Oh How Great the Goodness of Our God

Oh How Great the Goodness of Our God 2 Nephi 6 -10

2 Nephi 6 -10 n Jacob’s sermon given over two days Chap 6 -9 first day n Chap 10 second day n n Assigned topic: 2 Ne 6: 1, 4 -7 Quotes Isaiah 49: 22 -52: 2 He also explained why he quoted those passages and what the people should do to understand them better.

Why did Jacob quote Isaiah? n n “That ye may learn and glorify the name of your God” (2 Nephi 6: 4). “They may be likened unto you” (2 Nephi 6: 5). “I have read these things that ye might know concerning the covenants of the Lord” (2 Nephi 9: 1). “I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice” (2 Nephi 9: 3).

What qualified Jacob to teach the Gospel? 2 Nephi 6: 2 -3 n n n Having been called of god Ordained after the manner of his holy order Consecrated (set apart) Desirous for the welfare of your souls, Anxiety is great for you Exhorted with all diligence He taught the prophets and the things that are written

2 Nephi 6 -8 The Lord Delivers Israel n n The chapters of Isaiah that Jacob quoted in 2 Nephi 6– 8 revealed much about the power of the Lord to deliver His people. Although Isaiah testified of what the Lord will do for the house of Israel to deliver them from their enemies and gather them to their promised lands, Jacob encouraged the likening of Isaiah’s words to our individual lives (see 2 Nephi 6: 5). -BOM student manual

Look for things the Savior did for Israel & will do for us 2 Nephi 6: 17; 7: 2 deliver 2 Nephi 7: 2 redeem 2 Nephi 8: 3, 12 comfort, comforteth 2 Nephi 8: 4 light 2 Nephi 8: 4– 5 judgment, judge 2 Nephi 8: 5– 6 salvation

2 Nephi 9 The Lord Delivers Me n n A great example of likening Isaiah’s teachings is found in 2 Nephi 9 as Jacob taught and testified of the Lord’s power to deliver us from …? -BOM student manual

The awful monster… Bruce Hafen, BYU Dev, 29 May 1990 What is the awful monster? Why is it described that way? Vs 10

2 Nephi 9: 6, 11 Delivered from? Temporal Death n n n Is the death of the physical body and the separation of the spirit from the physical body. As a result of the Fall of Adam, all people will die temporally Jacob used the following words to refer to temporal death n n n “death” (vs. 6) “the death of the body” (vs. 10) “the grave” (vs. 11)

2 Nephi 9: 12 Delivered from? Spiritual Death n n Spiritual death is separation from the presence of God We are all separated from God as a result of the Fall of Adam We further separate ourselves from God when we sin Jacob uses the following words to refer to spiritual death n “shut out from the presence of our God” ( vs 9) n “the death of the spirit” (vs 10) n “spiritual death” (vs 12) n “hell” (vs 12) n “death” (vs 39)

How does he Atonement deliver us from temporal and spiritual death? 2 Ne 9: 5 -7

WHAT IS AN INFINITE ATONEMENT? n The atonement is infinite in the sense that the Lord is an infinite being. Infinite in power Infinite in time, it applies through all time Infinite in coverage, for all God’s creations Infinite in depth, for the totality of human sin and suffering Infinite in love Infinite in blessings it bestows n -Tad Callister, Infinite Atonement, 59 n n n n

What would happen to us without the power of Christ’s Resurrection? 2 Nephi 9: 7– 9. n n One Sunday morning our teenaged son stood with two other priests to administer the sacrament, as they had done on many prior occasions. They pulled back the white cloth, but to their dismay there was no bread. One of them slipped out to the preparation room in hopes some could be found. There was none. Finally our troubled son made his way to the bishop and shared the concern with him. A wise bishop then stood, explained the situation to the congregation, and asked, “How would it be if the sacrament table were empty today because there were no atonement? ”…it does put in perspective our total dependence on the Lord. Tad Callister, Infinite Atonement, 54

What would happen to us without the power of Christ’s Resurrection? 2 Nephi 9: 7– 9. n n n Temporal and spiritual death would be permanent. We would be shut out from God’s presence forever Our spirits would be subject to Satan. We would “remain with the father of lies, in misery Without hope (1 Cor 15: 14, 19)

Without the Atonement, Macbeth’s fatalistic outlook on life would have been tragically correct; it would be a play without a purpose: Life’s but a shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. -Tad Callister, Infinite Atonement, 55

2 Ne 9: 13 -15 Through the Atonement: all people will. . . be resurrected—saved from temporal death 2 Ne 9: 12 -13, 22 Temporal Death . . . be restored to God’s presence to be judged 2 Ne 2: 10 2 Ne 9: 15 Spiritual Death

2 Nephi 9: 41, 46 -48 The Judgment O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.

2 Nephi 9: 23; Mormon 7: 7 To be Saved Spiritually n However, not all people will be “saved in n the kingdom of God, ” or permitted to dwell in God’s presence forever Certain attitudes and actions prevent us from receiving all the blessings of the Atonement

2 Nephi 9 O and Wo n n n Jacob uses the term O to express awe and reverence Wo to express sorrow and dread.

Attitudes and actions that prevent us from receiving all the blessings of the Atonement vs. 27 vs. 28 -30, 37 vs. 31 -32 vs. 33 vs. 34 -36 Transgressing the commandments and wasting the days of our probation Placing learning, money, and other idols above God Being spiritually deaf and blind Being “uncircumcised of heart” Lying and committing murders and whoredoms

How might some people waste the days of their probation?

My dear brethren and sisters, since our last general conference, my sweetheart—my beloved wife for 59 years—passed away. While I was at home on a rare Saturday with no assignment, we had worked together. She had washed our clothing. I had helped to carry it, fold it, and put it in place. Then while we were sitting on the sofa, holding hands, enjoying a program on television, my precious Dantzel slipped peacefully into eternity. Her passing came suddenly and unexpectedly. Just four days earlier, our doctor’s report at a routine checkup indicated that her laboratory tests were good. After my efforts to revive her proved fruitless, feelings of shock and sorrow overwhelmed me. My closest friend, angel mother of our 10 children, grandmother of our 56 grandchildren, had been taken from us. Dantzel was not only a loved and loving companion. She was a teacher: by her noble example, she taught faith, virtue, obedience, and mercy. She taught me how to listen and to love. Because of her, I know all the blessings that can come to a husband, father, and grandfather. From her sudden departure we can learn a very important lesson: now is the time to prepare to meet God. Tomorrow may be too late. Prophets through the ages have so declared: “This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God. … Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance. ” (Alma 34: 32 -22; see also Alma 13: 27. ) Russell M. Nelson, “Now Is the Time to Prepare, ” Ensign, May 2005, 16

n How can the pursuit of knowledge and riches keep us from receiving all the blessings of the Atonement? n In what situations are learning and riches good?

Russell M. Nelson Trials and tests apply to rich and poor alike. Years ago, I was asked to perform an operation upon a very wealthy man. A surgical biopsy confirmed that he had an advanced cancer that had spread throughout his body. As I reported this news, his immediate response was to rely upon his wealth. He would go anywhere or do anything to treat his condition. He thought he could buy his way back to health. But he soon passed away. Someone asked, “How much wealth did he leave? ” The answer, of course, was, “All of it!” His priorities were set upon things of the world. His ladder of success had been leaning against the wrong wall. I think of him when I read this scripture: “Behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is … too late. ” (Hel. 13: 38. ) “Now Is the Time to Prepare, ” Ensign, May 2005, 16

Consecration n n To be a disciple-scholar in our time is a call to high adventure! Just as one’s quest for knowledge should be unending, so too should the quest for greater love, meekness, and patience. In considering consecration, it is well to remember that… nothing is held back – whether turf, attitude, or hobbies. One’s will is to be swallowed up in the will of God – just as occurred with Jesus. Neal A Maxwell, Learning in the Light of Faith, 51

n What does it mean to be spiritually deaf and blind? n How can we open our ears and eyes to the truths of the gospel?

n In ancient Israel, a man who was uncircumcised was breaking a covenant with God (Genesis 17: 11, 14). n With this understanding, what does it mean to be “uncircumcised of heart”?

n Years ago Handel composed his masterpiece in choir repertoire – the unparalleled Messiah. This composition was not just the product of a gifted man. Flowing from the lyrics are the clear markings of divine intervention. The heavenly voiceprint is unmistakable. For twenty-four days Handel remained a spiritual recluse in his room as he fashioned line after line of music seemingly fit for heavenly choirs. At one point, after having scored the Hallelujah chorus, he called to his servant and exclaimed, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself. ” Following one of the performances, a friend remarked that he had been entertained. Handel replied, “I should be sorry if I only entertain them I wish to make them better. ”

Covenant relationship n n Likewise, the Savior is anxious that the Atonement make us better. He must be gravely disappointed if people merely acknowledge his Atonement as a magnificent sacrifice to be viewed in awe, but with no thought of change. The atoning sacrifice was designed to motivate us, to draw us unto him, to lift us to higher ground, and ultimately to assist us in becoming as he is. Tad Callister, Infinite Atonement, 218

What must we do to be “Saved in the kingdom of God” vs. 18, 23 - Believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy One of 24, 41 Israel vs. 18 Endure the crosses of the world and despise the shame of the world vs. 21 Hearken to the voice of the Lord vs. 23 -24 Repent, be baptized, and endure to the end vs. 39 Be spiritually minded vs. 50 -51 “Feast upon that which perisheth not” vs. 52 Remember the words of God vs. 52 Pray continually and give thanks

Bruce Hafen, BYU Dev, 29 May 1990 n What role does faith in Jesus Christ have in receiving all the blessings of His Atonement?

Believe Christ n n I have learned there are many that believe Jesus is the Son of God and that he is the Savior of the World, but that he cannot save them. They believe in his identity, but not in his power to cleanse and to purify and to save. To have faith in his identity is only half the process. To have faith in his ability, in his power to cleanse and to save, that is the other half. We must not only believe in Christ, we must believe Christ when he says, “I can cleanse you and make you celestial. ” Bruce Hafen

Exclamatory sentences: proclaim important truths about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ v 8 O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! V 10 V 13 O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster…death and hell O how great the plan of our God! V 17 O the greatness and the justice of our God! V 19 O the greatness of the mercy of our God, V 20 O how great the holiness of our god!

n What does it mean to endure the crosses of the world? n What does it mean to despise the shame of the world?

Matt 16: 21 -25

n n n 2 Nephi 8: 7 -8 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart I have written my law, fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool. But my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation. 2 Nephi 8: 12 I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son of man, who shall be made like unto grass?

n How can we hear the voice of the Lord?

We speak of Enduring to the End! When we should be talking about: Enduring until we change.

Elder Boyd K. Packer taught: “The discouraging idea that a mistake (or even a series of them) makes it everlastingly too late, does not come from the Lord. He has said that if we will repent, not only will He forgive us our transgressions, but He will forget them and remember our sins no more (see Isaiah 43: 25; Hebrews 8: 12; 10: 17; Alma 36: 19; D&C 58: 42). ” n. Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 72; or Ensign, May 1989, 59

n What does it mean to you to be spiritually minded? n What can we do to become more spiritually minded?

n What are some things that never perish? How can we “feast” on these things?

Sisters, I want to tell you a secret. I love to eat. Don’t you? When food has the perfect herbs, when it’s cooked just right, when it’s served like a work of sculpture, I’m in heaven. I can gain weight just reading a menu. And did you know that the Lord doesn’t expect us to diet? Trust me! Turn to 2 Nephi 9: 51. Now look at the very last line. It says, “Let your soul delight in fatness. ” But feast on what? Chocolate? Look closely: Feast on his word. When was the last time you feasted on the word? Did you know that feasting could be so guilt-free? . . . I discovered the scriptures later than some. But I discovered them. And now, like reading a good menu, I still hunger for their wise words. Why not gain some spiritual weight? Bonnie D. Parkin, “Fat-Free Feasting, ” Ensign, May 1995, 90

n How does remembering God’s words help us receive all the blessings of the Atonement?

n How has praying and expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father helped you draw nearer to Him and His Son?

2 Nephi 9: 46 Prepare your souls… Brothers and sisters, we live to die and we die to live—in another realm. If we are well prepared, death brings no terror. From an eternal perspective, death is premature only for those who are not prepared to meet God. Russell M. Nelson, “Now Is the Time to Prepare, ” Ensign, May 2005, 16

2 Nephi 10: 23 -25 Cheer up your hearts

Next Week:

2 Nephi 9 What are some things we must do to be “saved in the kingdom of God” 2 Nephi 9: 18, 23– 24, 41 Believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy One of Israel, and come unto Him 2 Nephi 9: 18 Endure the crosses of the world and despise the shame of the world 2 Nephi 9: 21 Hearken to the voice of the Lord 2 Nephi 9: 23– 24 Repent, be baptized, and endure to the end 2 Nephi 9: 39 Be spiritually minded 2 Nephi 9: 50– 51 “Feast upon that which perisheth not” 2 Nephi 9: 52 Remember the words of God 2 Nephi 9: 52 Pray continually and give thanks

2 Nephi 9 What are some things we must do to be “saved in the kingdom of God” n n n n a. Why is faith in Jesus Christ essential in order to receive all the blessings of His Atonement? b. What does it mean to endure the crosses of the world? (See Matthew 16: 24, footnote 24 d; 3 Nephi 12: 29– 30. ) What does it mean to despise the shame of the world? (See 2 Nephi 9: 49. ) c. How can we hear the voice of the Lord? (See D&C 1: 38; 18: 33– 36; 88: 66. ) d. e. see also Romans 8: 5– 8). What does it mean to you to be spiritually minded? How does being spiritually minded lead to “life eternal”? What does it mean to be carnally minded? How does being carnally minded lead to spiritual death? What can we do to become more spiritually minded? f. What are some things that never perish? How can we “feast” on these things? g. How does remembering God’s words help us receive all the blessings of the Atonement? (See 3 Nephi 15: 1. ) h. How has praying and expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father helped you draw nearer to Him and His Son?

2 Nephi 9: 27 -38 Attitudes and actions that prevent us from receiving the blessings of the Atonement 9: 27 Transgressing the commandments and wasting the days of our probation 9: 28– 30, 37 Placing learning, money, and other idols above God 9: 31– 32 Being spiritually deaf and blind 9: 33 Being “uncircumcised of heart” 9: 34– 36 Lying and committing murders and whoredoms

2 Nephi 9: 27 -38 Attitudes and actions that prevent us from receiving the blessings of the Atonement n n n a. In the Book of Mormon, prophets often refer to our life on earth as a “state of probation, ” or a time to be tested (2 Nephi 2: 21; see also 2 Nephi 2: 30; Mormon 9: 28). How might some people waste the days of their probation? (See 2 Nephi 9: 38; Alma 34: 31– 33; Helaman 13: 38. ) b. How can the pursuit of knowledge and riches keep us from receiving all the blessings of the Atonement? (See 2 Nephi 9: 28, 30, 42. ) In what situations are learning and riches good? (See 2 Nephi 9: 29; Jacob 2: 18– 19. ) c. What does it mean to be spiritually deaf and blind? How can we open our ears and eyes to the truths of the gospel? d. In ancient Israel, a man who was uncircumcised was breaking a covenant with God (Genesis 17: 11, 14). With this understanding, what does it mean to be “uncircumcised of heart”? e.

n n n Verses 6– 7 contain Isaiah’s prophecy of the gathering of Israel in our day, assisted by the Gentiles. Verses 8– 9 tell of the fall of Jerusalem, the captivity of the Jews in Babylon, and their return to Jerusalem under Cyrus the Great, of Persia (see the chronological tables in the Bible Dictionary, pp. 639– 40). Verses 9– 11 foretell the first coming of Jesus Christ to the Jews and how they will suffer and be scattered for rejecting Him. Verses 11– 18 contain Jacob’s further explanation of Isaiah’s prophecy in verses 6– 7 concerning the latter-day gathering of

Overview n n 2 Nephi 6 -9: In the first sermon, Jacob quotes extensively from the prophet Isaiah concerning the house of Israel, as background for his own witness of the Savior’s Atonement 2 Nephi 10: In the second sermon, Jacob pleads with his people to “reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil, ” a reconciliation that can only come “in and through the grace of God” (2 Nephi 10: 24).

Notes n n Atonement book Atonement dvd

Four Types of Trees

What is the House of Israel n God made a covenant with Abraham, that through his seed, all the families of the world would be blessed. Abraham and his seed are to “bear the ministry, ” or in other words, are responsible to carry to gospel message to the world. Abraham had a son named Isaac, who had a son named Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, and therefore, the “house of Israel” means the family or descendants of Jacob. The covenant obligation and blessing continues through all the descendants of Jacob, or house of Israel (See Abraham 2: 9 -11).

2 Nephi 6: 6 -7

n n 2 Nephi 9: 1– 26, 39– 54. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. What did the Savior do to overcome temporal death and spiritual death? (See 2 Nephi 9: 5– 7, 12, 21– 22; see also Luke 22: 44; Mosiah 3: 7; D&C 19: 16– 19. )