True belief brings obedience

"Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words." - 2 Nephi 5:6

Those that blieved in the warnings and revelations of God were also obedient. Obedience is an indication that you truly believe in the principles of the gospel. Those that followed Nephi were obedient "in all things." In 2 Nephi 5:10 it states: "And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses."

It is because of their obedience that they were blessed of the Lord. Continuting in 2 Nephi 5:11,13 we read: "And the Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly; for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. ... And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly, ..."

The words of his father

"Nevertheless, I speak unto you again; for I am desirous for the welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; and ye yourselves know that it ever has been. For I have exhorted you with all diligence; and I have taught you the words of my father; and I have spoken unto you concerning all things which are written, from the creation of the world." - 2 Nephi 6:3

Jacob taught the people the "words of [his] father." We read that Christ also taught the words of his father.

• John 12:50


• John 5:19-20


• John 8:26-28


• John 8:38

The teaching received from a father is indispensable. It becomes the foundation for all learning and teaching.

Blind Man

"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." - John 9:1-3

The works of God were first made manifest in him when he was healed of his blindness (John 9:6-7). The greater work was when the man believed "on the Son of God" (John 9:35-38). Everything Jesus did was geared at bringing God's children back into his presence. This miracle caused faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This faith is the building block and the staring point for all who will come to God.

Redeemed

"But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love." - 2 Nephi 1:15

Encourage Obedience

"Wherefore, I, Nephi, did strive to keep the commandments of the Lord, and I did exhort my brethren to faithfulness and diligence." - 1 Nephi 17:15

Nephi was not content to be obedient on his own. He encouraged others to be obedient as well.