“He Verily Saw My Redeemer Even As I Have Seen Him”

Denver C. Snuffer, Jr.

To press the point that this material is directly applicable and originates within his own prophetic foresight about us, Nephi reminds us of his vision of our day and certifies Jacob also sees the Isaiah materials prophetically. In fact, Nephi structures his teaching, using Isaiah, around the requirement of witnesses. He tells us he saw Christ and an unfolding history of mankind. He tells us Isaiah provides another witness of the same vision. Then he tells us Jacob saw, also. So, there are three witnesses testifying to these things. Under the law of witnesses, we are left without excuse. Nephi writes:

And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him. And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words. Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him. And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death. (2 Nephi 11: 2-5.)

Nephi saw Christ and received a fulsome revelation about us, but was forbidden from writing fully about it. Jacob saw it, and Isaiah saw it, too. These words, therefore, are sufficient to permit us to know what is to happen in our day, if we will allow them to inform us. Nephi wants us to get his intent correct. If we can get his intention aright, then we can interpret the materials according to that intent. He is literally handing us the key to unlocking the material's meaning.

Nephi's Isaiah

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