The notion of our being able to abide by the law is as ridiculous as the notion of our being able to walk on water. It is simple, we can't. Yet, in being given the law as a standard of perfection, the task becomes just that impossible. There is one way to do cross the gulf between us and our heavenly home, only one way. That way is to rely on the merits and mercy of Christ. If we try to do it alone we are bound to sink and fail, there is no other way to cross the gulf other than with our Savior. None.
What a wonderful promise, to know that we are, "...judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him." In exchange for believing in Him we are judged on His performance, not our own! "Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth." "And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free."
Lehi didn't praise Jacob for keeping the law, he praised him for trusting in the Atonement. The work we have to do is to look to Christ and live. The commandment we must keep is to heed His beckoning call, "Come follow me." Clearly keeping the commandments the best we can leads to our personal happiness, but keeping the perfectly is something we cannot do and must not expect of ourselves. Who would need a Savior if we could actually save ourselves.
The notion that I could some day perfect myself is the notion that kept me bound in the chains of addiction. The certain discovery that redemption lies in Christ is the gift that liberated me. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for that great gift, learned in my days of tribulation.
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One of my most beloved scriptures is found in this chapter: 2 Nephi 2:25 "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." This is such a different message than that presented by other faiths whose doctrines say that the fall of Adam was a curse to him and to his posterity. Just the opposite is, in fact, the truth. Only by coming to this earth could any of us actually experience joy -- or hope to experience joy in the next life. What a gift Adam gave to us in sacrificing eternity in peace and safety in the Garden of Eden for us.
Also in this chapter is a revelation about a theopany given to Jacob in his youth:
2 Nephi 2:2: "Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.
3 Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother, Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God. Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer; for thou hast beheld that in the fulness of time he cometh to bring salvation unto men.
4 And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh; for the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free."
Just how young Jacob was when he saw the Lord is impossible to tell from these verses, but he could have been as young as eight years old. (What an amazing young man he must have been!)
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