Tuesday, November 12, 2019

A short version of "The Sermon" in 1 Nephi 10

I posted a few days ago about 4 Book of Mormon sermons which contain a high degree of overlap on 11 temple-related truths.

This morning, I found another smaller example of several of these themes in 1 Nephi 10:17-22.

Here is the passage:

17 ...I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
18 For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.
19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.
20 Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment.
21 Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.
22 And the Holy Ghost giveth authority that I should speak these things, and deny them not.

I've highlighted themes in the passage and matched them with the list below:

  • Foundational Truth: The plan was established before the foundation of the world, according to the knowledge of God.
  • Truth 1: The fall was brought about by Adam and Eve through transgression.
  • Truth 2: The fall caused separation from God.
  • Truth 3: The fall brought about temporal death.
  • Truth 4:.Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice (intercession) brings meets the demands of justice and allows for mercy.
  • Truth 5: Messengers are called to declare repentance to the children of Adam and Eve
  • Truth 6: Mortality is a probationary state/time.
  • Truth 7: The (merciful) Plan of Redemption
  • Truth 8: God gives His law to men in order to establish righteousness/happiness as opposed to punishment/misery.
  • Truth 9: Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all will be resurrected and brought to stand before God.
  • Truth 10: We will either be clean/clothed/crowned/bright/pure/spotless when we are brought to stand before God, or we won't be.

Notice also the reference to "the course of the Lord" as "one eternal round." Also, "he is the same yesterday, today, and forever" and "the way is prepared for all men." These passages make a clear reference to other temple related themes discussed in this post.