1 Nephi 13 - All Things Which Are Good Cometh of God

As part of his vision, Nephi sees the Medieval Period, the Age of Discovery, and the American Revolution. Nephi is shown these historical events to illustrate the role that the Gentiles (those of non-Jewish descent) would play in preserving and spreading the Bible, restoring the Gospel, and bringing Nephi's posterity back to a knowledge of Christ.

Why did the Lord go to such lengths to show Nephi these things? Why is it so important that we have and know these things today? It is important for me to understand the gospel and my life in the context of the grand arc of human history. Knowing about and believing in the eventual victory of good over evil holds despair at bay and provides the hope I need to make righteous decisions today, even when personal and global circumstances feel daunting or overwhelming. Getting a glimpse of the complexity of the work that God is doing with His children on earth and the diversity of those children also gives me space to tolerate, accept, and love people of radically different backgrounds. All the conflicts, pain, and failings of the world are circumscribed within Christ's ability to make them right.

The Great and Abominable Church

A concept that is introduced in Nephi's vision is that of "the great and abominable church," or Satan's organized effort to undermine righteousness.  This "church" has wreaked havoc since Cain slew Abel, and continues to challenge the peace, happiness, and salvation of God's children today. The Encyclopedia of Mormonism defines the great and abominable church as "all those who are against God and who fight against Zion, in all periods of time" (Wright, Dennis). In Mormon Doctrine, Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained “the titles 'church of the devil' and 'great and abominable church' are used to identify all … organizations of whatever name or nature—whether political, philosophical, educational, economic, social, fraternal, civic, or religious—which are designed to take men on a course that leads away from God and his laws and thus from salvation in the kingdom of God” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 137–38).

It is easy to think of the 'great and abominable church' as something other-ly, as something distant and terrible. The impulse to disassociate myself from instigators of genocide, war, hate, and even political disfunction is almost automatic. As Nephi learns later in his vision, though, "there are only two churches, one of the Lamb of God and one of the devil" (1 Nephi 14:10).

I take two important points from this teaching. 1.) No one religion or organization has a corner on the market of goodness and 2.) If I am not actively serving as a member of the Church of the Lamb of God, I am complicit collaborator with Satan. 

All Things Which Are Good Cometh of God

To be clear, I believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's true and living church on the earth today. I believe that it has specific authority from God (priesthood) to act and speak in His name, and to perform ordinances that are important to the eternal salvation of all people. Saying that I know this church to be the most correct, and that it is personally led by Christ, however, in no way diminishes the truth, goodness, and beauty that exists in other religions. As another Book of Mormon prophet, Moroni, explained: "Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God" (Moroni 7:12-13). This echoes the teachings of James in the New Testament that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

When I have attended religious services with my Baptist and non-denomination friends, when I have entered Daoist and Buddhist temples and considered their teachings, and when I have heard the Pope speak I have felt the Spirit witness of the veins of truth running through them. I have been deeply impressed and humbled by the examples of goodness and faith from people of many religious (or non-religious) backgrounds.

I treasure the unique covenants I have made through the power of the priesthood, and prize the doctrines taught in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I will continue to share those teachings and encourage others to join this church. I also see all sincere people acting for good as brothers and sisters, fellow members under a broader pavillion of the Church of the Lamb of God.

Of What Fold Are Ye?

Later in the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma asks, "if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye?" (Alma 5:39). This question reminds me of the need each day to recommit to love and serve God and those around me. I may have been baptized a member of the church, I may attend my meetings, pay tithing, and generally keep the commandments, but my imperfections and failings are ever-present. These shortfalls obstruct my full membership in the Church of the Lamb of God. They represent my flirtations with the great and abominable church. The decision between the Church of the Lamb of God and the great and abominable church is not a strict binary decision; it is spectrum upon which we all slide based on our actions, words, and desires.

Through the Atonement of Christ, I know I can repent and improve each day. I can partake of the sacrament weekly and be made clean through the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. I can try to be more generous, more kind, and more obedient. Through these consistent efforts, I can eventually remove my name from the roles of the great and abominable church and serve God will full purpose of heart. 

Image Credit: Norman Rockwell