1 Nephi 15:33-35

Here is proof that tomorrow may never come, and that putting things off until then may never get done by then or at all. : )

In verse 33, Nephi mentions some very deep doctrine. Continuing from verse 32, Nephi says that there will be a time when men are judged according to their works while in the temporal body. This means here on earth, we will be judged for the things that we do here. In the latter part of verse 33, Nephi testifies that if their works were filthiness the person must be filthy and they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God (or be saved) because then the kingdom of God will be filthy, and this cannot be. So, this is an action by the person's choice. Not everyone will be saved. In verse 35, Nephi states that God has prepared a place for them that do not choose to follow the commandments. This verse also mentions that this place is prepared for the final state of the souls of those that do not follow the commandments.

There is a time given to all men to prepare to meet God. The cross-reference from 1 Nephi 15:33a points to Mosiah 15:26. It says that those, "that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection." This means that there is a level of knowledge that has to be gained before their judgement comes to pass. They have to know the commandments of God and not keep them. I believe that there are many that do not develop a full knowledge of the commandments of God here on the earth. We believe that they are learning these things or have a chance to learn them in the hereafter. Then they will have a chance to accept the knowledge and obey the commandments or reject it. If they reject it, then I believe they are likely to fall into the category of being cast out. However, I want to say that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the judges of this. We cannot say for sure who will or will not be saved. Heavenly Father has laid down the law (given the commandments) and Jesus had made the atonement (interceding for us to offset the law and allow us to be save if we repent). What an amazing thing.

I know that we will be blessed if we accept the commandments and follow them as best we can here in our mortal existence. Just like gaining every bit of knowledge we can here on the earth before we die (see Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19), so it will be better for us in the life to come the more we obey the commandments here and now.

1 Nephi 15:31-32

Nephi continues to talk about the meaning of the river of water in Lehi's dream. It is a representation of the justice of God. Nephi's brothers then ask if it refers to things that are temporal or spiritual. Did it refer to the mortal probation or the state of the soul after death? Nephi answers that it pertains to things both temporal and spiritual. The justice of God will be seen at the Day of Judgment, where men will be judged of their works while they were here in mortality. Their question produces a response from Nephi that clears up this important issue, which is one of the things the Book of Mormon has that the Bible is not clear on. We will talk more about this tomorrow. : )

1 Nephi 15:26-30

Nephi's brothers ask him about a river that Lehi saw in his dream. To remember, this is what Lehi said, in 1 Nephi 8:13, " 13 And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a river of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit."

Nephi actually spent several verses describing the meaning of the river. Nephi first says that the river was filthiness. He also states that Lehi had so many other things on his mind that he did not behold the filthiness of the river that went by the tree. We can see that in verse 13 of chapter 8 that he was very concerned about his family at the time and seeing them in the vision, hopefully next to the tree of life.

Next, Nephi states that the angel tells him that the river represents a hell that is prepared for the wicked. Additionally, it represented the justice of God, separating the wicked from the righteous, and that it was bright which brightness ascended up forever.

It seems that there is a lot here that this river represents. There is much more here, but we will take the next part, next time. : )

1 Nephi 15:25

Verse 25 shows that Nephi noticed his brothers humility and sincerity in asking questions. He realized that his brothers were in a mindset to listen to counsel. So, he took advantage of it and exhorted them to give heed to the word of God. He did so with every ounce of energy he possessed, using every faculty or capability that he had. In other words, it was a really strong invitation.

I am reminded of the Savior. Later in Nephi's life he talks about how the Savior does His work and invites all to follow him. In 2 Nephi 26, we read:

" 23 For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness.

" 24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

" 25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.

" 26 Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.

" 27 Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.

" 28 Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden."

This is such a great opportunity to find happiness. I think that if we come to Jesus and follow his example, part of which is shown here, we will be happy.

1 Nephi 15:23-24

Nephi's brothers now ask about the meaning of the rod of iron that extended from the tree. Nephi explains that it is the word of God. Nephi mentions a great and important thing about the rod of iron that I like to share with members in instructional settings. He testifies that if you hearken to the word of God and hold fast to it, two things will happen: (1) you will never perish, (2) and the fiery darts of the adversary will never overpower you unto blindness and lead you away to destruction. Remember that there were those people on the path that did not hold to the rod and when the mists of darkness came the did lose their way into forbidden paths and were lost. I know that hearkening and holding fast to the word of God will protect you and keep you spiritually seeing things as they really are, with no confusion.

1 Nephi 15:21-22

A quick note about verse 20. We first see one of Nephi's many references to Isaiah. Isaiah is one of the books in the brass plates. Nephi loves the words of Isaiah. He will say so here sometime soon in a few chapters. We also see something that many might not have believed possible. The very end of verse 20 says that Nephi's brothers began to humble themselves before the Lord. This is great! We will definitely keep tabs on Nephi's comments on his brothers' spirituality.

In today's section, we get to hear some questions Nephi's brothers ask because they are humble and ready to receive answers. Nephi is excited and patient to explain these things to them even though they didn't ask of the Lord. In verse 21, they ask about the meaning of the tree that their father saw. Nephi answers and says that it is a representation of the tree of life.

I did a quick search on the tree of life and found that the tree of life was in the Garden of Eden. Apparently if one partakes of the fruit of the tree of life, they will live forever. In 2 Nephi 2:15, it says that the tree of life was an opposition to the tree with the forbidden fruit, which would cause spiritual death, the one being sweet and the other bitter. This is a great insight. One truth made explicit by the Book of Mormon. After Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, a cherubim and a flaming sword were sent to keep “the way of the tree of life” (Genesis 3:24).

1 Nephi 15:19-20

Nephi states that he spoke to his brothers more about the last days, especially that the Jews would be restored to the knowledge of the truth. He even told them about the words of Isaiah, and that he prophesied of the restoration of the Jews as well. I looked up the cross-reference hoping to see if the passage from Isaiah would be there. They referenced Isaiah 40:9, which says, "9 ¶ O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!" This passage was taken out of a time when Isaiah was prophesying of Jesus's second coming. There would be great changes in the earth and many shall proclaim His divinity. The Jews shall be told to behold their God, the one they crucified. Then they shall believe and know as Jesus shows them the nail prints in his hands and feet, and the spear wound in his side.