Plain and Precious

1 Nephi 13

I didn't count how many times that phrase is in this chapter. It's got to be at least 10. But it's a lot.

This makes me think about what is 'plain and precious' in the Book of Mormon that maybe isn't as clear (or even present) in the Bible. I mean, what does the Book of Mormon teach really clearly and thoroughly?

- Mission of Jesus Christ
- Meaning of the Atonement
- True nature of God
- What happens to us after we die
- The purpose of our life here on Earth
- How and when to pray
- How to do missionary work
- Abrahamic covenant
- Order of the priesthood

I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting about, but those are the ones that came to mind. I know the Bible teaches these things, too...but I'm flummoxed to think of what it must have taught BEFORE. Verse 29 says that it's missing a lot of stuff that was 'plain to the understanding of the children of men' and because of that, 'an exceedingly great many do stumble, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them.'

I mean...wow. What must have been there? What are we missing now? In v 26 it says that plain and precious parts as well as 'many covenants of the Lord' were taken out. I'm crazy curious. I think we can guess what must have been there when we read the Book of Mormon. The Lord makes it clear in this chapter that the Book of Mormon is actually a form of MERCY to the Gentiles who only have the Bible in its chopped to pieces format. He knows that they couldn't possibly understand the Gospel fully when so much of it had gone missing.

34...I will be merciful unto the Gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring forth unto them, in mine own power, much of my gospel, which shall be plain and precious, saith the Lamb.

So I guess I can assume that lots of what is missing from the Bible is covered. It says clearly in v 24 that the Bible did once contain the fulness of the Gospel. And we know now that the Gospel has been restored that we have the fulness at this time with both books together. And that's an important thing to remember. Elder Scott mentioned specifically in this last conference that we need to be studying the Bible (including the Old Testament) and learning what it has to teach us. It's good for me to hear that. I think I cling to the Book of Mormon because it is so easy for me to get and reread...and you have to admit that the over-arching story is rather epic and awesome to read. However, the Bible is a necessary part of our 'fulness of the Gospel.' The Book of Mormon says so:

41 And they must come according to the words which shall be established by the mouth of the Lamb; and the words of the Lamb shall be made known in the records of thy seed, as well as in the records of the twelve apostles of the Lamb; wherefore they both shall be established in one; for there is one God and one Shepherd over all the earth.

Hm. I guess this means I need to wedge in some Biblical scripture study somehow. My Old Testament study has always been rather like...swiss cheese.