Nephi sees in the latter-days the same defect which Christ mentioned to Joseph Smith in the First Vision. People in our day who have religion think they have a guarantee from God without regard to their individual “righteousness.” As Joseph recorded it:
“the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: ‘they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.’” (JS-H 1: 19.)
This defect was why the Lord reestablished His Church and restored His covenants. However, mankind is so easily tempted into pride and false security, this defect can and does tempt members of the Lord’s Church as well.
The restoration of the Gospel was not intended to give those who join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a free-pass from obedience and sacrifice. Far from it; it was intended to invite people to commence and maintain a life of obedience and sacrifice. Christ’s Church was always intended for the humble, in whom the gifts of the Spirit dwell. It was never intended for the proud, disobedient and sophisticated who prize “ever learning” over finding the truth. Nephi is addressing all those of the latter-days who entertain false religious beliefs, and in particular false beliefs about their worthiness before God. This can be extended even to those who feel themselves comfortable in “Zion” and who believe “all is well.” We have seen Nephi saying this in the material we considered earlier in his explanations. Therefore we should consider that these words of verse 1 are addressed to a Latter-day Saint audience, as well.
He wants to confront us and make us reconsider whether we are really in harmony with God. Though we claim to be so, Nephi wants us to consider this assumption thoughtfully. Religious people invariably claim this status. It takes something more than religion, however, for such assertions to be made in “truth” and in “righteousness.” Being religious is easy. Having some kind of religious affiliation salves the troubled conscious. The audience Nephi is talking to does not lack religion, but lacks substance to their faith.
These words are intended to trouble the religious (including the Saints) and stir them into reconsidering their hearts. Are you really “true” and do you really have “righteousness,” or are you merely religious? It was religious people who persecuted and killed the Prophets, who crucified Christ, who drove away Lehi and his family with threats to their lives, and who led the mob at Carthage in killing Joseph. Indeed, getting people past their religious bigotry and superstition has always been the great hurdle for the true Gospel. You should be asking yourself as you read Nephi’s confronting words whether you exhibit the fruits of the Spirit or are merely a dead branch without fruit. There have always been dead branches among each of the Lord’s vineyards. Latter-day Saints are no exception.
Nephi’s message is intended to be challenging, not comforting. We should not apply this message outwardly to judge others. It is wrong to say to ourselves we are better than others because we have the restored truth, and have left behind false religion. Nephi is writing to help the Saints who have the Book of Mormon and are studying it. He is challenging us
The questions before us are:
If your answer to any of these or similar questions is “no,” then having a temple recommend is not enough. Salvation will require more of you. Nephi wants us to take a sober inventory of such things, because he wants more of us to be saved.