![]() ![]() ![]() Joseph was Jacob’s covenant son who, through Manasseh and Ephraim, received a double portion in Israel (Genesis 48:8–22). Lehi and Nephi inaugurated the American branch of a line of prophets descending from Joseph. In the times of the Gentiles, the Bible was to be the scriptural Elias, or forerunner, of the Book of Mormon. This knowledge inspired him to prophesy that the contents of the plates (comprising much of the Old Testament) would “go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed” (1 Nephi 5:17–19). Upon acquiring the plates of brass, he learned that he was a descendant of Joseph through Manasseh (1 Nephi 3:3, 12 5:14–16 6:2 Alma 10:3). McConkie testified, “It is the book that will save the world and prepare the sons of men for joy and peace here and now and everlasting life in eternity.” Indeed, his words and those of his fellow prophets in the Book of Mormon render that volume of scripture the keystone of salvation in this last gospel dispensation. Nephi not only set the prophetic tone for his people for a thousand years, but his voice rings out to the children of Lehi and all mankind in our day. These and many unidentified prophets reflected Nephi’s faith, courage, and commitment. Indeed, he was the prototype of those renowned Book of Mormon prophets and kings who came after him. One of these was Nephi, a truly superlative man. Few in number, they are heaven’s pillars on earth, upholding the various gospel dispensations. It originates in that God whose dominions forever flow unto him “without compulsory means” (D&C 121:46).įor the spiritually minded, the foremost of such men in this world are those towering figures comprising the prophets, seers, and revelators of the ages. This eternal principle of attraction functions like a spiritual law of gravity (D&C 88:40). ![]() Some men are “morning stars” of the first magnitude, possessing a luminescence so unique, so compelling, that lesser mortals bask in their reflected glory like so many planets orbiting the sun. Rodney Turner was a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University when this was published. ![]()
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