chapters 12-15

1 Nephi 12: Nephi’s vision continues he sees the Americas at the time of Christ’s crucifixion and coming. The great destruction and then the righteous generations after his appearance. He also is told that the mists of darkness from Lehi’s dream are the temptations of the devil, to blindeth the eye and hardened the heart. The river is the depths of hell. Those who dwindle in unbelief became “a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations.

Application: Do I stay close enough to Christ and the gospel that my garments are white? And do I radiate an inner light? OR am I also dark and full of idleness? I don’t think the word “dark” refers to the color of the peoples skins but rather is a synonym to the other words loathsome, filthy abominable just as my reference to white is a synonym for pure, good, righteous.



1 Nephi 13: Nephi sees the future of his own people and of the land they had come to. He sees the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. He also sees “other books” that shall come forth to the convincing of the whole earth that Jesus is the Christ.

Application: Do I study and use the scriptures which have already been revealed and which I have? Do I respect and honor them enough that God will trust us with more?


1 Nephi 14: Nephi’s vision concludes, he writes of the great and abominable church whose fonder is the devil. In Verse 10 he states “behold there are save two churches only. The Church of the Lamb of God and the great and abominable church. He states if one doesn’t belong to Christ’s church than by default you belong to the church of the devil. The concept that our church is the only true church often causes bad feeling among people and potential converts. It is difficult to condemn those who live righteous lives in accordance with what truth they have. Wendy Dewitt once put forth the theory that perhaps condemnation of other churches comes because all men are born with the light of Christ to guide them back to Heavenly Father. All men have a desire to find truth. The other churches upon the earth, step in and satisfy that desire and stops the person from searching further and the person is they left with only part of the truth and is kept from the full gospel, the priesthood and the savings ordinances. Satan will tell nine truths just to get you to believe in one lie. ( We justify the lie by rationalizing “this was true and that was true and he knew this or that, so this must also be true”) We also learn that the Apostle John will tarry and record all that transpires and the end of the world. We look forward to receiving more of John’s writings as on of those “other books” mentioned in the last chapter.

Application: Am I worthy to desire a vision for my family. Am I sure enough of my faith to live up to that vision and endure to the end? There was a time in my life when I was worthy and did receive visions and guidance--can I humble my self again?

1 Nephi 15: Laman and Lemuel are talking about some of Lehi’s visions. They are confused and are unable to understand. Nephi enters and asks them simply--Why are you confused?--Didn’t you ask the Lord about it? They reply “no” because they have never received an answer from God. Nephi reminds them of the Lords assurances that If we ask in faith we shall receive. He then “translates” the vision of the olive branches for all. Following the explanation of the olive tree parable, Nephi explains the Vision of the Tree of Life. He also pleads with them with all the energies of his soul ane with all the faculty he possesses for them to become righteous men. He expounds on the state of men after death, the justice that divides the wicked from the righteous. He states that the fruit (God’s Love) is the most precious and most desirable above all other fruits, yea, and is the greatest of all the gifts from God. Nephi spoke plainly and explained to his brothers the plan of salvation, He pleads and crys with and for his brothers. Then he explained the consequences-(hell) and the reward-(the kingdom of God).

Application: I can also deal with my family this way, clearly outlining the plan and what is expected of them and outline the consequences for disobedience and the rewards for obedience while always respecting their agency.