This article reviews interesting parallels found among aspects of the scriptures, in particular some which emphasize that the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day, and that through it we can observe gospel principles and examples that will help us through the continuing events prior to the Lord's Second Coming.
Since the time of Adam, as the Lord has revealed the gospel to his children, he has frequently used symbolism, imagery, and parallels, or types, as a means of presenting to us the gospel plan. "And many signs, and wonders, and types, and shadows showed he unto them, concerning his coming" (Mosiah 3:15). All of these things help those who have a desire to learn, and who live worthily, to better understand the gospel plan, and their place in it--specifically, our relation to the Savior of mankind, since "all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him" (2 Ne. 11:4). The Lord himself, during his mortal ministry, taught in parables, and many of our scriptures teach their message in symbolic form.
For example, the serpent raised up in the wilderness by Moses typifies Christ; the Liahona, his guiding word; the New Jerusalem is a parallel of the old one; Abraham's offering of Isaac is a model of the offering by our Father of his Son; the way in which groups of three, such as presidencies and bishoprics, lead the church and the priesthood helps us to understand the Godhead; the sacrament is a type of the Savior's flesh and blood, reminding us of his Atonement and of our duty to take upon us his virtues; the destruction of the Jaredite civilization is an example of the destruction of all those who are fully given over to iniquity. The list of types, shadows, and educational examples found in gospel teachings is long.
Why teach the gospel with types and symbols? It leaves us surrounded with testimonies of the Master, giving us "all things as a testimony that [the gospel is] true" (Alma 30:41). It is also a way of being merciful to the rebellious or unprepared by showing them no more truth than they are ready to receive.
Here are some parallels found between the ancient Israelites and the family of Lehi; among Joseph of Egypt, Moses, and Joseph Smith; and between the Book of Mormon and our day. The best comes last.
PART 1: THE LEHITES AND THE HOUSE OF ISRAELThe Book of Mormon history of Lehi and his descendants (or Lehites) parallels very closely the history of the House of Israel as a whole. The two groups belonged to the same covenant people though separated by distance, they were the same in belief and expectation of the Messiah; they both began with a journey into the wilderness; they crossed a body of water and entered their promised lands of inheritance; they enjoyed the personal ministry of Christ, and later fell into apostasy; and they will both be restored to the lands of their inheritance one to build up Jerusalem, the other to build up the New Jerusalem. Nephi explained some of this similarity to his brothers (1 Ne 3:31-4:3).
In this part I will outline how their histories so closely follow each other. Many of the events mentioned happened not only in the same way, but at the same time. This parallel is especially interesting when we remember how differently the world sees these two peoples: the ancient Americans, and the ancient and modern Hebrews.
Moses prophesied destruction, and with his people escaped bondage and the anger of the Egyptians by heading for the desert, guided and protected by the hand of the Lord. In the Book of Mormon, Lehi also foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, and then escaped that destruction, as well as his neighbors' anger, by fleeing to the desert, guided by the hand of the Lord. In both cases a new nation was later formed in a promised land.
When Lehi's family and the Israelites under Moses were each wandering in the desert, we find that they behave in much the same way, too. The Israelites in the desert complained for lack of food, saying, "Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger." (Ex. 16:3.)
Similarly, after Lehi and his family left Jerusalem, Laman and Lemuel began to "murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart." (1 Ne. 2:11.) When Nephi broke his bow, causing a food shortage, "Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord." (1 Ne. 16:20.)
Not only did they both complain or lack of food, but some among each group also wanted to return:
And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron; and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!
And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return to Egypt?
And they said on to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. (Num. 14:1-4).
With the family of Lehi, it was similar:
"And it came to pass that the daughters of Ishmael did mourn exceedingly, because of the loss of their father, and because of their afflictions in the wilderness; and they did murmur against my father, because he had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, saying; Our father is dead; yea, and we have wondered much in the wilderness, and we have suffered much affliction, hunger, thirst, and fatigue; and after all these sufferings we must perish in the wilderness with hunger.
And thus they did murmur against my father, and also against me; and they were desirous to return again to Jerusalem." (1 Ne. 16:35 36.)
Seeing miracles didn't always help a lot, as both parties saw many miracles and were blessed by them, sometimes even being temporarily convinced to follow their leader again. For example, they were called upon to cross a great body of water, and for both the Lehites and the Israelites, this could only be done miraculously. When the Israelites reached the Red Sea in their flight from Pharaoh, they said this to Moses:
Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore has thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
"Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness." (Ex. 14:11-12.)
When the Lehites came to the ocean, Nephi recorded:
And when my brethren saw that I was about to build a ship, they began to murmur against me, saying; Our brother is a fool, for he thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great waters.
And thus my brethren did complain against me, and were desirous that they might not labor, for they did not believe that I could build a ship; neither would they believe that I was instructed of the Lord....
[And they said,] Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilderness, which time we might have enjoyed our possessions and the land of our inheritance; yea, and we might have been happy. (1 Ne. 17:17-18,21.)
Nephi again pointed out the parallel:
And I came to pass that I, Nephi, spake unto them, saying: Do ye believe that our fathers, who were the children of Israel, would have been led away out of the hands of the Egyptians if they had not hearkened unto the words of the Lord?....
And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord their God, their Redeemer, going before them, leading them by day and giving light unto them by night, and doing all things for them which were expedient for man to receive, they hardened their hearts and blinded their minds, and reviled against Moses and against the true and living God....
And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship? (1 Ne. 17:23-51.)
For the Lehites, it was exactly the same situation. Nephi was told that his people were going to a land "choice above all other lands" (1 Ne. 2:20), and that if his descendants would keep the Lord's commandments they would prosper. But if they didn't obey, the promised prosperity and protection could not, of course, be given them. This was also fulfilled.
The Atonement was wrought, complete with the glorious Resurrection. The Savior carried out the Atonement near Jerusalem, while three days of darkness and great destructions were given as a sign of his death to those in America. (Matt. 28; Mark 14-16; Luke 22-24; John 18-20; 3 Ne. 8-11).
It is marvelous to me how the Book of Mormon shows us that the history of the ancient Americans and that of the Jews (and the other Israelites) are so closely parallel as to be practically the same; we can see that they are of the same people the House of Israel. This is especially interesting when we realize how differently the world sees those nations.
There is an interesting similarity between Joseph of Egypt, Moses and Joseph Smith. We will first compare them, and then we'll see how they all typify Christ.
We'll start with the similarity between Joseph of Egypt and Moses. They were both separated from their families at a young age: Joseph was sold into Egypt in his youth, and Moses was adopted by Pharoah's daughter in his infancy. Later, they were both recognized by, then reunited to their own people: Joseph's father and family came to Egypt and resided there, and Moses became his people's inspired prophet. Both were deliverers: Joseph saved the family of Israel by leading them into Egypt, delivering them from starvation. Moses saved the Israelites by leading them out of Egypt, delivering them from bondage. Both suffered great trials and were ridiculed and rejected by their peers, but still accomplished the work the Lord had given them.
Now the similarity that Joseph Smith had to both of these: Joseph Smith wasn't hidden and adopted as a baby, like Moses was, but as did Moses and Joseph of Egypt he experienced a change of residence at a young age, when his family moved from Vermont to New York (JS-H:3). He bore the same name as Joseph of Egypt, and as his father. (2 Ne. 3:15.) The Lord appeared to him and spoke to him, as to Moses; and like Moses, he brought forth many great writings, with the help of a scribe. Aaron wrote scripture as it came from the mouth of Moses, and Oliver Cowdery, wrote the scripture as it came from the mouth of Joseph. The Lord also compared Joseph and Moses, Oliver and Aaron, in the Doctrine and Covenants, saying that Oliver had the gift of Aaron, and that Joseph Smith received commandments even as Moses did (D. & C. 8:6; 28:23). Like the Savior, Joseph Smith gave his life to fulfill his appointed work. Joseph Smith was also a deliverer in a sense: through him, the world (or those of it who will listen) was delivered from the darkness if general apostasy, with the true gospel restored, including its covenants and ordinances. Referring to Joseph Smith, Joseph of Egypt said, "And he shall be like unto me, for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation" (2 Ne. 3:15).
In this sense these three prophets come together, and we can best see their similarity. Joseph of Egypt saved Israel from death by famine; Moses saved Israel from bondage to the Egyptians; Joseph Smith saved Israel from bondage to ignorance and darkness--the bondage that comes from not having the gospel.
We can see how each of these typifies Christ. The Son of God came into the world to save us from these things, and more. He saves us from death, from bondage, from darkness, and from all things that are evil and of the darkness, if we will believe in him and follow him. As we will see, our day is much like the time of the Nephites and Lamanites prior to the great destruction that they suffered when Christ was crucified. The Great Deliverer said to them, and says to all people:
O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return to me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?Jesus, in his mortal youth, experienced an adoption, like Moses and Joseph of Egypt, and a change of residence, like Joseph Smith. He was known by his true Father, who said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt. 3:17.) His words were written by others, like Moses and Joseph Smith, and we thus have them as scripture. He suffered much opposition, and was persecuted, reviled, and finally gave his life to fulfill his divine mission. He is the Savior. He is the enabler and center of the gospel, and mankind's only way to salvation, and "all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him" (2 Ne. 11:4).
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning; I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name....
Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.
Therefore, whose repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved. (3 Ne. 9:13-15,21-22.)
President Ezra Taft Benson said that an important reason to study the Book of Mormon is that it was written for our day; and, that because a large portion of the book deals with the destruction of the wicked and the preservation of the righteous just before Christ's visit, we can use it in our own day as "a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming" (Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon--Keystone of Our Religion", Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4). Part of this usefulness may be emphasized by observing a series of parallels that exist between Nephite history as set forth in the Book of Mormon, and the history of America, as well as of the entire world, through which we are presently passing.
Through study of Book of Mormon history, this parallel allows us to visualize and understand the prophesied events of the last days, and to better see our own position and responsibilities in the present.
Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of this land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written. (Ether 2:12.)This part sets forth this parallel by outlining major points in the two histories in side by side columns, showing that they follow the same general lines. Many of the events mentioned under modern American history apply to the whole world, as well. Some of the events are not necessarily in exact chronological order, though they do follow the same general historical sequence.
| Book of Mormon: The Lehites (and the Mulekites) came to America, guided by the Lord (1 Ne. 2:20). They brought a sacred record with them which contained an account of the creation of Adam and Eve, a record of the Jews, many prophecies, and Lehi's genealogy. These were extremely important, so that the Lord's commandments could be preserved. (1 Ne. 4:11-14,21). Part of the reason Lehi left his homeland was to flee religious persecution--the Jews wanted to kill him because of his teachings (1 Ne. 1:19 2:2). | Our era: Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, the Puritans, and others who came to America did so under the guidance of the Lord (1 Ne. 13:12-13; 2 Ne. 1:6). They brought a sacred record with them record of the Jews which contained covenants and prophecies, and was like the engravings on the record that Lehi carried (1 Ne. 13:20-23). Many of these early immigrants were deeply religious Christians, who fled persecution, seeking a place where they could live and worship in peace. |
| Book of Mormon: After the Nephites had been in the promised land for some time, they ended the rule of kings and began a new form of government. The affairs of the nation would now be decided by the voice of the people (see Mosiah 29, esp. v. 25-26). The new government provided for freedom of conscience that every man could act for himself and be responsible before God for his own acts (Mosiah 29:30,32). | Our era: In the late eighteenth century, after Europeans had been settled in eastern North America for some time, the people rejected the rule of kings and reestablished a new form of government, in which the nation was ruled by the people themselves. By establishing an independent, constitutional government, God provided freedom for the people (2 Ne. 10:11), so that they could act according to the dictates of their own consciences. This was necessary for the establishment of the true church. |
| Book of Mormon: Shortly before the formation of the new government, many were baptized and the Church of Christ was organized by the prophet Alma (see Mosiah 18, esp. verses 16-18, and Mosiah 25, esp. verses 17-19). It is very interesting to note that the church was organized at a place called Mormon, which name was later given to a prophet: "And behold, I am called Mormon, being called after the land of Mormon, the land in which Alma did establish the church among the people, yea, the first church which was established among them after their transgression" (3 Ne. 5:12). From him the name was given to the book he compiled: The Book of Mormon. | Our era: A short time after the creation of the constitutional government of the United States of America, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized. Many were baptized into the church, by restored authority. The keystone of this religion is The Book of Mormon, whose name comes from its prophet abridger, Mormon. The members of the true church today are commonly called "Mormons," a name that goes all the way back to that humble gathering by the waters of Mormon where Alma preached. |
| Book of Mormon: The church initially received its teachings from God's prophet Abinadi. Though persecuted, he delivered a message of warning and a call to repentance (Mosiah 13-16). His words were written by others. He was martyred because he wouldn't deny his testimony. (Mosiah 17.) Justice claimed his murderers, as he had prophesied. He did not see the full results of his teachings, during his lifetime, but the church grow and prospered under Alma and later prophets. | Our era: The Lord's latter-day church was established through Joseph Smith. Though persecuted, he delivered a message of warning and a call to repentance (D&C 1; 18:41-42, among many). Prophecy foretold justice for his murderers, as well (D&C 121:11-25). He did not see the full results of his teachings, during his lifetime, but the Church continues to grow and will fill the earth. |
| Book of Mormon: The members of the earlier church were a people who were taught to "walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants" (Mosiah 18:27 29). They were taught to love each other, and that there should be no contention. Authorized teachers nourished them (taught them), and they "began to prosper exceedingly," being very industrious people. (Mosiah 23:4,14,17-19.) | Our era: The members of the church were (and are) taught to impart of their substance to the poor (D&C 42:31; 88:123), to love each other (D&C 42:45; 59:6), and not to contend with each other (D&C 136:23). Authorized ministers nourished them (D&C 20), and they began to prosper exceedingly, being very industrious people (see History of the Church 6:XXII -XXIV). |
| Book of Mormon: Because of danger to their lives and persecution from their enemies, this group of Nephites had to flee their homes and go elsewhere to live and worship. This happened to them twice, led by Alma, a prophet who had been taught by the martyr Abinadi. (Mosiah 18:23-35; 23-24.) | Our era: Because of threats to their lives and bitter persecution from their enemies, these Saints had to flee their homes and go elsewhere to live and worship. This happened multiple times (see Our Heritage: A Brief History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 36, 49, 54, 58-59, 79-82). They were directed in the last two of these migrations by Brigham Young, a prophet who had been taught by the martyr Joseph Smith. |
| Book of Mormon: Alma and his group were able to their enemies behind and arrived at Zarahemla where they are permitted to live their religion (Mosiah 24:19-25). Many are added to the church's numbers and it is further established (Mosiah 25). | Our era: Brigham Young and the other pioneers left their enemies behind and finally arrived in Utah, where they could live and worship in peace. Many converts were added to the fold, and the Church became firmly established in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains (Our Heritage, 111-114). |
| Book of Mormon: Not long after the Church was established, the people received a written record of an ancient people, the Jaredites (Mosiah 28:11-18). This record shows how a nation can be utterly destroyed if its people forget the Lord and turn wholly to wickedness. | Our era: Around the time the Church was established, the Lord provided for the people a translation of an ancient record--the Book of Mormon. It shows how wicked nations are destroyed, and warns us that "...[America] is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept of when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity." (Ether 2:9.) |
| Book of Mormon: After the church became established in Zarahemla, Alma the younger was for a time both the prophet of the church and the chief judge, which was the highest civil authority in the land (Mosiah 29:42). | Our era: After the church became established in Utah, Brigham Young for a time both presided over the church and was the territorial governor. |
| Book of Mormon: Not many years after the establishment of the church among the Nephites, the land was rocked by civil war (Alma 2), other wars (Alma 3; 16; 28; 43-62; 63:15; Hel. 1; 4; 3 Ne. 2-4), and also great pride, contention, dissension, priestcraft, at least one false prophet, robbers, secret combinations, and much other wickedness (see, for example, Alma 1; 2; 13; 14; 30; 31; 35; 46 47; 51; 61; Hel. 1; 2; 3:14; 4; 6; 10:3; 11:23-38; 16; 3 Ne. 1-4; 6-7). It had been earlier prophesied that there would be much war (1 Ne. 12:2-3; 2 Ne. 26:2). | Our era: Less than twenty years after the church had established itself in Salt Lake City, the United States was torn by civil war. Other great wars followed, and as prophesied by Joseph Smith, was has been poured out upon all nations (D.&C. 87). Continuing, the world is presently troubled with pride, contention, dissension, priestcraft (defined in 2 Ne. 26:29), false prophets, robbers, secret combinations (organized crime), and much other wickedness. All of this has been prophesied for many years (see, for example: JS-M, D.&C. 45:26-27, Mormon 8: 26-41). |
| Book of Mormon: God's prophets told the people that their sure hope of salvation was only through the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would soon come into the world to save mankind from their sin. The prophet and martyr Abinadi taught: "I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people....Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them and satisfied the demands of justice." (Mosiah 15:1,9, and many others). | Our era: Since the Church has been established, the Lord's prophets have taught of Christ's redeeming sacrifice, and that he would soon come into the world once again. Through the prophet and martyr Joseph Smith, the Lord said: "...hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer;...Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God....For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the time is soon at hand that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory." (D.&C. 34:1,3,7.) |
| Book of Mormon: Also during this time, there was missionary success. In particular we can note the work of the sons of Mosiah, through which thousands of the Lamanites were converted (see Alma 17-26, esp. 23:5; 26:4). | Our era: Since the L.D.S. church was organized in 1830, its membership has already gone from 6 to roughly 12 million. Missionary work has been done, and will continue, for "this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (D.&C. 133:37). This includes a great work being done among the descendants of the Lamanites, whose ancestors were taught by the sons of Mosiah. Millions of them are again coming unto Christ's gospel. |
| Book of Mormon: It was also prophesied that if the wicked did not repent, they would be destroyed: "And in the days of your poverty ye shall cry unto the Lord; and in vain shall ye cry, for your desolation is already come upon you, and your destruction is made sure; and then shall ye weep and howl in that day, saith the Lord of Hosts. And then shall ye lament, and say: "O that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out. Yea, in that day ye shall say: O that we had remembered the Lord our God in the day that he gave us our riches..." (Hel. 13:32-33). | Our era: The prophets of the modern Church have taught that at Christ's coming, the wicked will be destroyed. "But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood; and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destructions await the wicked" (D.&C. 34:9). |
| Book of Mormon: Because of murders and a "secret combination" of organized criminals, the government was destroyed, and the people separated into tribes (3 Ne. 7:16; 9:9). | Our era: Whereas the government of the Nephites was destroyed, the government of the United States of America will only approach destruction. Joseph Smith said that the constitution would one day hang by a thread (as quoted by D. Michael Stewart, "I Have a Question", June 1996 Ensign; see also Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith). And while the U.S. Government will be saved from crumbling, the rest of the world will be in dire straits as well: "And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion..." (D.&C. 45:26; see also v. 68). |
| Book of Mormon: Great signs were given on the earth and in heaven of the birth and death of Christ (see Hel. 14:1-7,20-27: 3 Ne.1:4,15,22; 3 Ne. 8). | Our era: Great signs will be given on earth and in heaven at the second coming of Christ (D.&C. 34:9; 88:87-90 [; & many others including in the Bible]). |
| Book of Mormon: Immediately prior to the visit of Christ to the Americas, the land was visited with great destruction, including great storms, fires, earthquakes, etc. (3 Ne. 8). In this destruction the most wicked of the people were destroyed (3 Ne. 9:13). | Our era: Before the Lord's second coming, there will be much destruction, including earthquakes, thunderings, lightnings, tempests, and floods (D.&C. 88:89-90), and the wicked will all be destroyed (D.&C. 29:9; 34:9;38:12; 112:24). |
| Book of Mormon: Prior to his coming, and along with the great destruction that occurred, there were great changes on the face of the land: cities were covered by the sea or by mountains, the surface and rocks were broken, and even the whole face of the land northward was changed (3 Ne. 8:9-17). | Our era: Near the time of the Lord's Second Coming, there will be great changes in the earth: mountains and valleys will be eliminated and the islands (including the continents) will again become one land (Rev. 6:14; 16:20; D.&C. 133:22-24). |
| Book of Mormon: Christ visited the Nephites, taught them, and blessed them (3 Ne. 11-28). | Our era: Christ shall come in "power and great glory" to visit and reign among the people of the earth (Acts 1:11; D.&C. 34:7). |
| Book of Mormon: After Christ had visited the people, there was a great season of peace and prosperity, in which the people were righteous and lived in beautiful harmony for many years (see 4 Ne. 18). During this period all the people were converted and became members of the church (4 Ne. 1:2). | Our era: After his coming, a thousand years of peace, renewal, health, and majesty will follow (Mormon Doctrine 501). During this period, all the people will eventually be converted to the Lord and his true gospel (Jer. 31:34). |
| Book of Mormon: As this period of righteousness drew to a close, the people began once more to be wicked (4 Ne.1:24-46). This wickedness brought great wars and destructions. Ultimately, the entire Nephite civilization was destroyed, and the record closes. | FUTURE TIMES: "And again, verily, verily, I say unto you that when the thousand years are ended, and men again begin to deny their God, then will I spare the earth but for a little season; "And the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth (D.&C. 29:22-23). |
The gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by his prophets ancient and modern is true, beautiful, and wonderful. The Book of Mormon in particular deserves our attentive study. It was written specifically for us, and can help us understand why and how to obey the Lord and His living prophets in our day.