of yhwh. And the multitude of the earth was gathered together, and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw.  And the angel of yhwh spoke unto me again, saying, Behold, the world and the wisdom thereof; yes, behold, the house of Isra’el has gathered together to fight against the twelve emissaries of the Lamb.  And it came to pass that I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of yhwh spoke unto me, saying, Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve emissaries of the Lamb.

As we consider the great and spacious building, could we again consider the scriptural definition of the term "world"?

The following is the definition of the term "World" found in the Glossary of Terms in the Teachings and Commandments.

“The world and earth are not synonymous terms. The world is the human family.”1 What is the end of the world? The destruction of the wicked.2
1 WJS, 60, 82n1, 25n9; JS, Discourse, Nauvoo, IL, 5 Jan. 1841; in L. John Nuttall, journal, pp. 4–8; handwriting of L. John Nuttall; L. John Nuttall, Papers, BYU. “Account of Meeting and Discourse, 5 January 1841, as Reported by William Clayton,” 5, JSP, https: //www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/account-of-meeting-and-discourse- 5-january-1841-as-reported-by-william-clayton/2.
2 TPJS, 101; WJS, 13, 25n9.

What Nephi is seeing represented in the great and spacious building is the wisdom of the human family that is contrary to and being used to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

If it is correct, from the last post, that Joseph who was sold into Egypt is part of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, then 1) Again, who are these folks and why were they chosen before the foundation of the human family? 2)What really is the purpose of this role of being one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb?

Nephi is shown that the multitudes of the earth were involved in this fighting against the twelve.

Does the description "multitudes of the earth" mean everyone or just the supermajority of them?

Why did the angel separately state that the house of Israel has gathered together to fight against the twelve?

Is it more egregious for the house of Israel to be fighting against the twelve apostles of the Lamb than it is for the other multitudes of the earth?

Is the house of Israel specifically mentioned because of their covenantal status through the promises of the Lord to their fathers?

Was it possible for them to leave the status of covenant bearers because of their fighting against the twelve?

If it was possible for them to lose covenantal status because of their fighting against the twelve apostles of the Lamb and if I believe that I am part of a covenant then could I lose that status as well if I choose to fight against the twelve?

Was the angel specifically pointing this out to Nephi to show that it is possible to lose covenantal status by fighting against the twelve?

What does it mean to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb?

Is this physical confrontation?

Is this fighting against the twelve apostles of the Lamb limited to the time frame of the apostles following the death and resurrection of Christ? 

If Joseph who was sold into Egypt is included in the twelve apostles of the Lamb and to fight against them meant physical confrontation, then how would someone fight against Joseph since he had long since died?

Is it possible that fighting against them is something more than or maybe different from physical confrontation?

Since the wisdom of the world (the great and spacious building) is a representation of the wisdom of the human family, doesn't the human family include everyone from all ages of the earth in every time?

Is it possible that members of the human family before the time of Christ and after, even to now, have been and are and will be fighting against the twelve apostles of the Lamb?

How would the wisdom of the human family be used to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb?

If so, what would that include?

If the human family is described to be fighting against these twelve emissaries because of the "wisdom" of the human family (the great and spacious building) could their fighting against the twelve include their rejection of the message the twelve are sent to deliver?

If I reject the message that the twelve apostles of the Lamb were sent to deliver could it be said of me that I am fighting against them?

Could the following event from the Book of Mormon be one example of many that demonstrates "fighting" against the twelve apostles of the Lamb?

Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers. They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ. And now, because of their unbelief, they could not understand the word of God, and their hearts were hardened. And they would not be baptized, neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state, for they would not call upon the Lord their God. And now in the reign of Mosiah, they were not half so numerous as the people of God; but because of the dissensions among the brethren, they became more numerous. For it came to pass that they did deceive many — with their flattering words — who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins. Therefore, it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be admonished by the church. (Mosiah 26:1 - 6, NC Mosiah 11 par. 18)

Could rejecting the message that the twelve were sent to deliver be related to what the angel told Joseph on the night of his first September visit?

... He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses [Acts 2:3], precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that prophet was Christ, but the day had not yet come when they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people, but soon would come. He also quoted the second chapter of Joel from the twenty-eighth to the last verse [Joel 1:12]. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated the fullness of the gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted many other passages of scripture and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here. (Joseph Smith History 1:36 - 41, T&C section 1 Joseph Smith History, part 3, par. 4)

Is it possible that not hearing the voice of Christ, or in other words, not receiving the words that Christ has sent constitutes rejecting the message sent through His twelve or fighting against His twelve?

I believe what King Benjamin spoke concerning committing sin.

..And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them...(Mosiah 4:26 - 30, NC Mosiah 2 par. 6)

I believe that this same principle would be true with this subject; that there are diverse ways and means to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb, even so many that they cannot be numbered.

Are there general principles stated in the scriptures that if applied will help one avoid placing themselves in the camp of fighting against the twelve because of the wisdom of the human family?

What about the following?

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from them who think they are wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes. Because, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father, and no man knows that the Son is the Father, and that the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it. And he turned himself unto the disciples and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them, and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them. (Luke 10:21 - 24, NC Luke 8 par. 6)

Does the above have any relation to this statement from the Lord?

... And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily I say unto you that this is my doctrine. And whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establisheth it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil and is not built upon my rock, but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell standeth open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. Therefore, go forth unto this people and declare the words which I have spoken unto the ends of the earth. (3 Nephi 11:31 - 41, NC 3 Nephi 5 par. 9)

Why does the Lord use the terms babes and children in the above references?

Was the Lord referring to His disciples as the "babes"?

I believe so.

Does that give new meaning to the statement the Lord made that if someone was guilty of offending one of His little ones it would be better that a millstone be set about their necks and they be drowned in the depths of the sea?

What are the qualities that "children" and "babes" possess that allow them to receive a message God has sent?

Consider the following.

Believe in Christ, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and become as a little child. There is no more inquisitive a creature on the planet than a little child. That’s who you’re to become. You should hunger and search for understanding. This is all of the doctrine. There is no more doctrine. This is not all of the teachings, this is not all the tenants, these are not all of the precepts, this is not all of the covenants, this is not all of the commandments, and this is not all of the principles, but it’s all of the doctrine. There is no more doctrine than this…

We have this absolutely schizophrenic set of pictures in our head about the Lord. On the one hand, He is this limp-wristed, happy-go-lucky, permissive chap who sashays about blessing everyone with fairy dust. And on the other hand, we have this stern, unapproachable, distant, galactic ruler who just can’t be troubled by any of us and He says, This is His work and His glory, to save you. Not merely to save and preserve you, but to bring about your eternal life and your exaltation. That’s what He’s about. Get rid of the junk in your heads and let the scriptures speak to you. As Joseph said, Look, everything in them can be a mystery if what you have done is barred the information from getting through to you by the door that you have erected from the traditions that you have been handed. Many of you have been handed traditions from very good and very well meaning and very honorable Latter Day Saint parents who ought to be commended and praised for the effort that they made with you.

However, I don’t care if your parents were nigh unto God or the devil himself, the fact of the matter remains that we all have the freedom to choose to leave behind whatever it is that becomes the door against which the Savior has to knock, hoping that you’ll hear his voice. We have to become as a little child, because it’s only the little children who are willing to open themselves up and become vulnerable enough to believe and then hopeful enough to act on that belief, so that they develop faith and then persistent enough to ask again, and again, and again… are we there yet, are we there yet? ("As a Little Child", Podcast 72, Denver Snuffer.com)

I would invite everyone to listen to or to read the full transcript of the podcast "As a Little Child", podcast #72.

I believe it has great application to what Nephi is sharing here from his marvelous vision.

If we become people who thirst and hunger for truth, light, and understanding; if we become people who are inquisitive and willing to let the words of the Lord inform us instead of reading our traditions and learning into His words then won't the rest of the human family, those who consider themselves wise and prudent, look at us as though we are unlearned children?

Didn't the Lord declare in an above scripture that God reveals things that are kept hid from those who consider themselves wise and prudent?

Would the above give new meaning to what Isaiah prophesied?

For behold, the Lord, the Lord of Hosts doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole staff of bread and the whole stay of water, the mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, the captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. And I will give children unto them to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them... (2 Nephi 13:1 - 11, NC 2 Nephi 8 par. 7)

Nephi stated, "I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world." 

My present understanding is that Nephi's statement means that the human family is proud of its wisdom (the great and spacious building).

In my mind it is like someone saying "look at this", whatever it may be.  "This object is the pride of the neighborhood" or the pride of the city or the pride of the country or the pride of the etc.  

What does it mean when Nephi states, "And it came to pass that I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and the fall thereof was exceeding great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying, Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

As we consider the wisdom of the human family (the great and spacious building), what does it mean that the fall of this wisdom is exceeding great?

Does it have anything to do with what the Lord declared?

And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily I say unto you that this is my doctrine. And whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establisheth it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil and is not built upon my rock, but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell standeth open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.

What are the floods and winds that will beat upon all but that will overcome those who do not build upon the doctrine of Christ?

Would being received into the gates of hell be something that could be considered an exceeding great fall?

What about the statement of the angel, who I believe was Nephi, to the Prophet Joseph on that September evening in 1823?

He said that that prophet was Christ, but the day had not yet come when they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people, but soon would come.

Could being cut off from among the people possibly be associated with being destroyed?

Is Nephi trying to plainly invite us and exhort us to become as little children so that we do not find ourselves in the great and spacious building (the wisdom of the human family) where the only outcome is to be cut off from among the people and received by the gates of hell because of the winds and floods that will beat upon us?

To me, the admonition to become childlike in order to avoid entering into the great and spacious building follows more in line with the rest of what King Benjamin said about committing sin.

But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe to keep the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember and perish not. (Mosiah 4:26 - 30, NC Mosiah 2 par. 6)

I don't know that it is possible to describe all the ways that exist to enter into the great and spacious building but my present understanding of how to avoid it is to become childlike as I hear and read and ponder the message the twelve apostles of the Lamb were sent to deliver.  

Under my present understanding, I can hear Nephi saying to me in this part of the vision, "And now, o Jon, remember and become as a little child and be not part of the great fall and the destruction of nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples who fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

The Twelve Apostles of the Lamb

1 Nephi 11:, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 14

And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people, yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. And after he was slain, I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb, for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord. And the multitude of the earth was gathered together, and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying, Behold, the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold, the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And it came to pass that I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and the fall thereof was exceeding great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying, Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.


The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim, 1 Nefi 3 par. 14


And it came to pass that the angel spoke unto me again, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld the Lamb of Elohim, that he was taken by the people, yes, the Son of the El Olam was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. And I, Nefi, saw that he was lifted up upon the Tz’lav and slain for the sins of the world. And after he was slain, I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the emissaries of the Lamb, for thus were the twelve called by the angel of yhwh. And the multitude of the earth was gathered together, and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw.  And the angel of yhwh spoke unto me again, saying, Behold, the world and the wisdom thereof; yes, behold, the house of Isra’el has gathered together to fight against the twelve emissaries of the Lamb.  And it came to pass that I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of yhwh spoke unto me, saying, Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve emissaries of the Lamb.

At this point I am hoping to look at the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Shouldn't it be striking to us that Lehi, at the very beginning of the Book of Mormon, and now Nephi have both seen these twelve individuals more than 600 years before their advent into the world?

What is so important about these twelve "emissaries" as the Stick of Joseph states?

Were they selected before they were born?

Lehi saw something important on this matter.

...And it came to pass that he saw one descending out of the midst of Heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noonday. And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament. And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth... (1 Nephi 1:5 - 15, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 3) 

Why is it that Lehi describes them coming to mortality, already with a brightness that exceeds the stars in the firmament?

What kingdom is the glory of the stars associated with?

If one comes to this kingdom already possessing a greater glory, where are they coming from?

Are these twelve included with the individuals who are identified in the group Alma talked about?

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

If the twelve were part of this group then several things are true about them, in my opinion.

1) They were called and prepared from the foundation of the world.

Haven't we established in earlier posts that the "world" is a term used to signify the human family?

When was the foundation of the human family established?

Do we have any record of the events that founded the human family?

What about the book of Abraham?

Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was, and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones. And God saw these souls, that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them and he said, These I will make my rulers. For he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good. And he said unto me, Abraham, you are one of them; you were chosen before you were born.  And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him, We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell. And we will prove them herewith to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them. And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon, and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever. (Abraham 3:22 - 26, Teachings and Commandments, Section 145, The Book of Abraham 6 pars. 1 - 2)

Here in Abraham we have a picture of the events that established the human family don't we?

Here is the planning to create the earth "whereon these may dwell".

Isn't that a reference to the beginnings of the human family, the planning stages?

Would it be unreasonable to consider the planning stages of the human family the foundation of the human family?

Do you notice here that there is a group of "souls" who are noble and great who are called to be the rulers and teachers over the human family?

Isn't it interesting that this group of "souls", which "souls" is defined by the prophet Joseph as as spirit and a body inseparably connected, is distinctly different than the other group "these"?

Both Lehi and Abraham describe Christ as having glory exceeding even the "noble and great ones".

If the above is applicable to the twelve that both Nephi and Lehi witnessed in vision, could that be why Lehi sees the twelve as coming here to a lower kingdom already having glory?

Would that mean that they also condescended to come down just not to the same degree as Christ?

If so, why were they willing to put themselves in jeopardy of falling by descending into mortality?

Was this also a sacrifice on their part to accept the call to come and save others by delivering the message of Christ crucified?

2) They were chosen to come because they had already demonstrated to God in a previous probation that they choose good over evil and have already in that previous probation exercised exceeding great faith.  What they did before constitutes God's foreknowledge of what they will do here, in other words.

Even here on earth as imperfect parents, isn't it true that an observant and loving parent over time is able to come to a proper appraisal by their child's actions; what that child is capable of?

If, as imperfect but loving parents, we are able to in some measure make a proper appraisal of our children over time, how much more correct an appraisal can and do perfect, infinitely knowledgeable, and wise Parents with an infinite amount of time of observation make?

Even though their agency is totally in play here and they have the opportunity to fail and lose what they had previously attained to, would it be reasonable to assume that God would send an individual who has not previously proven that they are capable of completing the task at hand to complete the task at hand?

If this is true then at what point were these priests of the Holy Order or in other words the noble and great souls on the same plane or standing as their brethren? And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds (while, if it had not been for this, they might had as great privilege as their brethren — or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren — 

When was this probation?

3) The reason for their ordination is to teach the commandments of God unto the children of men that they might also enter into the rest of God.

What is the rest of God?

My present understanding is that God's rest is His glory so to enter into His rest is to enter into His glory.

What things would allow an individual to enter into the "rest" of God?

If it is just the ten commandments then why haven't the majority of the Christians in the world entered back into the "rest" of God?

Would that mean that their calling has nothing to do with telling others what to do or with being in authority over others?

Would that mean that they are teachers?

Was Nephi a teacher?

Was Lehi a teacher?

Can women and children be teachers?

Is it important then to focus on what an individual teaches and not who the individual is that is teaching?

4) Because of those who would reject the spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds (while, if it had not been for this, they might had as great privilege as their brethren, these teachers of righteousness always find themselves in conflict with the leaders, rulers, institutions, and traditions of the day. 

Did Christ come into conflict with the institutions, leaders, and rulers of His day while performing the will of the Father here?

If these individuals, these teachers of righteousness, these priests after the Holy Order of the Son of God, these noble and great souls from the foundation of the earth who come here already possessing glory in an act of condescension, are called in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption, can we expect that like Christ they too would encounter direct opposition from earthly leaders, institutions, and rulers of their days?

Wouldn't their lives and their works be types and shadows of Christ's life and work?

Do the scriptures manifest this?

What are the commandments of God that they teach that put them in conflict with the earthly power structures?

Below is an account in the newly revealed scripture witness of the Testimony of St. John concerning the last Passover meal with the Savior and the eleven faithful who remained with Him after Judas had left.

In the account we see that the Savior verifies the above four things concerning the eleven who were with Him.

The world will hate you, but you know that it hated me before it hates you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its property. But because you are not a captive of the world, and I have freed you from the world, the world hates you.  Remember that I told you before that no servant is greater than his Lord. If many have persecuted me, many will also persecute you, but if some few have followed my teachings, some few will follow yours also. The world’s response to you will be because you will act in my name and on my behalf. Those who fight against you are strangers to my Father. If I had not come and testified of the truth to them, they would not be accountable for rebellion, but now they have no excuse for their rebellion. If they hate me, they hate my Father also. If I had not shown to them an example no other man has shown before, they would not be accountable. But they have rebelled after seeing with their own eyes and hearing with their ears the one sent by Father Ahman to them, and have rebelled against us both. Proving men in this way fulfills the prophecy, They hated me without a cause.  As for you, when the Comforter comes (or in other words the Spirit of truth emanating from my Father), that spirit will testify of me. Then you have the ability to also testify of me. This is because you have followed me from the beginning or before the world was organized.  Now I tell you beforehand what to expect to come upon you so you are not surprised, nor will you stumble and fall. They will excommunicate you. The time will even come that the self-righteous who kill you will think that they speak for God. And they will do these things because they cannot do what the Father and I have done. I warn you beforehand that you will face this opposition so that when it happens you will remember and be strengthened. When I first taught, the anger and opposition was directed at me, and because of that, you were not their focus. But now I will return to the one who sent me and they will turn their anger at you. (Teachings and Commandments, Section 171, The Testimony of St. John 10 pars. 20 - 23)

The Savior declared that they followed Him from before the world was organized.  This is why they were chosen. They were called to testify of Him.  And the world would hate them for their witness of Christ, or in other words for teaching the commandments of God to the children of men.

Now, the scriptures state that these men have a future mission to perform concerning the House of Israel.

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all and followed you. What shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Truly I say unto you that you who have followed me shall, in the resurrection, when the Son of Man shall come sitting on the throne of his glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that has forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life. But many of the first shall be last, and the last, first. (Matthew 19:27 - 30, NC Matthew 9 par. 24) 

I have heard it taught and I believe it that their judging of the House of Israel means that they will have the privilege of declaring what Christ's judgment is.  The judgment will be with Christ and they will declare what that judgment is.

The question arises then, What about Judas?

Judas Iscariot fell so who will replace him?

Consider the following.

I engage in a process that precedes what I consider having possession of any kind of reliable information. Speculation and casual comments I have made are not particularly reliable. Research I’ve done to try to understand a subject is not reliable. Conversations in emails about some topic may be nothing more than guess work or casual conversation. When information, light and truth come from God, I consider that reliable information worth writing about, talking about or teaching.

Years ago I was contemplating the subject of Christ’s original apostles. As I looked into the scriptures, the promise Christ made to the twelve was that in the resurrection they would sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Judas was among the twelve when the promise was made. Judas fell away, betrayed the Lord and committed suicide. Whatever promise Judas may have had would have required his continued faithfulness. He was not faithful. Therefore, his throne and position as a judge in the resurrection over a tribe of Israel was forfeited. This led to the question of who would fill that vacancy.

I studied the scriptures looking exclusively for an answer to that question. Matthias was chosen to fill the vacancy left by Judas. He was chosen “by lot” which was the agreed method of discovering who the Lord wanted. Assuming that process was inspired, then Matthias would be one candidate.

Christ called Paul to be an apostle and messenger.  Paul wrote 2/3 of the New Testament books (letters). He was clearly chosen by God and would be another candidate to replace Judas in the resurrected role given to the twelve. I saw no other likely contender apart from these two. After considering the almost complete absence of Matthias from the New Testament record, and Paul’s great contribution, I concluded that the vacancy was filled by Paul.

Having reached a conclusion, I took it to God in prayer. Despite all my effort to study the matter out and reach a conclusion, I learned that I was wrong. I had not found the truth. My efforts did nothing more than qualify me to receive the right answer. It did not make me right.

I learned that of the original tribal leaders, eleven of the twelve fell from their positions as patriarchs. But one of the sons of Jacob never forfeited the right to be the head of his family. Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, remained worthy, chosen and fixed in his position over his posterity. There were always only eleven vacancies to be filled. Eleven of the twelve apostles, along with Joseph of Egypt, will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel in the resurrection. ("Reliable Information, Denversnuffer.com, February 21, 2018)

I have touched on so very little of the subject of the twelve seen by both Nephi and Lehi as following the Lord here in mortality.

It is a subject worth looking into.