The words of Isaiah - 2 Nephi 11-16 Great are the words of Isaiah!
Three great Eyewitnesses! Nephi, Jacob, Isaiah
2 Nephi 11:2-3 Nephi, Jacob and Isaiah saw Jesus Christ and were eyewitnesses of him
D&C 76:22-24 After the many testimonies that have been given... He Lives!
JST, Gen. 15:9–12 ;Hel. 8:17-18 Abraham saw the days of the coming of the Son of Man and Rejoiced
2 Nephi 11:4-8
My soul delighteth in:
Proving to my people the coming of Jesus Christ
This is the reason for the Law of Moses
All things from beginning point to Jesus Christ
All things from beginning point to Jesus Christ
The covenants of the Lord which he made to our fathers
The Grace and Justice and Power and Mercy in the plan of deliverance from death
Proving unto my people that if Christ should not come all men must perish!
Liken them unto you and unto all men! that all may rejoice!
The Grace and Justice and Power and Mercy in the plan of deliverance from death
Proving unto my people that if Christ should not come all men must perish!
Liken them unto you and unto all men! that all may rejoice!
As we read through the next chapters of Isaiah remember these are the things that Nephi delights in and these are the things we should be looking for in the prophecies of Isaiah he quotes.
What are the covenants of the Lord made to our fathers he speaks about?
What is a Covenant?
Bible Dictionary
Covenant:
Sometimes denotes an agreement between persons (1 Sam. 23:18) or nations (1 Sam. 11:1); more often between God and man; but in this latter case it is important to notice that the two parties to the agreement do not stand in the relation of independent and equal contractors. God in His good pleasure fixes the terms, which man accepts. The same word is sometimes rendered “testament.”
The gospel is so arranged that principles and ordinances are received by covenant, placing the recipient under strong obligation and responsibility to honor the commitment. Thus the severe consequences to Ananias and Sapphira, who deliberately broke their covenant and lied unto God (Acts 5:1–11).
A Covenant can also mean Promises made to us or other individuals by God:
First, we need to understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the “everlasting covenant”—it is God’s promise of etenal life and salvation (see D&C 66:2; D&C 133:57). Although the gospel is the new and everlasting covenant, it consists of many individual covenants. For example, baptism is “a new and everlasting covenant,” and celestial marriage is also “anew and everlasting covenant, (D&C 22:1–2; D&C 132:4).
Second, there are different types of covenants. One series of gospel covenants we call the “plan of salvation”; these are the same for every person. They were the same for Adam and for Abraham as they are for us. These covenants relate to individual salvation and include faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, ordination to the priesthood, and etenal marriage.
Another type of covenant pertains to the personal situation of the individual. For example, the Lord covenanted with Noah to preserve his family through the flood, with Abraham to give his posterity the land of Canaan, with Joseph of Egypt that his children would thrive in the land of the everlasting hills, with David that the Messiah would come through his line, and with Enos that the Lamanites would be taught the gospel in a future time. Thus, some covenants are the same for all who wish the fulness of salvation. In addition, the Lord has made special covenants with individuals.
Our Covenants with the Lord Robert J. Mathews Ensign 1980
Here are some examples of the covenants made to the fathers: #1 All mankind will be saved from death and hell!
2 Nephi 11:5 All mankind will be delivered from death and hell!
#2 Through the atonement of Jesus Christ all mankind can be saved from sin and separation from God
Moses 5:7-10, 58-59 Gospel preached from the begriming
#3 That the earth will no more be destroyed by a Flood, and that the earth will be a possession of the church of the firstbon
(Gen. 9:13–17). The earth would not be destroyed by a flood again
JST, Gen. 9:22–23 The church of the firstbon shall come down out of heaven and possess the earth until the end
JST, Gen. 9:22–23 The church of the firstbon shall come down out of heaven and possess the earth until the end
#4 The priesthood or right to administer the gospel given from the fathers and will continue to the end of the earth
Abr. 1:1–3 Abraham sought the blessings of the fathers - and the right to administer them to others (priesthood)
D&C 84:13–14 Abraham received priesthood from Melchizedek
"Prophet Joseph Smith explained that the power of Melchizedek was “not the power of a prophet, nor apostle, nor patriarch only, but of a king and priest to God, to open the windows of heaven and pour out the peace and law of endless life to man. And no man can attain to the joint heir ship with Jesus Christ without being administered to by one having the same power and authority of Melchizedek.” Robert L. Millet Ensign 1998,
I covenant to receive the priesthood;
I covenant to magnify my calling in the priesthood; and
I covenant to keep the commandments, to “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.” (D&C 84:44.)
The Lord on his part covenants to give such faithful persons “all that my Father hath,” which is etenal life in the kingdom of God. (D&C 84:38; see also D&C 84:33–44.)
Then the Lord—to show the binding nature of his promise—swears with an oath that the promised reward shall be obtained.
Bruce R. McConkie Ensign Oct 1977
D&C 84:13–14 Abraham received priesthood from Melchizedek
The only way and means to receive Joint Heir ship with Jesus Christ is through the ordinances of the Priesthood
"Prophet Joseph Smith explained that the power of Melchizedek was “not the power of a prophet, nor apostle, nor patriarch only, but of a king and priest to God, to open the windows of heaven and pour out the peace and law of endless life to man. And no man can attain to the joint heir ship with Jesus Christ without being administered to by one having the same power and authority of Melchizedek.” Robert L. Millet Ensign 1998,
The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood:
I covenant to receive the priesthood;
I covenant to magnify my calling in the priesthood; and
I covenant to keep the commandments, to “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.” (D&C 84:44.)
The Lord on his part covenants to give such faithful persons “all that my Father hath,” which is etenal life in the kingdom of God. (D&C 84:38; see also D&C 84:33–44.)
Then the Lord—to show the binding nature of his promise—swears with an oath that the promised reward shall be obtained.
Bruce R. McConkie Ensign Oct 1977
#5 All who accept the gospel will be counted as Abraham's seed - they become children of Abraham by adoption
Abraham 2:8-11 As many as shall receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and accounted thy seed!
#6 Jesus Christ shall manifest himself in the flesh to the Jews - he shall be bon of the house of David, etc.
2 Nephi 25:12-13 Jesus Christ shall manifest himself in the flesh to the Jews - they shall crucify him - third day he shall rise from the dead
Nephi saw his day!
#7 The House of Israel although scattered and in a state of apostasy - will be gathered again - they are not forsaken
2 Nephi 25:16-18 After they have been scattered the Lord will set his hand to Restore them again -
He will bring his word unto them - to convince them of the true Messiah who already came
#8 Promise made unto Joseph - that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand.
2 Nephi 25:21 Promise to Joseph that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand.
#9 Abraham received a promise of an endless posterity, kings shall come from him, and a chosen land - we also can receive this promise of etenal progression
#10 The things that Nephi writes will be kept and preserved and handed down unto his seed from generation to generation
2 Nephi 25:21 That the promise should be fulfilled unto Joseph that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand
It would seem that this blessing was given to Nephi?
It would seem that this blessing was given to Nephi?
These are just a few examples of the covenants made to the fathers there are many others - See Topics Covenants of Fathers
2 Nephi 12:1-3 Mountain of the Lords house established in the top of the mountains2 Nephi 12:4 He shall judge among the nations - swords into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks - neither lean war anymore
2 Nephi 12:5 Everyone has gone astray to his own wicked ways
What Nations are leaning war and spending their money on weapons of war today?
US spends around 600Billion in 2015 (700 billion if you count discretionary)
which is more than the next 7 highest spending countries combined.
which is more than the next 7 highest spending countries combined.
Consider the rest of Isaiah's words - do they apply to our nation(America)?
Isaiah's description of how they have gone astray - apply it unto our nation(America) does it apply?
His Focus is on Justice and the Day of the Lord will come upon all!
Christ will judge all mankind - all will be humbled before the Lord
2 Nephi 12:6 You have been filled(replenished) with traditions from the east - and hearken unto soothsayers like the Philistines
(replenish means filled with - soothsayer is a mage/astrologer/medium - please themselves in - make agreements with)
Do we fill ourselves with knowledge of the world - relying more upon the wisdom of men and science than God?
Do we make agreements with evil men - known to be against the Truth and God?
2 Nephi 12:7 Their land is full of silver and gold - and horses and chariots
Is our land full of silver and gold - and no end to our treasures (compared to wealth of other countries)?
Is our land full of silver and gold - and no end to our treasures (compared to wealth of other countries)?
2 Nephi 12:8 Their land is full of idols - they worship the works of their own hands
Do we worship the works of our own hands - that which we have made?
Do we worship the works of our own hands - that which we have made?
2 Nephi 12:9 The mean man boweth not down - the great man humbleth himself not.
Do we have an issue with pride in our country?
Do we have an issue with pride in our country?
2 Nephi 12:10 O ye wicked ones - hide in a cave - and fear his glory is come
Do we have people who are entering into their cave/hole/bunker to try and hide?
Do we have people who are entering into their cave/hole/bunker to try and hide?
2 Nephi 12:11
Lofty looks shall be humbled, the lord alone exalted
2 Nephi 12:12-16
The day of the Lord shall come upon all
2 Nephi 12:17
Loftiness of man shall be bowed down - Lord alone exalted
2 Nephi 12:18 Idols shall be utterly abolished
2 Nephi 12:19 They shall go into the holes of rocks
2 Nephi 12:19 Glory of his majesty shall smite them
2 Nephi 12:20 Idols of silver and gold to the moles and bats
2 Nephi 12:21 Fear of the Lord shall come upon them and majesty shall smite them
2 Nephi 12:22 Cease ye from man - for wherein is he to be accounted of?
He speaks of nation no longer leaning or making war - and that all the earth shall be humbled. If you look at the amount of money spent on making war the USA is so much larger in spending than any other nation... who do you think he is talking about? Is the US going to be humbled?
In what way could it be fulfilled concening America?
the Savior gave His approval of Isaiah’s teachings in this single statement: “Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 23:1).
2 Nephi 25 - Nephi's Explanation about what he has written.
2 Nephi 25:4-6 Isaiah's words are not plain unto you - but they are plain to anyone filled with the spirit of prophecy
2 Nephi 25:7-8 Isaiah's words will be plain when they shall come to pass and are of worth unto the children of men
2 Nephi 25:9-10 The Jews in Jerusalem have been destroyed - and carried away captive into Babylon
2 Nephi 25:11-12 They will retun to Jerusalem - and have wars and rumors of wars - Jesus Christ shall be bon among them
2 Nephi 25:13-14 They will kill him and he will be resurrected from the dead - and will manifest himself to his people - Jerusalem destroyed again
2 Nephi 25:15-16 The Jews will be scattered and scourged for many generations - when they shall no longer look for a Messiah - they will believe in Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 25:17-18 He will bring forth his work unto them - unto the convincing of them that Jesus is the Christ
2 Nephi 25:21-22 Nephi's blessing - His seed shall be on the earth as long as the earth shall stand?
2 Nephi 25:23-25 We write to persuade our children to believe in Christ and be reconciled to God - by grace we are saved
Interesting Correlation
He speaks of nation no longer leaning or making war - and that all the earth shall be humbled. If you look at the amount of money spent on making war the USA is so much larger in spending than any other nation... who do you think he is talking about? Is the US going to be humbled?
Does this Prophecy of Isaiah directly relate to us in our day?
In what way could it be fulfilled concening America?
The Savior gave us a commandment concening Isaiah's words:
the Savior gave His approval of Isaiah’s teachings in this single statement: “Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 23:1).
We do not have the time to go through all of the words of Isaiah that Nephi quoted. I would encourage you to read it specifically with the idea that this applies to our nation and see what insights you get from the rest of the chapters quoted by Nephi!
2 Nephi 25 - Nephi's Explanation about what he has written.
2 Nephi 25:4-6 Isaiah's words are not plain unto you - but they are plain to anyone filled with the spirit of prophecy
2 Nephi 25:7-8 Isaiah's words will be plain when they shall come to pass and are of worth unto the children of men
Nephi's Prophecy
2 Nephi 25:9-10 The Jews in Jerusalem have been destroyed - and carried away captive into Babylon
2 Nephi 25:11-12 They will retun to Jerusalem - and have wars and rumors of wars - Jesus Christ shall be bon among them
2 Nephi 25:13-14 They will kill him and he will be resurrected from the dead - and will manifest himself to his people - Jerusalem destroyed again
2 Nephi 25:15-16 The Jews will be scattered and scourged for many generations - when they shall no longer look for a Messiah - they will believe in Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 25:17-18 He will bring forth his work unto them - unto the convincing of them that Jesus is the Christ
Nephi's Testimony
2 Nephi 25:21-22 Nephi's blessing - His seed shall be on the earth as long as the earth shall stand?
2 Nephi 25:23-25 We write to persuade our children to believe in Christ and be reconciled to God - by grace we are saved
Law of Moses points us to Christ until it is fulfilled for this is why it was given
2 Nephi 25:26-27 We talk of Christ - we rejoice in Christ and we preach of Christ - that our children may know to what source they may receive a remission of their sins.
2 Nephi 25:28-30 These words shall stand as a testimony against you - they teach any man the right way - which is to believe in Christ
I believe that we need to listen to the words of Nephi and apply them to us and our nation. These words directly apply to us and are prophecies concening our day. They teach that the right way is to believe in Chris and come unto him to be saved!
Prophecy of Nephi - his fortelling of the future - the picture of our day!
2 Nephi 25:28-30 These words shall stand as a testimony against you - they teach any man the right way - which is to believe in Christ
Conclusion:
I believe that we need to listen to the words of Nephi and apply them to us and our nation. These words directly apply to us and are prophecies concening our day. They teach that the right way is to believe in Chris and come unto him to be saved!
Next Week: 2 Nephi 26-30
Prophecy of Nephi - his fortelling of the future - the picture of our day!