Jacob 3:1-2 - What does it mean to have a "firm" mind?

As I read these scriptures the words "firmness of mind" stuck out to me:

1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.

2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

But what does it really mean to have a "firm mind"? In these scriptures, this phrase is associated with actions like "praying unto God with exceeding faith," "receiving the pleasing word of God," and "feasting upon His love." It means putting our trust in God continually (see Alma 57:27). Firmness of mind is linked to opening our minds and hearts to God's will, and accepting His plan for us willingly.

In a commentary on the Book of Mormon, it says that "to look to God with 'firmness of mind' is to be constant and undeterred in one’s progress toward that life which is like God’s; it is to have undimmed vision of the plans and purposes of the Almighty; to enjoy peace and confidence in the Master as the tempests rage on all sides. To look to God with firmness of mind is to be, as Nephi said, steadfast in Christ (see 2 Nephi 31:19-20)—to pursue an undeviating course" (Millet & McConkie, Doctrinal Commentary on BOM, Vol 2, p. 24).


So in order to have a firm mind, we must have unwavering faith in God, and be committed to Him. We can know He will always work things out as we live by faith.

However, this is not something that always comes easy. I used to think it was really easy to have faith, but as I have grown older I have often gotten stuck by pride or fear or simply not wanting to choose God's way. I believe a firm mind is something we must work for every single day. As we are consistent in our efforts to pray, study God's word, and especially apply what we're learning, we'll learn to trust God more and more. Our minds will become more firm and more steadfast. I wish I could say I have always done what God wants me to do, but sometimes I slip. Sometimes I mess up. But the beautiful thing about the gospel of Jesus Christ is that I can pick right back up and start over again. God is patient and loving, and He will help us trust Him if we so desire.

2 Nephi 30:15 - How does the "knowledge of the Lord" create peace and harmony on the earth?

The verses leading to 2 Nephi 30:15 illustrate a scene that would seem quite unusual for the world today: the wolf dwelling with the lamb; the leopard lying down with the kid, calf, and fatling, all led by a little child; the cow and the bear feeding together and their young ones lying down together; the lion eating straw like the ox; the baby playing on a hole of a snake, etc. This scene comes at a time of peace and righteousness on the earth, after the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This time will be called the Millennium.

2 Nephi 30:15 explains that "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord." What is it about the knowledge of the Lord that will create this peace and harmony? The next few verses begin to answer this question.

"The things of all nations shall be made known; yea, all things shall be made known unto the children of men. There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed. Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto the children of men shall at that day be revealed; and Satan shall have power over the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time" (2 Nephi 30:16-18).

When I think of secrecy I think of mistrust, miscommunication, misunderstanding, and unsurety. Because all things will be made known in the Millennium, all these negative effects of secrecy will disappear.

I imagine being in a classroom learning new material and not understanding that material. My peers get together to study together, but they don't allow me to join. They are secretive about it, because they want to have an unfair advantage over the rest of the class. This would leave me feeling mistreated, lost, and frustrated. If I didn't understand the material I would not have the ability to do well in the class. However, with knowledge, I would be enabled to pass the class and continue to receive further knowledge. I would feel fulfilled and liberated.

It is a beautiful prophecy that in the times preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, "wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of [our] times, and strength of salvation" (Isaiah 33:6).


In October 2013 general conference, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "When the entire truth is eventually known, things that didn’t make sense to us before will be resolved to our satisfaction." All of us have questions, some of which will never be answered until we pass on to the next life. But letting those questions cause doubts lead us to stop progressing and gaining more knowledge. President Uchtorf says to "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" (Dieter F. Uchtorf, "Come Join with Us").

It was necessary for Adam and Eve to exercise their faith in Jesus Christ after they chose to partake of the forbidden fruit. They were commanded not to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. They were given a choice, and they chose to eat the fruit. With their choice came the ability for Satan to tempt and try God's children. Because of this, it was necessary for God to provide a Savior to redeem all mankind from the results of the Fall. Without gaining knowledge, Adam and Eve would never have had the opportunity to progress and become like God. They would never experience good and evil and understand the difference. They would never have the opportunity to exercise their agency. They would never experience true joy. (See 2 Nephi 2:22-23.)

The Bible Dictionary states that "knowledge of divine and spiritual things is absolutely essential for one's salvation. . . . The scriptures, and also living prophets, are given so that the people might have knowledge of things of God. . . . Knowledge is one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost and one of the gifts of the Spirit. . . . Since no one can be saved in ignorance of the gospel, and one progresses only as fast as he gains knowledge, it follows that the person who gains knowledge will have 'the advantage in the world to come' (D&C 130:18-19)."

Knowledge comes from the Spirit of God which is the Spirit of peace. The Spirit gives us knowledge "and power according to [our] faith and desires which are in God" (Alma 18:35). When we receive knowledge through the Spirit, we discover the mysteries of God and "all the riches of the full assurance of understanding" (see Colossians 2:2-3).

In Romans 15, Paul lays out the beauty of obtaining knowledge from the scriptures: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. . . . Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another" (Romans 15:4, 13-14). With knowledge we can obtain hope, joy, and peace, because we understand what is good.


As stated in the scriptures, the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth before the Second Coming of the Savior. "And this is according to the prophecy, that they shall again be brought to the true knowledge, which is the knowledge of their Redeemer, and their great and true shepherd, and be numbered among his sheep" (Helaman 15:13).

In the Book of Mormon, Mormon glorifies God as he illustrates his gratitude for the knowledge God has given to him and his people: "I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi. I have reason to bless my God and my Savior Jesus Christ, that he brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, (and no one knew it save it were himself and those whom he brought out of that land) and that he hath given me and my people so much knowledge unto the salvation of our souls. Surely he hath blessed the house of Jacob, and hath been merciful unto the seed of Joseph. And insomuch as the children of Lehi have kept his commandments he hath blessed them and prospered them according to his word. Yea, and surely shall he again bring a remnant of the seed of Joseph to the true knowledge of the Lord their God. And as surely as the Lord liveth, will he gather in from the four quarters of the earth all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth. And as he hath covenanted with all the house of Jacob, even so shall the covenant wherewith he hath covenanted with the house of Jacob be fulfilled in his own due time, unto the restoring all the house of Jacob unto the knowledge of the covenant that he hath covenanted with them. And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth unto their own lands, from whence they have been dispersed; yea, as the Lord liveth so shall it be. Amen" (3 Nephi 5:20-26).

The "knowledge of the Lord" is far more valuable than any other knowledge we could attain. Let us continue to seek knowledge so that we can be brought into the fold of God, and receive the peace and joy that comes from knowing our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mosiah 1:16 - How do similarities between Joseph Smith and ancient prophets prove that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God?

As King Benjamin transferred the kingdom to his son Mosiah, he showed his son the brass plates, the plates of Nephi, the sword of Laban, and the Liahona. These objects were also shown to the three witnesses in Joseph Smith's time (See D&C 17:1; Testimony of the Three Witnesses, Book of Mormon, preliminary pages).

Moses saw Jesus Christ in an exceedingly high mountain in Sinai. He also saw God the Father and Jesus Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. Joseph Smith had similar experiences. Joseph saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ (see D&C 76:23-24).

The order of the Priesthood, which was restored onto the earth in Joseph Smith's time, was instituted in the days of Adam (see D&C 107:41; see also D&C 84:6-22). John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the Aaronic Priesthood, and the Apostles Peter, James, and John appeared later to restore the Melchizedek Priestood (see D&C 13; D&C 27:12-13). At other times, additional keys of the Priesthood were restored on the earth to Joseph Smith (see D&C 128:21).



In an article from the February 1989 Ensign, it was written that "Ephesians 2:19–20 and 4:11–14 affirm that Apostles and prophets form the essential foundation of the Church, and the New Testament contains references to bishops, seventies, elders, priests, deacons, and other offices. (See Luke 10:1; Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1, 8; Rev. 20:6.) Traces of this organization survived in the first few centuries after Christ. . . . With the death of the Apostles, however, priesthood keys no longer existed in the church, and apostate ideas soon replaced these earlier teachings. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, correct concepts and divine authority were restored."

Like the Apostle Paul, Joseph Smith believed that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). Cannon, Dahl, and Welch wrote that "Matthew, Paul, and Jesus himself led the way in showing, as Joseph Smith did, the need for expounding, searching, and interpreting the scriptures in light of current conditions and true perceptions (see Matt. 22:23–33; Matt. 24:27; John 5:39), and in issuing new commandments (see John 13:34; 1 Cor. 6:7–8). They recognized the impossibility of restricting their spiritual knowledge to a finite number of pages. (See John 21:25.) Thus we see an open and complex idea of scripture in the early Christian movement that is comparable to the expanding view of scripture understood by Joseph Smith."

Like the ancient Nephites, Joseph Smith understood the importance of temples for performing specific ordinances. (See 2 Nephi 5:16; Mosiah 2:1; 3 Nephi 11:1.) It was said that "the idea of sacred temple worship was indigenous to early Christianity. The early Saints in Jerusalem did not repudiate the temple but worshipped there daily. (See Acts 2:46.) Paul brought alms to the Jews—such offerings were traditionally offered in the temple. (See Acts 24:17–18.) In John’s vision of Jesus Christ, the temple was featured prominently. (See Rev. 3:12, Rev. 7:15, Rev. 11:1.)"

(See Donald Q. Cannon, Larry E. Dahl, and John W. Welch, "The Restoration of Major Doctrines through Joseph Smith: Priesthood, the Word of God, and the Temple," Ensign, February 1989.)



The following paragraphs come from a talk given by Neal A. Maxwell in 1986 called "A Choice Seer":

Like the prophet Nephi, Joseph served "notwithstanding [his] weakness" (2 Nephi 33:11). "Joseph Smith was also an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ. Yet, as with all true disciples, Joseph went through a process of proving, reproving, and improving, while simultaneously serving as the human conduit through whom God chose to give his word to this generation. (See D&C 5:10.)"

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord reminded Joseph that even through all his suffering, he did not suffer as much as Job. (See D&C 121:10.)

As Joseph suffered, he empathized with those who suffered in ancient times. Neal A. Maxwell said that Joseph "actually saw his prison sufferings as helping and expanding him 'to understand the minds of the Ancients.' (Writings, p. 387.) He felt a linkage with their 'afflictions,' so that, said Joseph, 'in the day of judgment . . . we may hold an even weight in the balances with them.' (Writings, p. 395.)"

The day Joseph Smith was released from Liberty Jail, April 6, 1839, has much significance. April 6 is the day Jesus was born, as well as the day his latter-day Church was formed on the earth. (See D&C 20:1.) This day is also a part of the season of Passover when Jews celebrate the deliverance of ancient Israel from bondage in Egypt.

The ancient Joseph of Egypt spoke of Joseph Smith as the "choice seer" (2 Nephi 3:6-11) who was to come and benefit the world. When Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail, he wrote in a letter that he felt like Joseph in Egypt. Ancient Joseph wrote of Joseph Smith, "And he shall be like unto me" (2 Nephi 3:15). Neal A. Maxwell said, "When Joseph Smith, Jr., was given a blessing by Father Smith in December 1834, an extensive portion of that blessing informed modern Joseph of his special relationship to ancient Joseph. (See Joseph Smith, Sr., blessing, 9 Dec. 1834, Church Historical Department, 1:3–4.) . . . The comparisons between the two Josephs, of course, reflect varying degrees of exactitude, but they are, nevertheless, quite striking. Some similarities are situational, others are dispositional. Some are strategic, such as ancient Joseph’s making stored grain available in time of famine (see Genesis 41:56), while modern Joseph opened the granary of the gospel after years of famine."

Elder Maxwell listed the following similarities of Joseph Smith and ancient Joseph of Egypt:

"First, both Josephs had inauspicious beginnings. Initially, they were unlikely candidates to have had the impact they did on Egyptian history and American history, respectively.

"Both had visions at a young and tender age. (See Genesis 37:2-5; JS-H 1:7-54.)

"The visions brought to both men hate from their fellowmen. (See Genesis 37:5-8; JS-H 1:21-26.) Both knew sibling jealousy. Modern Joseph had to contend with a mercurial brother, William, whom Joseph forgave many times. (See History of the Church, 2:353–54.)

"Both Josephs were generous to those who betrayed them. Ancient Joseph was generous to his once-betraying brothers whom he later saved from starvation. (See Genesis 45:1–15.)

"Both prophesied remarkably of the future of their nations and the challenges their governments would face. (See Genesis 41:29–31; D&C 87.)

"They both knew what it was to be falsely accused, and they both were jailed.

"Both, in their extremities, helped others who shared their imprisonment but later forgot their benefactors. In the case of ancient Joseph, it was the chief butler. (See Genesis 40:20–23.) Joseph Smith worried over an ill cell-mate, Sidney Rigdon, who was freed in January 1839. The Prophet rejoiced. . . .

"Both Josephs were torn from their families, although ancient Joseph suffered through this for a much, much longer time.

"Very significantly, both were 'like unto' each other in being amazingly resilient in the midst of adversity. This, in each man, is a truly striking quality.

"Both were understandably anxious about their loved ones and friends. Ancient Joseph, when his true identity became known, inquired tenderly of his brothers, 'Doth my father yet live?' (Genesis 45:3.) From Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith, with comparative awareness, wrote, 'Doth my friends yet live [and] if they live do they remember me [?]' (The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, comp. Dean Jessee, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1984, p. 409.)

"Indeed, these two uncommon men had much in common, being truly 'like unto' each other!"

(See Neal A. Maxwell, "A Choice Seer," Ensign August 1986; 1 Nephi 13:34, 39-40).


In 2 Nephi 3, Lehi gives a father's blessing to his youngest son, Joseph, where he discusses Joseph of Egypt, Joseph Smith, Jr., and Joseph Smith, Sr. Lehi talks about Joseph of Egypt in verses 4-6, where he discusses  that a righteous branch should be raised up from the fruit of his loins. In verse 6, it is prophesied that a seer would be raised up, "who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins." This seer refers to Joseph Smith.

Like young Joseph, the son of Lehi, Joseph Smith was the son of a visionary man. Joseph Smith, Sr. had seven visions between 1811 and 1819 which confirmed to him that he was not to join any organized church and that he would eventually find the truth that would lead him toward salvation. (See Bushman, Richard Lyman (2005), Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, New York: Knopf, p. 26)

In 2 Nephi 3:9 Joseph Smith is compared to Moses, "whom I [the Lord] have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel." Like Moses, Joseph Smith was given power to deliver the people of the Lord (see verse 11). Moses was given a spokesman, Aaron, and likewise Joseph Smith was given a spokesman, Sidney Rigdon, as Joseph was not mighty in speaking (see verse 18).

In verse 15 Joseph of Egypt says, "And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. 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."



Comparing the Josephs, Russell M. Nelson said the following in his talk "The Exodus Repeated":

"Jacob’s son Joseph and Joseph Smith had even more in common. At age 17 Joseph was informed of his great destiny (see Gen. 37:2–11). At the same age Joseph Smith was informed of his destiny regarding the Book of Mormon. At age 17 he was first visited by the angel Moroni, who informed the boy prophet that 'God had a work for [him] to do.' He was to translate a book written upon golden plates containing the fulness of the everlasting gospel. His 'name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues' (JS—H 1:33; see also JS—H 1:34–41).

"Both Josephs endured persecution. Joseph of old was falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and was put into prison (see Gen. 39:11–20). Joseph Smith suffered incarceration on trumped-up charges and false accusations.

"Joseph’s coat of many colors was taken from him by his brothers in a cruel attempt to convince their father that Joseph had been killed (see Gen. 37:2–33). Joseph Smith’s life was cruelly taken from him, largely because of betrayals by false brethren.

"Anciently, when 'all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do' (Gen. 41:55). In the latter days, people starving for nourishment that only the gospel can provide are again to be fed—by Joseph. The Lord declared that 'this generation shall have my word through [Joseph Smith]' (D&C 5:10). Today we may 'feast upon the words of Christ' (2 Ne. 32:3) because of Joseph Smith."

(See Russell M. Nelson, "The Exodus Repeated," CES Fireside [September 7, 1997])




These examples give evidence that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. There are many more evidences not listed here. Joseph Smith restored the true church of God upon this earth, evidenced by the similarities of the ancients who lived by God's commandments.

Inspiration :)

This morning while reading my scriptures I was inspired. I started asking myself a lot of questions about the wording of the scriptures, the meaning of specific words, etc. Then I thought, I wish there was some way that I could keep track of all these questions in one place. I wonder if I could find a job opportunity or somewhere I could analyze scriptures for a living? Then I thought, why don't I start out with a blog? Perfect! Every time I have a question about a scripture, I'll analyze it, research it, and post it on my blog!

I'm an Editing minor and the classes within the minor have really changed the way I think about and analyze texts. I would love to be a scriptorian in the LDS church. I think a blog is the perfect start. I'll expand to this blog weekly, if not daily, as I really sit down and analyze the scriptures.

My ultimate goal is to come closer to Christ. The only way we can come back to Him is by following His example in faith, and what better way to get to know His example by studying His life in the scriptures? I'm very excited to get started with this blog, and I hope that readers find it useful and interesting. The scriptures rock!!