Gold and the Two Ways -- part 4a

Gold and the Two Ways in the Book of Mormon

Parts 1, 2, and 3 are found here: Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. We're looking at references to gold and riches and the like in the scriptures in the context of the doctrine of the two ways. In this post, we'll look at some of the references found in the Book of Mormon. This is a big topic, so I will break this into two parts. In this first part, we'll review scriptures from the Book of Mormon just as we've done for the Bible in the first three sections of this series. In the next part we'll take a slight detour and discuss the specific Book of Mormon theme related to treasures becoming slippery during ties of covenant rebellion.

Gold and treasure in the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon gives us numerous references to gold (59), treasure (15), and riches (43).  I'm sure there are additional terms with a meaning close enough to add to that tally. Since this is not meant to be a comprehensive review of all references, but just a cursory overview of some of the references which also make reference to the doctrine of the Two Ways, I'll focus on those references which best fit the theme.

For the following list, I'll forego quoting the verses to leave room for more total references in this post:

• 2 Nephi 9:42 -- God despises the prideful and rich unless "they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility."
• Jacob 2:13, 18-19 -- Obtaining riches has led to pride, stiff necks, and high heads. Seek for the kingdom of God before seeking riches. Then seek riches for the intent to do good.
• Mosiah 2:12 -- "I ... have not sought gold nor silver nor and manner of riches of you."
• Mosiah 4:19 -- "Are we not all beggars?" We all depend on God for all the substance we have, including gold, silver, and riches.
• Alma 1:16, 29-30 -- Priestcrafts are associated with a love of the vain things of the world, riches, honor. Meanwhile the righteous cared for the poor and "did not set their hearts upon riches" but were "liberal to all." The "steadiness of the church" brought about exceeding riches.
• Alma 4:6, 8 -- The people wax proud because of their riches, gold, and silver. The church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to "set their hearts upon riches" and "they began to be scornful, one towards another."
• Alma 7:6 -- (Alma to the righteous people of Gideon) "I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts upon riches and the vain things of the world."
• Alma 15:16 -- Amulek forsook all his riches for the word of God and was rejected by his friends and kindred.
• Alma 39:14 -- "Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world."
• Alma 45:24 -- Pride because of "exceedingly great riches" leads the people to not give heed to the word or walk uprightly before God.
• Helaman 4:12 -- Pride of the heart and riches lead to "oppression to the poor"
• Helaman 5:7-8 -- Do that which is good, not to boast, but to lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven (the "precious gift of eternal").
• Helaman 6:17 -- Prosperity leads to setting their hearts upon riches, leading the people to commit secret murders to get gain, rob, and plunder. (Cain is directly mentioned in verse 27.)
• Helaman 7:21, 26: Wo comes to the wicked unless they repent. They seek to "get gain, to be praised of men, yea, and [to] get gold and silver." Pride enters the heart and "has lifted you up beyond that which is good because of your exceedingly great riches!"
• 3 Nephi 6: 10, 12, 15 -- Riches lead to pride and classes, differing chances for learning. Satan had great power, tempting the people "to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world."
• 3 Nephi 13:19-21 -- Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
• 4 Nephi 1:43 -- Riches lead to pride and vanity.

A few thoughts about these verses:

There is a direct connection between riches and having a heart set upon the things of the world. Compare this to the command given to Joseph Smith by Moroni to obtain the plates (which were hidden in the ground) only to further God's work on earth, not for worldly gain. We'll talk about that in the next part in more depth.

Notice the contrasting symbolism between Jacob 2:13 and Alma 45:24 -- riches lead to "stiff necks" and high heads" and also causes the people to refuse to "walk uprightly before God."

Notice also how Amulek is described in Alma 15:16.  It's a perfect analog to the description Jacob gives in 2 Nephi 9:42.

It strikes me how clearly Jesus' words in 3 Nephi 13 fulfill the prophecy of slippery treasure from Helaman 13. This is a foreshadowing of the Nephites brought upon themselves by their covenant rebellion. Their record, also hidden in the ground, has come forth to us in order to gather God's people throughout the earth in the latter days.  Will we be wiser than they and lay up treasure in heaven rather than setting our hearts upon riches?

"Light and knowledge" in Alma 9 and Alma 39

Here is even more evidence that the description of Alma-2's missionary work among the Nephites intentionally parallels his words to his sons.

According to the theory (proposed by Grant Hardy in this presentation), Alma 9-13 should parallel Alma 39-42.  The expression "light and knowledge" is found three times in the entire Book of Mormon (Alma 9:23, Alma 39:6, and Alma 45:12). This is no coincidence.

Intentional parallels between Alma 5-13 and Alma 36-42

Grant Hardy has a very interesting theory about the layout of Alma.  You can watch his entire presentation here.

In short, he finds numerous parallels between the chapters describing Alma's missionary efforts among three Nephite cities (found in Alma 5-13) and his instructions to his sons (found in Alma 36-42).  He offers several lines of evidence to support his reasoning:

1. In each case, there is a header which was part of the revealed text documenting the account (see headers to chapters 5, 7, 9, 36, 38, 39).
2. We know Alma preached in more cities than just the three, but only three get specifically detailed.
3. The relative length of each son/city pairing is similar.
4. Unique language is found each pairing of accounts, including phrases that are not found very often or at all in other scriptures. See below and future posts for more details about this.

Below is an overview of the big picture, which will be followed later this week with three more detailed posts demonstrating each son/city pairing, which I will link here for future reference.

• Zarahemla (5-6) / Helaman (36-37): "Remember captivity" "Put trust in God" "Born of God"
• Gideon (7-8) / Shiblon (38): "Trust that I shall have joy over/in you"
• Ammonihah (9-13) / Corianton (39-42): "Except ye repent/do this, ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God"

Hardy also suggests that the underlying purpose of these pairings might be an attempt by Mormon at creating a chiastic message in the first 44 chapters of the book of Alma.  I'm not sure I completely follow/agree with this idea, but it is definitely intriguing.  I'll post more about this later this week as well. 

Common themes in four Book of Mormon sermons

A few months ago, I identified similarities between Alma 12-13:10 and Alma 39-42.  Then I noticed that 2 Nephi 1-2 also contains many of the same elements. (Note that I am using the original Book of Mormon chapters as text blocks, rather than the chapter designations added in later decades.)

I wasn't sure what to make of all of this, so I kept reading these chapters and studying the underlying principles.

Since that time, I've noticed many of the same themes in 2 Nephi 9, Moses 6/7, and D&C 29.

I'm still uncertain what this means, and so I present it here without a big overarching conclusion. In each case, a prophet is either teaching believers or struggling quasi-believers.

I've thought a lot about the best way to present what is a vast amount of information, and I've settled on just displaying a statement of doctrine taught in at least a majority of the sermons, followed by the quotes from each passage.

I've started calling this set of doctrines "The Sermon" given this high degree of repetition.  It is also worth noting that many if not all of these doctrines are presented in some way in the temple.

Foundational Truth: The plan was established before the foundation of the world, according to the knowledge of God.

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
12:25 Now, if it had not been for the plan of redemption, which was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been no resurrection of the dead;	42:26 And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world.	2:24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.	2 That he has spoken unto the Jews, by the mouth of his holy prophets, even from the beginning down, from generation to generation,		30 And this is a decree, which I have sent forth in the beginning of the world, from my own mouth, from the foundation thereof,

Truth 1: The fall was brought about by Adam and Eve through transgression.

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
12:22 Now we see that Adam did fall by the partaking of the forbidden fruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by his fall, all mankind became a lost and fallen people.	42:12 And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience;	2:22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden.	6...the fall came by reason of transgression;	40 Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempted Adam, and he partook of the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation.	48 And he said unto them: Because that Adam fell, we are;  53 ...And the Lord said unto Adam: Behold I have forgiven thee thy transgression in the Garden of Eden.

Truth 2: The fall caused separation from God. 

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
12:22...Now we see that Adam did fall by the partaking of the forbidden fruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by his fall, all mankind became a lost and fallen people.	42:2 ...the Lord God sent our first parents forth from the garden of Eden	2:19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.	6 ...the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord	41 Wherefore, I, the Lord God, caused that he should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression,.	49 ...men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God.

Truth 3: The fall brought about temporal death.

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
12:27 ...it was appointed unto men that they must die;	42:9 ...the fall had brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal...	2:22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.	4...wherefore I know that ye know that our flesh must waste away and die;		48 ...Because that Adam fell, we are; and by his fall came death;

Truth 4:.Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice (intercession) meets the demands of justice and allows for mercy.

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
12:34 Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest.	42:15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.	2:9 Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.	19 O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.	1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins; 2 Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.	6:57 Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise 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 of Man, even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge, who shall come in the meridian of time.

Truth 5: Messengers are called to declare repentance to the children of Adam and Eve

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
12: 29 Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory. 13:6 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	42:31 ...O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them.	2:8 ...how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth,	45 O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation.	42 ...they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, the Lord God, should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption, through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten Son.	1 And Adam hearkened unto the voice of God, and called upon his sons to repent. 23 And they were preachers of righteousness, and spake and prophesied, and called upon all men, everywhere, to repent; and faith was taught unto the children of men. 27 And he heard a voice from heaven, saying: Enoch, my son, prophesy unto this people, and say unto them—Repent, for thus saith the Lord:

Truth 6: Mortality is a probationary state/time.

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
24 ...nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God;	42:4 And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God.	2:21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men.	27 But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!	43 And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation—that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe;	56 And it is given unto them to know good from evil; wherefore they are agents unto themselves,

Truth 7: The (merciful) Plan of Redemption is named

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
30 And they began from that time forth to call on his name; therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption	42:13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, 31 And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them.	2:6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.	6 For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection	42 But, behold, I say unto you that I, the Lord God, gave unto Adam and unto his seed, that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, the Lord God, should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption, through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten Son.	62 And now, behold, I say unto you: This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten, who shall come in the meridian of time.

Truth 8: God gives His law to men in order to establish righteousness/happiness as opposed to punishment/misery.

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
32 Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God.	42:16 Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul. 17 Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment?	2:13 And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery.	25 Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no condemnation;	35 Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him commandment,	56 And it is given unto them to know good from evil; wherefore they are agents unto themselves, and I have given unto you another law and commandment.

Truth 9: Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all will be resurrected and brought to stand before God.

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
12:12 And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works. 12:25...there was a plan of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead,	42:23...the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God;	2:8 ...the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.	13 O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again,	26 But, behold, verily I say unto you, before the earth shall pass away, Michael, mine archangel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come forth—yea, even all.	7:62 And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men;

Truth 10: We will either be clean/clothed/bright/pure/spotless when we stand before God, or we will not be.

Alma 12/13	Alma 39-42	2 Nephi 1/2	2 Nephi 9	D&C 29	Moses 6/7
12:13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned. 14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.	40:25 And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God.	1:15 But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.	14 ...the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness.	27 And the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life;	7:56...the saints arose, and were crowned at the right hand of the Son of Man, with crowns of glory; 57 And as many of the spirits as were in prison came forth, and stood on the right hand of God;