Section 2 Synopsis

 

Section 2:  2 Nephi chapters 1-10

 

Historical Summary

 

·        Lehi’s family is in the new world

·        Lehi sees in vision that Jerusalem has been Destroyed. Time is about 588 BC.  (2 Nephi 1:5)

·        Lehi’s blessings upon children and grandchildren; Lehi dies.

·        Promise to Laman and Lemuel’s generations that while they will be punished for their iniquity, in the end they will be blessed and come to a knowledge of Christ.

·        Nephite, Lamanite separation, hatred and wars. (by about 570 B.C.)

 

Spiritual Summary

 

·        The Nephites had a knowledge of final Judgment and Resurrection (2 Nephi 6:32)

·        Christ is the only way wherein a person can be saved in the Kingdom of God; after reconciling ourselves to the will of God, it is then only by God’s grace (i.e. the sacrifice of Jesus Christ) that we are saved.

·        Knowledge of Christ came with understanding that the plan of salvation through Christ was the only plan of God, in place since the beginning of time.

·        Understood that while the Law of Moses was still in effect, it was only a type and shadow of the Christ.  The Law of Moses would be done away in Christ.

·        The Nephites understood that we must have faith, repent, be baptized and endure to the end to be saved in the Kingdom of God.

 

Prophetic Summary

 

·        The Jews would reject Christ, and for it, be scourged, hated, cast out.  In the end, when they come to a true knowledge of Christ, they will be re-gathered. (2 Nephi 7:5-13)

·        Isaiah is extensively quoted, as his message was to the House of Israel:  their scattering and re-gathering;

·        The brass plates recorded that Joseph (of Egypt) had a prophetic knowledge of Lehi.  Joseph’s own life experiences were types for Lehi’s departure from Jerusalem, their rise to spiritual power, and their eventual testimony (i.e. the Book of Mormon) supplying spiritual food for the House of Israel in the latter days. (2 Nephi 3:1-5)

·        Nephi sees that if his descendants reject the truth (i.e. Christ) their land (i.e. Americas) will not be preserved from other nations—they will come upon them and overrun them. (2 Nephi 1:17-25)

·        Jacob sees that his seed will not be destroyed—in the last days they will see God’s mercy. (2 Nephi 6: 105)

·        A “seer” (prophet) would come from Joseph’s descendants though Mannasseh to bring these people to a knowledge of their forefathers in the latter days. (2 Nephi 2:11-30)

·        Isaiah quoted extensively:  Five essentials learned from Isaiah in this passage:

1.      A virgin shall conceive the Messiah;

2.      He will eventually rule the world and the world shall finally co-exist in peace;

3.      A remnant would break off from Jerusalem, and would “return.”

4.      The House of Israel will be re-gathered to the lands of their inheritance according to God’s promises;

5.      The true gospel shall be made known to the remnants of scattered Israel.  They too shall be re-gathered.

 

Life Applications

 

·        Keep the commandments and you will prosper.  Period.  (2 Nephi 3:8-9)

·        An opposition in all things exists:  in physical laws and spiritual laws. (2 Nephi 1:81, 97, 98)

·        Man was created to act for himself, that is to exercise his agency to freely choose God, not to be forced into doing so. (2 Nephi 1:99, 119-120)

·        Yielding to temptation allows Satan to destroy our peace, afflict our soul.  Our flesh yields to temptation, causing our spirit to sin (i.e. desire and act contrary to our knowledge of good).  

·        Nephi teaches a powerful remedy against sin: (2 Nephi 3:43-55)

1.      Maintain a broken heart and contrite spirit.

2.      Ask God for the ability to recognize temptation and turn away from it.

·         The intent of God creating Mankind was for them to have joy

·        Avoid putting our trust in “man,” but place trust in God. (2 Nephi 3:62)

·        God will give to you liberally if you ask (2 Nephi 3:64-65)