2 Nephi 1

The True Messiah

Messiah — the Anointed One (Hebrew; Greek 'Christ')

But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord—having a knowledge of the creation of the earth, and all men, knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of the world; having power given them to do all things by faith; having all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his infinite goodness into this precious land of promise—behold, I say, if the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is just shall rest upon them. 2 Nephi 1:10

Lehi stacks titles on one Person: the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, the Redeemer, and God. Rejecting Jesus Christ is what would cost his descendants the promised land.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in 1 Nephi 10:4 — Lehi's earlier prophecy of the Messiah, the Savior of the world.
• the same title in 1 Nephi 10:14 — Israel shall come to the knowledge of the true Messiah.

Holy One of Israel

Holy One of Israel — the Lord set apart in holiness who belongs to and redeems Israel

But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord—having a knowledge of the creation of the earth, and all men, knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of the world; having power given them to do all things by faith; having all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his infinite goodness into this precious land of promise—behold, I say, if the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is just shall rest upon them. 2 Nephi 1:10

The first title in Lehi's list is the Holy One of Israel, whom he equates with the true Messiah.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in 1 Nephi 22:21 — Nephi identifies the Holy One of Israel as the prophet Moses foretold.

Their Redeemer and Their God

Redeemer — one who buys back, freeing from bondage by paying the price

But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord—having a knowledge of the creation of the earth, and all men, knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of the world; having power given them to do all things by faith; having all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his infinite goodness into this precious land of promise—behold, I say, if the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is just shall rest upon them. 2 Nephi 1:10

The Messiah is also their Redeemer and their God, and 'him that is just' whose judgments come on those who reject Him. The Redeemer is also the Judge.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Mormon 5:10-11 — Mormon mourns that his people could have been clasped in the arms of Jesus but would not repent.

The Lord Who Redeemed My Soul

But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love. 2 Nephi 1:15

Lehi gives his personal testimony: the Lord redeemed his soul from hell, he has seen the Lord's glory, and he is wrapped forever in the arms of His love. It is a witness of Christ's redeeming love from someone who had seen Him in vision.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 1 Nephi 1:9 — Lehi saw One descending out of heaven whose luster was above the sun.
• the same event in D&C 6:20 — Christ: 'I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.'
• the same title in Mormon 6:17 — Jesus stood with open arms to receive the fallen.

The Lord's Covenant Voice

And he hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence. 2 Nephi 1:20

Lehi quotes the Lord's own words of the land covenant. Latter-day Saints understand this covenant voice as Jehovah, the premortal Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes 1 Nephi 2:20-21 — The Lord's original promise to Nephi about prospering or being cut off.
• the same event in Alma 36:30 — Alma restates the same promise.