CONCLUSION

He That is Built Upon a Rock

Moroni provided us with another standard whereby we can judge the validity of this concept of intentional parallels. He declared, "...Every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God." (Moro. 7:16.)

The evidences listed above indicate that the purpose of both the temporal and the spiritual parallels is to invite men to do good and persuade them to believe in Christ. The temporal parallels proclaim that the Lord will redeem repentant Israel, delivering them from their enemies and gathering them to their lands of promise, no more to be thrown down. The spiritual parallels profess that the Lord will deliver penitent individuals from the grasps of Satan, helping them overcome all worldly influences and sealing them up unto salvation.

When we begin to understand these temporal and spiritual applications, history begins to take on a much more profound meaning. The divine perspective that underpins Book of Mormon history from beginning to end enables us to construct a clear outline of the whole picture of the temporal and the spiritual progression. Many other sources of the progressional pattern can be drawn upon to fill in that outline with intricate detail. Eternal truths about individual progression can be used to understand better the temporal events of nations. They can also help us realize why the Lord shapes the events of history as he does. From the lessons of nations can be derived a clearer understanding of an individual's spiritual journey. Events of the past can be studied for instruction about the future. Prophecies about the future can help us better understand the past. All of these interwoven threads reveal a divine design. As we begin to comprehend this grand tapestry, we are more nearly able to view ourselves and the world with the same perspective that God possesses.

We have seen that applying to ourselves the pattern of progression that the Lehite and Israelite nations chart helps us identify the various steps we need to take in order to gain salvation. These parallels also plainly expose and warn us of dangerous pitfalls that have snared many a traveler. They instruct us as to ways we might best fortify ourselves against the enemies of our soul. Further, these comparisons illuminate the means by which we may get back on the path when we stray. They profess the importance of placing our trust in the Lord. While manifesting that the trek becomes increasingly difficult the closer we come to our goal, the parallels also provide us with increased faith that salvation is indeed attainable. By plainly illustrating the blessed state that can be ours if we endure, they bolster and sustain our hope. Thus we see perhaps one more reason why a person will "get nearer to God by abiding by [the] precepts [of the Book of Mormon], than by any other book."⁽¹⁾

While our individual spiritual aim is to have our exaltation sealed upon our heads, our aim on the temporal level is to establish Zion. The House of Israel, like the faithful individual, will be redeemed, and the Savior will reign in their midst. All the promises made to Abraham's seed will be fulfilled. We, as individuals who make up that nation--having covenanted to follow the God of Israel--are to fulfill an important and exciting destiny in making Zion a reality. The closer we come to establishing it, the more intense the task will become.

Indeed, as we observe society today we see that iniquity abounds. Satan knows that he has "but a short time," and he is gaining a firm grip on many throughout the world. (Rev. 12:12.) Never has he been more clever and shrewd, deceiving even some of the very elect.⁽²⁾ Never has he had more power, as his deceived disciples rustle control of the world⁽³⁾ As the end draws nigh, the tribulations will grow increasingly intense.⁽⁴⁾ Truly we are in the midst of the greatest war for the souls of men that has taken place since the world began.

Meanwhile, the humble followers of Christ muster their courage and their strength. They are not only bracing themselves for the tremendous onslaught that lies ahead, but they are doing all they now can to stay the tide of evil. God and truth are on their side. They are armed not only with righteousness, but with "the power of God in great glory." (1 Ne. 14:14.)

As we strive to do our part in this struggle--a conflict that we might call the crucible in the history of the world--we are grateful for the added insights that Book of Mormon history provides. We are also appreciative of a prophet who has placed so much emphasis on this book and the principles it sets forth. The lessons from Lehite history assist in mapping out the course that leads to the establishment of a Zion society. They also help us expose more plainly the enemies encountered along the way so that we might more firmly resist and triumph over them. Analyzing this ancient record tells us how to fortify a nation against enemies of freedom, both from the outside and from within. For nations that may stray down the path of

wickedness and the captivity and destruction that follows, comparisons to scriptural history proclaim the means by which they may throw off their yokes and return to the course that leads to Zion. These lessons from the past proclaim the absolute need to trust in the Lord. They are not only useful for showing the means by which Zion may be attained, but they strengthen the hope that this legitimate utopia can and will be achieved.

The vision that comes into focus by comparing Book of Mormon history with the progression of the House of Israel from beginning to end might be the most comprehensive prophecy in all the scriptures available today. The distinct concentration of parallels with the critical day in which we live makes this vision most timely. The detailed applications it carries for individuals in their quest for exaltation make it most personal. The focus that it places on Christ makes it most appropriate.

We look forward to that time when the records containing the vision of all, "from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof," will come forth. (1 Ne. 27:7.) As we anticipate that day, we are grateful that the Lord has provided us with this means--symbolic parallels in Book of Mormon history--by which we may bridge the gap between what we have now and "the greater things" to come. (3 Ne. 26:9.) Hopefully, by so doing, we will not be numbered among the scorner, for to such, the Lord cautions, "Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!" (2 Ne. 28:29.) If we truly treasure the word of God, we will never let such words escape our mouth, "For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall." (28:28.)

Endnotes:

1. Joseph Smith, as quoted in Ezra Taft Benson, A Witness and a Warning, Deseret Book, 1988, p. 21.

"Would God that ALL the Lord's People Were PROPHETS"

Free Energy News • Patriot Saints • Inter-Continental Congress