2 Nephi 12–15

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1. Finish the following statements for yourself in your study journal:

   • The best things about living in the last days are

   • The worst things about living in the last days are

The Lord has revealed both blessings and warnings about living in the last days to many ancient prophets. One of those prophets was the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, who lived in Jerusalem a little more than 100 years before Lehi and his family. Nephi knew Isaiah was a special witness of Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 11:2) and delighted so much in his words that he took the time to include many of Isaiah’s prophecies in his own records.

Ponder the following questions. You will return to these questions again at the end of the lesson.

• Why might the Lord reveal blessings and warnings of the last days to us?

• What does that teach you about Him?

• How might knowing these things help you?

Seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost to help you answer these questions throughout this lesson.

Isaiah warned us of certain behaviors and attitudes in the last days. Read the following sets of verses, looking for what Isaiah prophesied.

• 2 Nephi 12:7–11 (Haughtiness refers to pride and mean refers to lacking dignity or being a lowly person.)

• 2 Nephi 13:5, 9, 15–17 (Sodom was a place of wickedness and immorality. Wanton means lustful.)

• 2 Nephi 15:20–23

• What stood out to you?

• What are some examples of these things in the world today?

• Why is it a blessing that the Lord told us to look out for these things?

As you continue your study, look for blessings the Lord has provided for the last days. Ponder how these blessings may help us as we face the challenges Isaiah foresaw.

Isaiah used many symbols in his prophecies. Pondering what these symbols represent can help you unlock personal meaning from the scriptures.

Read 2 Nephi 12:1–3, looking for the main symbol that Isaiah used to teach what would “come to pass in the last days” (2 Nephi 12:2).

• What do you think “the mountain of the Lord’s house” could refer to? Why?

It can be useful to ponder whether a symbol, in this case a mountain, has been significant in other scriptures. For example, Moses and other prophets went to a mountain to know the Lord and receive instruction from Him (see Exodus 3; 20). At times, mountains have served a purpose similar to temples.

• How might a mountain be like a temple?

With the symbol identified, reread these verses and look for what the Lord does for us in His house.

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2. Answer the following questions:

   • How has worshipping in the temple (or preparing to enter the temple) helped you learn of the Lord’s ways or walk in His paths?

   • How can temples help us as we face the challenges of the last days?

Isaiah gave another prophecy. Read 2 Nephi 14:5–6, looking for what the Lord will do for His people. The following information may be useful for you:

• Dwelling place is a home.

• Assemblies of Mount Zion are where the Lord’s people meet, like branches, wards, and stakes.

• A tabernacle in Old Testament times specifically referred to a portable tent that served as the temple for the Israelites for hundreds of years. This could represent the temple or a place of worship today.

• A covert is a place of cover or shelter.

• What do you think the cloud by day and the flaming fire by night symbolize?

• How were the cloud and fire important to Moses and the children of Israel? (see Exodus 13:21).

• With that understanding, what do you think the Lord promised He would do for His people in 2 Nephi 14:5–6?

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a similar promise:

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Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Our testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ, our homes, our families, and our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be our personal fortresses of protection surrounding us and shielding us from the power of the evil one. (Ronald A. Rasband, “Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 110)

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3. Answer the following questions:

   • How has your home, ward, or branch or the temple been a place of spiritual protection and refuge for you?

   • How can these promises help us as we face the challenges of the last days?

Take some time to answer the three questions you pondered at the beginning of the lesson. Consider writing in your study journal what you learned about the Lord and how these prophecies can help you. You could include behavior or attitudes you want to avoid, as well as ways you might seek spiritual help from the Lord in your home, ward, or branch or in the temple.