2 Nephi 2:26 - 2:30
2 Nephi 2:26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
To overcome man’s fallen state, a Savior was selected and scheduled to come to earth to provide a way to get out of the sever punishments for sin. Man now has all the tools to progress towards godhood. He is free to chose, without compulsion, good or evil and has the knowledge to tell the difference. In addition, he will repent, someone else will suffer for his sins. Man’s motivation is trying to avoid the punishments that not repenting of his sins will bring upon him.
2 Nephi 2:27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
So men are free to chose what life style they want. They can choose joy and happiness by living the gospel and know that someone else will cover their mistakes and shortcomings. Or they can live by their own philosophies and become subject to the power that satan will have over such weak people which will make them as miserable as himself. Man has all the tools he needs to make this decision as to who he will follow.
2 Nephi 2:28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
Lehi as a loving parent wants his children to look to God for direction in life. Seek for the Holy Spirit to give you specific direction in all our trials.
2 Nephi 2:29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
Lehi is trying to get his children to not follow their own concepts of life so that they will not come under the captivating influence of satan. If you don’t chose God, you will by default chose satan. You cannot resist satan if you think you can do you own thing. Satan will conquer you if you turn your back of God.
2 Nephi 2:30 I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons, in the last days of my probation; and I have chosen the good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen.
Lehi ends his exhortations to his sons. He will die shortly and wants them to have his last words. He has done the best he could for them. He has always wanted to do want was pleasing to God. In spite of their opinions of their father, he has only done what he thought was good for them.
Wonder what was the feelings of the older brothers were during this last talk? Relief at not having to hear Lehi always pointing out their wickedness. Or maybe they could do what they pleased without having to observe religious ceremony.
