1 AND now I, Nephi, make an end of my prophesying unto you, [ Which he started back in 2 Ne 24:4. ] my beloved brethren. And I cannot write but a few things, which I know must surely come to pass; neither can I write but a few of the words of my brother Jacob.

2 Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words [ (2 Nephi:31-33) ] which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; [ Nephi is coming to the close of his mortal ministry, and as most people tend to do at the end of their life they want to make sure that those things that are important to them are brought to the attention of those that they love. In this case - the doctrines of Christ. ] wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness [ If you look up the word "plainness" in the Webster 1828 dictionary (the language of Joseph Smith's day), as well as the Greek definition (in Bible hub). A more correct definition would be "boldness". Here are a few highlights that are helpful: From Webster's 1828 definition: 2. Openness; rough, blunt or unrefined frankness. 3. Artlessness; simplicity; candor; as unthinking plainness 4. Clearness; openness; sincerity. Seeing then we have such hope, we use great plainness (or boldness in other translations) of speech . 2 Corinthians 3:12. (From Bible Hub) GREEK: parrésia: freedom of speech, confidence Usage: freedom, openness, especially in speech; boldness, confidence. HELPS Word-studies 3954 parrhēsía (from 3956 /pás, "all" and rhēsis, "a proverb or statement quoted with resolve," L-S) – properly, confidence (bold resolve), leaving a witness that something deserves to be remembered (taken seriously). ] of my prophesying.

3 For my soul delighteth [ Isaiah used this phrase as well Isa. 42:1 & D&C 25:12. ] in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.

4 Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, [ Vs 5 teaches us why the son of God who is perfect needed to be baptized. ] which should take away the sins of the world. [ Or who(Jesus Christ) is the one who will take away the sins of the world. ]

5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, [ The reason why Christ was baptized was to fulfil all righteousness, in other words God commanded that we do so. God wanted us to covenant with him that we would be obedient. So in essence baptism is a covenant of obedience. How does Christ being baptized fulfill all righteousness? vs 7 through his unwavering obedience to the wishes of his Father. Total and complete submission to his fathers will. Showing both humility and obedience. ] O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? [ Or how did Jesus Christ fulfil all righteousness by being baptized of water? This is a very good question and one that since it was asked we need to be able to answer. Where do we find the answer? In verses 7-10 ]

7  Know ye not that he was holy? [ He was without sin. Suggesting that he did not need to be cleansed from sin. ] But notwithstanding [ However; even though he did not have any sin. ] he being holy, he [ Jesus Christ. ] showeth unto the children of men [ That is each of us. ] that, according to the flesh [ The conditions and laws that govern in mortality - condescension of God - Christ had to experience suffering~ pain and afflictions that he may know how to succor his people. ] he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father [ Joseph Smith said that "Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the Kingdom of God". (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 197.)" ] that he [ Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ] would be obedient [ That is the answer - TO BE OBEDIENT. Obedience is the First Law of Heaven and The Gospel as well. Think Adam and Eve. What was the first thing that God gave them to do while they were still in the garden, right after they had taken of the fruit? He made a covenant with them that if they would be obedient from this time forward he provide for them a Savior. So the question that needs to be asked is can we be disobedient before we covenant to be obedient? The answer is that we can only be accountable to the extend that we understand the law. This is why Mormon bring it up that children cannot sin. ] unto him [ Jesus Christ. ] in keeping his [ Heavenly Father's. So Jesus Christ was baptized as a witness of a covenant of obedience. See verse 10. ] commandments.

8 Wherefore, after he [ Jesus Christ. ] was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.

9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, [ So if the path requires the Savior to do everything that is expected of him then why would our Father in heaven expect any less of us? We are taught in no uncertain terms that the path to return to him requires a very strict obedience in order to obtain it. ] by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. [ This is what the Savior said, do as you have seen me do. Be obedient as I have been obedient. ] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? [ Good question is phrased here by Nephi, can we? If God required it of his son who was perfect he will require it of us. ]

11 And the Father said: Repent ye, [ Change your character. ] repent ye, [ Change your character. ] and be baptized in the name of my Beloved son.

12 And also, the voice of the son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.

13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if [ Now we are about to get the testimony from Nephi. If you will do this - then this will happen to you as well. ] ye shall follow the son, with full purpose of heart, [ If you will strive to change your character to be like his character. ] acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, [ Having the determination to serve him. ] by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, [ Showing that your are obedient. ] according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; [ First semi-colon which suggests the end of an idea. so it is at some point after you decide to follow that you will receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Baptism is the precursor to receiving the Holy Ghost. ] yea, then cometh the baptism of fire [ Then after you ahve the baptism of the Holu Ghost you will receive the baptism of fire. See 2 Ne 31:17 baptism by fire – what do we know about fire? It literally changes the physical and chemical make up of an object - so we can conclude that first there is a change in ones soul. ] and of the Holy Ghost; [ This is the end of the second idea. Again we are building upon each other. Follow; baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. This may take some time for these two to happen in our lives. ] and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, [ What does this mean? The footnote suggests we look at 2 Nephi 32: 2-3. The tongue of angels – if we are speaking with the tongue of angels, it would appear then that we are speaking the words of Christ. Maybe even being taught by angels. Digging deeper does it relate to the third phase of light which is ‘more sure word of prophecy’. Isn’t that what we see in this scripture? We become convinced of the words of Christ, angels speak by the words of Christ, and then we can, so it’s the more sure word of prophecy. This is the pattern that is there as the way we receive light and knowledge. ] and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.

14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the son unto me, saying: After ye have repented [ You have began the process of character change. ] of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father [ That you are willing to enter a covenant to be obedient to his laws. (D&C 20:37) ] that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, [ So we have it that the baptism is the witness to God that you are willing to be obedient to his will. It is through the ordinance of baptism that we formally commit. Baptism is not a cleansing but rather it is a witness, a covenant with God to keep his commandments. (Mosiah 18:10) ] and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, [ Nephi will define this better in 2 Ne 25:4 when he discusses the principles of revelation. Those who have spiritual gifts can perceive spiritual things, they understand spiritual things. The things of God are not lost to them. The Adamic language which was pure and was able to communicate better the things of God? ] and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me. [ Let's define; who is he talking about here? Those who would deny him or those who know and simply turn away from him - ie NOT those who would be sons of perdition. Now why would it be better that they had not known him? Well as they started down the path of knowing him, and they made covenants with him; they became different (they made committments) so to turn away after making committments is worse than if you never had made the committments (covenants). How do people that make committments and then do not do them become different - leaving the gospel out of the equation? How does one keeping their commitments compare to those who endure to the end? Can or should they both expect the same reward? ]

15 And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

16 And now, my beloved brethren, I know [ I am testifying to you. ] by this [ The principles that he has outlined above - that if you make covenants and you are diligent you will receive additional personal revelation, however if you are not diligent you would have been better off not to have made the covenants. ] that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the son of the living God, he cannot be saved. [ Continual commitment is required; or in other words it is not just as simple as saying I believe and then going about your life as if nothing had changed. Nephi will now proceed to tell us what it means to endure to the end. See Matt 10:22. ]

17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; [ 1) We must follow the example of Christ. ] for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance [ Repentance first, we must change our character. ] and baptism by water; [ Then witness to God that we have changed and are willing from this time forward to be obedient to his will. ] and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. [ We cannot receive the gift of the Holy Ghost unless we have entered into a covenant of obedience. Once we have entered into that covenant, we can then receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which gift will allow us, through our agency and process of changing character, to receive that forgiveness of sins. The remission of sins comes by the Holy Ghost, not the action of being baptized itself. (Moroni 6:4.) Baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory (Or baptism must proceed the reception of the Holy Ghost) to the reception of the Holy Ghost; it is the channel and key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered... There are two Comforters spoken of. One is the Holy Ghost, the same as given on the day of Pentecost, and that all Saints receive after faith, repentance, and baptism. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 148 -149.) You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half-that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 314.) Or a covenant of obedience is required before you can get the gift of the Holy Ghost. So how do we know when we are truly forgiven of our sins? We know in when we have received two parts. First because our soul has been changed by the fire (our desires are just different), second we receive a confirmation by the Holy Ghost see 3 Nephi 12:2. ]

18 And then [ After you have repented and have received a remission of your sins. After you have been baptized and made the covenant to be obedient to the will of the Father. ] are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, [ Note the progression of things here. We cannot receive the Holy Ghost until we have made a covenant to be obedient to God. ] which witnesses of the Father and the son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. [ What do we stand to receive? All that the Father has. The key to the knowledge of God. This is why the gift of the Holy Ghost is done by those who hold the Melchizedek priesthood.(D&C 84:19 ...this greater priesthood...holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God). Or the key that unlocks the door to receive a true and sure knowledge of God - which here comes after you have received the Holy Ghost. ]

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. [ 2) we must rely on Christ and his merits - meaning that we have to trust him; believing that he has the power to save us and we live our life with that faith in him. ]

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, [ Salvation and exaltation do not just come by declaring once that Jesus Saves or that you are born again. What does it mean to press forward with steadfastness in Christ? First we need to be moving forward not resting on our laurels, we need to be doing positive things (Forward). Steadfastness suggests that we have a plotted coarse, a plan. If have to work at the plan. Which is the Lord's plan for us. If we do not know what that is then we need to find out. ] having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, [ The Olympic Theme song brings forth the words Citius - Faster. Altius - Higher. Fortius - Stronger. Is this not the "call of Champions". Not just for the highest level of athletic competition, but as a call for all who would be Disciples. We need to be: Faster - to forgive; Higher - in our level of covenant keeping and Stronger - in our faith in Christ . It is not a call to be the Fast -est or High-est or Strong -est. The Olympics are about the commitment of self in striving to accomplish your personal best. To achieve this we must focus Every day. Champions are never made overnight and without a great deal of struggle and sacrifice - so it is with us. They have a single minded goal and focus and maintain a strong devotion to that goal. They practice, and practice and practice. If they fail, they try again. Everything that you admire about an Olympic Champion, you must incorporate as as you strive to be a disciple of Christ. ] feasting [ Taking as much of it in as you can, gluttony of... There is a great deal of symbolism here when we relate feasting upon that which will bring forth eternal life. The most obvious is the imagery that comes from the Tree of Life found in 1 Ne 8; 1 Ne 11. Here we are pressing forward on a righteous path; feasting upon the fruit found on the tree of life. Knowing that the path is both strait and narrow; and getting off that path would lead us into the mists of darkness. We must remain on the path holding to the rod until we reach the tree. ] upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved [ There are no exceptions - none. You can like it or not but this is the law from God. If God is going to put forth a plan to save men then men must reach out and make an effort on their part to accept that plan. ] in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, [ This is the gospel, it is not the plan of men; it is not Nephi's plan - it is Gods only plan. ] and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.