Who is the "Almighty God"? 1 Nephi 17:48

Who is the "Almighty God"? 1 Nephi 17:48

Laman and Lemuel are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord. This is depressing to Nephi, who tells them to repent. They are really angry at him, and are about to throw him off the boat, when Nephi says, "In the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God, even unto the consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall wither even as a dried reed; and he shall be as naught before the power of God, for God shall smite him."

I wanted to know if Nephi is referring to Jesus Christ or Heavenly Father in this verse.

'The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith' cites this verse, which is interesting to me. 

My hypothesis is that it is a reference to Jesus Christ because almost everything that we *do* is done in his name. Like, we address God the Father "in the name of Jesus Christ" in our prayers, for example. 

I think would have to study this more to be totally sure. It would be interesting to compare the instances of the use of the word "Almighty God" throughout the scriptures. I am still not sure if it would lead to any definitive answers. Since this is basically the exercise that I have been engaged in for the past 4 months (disambiguation of references to God in the Book of Mormon and now in the New and Old Testaments), I am going to wait to truly answer this question with the depth it deserves.

What should you do when you have questions?

1. Seek understanding through divinely appointed sources. What higher source can you have than that of God himself?

2. Act in faith. Trust that the Lord will reveal answers when the time is right. Live by what you already know. Adam and Eve offered sacrifices after they were cast out of the garden of Eden. They did not know why. Later, it was shown to them. This is a recurring pattern throughout the scriptures: God requires obedience and then later explains why. Consider when Abraham was required to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar in the same disgusting manner of the wicked people in the place where he grew up who frequently engaged in ritual human sacrifice of their children (!!! ughhh). Why is this the pattern? We are supposed to learn faith. Faith is an action verb.

3. Keep an eternal perspective. Look at things from a long-range eternal perspective, not a myopic what's-best-for-the-bottom-line perspective. Considering things from the point of view of Heavenly Father's plan of salvation, a whole lot more things make sense, like how ordinances that Christ requires of us (like baptism) can even work as the one way by which salvation can come when so many billions of people never had access to that ordinance. Cough cough temple work cough cough.

Was Nephi involved in being rude? 1 Nephi 18:10

Was Nephi involved in being rude? 1 Nephi 18:10

Nephi's family is on a boat. They are sailing to the promised land. Nephi's brothers and the sons of Ishmael and their wives are starting to be merry, dance, sing, and speak "with much rudeness." 

Nephi says that he, "began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea." 

I noticed that the pronouns here seemed to include Nephi in the rudeness. However, in the previous verse, he did not explicitly say that he himself was rude. He also does not mention rudeness of his wife, his brother Sam and his wife, his parents Lehi and Sariah, and probably Nephi's sisters - I am sure he had them, even though they are obnoxiously not mentioned by name.

We had the missionaries over for dinner and I let them look at my questions ("Wow, we would be so overjoyed if some investigator came and asked us these questions because it would mean they are really thinking about the scriptures!"). They were not able to answer all of my questions, but they both agreed that they think that the answer to this is no. 

No, Nephi was probably not involved in the rudeness, at least very much. It would be totally out of his character.

I wonder how this idea ties into that of "innocent bystanders." Like, if people are being generally wicked in an area, and the Lord decides to send a plague or a famine or a war (or whatever) to smite the wicked, does it include the righteous who are there? My intuition tells me yes, it does. That doesn't bode very well for my country, and the prophecies that state that we will be blessed inasmuch as we as a people are righteous. Actually, it's downright scary. 

Why does Nephi use the exodus of the Jews to prove to his brothers why they should follow the Lord? 1 Nephi 17:23

Why does Nephi use the exodus of the Jews to prove to his brothers why they should follow the Lord? 1 Nephi 17:23

Nephi's brothers Laman and Lemuel are complaining (as usual). They say that the people in Jerusalem were righteous because they were good Jews who followed the law of Moses. They are complaining about their father Lehi being too judge-y. Nephi then retells the story of the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. 

My daughter Jane thinks the reason why Nephi, himself a devout Jew, used this story to persuade his brothers to soften their hearts, is because it was something they already believed and understood. It was a familiar story for them. Moses was already a prophet who they revered and respected. Nephi is using a story that they already know and perhaps casting it into new light. 

Nephi explains that Moses followed the Lord's commandments by the help and power of the Lord. He was witnessing to his brothers that the Lord is powerful, strong, and capable, and that he will prepare a way for us to accomplish anything that he commands us to do.

* * *

This is only marginally related, but I would like to point out the similarity in geographic problems with the Exodus story to the Book of Mormon story. Scholars, historians, archaeologists, etc. have apparently not been able to substantiate the story of Exodus through an appeal to existing artifacts, geography, etc. Critics of the Book of Mormon have long used the lack of evidence of precise geography of the Book of Mormon to persuade people that it is not true. 

I think the point in both of these examples is that the epistemology of faith is different from that of other aspects of our lives. You can use all kinds of totally secular tools (e.g. Wikipedia) to help you learn *about* faith. But in order to actually learn it *itself* requires "spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception." (see this talk) You have to do something.

That is why we are here.

What is the "mighty nation"? 1 Nephi 22:7

What is the "mighty nation"? 1 Nephi 22:7

Answer: unequivocally, without room for doubt, the "mighty nation" is the United States of America.

"...the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered."

Nephi is unfolding the meaning of the scriptures to his brothers. He also has the advantage of having already seen these things happen in a vision.

We know they are on the American continent ("the face of this land" = the American continent). We know the "marvelous work" that is "of great worth...unto all the house of Israel" referred to in verses 8-9 is the restoration of the gospel. 

At a general conference sometime in the past 5 years there was a really great talk given which I cannot for the life of my find. It was given by a Brazilian general authority who talked about his sincere feelings of frustration that the restoration of the gospel did not occur in Brazil. If I remember right, he was incredulous about why it had to happen in the United States. I think this was the first time I had really thought about that idea before. After that talk, I read in several other places (which I don't remember now! arghh) and had some long discussions with Danny and Danny's parents about this idea. 

The hill where Joseph Smith unearthed the golden plates is in upstate New York. Joseph's family had been pushed to migrate there by the year without a summer. But, surely, not only could the golden plates have been given directly to an earnest seeker of knowledge, but also no way (!!) was Joseph Smith the first such seeker. So why him, why then, and more to the point of the original question, why there?

Religious freedom is a relatively new reality, if not concept. The Book of Mormon also testifies of the founding father's being inspired men, of the Constitution of the United States being inspired, of this being a promised land, "that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord." (2 Nephi 1:6) This includes my Mayflower pilgrim ancestors from the 1600's as well as my 1880's Moravian ancestors. 

In a 1963 General Conference, Delbert L. Stapley gave a long talk about this topic. 

Thus, from ancient American prophets, we learn that this United States of America was established by God for a divine purpose, and that great blessings, which all must admit, as we review the history of this nation, have so far been literally fulfilled; yet the fulfillment of future promise of blessings is conditional upon the continued righteousness of its people. A great challenge is presented to the citizens of this land if God is to be on our side and give us power as a nation to overcome our enemies and not be brought down into captivity.

This nation did not come into being by chance. God declared that the gentiles who came here were to be brought out of captivity by his hand. The prophecies previously quoted concerning the establishment of this nation have been fulfilled to the letter. The people coming here in the beginning did so to find religious freedom. Nevertheless, they were subjected to tyrannical rule, unjust demands, and no representation. They had lost the opportunities, the privileges, the religious freedom and liberty which impelled them to settle in this new land. The colonists became an aroused group because of oppression; therefore, the time had arrived in the economy of God for the people to break off the yoke of domination which subjected them to these unjust and intolerable conditions. The Lord, knowing beforehand the events which would set the pattern for independence, raised up strong and valiant men to meet this hour of crisis and challenge. The Declaration of Independence came from a determined people. The successful Revolutionary War which followed united the colonies; and the gentile nation of destiny and of divine purpose, as foretold by the prophets, was born. A Constitution was needed to set forth the purposes, obligations, and the guide lines for the new nation. God was prepared and ready and did not neglect this newborn nation which he had ordained to be established thousands of years previously.

The restored church is for the entire world; we are not an "American" church. God's love and his blessings extend to all people of all languages everywhere and throughout all time. 

At the same time, the restoration of the gospel was meant to begin in the United States. Can you even imagine an alternate reality of Joseph Smith's first vision happening in the Austrian Empire of 1830? I really can't. Regular people, my ancestors, were literally still living under a feudal-type system there. 

I love my country. It is pretty chilling to think that the prophecy of the restoration beginning here came true, so the additional warning will also be true; that if we as a nation forget God and start to become wicked (ha! Start? Yeah. I'd say we've definitely started), then my country will be cursed. From the same talk: 

If wickedness prevails and wicked men rule, then we will be as other nations. We will stand alone without the guiding influence and power of God to sustain us in time of trouble and in meeting the challenge and threat of internal and external Satanic ideologies, also the evil designs and intrigues of men and nations.

Pretty chilling indeed, considering the personal morality of the person who is currently standing at the head of my government :-( 

Knowledge > all else

You know, I think it's always been about the knowledge for me.

It's a totally false dichotomy that doesn't really exist. But if I had to choose between close relationships and gaining expertise and knowledge, I really would pick the latter. Every time. As a girl. As an adult.

Maybe only just barely.

* * *

In a recent dark moment of weakness:

"I hate everything about living in this stupid physical world. Why can't the world just be only thoughts and ideas. Why do we have to deal with physical pain. And drudgery. And bodies that don't obey. I hate it."

"So why do you think you chose to come anyway?"

"Because I'm not stupid."

I really believe that is the reason. I think if I'm moaning about it now, how much more did I moan about it before I was born, in a world that only consisted of thoughts and ideas and spirits. Things I enjoy, things working on a computer or a phone imitate. The state of being of my mind when writing, or even more deliciously, conversing freely. That's really what it is. Freedom.

But though it would probably kill me, even if the choice were between expression and knowing, I'd still pick knowing.

It really is that important to me.

* * *

In my personal gospel reading, I read this quote this week: "Learning by faith requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception."

That's why I came. I had to do this thing. It was the only way.

2018 Book of Mormon Challenge

This is what President Nelson shared on his Facebook page today:

My dear sisters, you may remember that during the October general conference, I extended four invitations to you:

1. Participate in a 10-day fast from social media and any other media that bring negative and impure thoughts to your mind.

2. Read the Book of Mormon by the end of 2018.

3. Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance.

4. Participate fully in Relief Society.

I hope that each of these invitations has brought you closer to the Savior. If you have struggled with any of them, please don’t be hard on yourself. You can start today. The Lord is happy with any effort we make to draw closer to Him.

I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon, the heavens will open for you. The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation.

As we begin our home-centered, Church-supported curriculum in 2019, you sisters are a key to the success of this new, balanced, and coordinated gospel-teaching effort. Please teach those whom you love what you are learning from the scriptures. Teach them how to turn to the Savior for His healing and cleansing power when they sin. And teach them how to draw upon His strengthening power every day of their lives.

I am eager to hear about what you have learned as you have focused on these four invitations. I invite you to please leave me a comment below about your experiences.


***

This is my comment which is now lost in a sea of comments. I'll never find it again unless I share it here:

I decided to highlight all the references to Jesus Christ in pink. Even though I'm sure I didn't do a perfect job, there were many references and it was sometimes difficult to disambiguate! I also decided to do the same highlighting plan through reading the entire standard works. I was already reading the Old Testament, so I started this highlighting pattern in Hosea, where I already was.

I had to research who the LORD (Jehovah) is and how we know that it is Jesus Christ. I became very interested in discovering more about how many references to him there are in the Old Testament. I downloaded a tool called Wordcruncher. It allows you to search the scriptures with statistics and computer algorithms. There are over 6,400 references to the LORD in the Old Testament. That's an average of about six per page!

Ezekiel had been really difficult to read and understand, but with this new understanding of who the LORD is, suddenly Hosea became rich and full of meaning.

I also read the book of Mormon aloud in Czech, the language of my ancestors, which I am learning. I did my same highlighting plan there, and will continue to do so through the standard works. I am a much better Czech reader now than I was in September. I frequently noticed different and interesting points from reading it in Czech. It was deeply valuable to me personally.

I also wrote down questions and observations on index cards. There are enough questions that I can answer one/day for the next year. I decided to do so and write my answers on my blog so my friends can read about what I'm learning.

I am very sad that the Czech text of the Bible is not available digitally through the church website or apps. I want a Czech language Bible with all the McKonkie chapter headings and all the same footnotes. When will this finally come? There aren't a lot of Czech speaking latter-day saints, but they would surely treasure this. I would.

What I would treasure even more is to own and read a copy of the same translation of the Bible which my Czech ancestors knew. It is surprisingly difficult to discover which one that is. The best guess of about 20 different native Czechs who I've asked is Bible svatováclavská. I will keep looking.

(I feel like there's no way it'll be possible for you to actually read this comment. I also feel like my comment is nowhere near as heart-wrenchingly moving as the other thousands - and perhaps it will be millions - of comments. It was a deeply valuable experience for me to follow your invitation. It caused me to really feel that there is a place for me in the church. It wasn't something I mentally doubted, but emotionally it can be really difficult to feel that I am allowed to be free to be my nerdy researcher self. This experience showed me that not only is there a place, but there are actually others like me who are passionately interested in searching the scriptures in similar ways to me. I discovered a completely new passion and deep, nerdy interest. I also discovered the field of study I think I want to pursue for my advanced degree someday: corpus linguistics.

There were many other blessings in my family. My children saw me reading the scriptures. There was less contention. My husband and I had many long discussions about the scriptures. He listened to the book as an audio book. I could continue to echo what others have said already, but I'll let you or your assistants get to the next comment. Thank you for this challenge.)

Is "the Father" Jesus Christ? 1 Nephi 14:17

Is "the Father" Jesus Christ? 1 Nephi 14:17

This verse describes how when wrath of God is poured out upon the great and abominable church (i.e. any church/institution which is not led by Jesus Christ) "the work of the Father shall commence in preparing the way for the fulfilling of his covenants, which he hath made to his people who are of the house of Israel."

Who makes the covenants?

The covenant is with "God", and I believe this is with God the Father. See Mosiah 5:8.

If we read this verse with the understanding that "the Father" is God the Father, then it becomes apparent that the plan of salvation is planned, designed, implemented, and controlled by Heavenly Father.

Jesus Christ is described as the Father in many places in the scriptures. He is the Father of our salvation. He is also literally the creator of the physical earth.

If we read this verse with the understanding that "the Father" is Jesus Christ, then it also makes some sense because Jesus Christ's atonement is the way that Heavenly Father's covenants are fulfilled. His atonement can be described as his work. Jesus Christ covenanted with us in the pre-mortal existence that he would come down and be our savior. Without his participation in the plan, it would not work at all.

A covenant is a sacred agreement between God and a person (or a group of people). The conditions are set by God. It is a two-way promise: if we keep our end, we are promised blessings.

The covenants God has made with the house of Israel are all throughout the ancient scriptures, especially the Old Testament. They are a major theme of the scriptures.

The TLDR version is that God promises to gather his people when they accept him and keep his commandments, and that through the house of Israel all the children of the earth will be blessed.

Answer:
In this verse and context "the Father" most likely refers to Heavenly Father, because he is the one who makes the covenants. Inasmuch as Jesus Christ is the way that our covenants with God the Father are fulfilled, it is not wrong to consider him as the Father of our salvation.