Second Nephi 28:30 through 29:4 is a long quotation from the Lord. Verse 30 contains words from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 28:9–13). The expression “line upon line, precept upon precept” suggests a need for patience. We are not expected to run faster than we have strength. These veiled minds of ours need time to absorb and eventually understand the mysteries of godliness. God does not give us all the principles at once, nor does he give us all the ordinances at once. If we were to receive all knowledge in one giant spoonful, we could certainly choke on it! Likewise, line upon line is the way Satan, the great imitator and great distorter, also works: little by little, until there is no turning back.
Joseph Smith taught, “When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation.” 87
“Unto him that receiveth I will give more”—“he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full” (Alma 12:10). “He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (D&C 50:24).