Greater Things : Books : VISION OF ALL : |
Includes:
Chapter 10. Other Evidences of the Parallels Being Intended
Chapter 11. In That Day Shall They Understand
Chapter 12. Past is Prologue
Conclusion. He That is Built Upon a Rock
Other Evidences of the Parallels Being Intended
We have now seen that not only do the Lehite and Israelite nations parallel each other from beginning to end, but they also parallel the individual in his journey through life. Each of these sequences, the temporal and the spiritual, climaxes with the appearance of Jesus Christ and a subsequent reign of peace. This becomes yet one more profound illustration of how "all things are created and made to bear record of [Christ], both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual...." (Moses 6:63.)
These parallels are intentional and important. The Lord certainly had a hand in shaping the events of these nations such that they evolved as they did (and do). He also inspired the prophet-compilers of the Book of Mormon to record their history such that these parallels can be identified. In addition to the parallels themselves, several other significant factors substantiate the plausibility of this thesis.
Book of Mormon Title Page
Conformity
For example, the underlying design of the parallels conform with the purpose of the Book of Mormon as stated in its title page. The Nephite record was written "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations." The apex of the parallels, both temporal and spiritual, is the appearance of Jesus Christ and the reign of peace that follows. The parallels also proclaim that the Lord is the only means by which that glorious state may be ushered in: that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of all mankind.
The Book of Mormon was also written "to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever." The parallels not only indicate that the House of Israel is not cast off forever, but they enumerate the process by which they will be redeemed. They contain striking comparisons to the entire history of the covenants people, depicting how and when the Abrahamic covenant will be fulfilled. Furthermore, the very way in which they do this is by showing the "great things the Lord hath done for their fathers"--the history of the Lehite nation.
Another evidence lies in the fact that Isaiah confirmed that the Lord employs the past to foretell the future. He said that the Lord "appointed the ancient people...[to show] the things that are coming...." (Isa. 44:7.) God declares "from ancient times the things that are not yet done." (46:9,10; Eccl. 1:9.)
We note with interest that this last verse immediately precedes one that appears to be a prophecy of the chastening Assyrian Assault--as we have named it. Isaiah said that the Lord will call "a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country...." (Isa. 46:11.) The ensuing verse describes the need for a haughty people to repent; and the concluding verse declares that Zion shall be established. (46:12,13.) Might these succeeding verses in Isaiah suggest the timeliness of this concept of parallels--the past foretelling the future--inasmuch as we are fast approaching the conditions they describe?
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