The Universality of Nephi's Message

I’m impressed by the universality of Nephi’s message to us in the first two books of the Book of Mormon.  By that I mean the way that he gave teachings, promises, and warnings that were for all men and women.  Though he was of the House of Israel and often spoke of the purposes and future of Israel, it is clear as we study his words that the teachings he left us speak to all the world.  This is particularly evident in his final chapter.  He wrote, “And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ…. And now, my beloved brethren, all those who are of the house of Israel, and all ye ends of the earth, I speak unto you as the voice of one crying from the dust: Farewell until that great day shall come” (2 Nephi 33:10, 13).  He was concerned for “all the ends of the earth” as he testified of Christ and invited us to come unto Him.  He wrote to all of us that if we do not respect his words and the words “which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God” then they will “condemn you at the last day” (2 Nephi 33:14).  The testimony of Nephi was written and passed down to us for all the world to have. 

               Many other passages in Nephi’s writings confirm the universal nature of his witness.  For example, the angel’s words to him testified that all are required to take the gospel path to come to salvation:  “[The records] shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved” (1 Nephi 13:40).  Quoting his father, Nephi wrote, “For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents” (2 Nephi 2:21).  The Savior is the only path for men and women to gain salvation: “This is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 31:21).  Nephi bore witness also that God will help all His children to receive this salvation: “For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him” (1 Nephi 10:18).  God will prepare the way for all of us, not just for a few or for the Jews or only for the house of Israel; it is for “all men” from the very beginning.  Nephi wrote that the Lord will manifest Himself to all nations by His Spirit and through the working of miracles: “And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith” (2 Nephi 26:13). 

               That all of humankind are invited to come unto the Savior was Nephi’s testimony: “Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.”  If that wasn’t ubiquitous enough, he further testified, “He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile” (2 Nephi 26:25, 33).  There is no one who doesn’t come under the global reach of that description.  God is God over all of His children, or as Nephi quoted the Savior saying, “For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them” (2 Nephi 29:11).  Nephi sought to show us a God who was accessible to all mankind and bore witness that to obtain salvation we must all come through Jesus Christ: “And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish” (2 Nephi 11:6).  The Book of Mormon, the gospel, and the path to salvation through Jesus Christ are for all of God’s children.