Following the first major set of Isaiah chapters, Nephi explains the role of Jesus. In chapter 25 he says it is revealed to him that the Messiah will come in 600 years and that his name will be Jesus Christ. (v. 19)
In Chapter 26 he expounds on that name by declaring that Jesus is the Christ; Jesus is the very Christ, the Eternal God. (v. 12) The Jews must come to know he is the very Christ; the gentiles that he is the Christ and the Eternal God.
It is these chapters that we first get the purposes of a Messiah (a Christ) started in the Book of Mormon. They are built upon throughout the book.
Nephi states that the words of Isaiah are clear to him in part because he is familiar with the references used as symbols. He is very close in time to Isaiah. Secondly, he finds Isaiah plain to understand because he has had similar spiritual experiences. The both saw the birth of the Savior in vision, as well as the various events of his life leading up to his suffering, death and resurrection.
In order to understand more deeply, the reader is invited to have similar experiences, or to at least read with the Spirit.
To be certain we are left without excuse, Nephi preaches, declares and prophesies with plainness, "For we labor diligently to write to persuade our children and also our brethren to believe in Christ and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace we are saved after all we can do." 2N 25:23
We cannot work our way to reconcile ourselves to God. It is only by the grace of Christ that it is possible. I hear constantly that grace comes after all we can do. I know our good works are a necessary element to the process, but nobody I know has done all they could do. If that truly is the standard, we are all doomed. The emphasis is better placed on the atonement and the grace that is allowed because we are willing to submit ourselves to God's will and make the necessary changes in ourselves that will allow the grace to make up the difference, for His grace is sufficient for all.
In reflecting on those talks and the writings regarding faith in Christ, I have concluded that all we can do includes repentance. If we are solidly on the path, we will receive that reconciliation that we, in our deepest selves, so much desire.
These chapters also invite us to worship Christ in order to avoid condemnation. Worship in this case in not to be interpreted as "pray to". Rather, it is to show reverence for Christ.
Chapter 26 contains Nephi's vision of the build up and destruction of the people of Lehi. Pride being the primary cause of the fall. He sees, both at the time after the resurrection and at the dispensation of the restoration how the righteous will embrace Christ's gospel and keep the commandments. These are they to whom he will manifest himself and through whom miracles will be performed.
The final lesson seems to be about priorities. He condemns priestcraft. It is this that men preach and set themselves up as a light to get gain and reputation. A Zion society would have no such thing. "The laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion for if they labor for money they shall perish."
Obviously, this covers those involved in priestcraft, but I think we must be cautious in setting our own goals and ambitions. Is what I deeply desire for the purpose of getting gain and praise rather than to have Christ manifest through me and my works?
When we are in a desperate situation we must be especially concerned that we are clear. I pray for such clarity.
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