1 Nephi 11:1

1 For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.

Nephi is shown this great vision as a result of him pondering (in an attitude of faith) the things that his father had taught. The importance of pondering and meditation along with sincere and quiet scripture study cannot be overestimated. The voice of the Lord, or the instruction of the Spirit comes in a still, small voice. In order to hear that still, quiet instruction, we must be still and quiet. In some cases, as recorded by a few prophets, the Spirit will take them away to mountains, usually to receive further instruction. My guess is that these mountains are like temples in that they allow you to be separated from the world for awhile. The Lord does not usually give us this kind of instruction until we demonstrate our readiness to receive it.

• D&C 138:11 — this section was received as a direct result of Joseph F. Smith pondering some scriptures.
• 3 Nephi 17:3 — Christ tells the people to go home and ponder the things He had taught them.

1 Nephi Chapter 11 Overview

Nephi sees the Spirit of the Lord and is shown in vision the tree of life—He sees the mother of the Son of God and learns of the condescension of God—He sees the baptism, ministry, and crucifixion of the Lamb of God—He sees also the call and ministry of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Between 600 and 592 B.C.

This is the beginning of a vision that is shown to Nephi and covers the next four chapters. In this chapter Nephi is shown the Tree of Life visions that Lehi saw. Nephi asks some questions about interpretation, so we get the meaning of this great vision. This really must be a significant vision that it is recorded twice. And I think there is evidence of it being shown to other cultures as well. It seems I saw something to that effect once, but I can’t say where or when.

1 Nephi 10:22

22 And the Holy Ghost giveth authority that I should speak these things, and deny them not.

When Nephi tells us that he is speaking with the authority of the Holy Ghost, he is telling us that his words are scripture. D&C 68:2–4 says that when those who are ordained to the priesthood, and their mission is to preach, speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost (i.e. with his authority), it is scripture. These are the words, mind, and will of the Lord, and we should heed them.

• D&C 68:2–4

1 Nephi 10:20–21

20 Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment. 21 Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.

Clearly we are judged according to our works as well as our faith. I love the way James puts it in James 2:14–18, when he talks about showing our faith by our works. I think that a major reason that works factor into our judgment so heavily is that works are a clear indicator of where our heart really is. In other words, we really are judged according to our desires, as Alma taught his son, Corianton, in Alma 41:3–6. Ultimately, we do what we either want to do, or we do something to avoid the consequences of not doing it. But it comes down to desire. We are judged according to our deepest heart’s desire. If we desire wickedness, we won’t try to overcome the natural tendency to be carnal. If we want righteousness, we may be weak and stumble, but our efforts will be to make positive changes, and our direction will be toward God. It really doesn’t matter where we are on the path that leads to eternal life, as long as we are on it and we are headed the right direction. The Atonement compensated for the rest.

• Ecclesiastes 12:14
• 1 Corinthians 6:9 (9–10)
• James 2:17–18
• Revelation 20:12–13
• Alma 11:36–37
• Alma 40:26
• Alma 41:3–6
• 3 Nephi 27:19
• D&C 138:20, 37
• Moses 6:57

1 Nephi 10:19

19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.

I like that Nephi adds the word “diligently” into the formula of seeking and finding. This implies much more than merely seeking. It implies that you may not get your answer on your first attempt, that you must exercise faith to get results. But after the trial of faith, the Lord opens even the mysteries of Godhood to us. This is part of being unchangeable and consistent.

• Matthew 7:7–11 [see JST for these verses]
• D&C 42:61

1 Nephi 10:18

18 For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.

It makes perfect sense that God would be the same yesterday, today, and forever. The reason people and things change is due to their imperfection. For the most part, when people change, they are getting better or worse. If we were perfect, as God is, we could not improve, and we may not have the ability to get worse either. Perfection implies that you have no desire or need to do imperfectly; you have overcome that. That being the case, God, being perfect, has no need or desire to change or overcome anything. So we can count on Him being completely consistent.

1 Nephi 10:15–17

15 And after this manner of language did my father prophesy and speak unto my brethren, and also many more things which I do not write in this book; for I have written as many of them as were expedient for me in mine other book.

16 And all these things, of which I have spoken, were done as my father dwelt in a tent, in the valley of Lemuel.

17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.

Nephi sets a good example here of seeking confirmation to the prophet’s words. There is no hint of doubting his father’s words or his message. He just wanted his own confirmation and greater understanding. Furthermore, Nephi clearly understood that he could receive his own vision. He knew that through faith and diligent effort, this could be expected. He also speaks of the power of the Holy Ghost, which I see as different from the Light of Christ, or even the Gift of the Holy Ghost. We can certainly have those things without power. The power of the Holy Ghost comes after we diligently seek for it, or to know the Lord. This is an important distinction. Where we can enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost almost passively (as long as we are not doing anything really wrong) the power of the Holy Ghost comes after some diligent effort on our part. We can’t be passive and have that kind of power. It takes desire, faith, and diligently seeking out the Lord. Then we receive this power of the Holy Ghost, by which we “may know the truth of all things.” Seeking confirmation after hearing the words of the prophet is not showing doubt, but faith.

• Moroni 10:7 (4–5, 7, 19)
• D&C 20:26