2 Nephi 28-29
During FHE in our home last week, we shared our testimonies of the Book of Mormon. We learned from one missionary how much a specific verse meant to him during real challenges he was experiencing during his mission. From another we learned how much the Book of Mormon had meant to him, as he accepted the challenge to read it and re-read it during the first months of his mission. Sister Court and I love the Book of Mormon. We read it everyday. It helps us, everyday.
These two chapters tell you more about how the Lord feels about the Book of Mormon and the Bible. He also gives us some of the reasons why scriptures are so important, as He outlines some of Satan’s tactics to trap and bind us in these latter days.
We hope you find real peace and power as you study these chapters! They can help each of us, and friends the Lord brings us as we’re fulfilling our missionary purpose, to draw closer to Jesus Christ and receive His restored gospel!
1. Satan’s Deceptive Strategies (2 Nephi 28)
Nephi exposes the specific, subtle tactics used to mislead people in the last days. Rather than always using an open, direct attack, spiritual manipulation happens gradually.
Pacification and Carnal Security - He lulls people into a false sense of security, convincing them that "all is well in Zion" (2 Nephi 28:21).
Flattery - He flatters them by whispering that there is no devil and no hell, stripping away their sense of spiritual accountability (2 Nephi 28:22).
Anger - He stirs people up to rage against that which is good (2 Nephi 28:20).
Rationalization: He promotes a worldly philosophy, encouraging people to "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die," under the false pretense that God will justify a "little sin" (2 Nephi 28:7–8). This happens differently in the mission. We had a wise missionary share with us something his father taught him - “You have two years to serve your mission and the rest of your life to think about it.”
When you’re thinking about your day to day work as a missionary, think about this verse and how it might apply to you. If you’ve not always had a testimony of obedience, just repent, ask for help, and try again! The Lord is so merciful and you’ll be surprised how your mission gets so much better!
2. Line Upon Line Learning vs. Complacency (2 Nephi 28)
Nephi explains the contrasting ways people respond to divine truth -
The Danger of Complacency - God issues a stern warning to those who reject new truth because they feel they already possess enough knowledge. Those who say "we have enough" will find that even what they currently have will be taken away (2 Nephi 28:29–30).
Continuous Revelation - Conversely, God operates on the principle of giving truth "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little." He promises to give more knowledge to those who actively receive and obey what they have already been given (2 Nephi 28:30).
3. The Rejection of Additional Scripture (2 Nephi 29)
Chapter 29 transitions to God’s direct voice responding to people in the latter days who reject the Book of Mormon by declaring, "A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible!" (2 Nephi 29:3).
A Multi-Nation Witness - The Lord rebukes this narrow view, reminding readers that He created all men and speaks to all nations, not just one (2 Nephi 29:7).
The Purpose of Two Witnesses - He clarifies that when two separate nations write His words, the testimonies run parallel to establish the truth of His work (2 Nephi 29:8).
This proves that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that He actively remembers His covenants with all His children across the earth (2 Nephi 29:9).
Finally, check out Elder Bednar as part of your personal or companionship study. He exposes some of the tactics of the adversary in this talk and gives some great counsel and promises in the closing section called, Invitation, Promise, and Testimony! We love you so very much!