2 Nephi 31-33

It is great to have Zena back teaching this week! As we move into Nephi's final writings, we find his profound testimony of the Saviour, described as the "doctrine of Christ” (2 Nephi 31:2, 21; 32:6).

In our lesson, we outlined 10 aspects of the doctrine of Christ as taught by Nephi, which, if followed, will allow us to enjoy the companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost:

1. Placing Jesus as our Examplar (2 Ne 31:17). President Thomas S. Monson said, “Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is our Exemplar and our strength." See https://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/jesus-christ-exemplar for further scriptural links to this concept.

2. Participating in the ordinance of Baptism by water (2 Ne 31:5-12)

3. Acting with full purpose of heart, having no hypocrisy. (2 Ne 31:13) “Full purpose of heart” suggests a total commitment to Jesus Christ, having pure and sincere motives.

4. Receiving the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost (2 Ne 31:14).

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles clarified that being confirmed does not mean that person has received the baptism of the Spirit: “Following our baptism, each of us had hands placed upon our head by those with priesthood authority and was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Holy Ghost was conferred upon us (see D&C 49:14). The statement ‘receive the Holy Ghost’ in our confirmation was a directive to strive for the baptism of the Spirit."

5. Enduring to the end (2 Ne 31: 15-16)

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin explained that to endure to the end also means to continue in faithfulness to Christ until the end of our lives: “Enduring to the end is the doctrine of continuing on the path leading to eternal life after one has entered into the path through faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Enduring to the end requires our whole heart—or, as the Book of Mormon prophet Amaleki taught, we must ‘come unto him, and offer [our] whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth [we] will be saved.’ [Omni 1:26]. 6. In our daily journey, we press forward with steadfastness (2 Ne 31:19-20)

6.  Pressing forward in our daily walk (2 Ne 31:19-20) 

Coming unto Christ is not a single event with a fixed point of beginning or ending; rather, it is a process that develops and deepens during a lifetime. As an initial step in the process, we certainly must obtain knowledge and learn about Jesus and His life, teachings, and ministry. But truly coming unto Him also requires consistent obedience and striving to become like Jesus in our thoughts, motives, communications, and actions. As we “press forward” (2 Ne 31:20) on the pathway of discipleship, we can draw near unto the Savior with the expectation that He will draw near unto us; we can seek Him diligently with the hope that we shall find Him; we can ask with confidence that we shall receive; and we can knock anticipating that the door shall be opened unto us (see D&C 88:63). (David E Bednar)  https://www.lds.org/new-era/2006/04/because-we-have-them-before-our-eyes?lang=eng 

7. Feasting upon the words of Christ (2 Ne 31:20). Ponder and journal: How can I feast upon the words of Christ?  What elements make a spiritual feast?  What is the word of Christ?  How do I access the words of Christ?

8. Striving to speak with the tongue of angels (2 Ne 32:3).  Ponder and journal - when do I recall speaking with power?

President Boyd K Packer said: "you can speak with the tongue of angels, which simply means that you can speak with the power of the Holy Ghost. It will be quiet. It will be invisible. There will not be a dove. There will not be cloven tongues of fire. But the power will be there." https://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/08/the-gift-of-the-holy-ghost-what-every-member-should-know?lang=eng

9. Praying always (2 Ne 32:9).  Ponder and journal: Why do I think we have this commandment?  How would I describe or define prayer?  When have I felt closest to God through prayer?

For a thoughtful rendition of a favourite hymn, "Prayer is the souls Sincere Desire", see http://www.defordmusic.com/sheet-music/alphabetical-list/prayer-is-the-souls-sincere-desire/

10. Looking to the words of Christ or the Holy Ghost to show us what to do (2 Ne 32:3).  Why is this an important principle?  What other words do I use to show us what to do? What is the significance of the words of Christ?

As we ponder the heritage Nephi left for his posterity, the challenge to us is to leave a lasting and valuable legacy to our children, family, friends and associates.