Gospel Doctrine Commentary
Lesson No. Four
Nephi's Vision of the Latter-Days
July 4, 1976 was the Bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this nationwide celebration the Church produced seven illustrations. These illustrations present our perspective concerning the founding of the United States of America. Clearly, the Brethren wanted to remind Latter Day Saints and to announce to the world that the founding of the United States was by the hands of wise men He raised up. The Constitution of the United States established the freedom necessary for the gospel to be restored.
The events which Nephi saw in vision as recorded in 1 Nephi 12-14 and which are depicted in these seven illustrations are the most important events since the resurrection of the Savior.
Illustration 1 – Ancient America –Nephi saw in vision the most important events since the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events began with the personal ministry of Jesus Christ to the Nephites in ancient America. These events include the founding of the American hemisphere by Columbus; the establishment of the United States and its inspired Constitution by hands of wise men the Lord raised up for this very purpose; all of this made the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ possible.
Illustration 2 – Christ in America – As recorded in 1 Nephi 12:6 Nephi saw in vision the Lord’s resurrected ministry among the Nephites. This “is the crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon” (Book of Mormon, Introduction). The Lord’s resurrected ministry among the Nephites is set forth in 3 Nephi 11-28.
Illustration 3 – America Rediscovered – As recorded in 1 Nephi 13 Nephi saw that Columbus was directed by the Spirit of God (Vs 12). The reason Columbus’ voyage was important is because for the first time there was permanent contact established between the Old World and the New World. This set in motion a chain of events that led to the restoration of the gospel. Nephi also saw that the pilgrims were blessed and directed by the Lord (Vs 13).
Illustration 4 – Men Raised Up – As recorded in 1 Nephi 13 Nephi saw the those "who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them" (Vs 16). Nephi saw that the Revolutionary War was successful because the power of God was with the colonists. The revolutionaries were inspired by the divine principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence "were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations" (Vs 17-19).
Illustration 5 – Inspired Document – The Lord specifically states that He established the Constitution of the United States by the hands of wise men whom he raised up for that very purpose. (See D&C 101:77-80) Furthermore, He states the Constitution “should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles” (D&C 101:77). The just and holy principles the Lord referred to are agency and accountability. (See D&C 101:78)
Illustration 6 – Gospel Restored – All the events of the latter days which Nephi saw in vision was in preparation for the restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The restoration of the gospel is the "marvelous work" spoken of in 1 Nephi 14:7.
Illustration 7 – America’s Future – “This is choice land…free from bondage…if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12; see also verses 7-11). The last thing Nephi saw in vision that he was permitted to write about was that "the power of the Lamb of God that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory" (1 Nephi 14:14). The Book of Mormon as well as latter day prophets have promised that our safety and protection is in being righteous. We cannot chose the course of other people, but we can chose our own course and have a great impact on our family and we can influence others by a righteous example. The key is to stay in the main stream of the Church, giving heed to our living prophets, and to teach our children to do the same.
Testimony - From Nephi’s vision we know that the founding of our nation was the work of the Lord. Certainly, the restoration of the gospel is the work of the Lord. We can be sure that the Lord’s work does not fail nor is it frustrated. (See D&C 3:1-3) For this reason those who keep the Lord's commandments can have great confidence in the future.