I hope you enjoy some insights from my Come Follow Me 1 Nephi 8-10. (If you missed last week’s insights for Come Follow Me 1 Nephi 1-7 click here) Save this pin to read later.
Holding Fast to the Iron Rod.
“But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree”
1 Nephi 8:30
In this chapter, there are examples of people who are trying to get to the tree. Some don’t make it, and lose their way and some do make it, of the two groups that make it one falls away. After clinging to the Gospel look around at what the world thinks of them and they’re ashamed and leave the church. This is AFTER partaking of the fruit. But in this verse, we get our example this group not only arrives at the Tree of Life but they stay true to it.
They do 4 things to get there.
- “Press forward”
This is a common trait of the righteous, they are always moving forward. - “caught hold” of the Gospel.
It does not matter if you’re born into a Pioneer family, or if you’re a first-generation member of the church! Everyone must catch hold of the Gospel for themselves and then press forward. - “continually holding fast”
They caught onto the Gospel and did not let up. They kept going, it did not matter what happened they held true to what they knew was true. - They ” fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree”.
In the context of eating fruit, falling down makes no sense. But when we understand the Tree is Jesus Christ, and the fruit is the atonement. It makes total sense to fall down at the feet of Christ (Kneel in prayer) and partake of the atonement.
“Hold on! Hold on to what is right and true. Therein is safety. Don’t let yourself be swept away.”
Spencer W. Kimball
Trusting in the Lord.
“Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.”
1 Nephi 9:5
There are many times when we just need to take something on faith. The Lord does not always tell us the why behind something. And quite frankly He does not need to!
So when it comes to “why” a commandment is the way it is, not knowing is ok. As long as you know it’s true, you still know enough to live it!
“At times, the Lord’s answer will be, ‘You don’t know everything, but you know enough’—enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right.”
Neil L. Andersen
Judgment.
“Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment.”
1 Nephi 10:20
Some falsely believe they can cry “Lord Lord” and be saved. Of such Jesus Christ, Himself condemned by saying “I never knew you; depart from me” Matthew 7:23. It is a vain idea to think that we will know and be saved by the Master whom we have not served. It is also vain to think that we will earn salvation, that is a gift from Christ to all who will enter into a Kingdom of Glory. But what kingdom we enter is based on our deeds. I made a video explaining this:
“Each of us will stand before the judgment bar of the great Jehovah and be rewarded according to our deeds in mortality.”
Joseph B. Wirthlin
For more about Grace and Works see these articles:
Understanding the Atonement, is it grace or worthiness?
Understanding the relationship between grace and works.
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