Jacob 4

Because of the great difficulty of engraving my words on these metal plates, I cannot write but a small portion of what I’d like to say to future generations. I also recognize that any easier form of writing would not endure the test of time; so I pass along what I can and hope that these words from the past will be received with thanks and joy for the knowledge they impart, and not with contempt or sorrow for the ancestors whose story they tell.

I have made this record so that future generations will know that we recognized Jesus Christ and his glorious mission hundreds of years before his coming. Great prophets before us also knew of Christ’s coming and worshipped God in his name. We honor the law of Moses because it directs our souls to Jesus Christ. We honor Abraham and his obedience to God’s commands in surrendering his son Isaac for sacrifice, as a symbol of God and his only Son, Jesus Christ. Likewise, we study the prophets’ writings in search of revelations and witnesses for hope, so that our faith may remain unshakable. Through the strength of our faith we can command the trees, the mountains, and the waves of the sea to obey us in the name of Jesus Christ.

God also shows us our weakness, so that we will know that only by his grace do we have these powers. For this reason it is imperative that we listen to his revelations. The ways of God and the depths of his mysteries are impossible for men to fully know, but the power of his word created the earth and all men upon it. So, brothers, seek not to advise God, but rather to receive advice from him because his counsel is filled with wisdom, justice, and mercy in all his works.

By reconciling ourselves to the atonement of Christ, we can be resurrected through his power, and be among the first to receive God’s blessings, even before Christ physically comes to earth in the flesh. Rather than marvel at my words, take it upon yourselves to know of our potential for resurrection and of the world to come.

When the Spirit speaks through God’s prophets, men need to understand that this is the truth, and not a lie. These prophecies speak of how things really are, of how they will be, and of the salvation of our souls. These prophecies do not stand alone, but rather stand in the company of prophets from the past also. Because the Jews were stubborn people, they rejected these words, killed the prophets, and looked for things they didn’t understand. Because of their blindness, God has removed his clear messages to them, and they will fall.

Because I am led by the Spirit into prophecy, I see that the Jews will reject the only stone upon which they might ever build a safe foundation for themselves. Even so, the Spirit shows me how it will become possible for them to build a foundation upon this rejected cornerstone. Let me unfold this mystery for you.