“And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last day.”
From Nephi’s perspective, if you deny his message, reject what is taught, and walk away from his teachings, then you “will not partake of the goodness of God.” You have been offered fruit from the tree of life, and you’re just unwilling to “partake of that goodness.” It is ingratitude and foolishness. (D&C 88: 33.)
This word “partake” hearkens back to the tree in Lehi’s and Nephi’s dream. (Lehi’s version is found in 1 Nephi 8.) People prefer to go join in a crowd inside a building. The building is a symbol of man’s work. The “arm of flesh” is used to build such structures. No matter how “great” or “spacious” such work may be (1 Ne. 8: 31), it is nonetheless the product of human labor. In the dream, those who enter into the building do so to join the multitude in mocking and scorn of those who choose the tree instead. (1 Ne. 8: 33.) In contrast to this, the tree bearing fruit is a product of nature–God’s product. Man’s labors do not produce trees. Without God, trees do not exist. Man cannot take credit for either the tree or its fruit. It is a gift given to him.
Now the gift must be obtained by coming to the tree. You cannot partake of its fruit while standing at a distance. You must go to the tree, take the fruit in your hand, and “partake of the goodness of God” before you are able to realize how “delicious” this goodness truly is. (1 Ne. 8: 10-12.)
So Nephi’s invitation to “partake of the goodness of God” is a reminder at the end of his record of the visions he received at the beginning of the record. Come, partake, be saved.
What would you need to do in order to “respect the words of the Jews, and also [Nephi’s] words?” Why does he add “and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God?” Does this mean that if you have “respect” for Nephi’s words and the Bible, you will receive other words? Words from “the mouth of the Lamb of God?” Does it suggest you will speak directly with Christ? That part of the fullness of this process is to once again speak to and hear from “the Lamb of God?” Will it result in Christ speaking to you in the flesh? (2 Nephi 32: 6.)
Why will Nephi’s words “condemn you at the last day?” Why does Nephi bid an “everlasting farewell” to those who won’t “partake of the goodness of God?”
Is Nephi uncharitable? Are his words harsh, unkind or intemperate? Should he be praising us more and condemning us less? Is this a “hard thing” he has spoken to us? (1 Nephi 16: 2.) If it is not harsh, unkind, or intemperate, then should this kind of warning be given by anyone who is concerned for the salvation of your soul? Why? If your messengers don’t challenge you to repent, but instead use smooth words, reassuring you in your present course, would their message conflict with Nephi’s message? What would you make of such a conflict between their praise and reassurance, and Nephi’s stark warnings?
Once again, WOW! Very insightful and clear. Thanks you.
One of Nephi’s bookends:
…having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God.. 1 Nephi 1
…you that will not partake of the goodness of God.. 2 Nephi 33:14
“All of the mocking does not come from outside of the Church. Let me say that again: all of the mocking does not come from outside of the Church. Be careful that you do not fall into the category of mocking.”
-Boyd K. Packer, “Finding Ourselves in Lehi’s Dream”, August 2010 Ensign
Zang- do you have a point?
Denver said, “In the dream, those who enter into the building do so to join the multitude in mocking and scorn of those who choose the tree instead.”
Boyd K. Packer agrees that some join/will join/have joined the Church for this reason while others will/have not.
I have played the role of the mocker myself, so his warning applies to me first and foremost. Mocking the mockers is no tenant of Christ’s, therefore I seek to repent and confess my sins. When God gives me the grace I need, I won’t fall to it anymore. In the meantime I strive.
Moses 8:20-21
20 And it came to pass that Noah called upon the children of men that they should repent; but they hearkened not unto his words;
21 And also, after that they had heard him, they came up before him, saying: Behold, we are the sons of God [endowed Priesthood holders]; have we not taken unto ourselves the daughters of men [married in the New and Everlasting Covenant]? And are we not eating and drinking [partaking of the Sacrament], and marrying and giving in marriage [passing on our Church traditions]? And our wives bear unto us children [multiplying and replenishing the earth], and the same are mighty men, which are like unto men of old, men of great renown. And they hearkened not unto the words of Noah.
Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:41-42
41 But as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man;
42 For it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the flood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating and drinking [partaking of the Sacrament], marrying and giving in marriage [perpetuating temple practices];
I alone am responsible for the interpretations in brackets. I mean to say that though they were doing all of the above, obviously something was wrong. This does not devalue the practices in and of themselves, for Noah obviously did them, too.
What was the difference?
hmm… so were is that darn ark to hop on today? Were is that city of Enoch to join that will be preserved because of their great power obtained from on high?
Talk about movements… isn’t it about time to find out how to best preserve us and our families?