Br. Martins' Lecture Notes for Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 28-30

Questions for Review:

1. Identify two characteristics of churches in the last days not built unto the Lord: (2 Nephi 28:4)

2 Nephi 28

Characteristics of apostate churches: (3-6, 26; see Mormon 9:7-11)

Contend one with another

By this we understand that the true church of Christ doesn't need to engage in futile attacks against any other church, even when provoked to do so

Teach with their learning
Deny the Holy Ghost and the power of God

That implies a denial of the need for continuous revelation and priesthood authority

Deny the existence of miracles

Characteristics of apostate doctrines and philosophies in the latter-days: (7-9)

Focused on the present, unconcerned with the future
Centered on the satisfaction of appetites and passions
Tolerate "little sins", dishonesty, plots
Lack of concern for the Lord's commandments or judgments

Churches become corrupted because of pride (12-13; see also Mormon 8:28)

Preachers envious of the meek and humble
Greater preoccupation with "externalities": elegance of clothing, architectural styles, etc.

Humble followers also stumble because of false doctrines (14)

Satan's strategies to deceive and enslave the people (20-22, 24-25)

Instill anger in some people against whatever is good and praiseworthy (see verse 28)
Tranquilize others into apathy and inaction
Induce disbelief in himself, thus getting people to "lower their guard"

Do not trust the arm of the flesh (31)

. That implies unconditional trust in mortal powers, solutions, and courses of conduct

2 Nephi 29

Another characteristic of apostasy: rejection of additional revelations and books of scripture (see 28:29-30)

The Lord uses the testimonies of more than one nation (7-8)

The words of the Lord have no end (9-10; see also Moses 1:37-38)

The Lord has spoken to many nations, and in due time we will have all those words (12-13)

2 Nephi 30

The Lord makes covenants with repentant believers (2)

In the millennium all secret acts will be revealed (16-17; see D&C 1:3)

. In that day we will learn the true history of the world: without historians' interpretations and suppositions, and without distortions caused by "media hype"

. Nothing will be hidden-no matter what happened, where or when, all is recorded in the archives of eternity

Fulness of revelations in the millennium (18; see also D&C 101:32-34; 121:26-31)