Read the full chapter here: 2 Nephi 28
Passage #1
And they shall contend one with another; and their priests shall contend one with another, and they shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance.
2 Nephi 28:4
Precept #1
Don’t argue about the Gospel. Listen to the Holy Ghost and trust Him more than you trust the teachings of other people.
How often do you Bible-bash? What is a better approach when beliefs and doctrines conflict between friends and family members? Does anyone ever point to God as a means for resolving the conflict?
Passage #2
Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.
And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin . . .
Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark.
2 Nephi 28:7-8
Precept #2
Don’t believe it’s ok to sin even just a little and beware of anyone who suggests otherwise.
When did you last set aside your standards – even just a little – just to have a good time? Do you call those who do wickedly blessed or happy and wish to join them? Or are you firm in knowing, believing, and following those practices which bring true happiness?
Passage #3
Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up. . . .
They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.
2 Nephi 28:12, 14
Precept #3
Be a humble follower of Christ. Bow yourself before God. Don’t let other people lead you astray or cause you to err.
Do you know how to check if what you understand and believe is correct? How many mistakes do you make because you have been taught incorrectly or otherwise possess false beliefs?
Passage #4
But behold, if the inhabitants of the earth shall repent of their wickedness and abominations they shall not be destroyed, saith the Lord of Hosts.
2 Nephi 28:17
Precept #4
Repent.
What about yourself – your thoughts, your beliefs, your choices – have you been trying to change so it lines up more with God’s teachings and instructions?
Passage #5
For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.
Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.
2 Nephi 28:20-23
Precept #5
Don’t let Satan cheat your soul from the richness of God by believing his lies or distracting you from doing what is good and right.
What is the focus of your life? Do you spend it trying to build up the kingdom of God in all that you do? Or are you complacent and happy with things as they are, believing that all is well in Zion?
Bonus Passage
And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.
For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
2 Nephi 28:28, 30
Bonus Precept
Build your beliefs and decision making on the truth given by God and love it! Let Him build you little by little day by day until you have received all He has to give you.
What was the last line or precept God gave to you? How long ago was it? Have you been living by it?
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