1 Nephi 22

I really like Chapter 22. I really do. Nephi's brothers had asked him what the meaning of Isaiah's words in the two previous chapters meant. So he explained it to them. It's also the last chapter in 1 Nephi. It's basically a brief history of what will happen in the world since Nephi's time. The creation of the United States of America (7), the restoration of the gospel (8), the gathering of Israel (6-12), Jesus Christ will show his power to the world (10-12), those against the church will end up destroying themselves (13-14), the righteous will be preserved (17), the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (20), and the Millennium will occur (24-28).

This chapter reminds me much of the lesson I taught in Relief Society a few weeks ago. The lesson was Chapter 44: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

One of the questions I was asked was, "How will Satan be loosed at the end of the Millennium?" I told them that in my personal opinion it would be much like when the Nephites and Lamanites fell away from following God and his commandments and as a result the Nephites were utterly destroyed. Satan was bound in the first place because there was no purchase for him in the hearts of men. So I was thinking that near the end of the Millennium the people will begin being prideful and such which allows Satan grasp into the hearts of men once more causing him to be no more bound.

Well, I just found the exact verse that explains how Satan will be bound during the Millennium.

"And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth" (26).

Isn't the Millennium going to be a fabulous place? It's like the Christmas Season times a thousand and all the time. Everyone will be so charitable and helpful, happy and joyful. It's going to be an amazing time. There will be nothing negative in the world. It'll all be peaceful. Can you imagine? I totally want to be there.

Now, we have no idea when exactly the Millennium will begin. If it'll happen in our lifetime or afterwards. But we can find comfort in the fact that "he will preserve the righteous" (17). That doesn't just mean Latter-day Saints. "They will be those who have lived virtuous and honest lives" (Chapter 45: The Millennium). I'm sure every single one of us knows of those great people in our neighborhood or in our lives who are truly wonderfully good people. They'll be counted among those who'll be preserved. What I didn't know is that "People will still have their agency, and for a time many will be free to continue with their religions and ideas. Eventually everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is the Savior" (Chapter 45: The Millennium). It's going to be such an amazing time for missionary work. Though I'm almost sure that Jesus Christ himself will be a big part of that.

Anyways, this whole topic makes me rather ecstatic. I just have to live as righteous a life as possible. It's all so exciting!