In this article we learn about 4 groups of people mentioned in the vision. Elder Bednar describes, "Three of the groups were pressing forward along the strait and narrow path seeking to obtain the tree and its fruit. A fourth group did not seek after the tree, desiring instead the great and spacious building as their ultimate destination."
So this first group didn't even try. They didn't even bother. They went straight to the great and spacious building.
The second group, or the first of those that were pressing forward, walked along the path leading to the tree of life.
(Just a reminder, tree of life = love of God, fruit= blessings of Atonement)
As they were heading toward the tree, a mist of darkness came. (Mist= temptations) Because they were blinded by the mist, they wandered off and were lost.
The second group that was pressing forward remained on the path. The mist of darkness came, but they were "clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree." But after they partook of the fruit, they were influenced by those in the great and spacious building and stayed away.
(Iron Rod= Word of God)
Elder Bednar describes-
"It is significant that the second group pressed forward with faith and commitment. They also had the added blessing of the rod of iron, and they were clinging to it! However, as they were confronted with persecution and adversity, they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Even with faith, commitment, and the word of God, this group eventually was lost—perhaps because they only periodically read or studied or searched the scriptures. Clinging to the rod of iron suggests to me only occasional “bursts” of study or irregular dipping rather than consistent, ongoing immersion in the word of God."
The third group of those pressing forward stayed strong. They continually held fast to the rod of iron. When they readched the tree of life they partook of the fruit and it did fill their souls with joy. And when the voices of those in the great and spacious building were calling after them, they "heeded them not." This group, despite adversity and the challenges they encountered on the path, remained faithful. They continually read, serached, and studied the scriptues. They were diligent in keeping the commandments. They recieved the divine strength that comes from righteous living. And because of that, they partook of the fruit and experienced the blessings of the Atonement.
Now here's something fun I learned in companion study when I shared this article with my companion.
As we know from the Plan of Salvation- after this life we will be judged according to our works and the desires of our hearts. Because everyone's works and desires are different, there are 3 different levels that God has prepared for us in His kingdom.
Outer Darkness- Some people will not be worthy to dwell in any kingdom of glory. Like in the story of the tree of life, there was a group of people at the beginning that didn't even attempt to make it to the tree. They chose instead to go straight to the great and spacious building.
Telestial kingdom- Those who did not receive a tesimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and continued in their sins. They can be related to the first group on the path to the Tree of Life. The mist of darkness came and they wandered off and were lost.
Terrestrial kingdom- Individuals in the terrestrial kingdom will be honorable people “who were blinded by the craftiness of men.” This group will include members of the Church who were “not valiant in the testimony of Jesus.” It will also include those who rejected the opportunity to receive the gospel in mortality but who later received it in the postmortal spirit world. We can relate this to the second group. They were clinging to the rod, but lacked the diligence to "continually hold fast."
Celestial kingdom- Those in this kingdom will dwell forever in the presence of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The celestial kingdom is the place prepared for those who have fully accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To inherit this gift, we must receive the ordinances of salvation, keep the commandments, and repent of our sins. We can relate this to the third group who "continually held fast" to the rod. They remained faithful until the end and they recieve their reward.
I love the Book of Mormon so much! There are so many gems to find in its pages! I've read 1 Nephi 8-12 so many times, and as you can see I am still learning from it! The Book of Mormon is a precious gift from our Heavenly Father and I know it can help us with anything we face in our lives.
