The first chapter for first-time readers

The first chapter of the Book of Mormon introduces essential ideas to the new reader early on. Several verses of 1 Nephi Chapter 1 are helpful for new readers of the Book of Mormon - readers who heard of the Restoration and the Book of Mormon and want to know if it's all true.

1. Nephi testifies that his record is true. v.3
2. Lehi prays with all his heart, similar to what first-time readers are asked to do. v.5
3. Lehi sees a vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, similar to what Joseph Smith experienced. v.8-9
4. Lehi was given a book that filled him with the Spirit of the Lord, similar to what the Book of Mormon does for those who read with an open mind and heart. v. 12

Reading the Scriptures, and specifically the Book of Mormon has "filled me with the Spirit of the Lord". Have you felt this way?

Nephi's Endorsement of Journal Writing

Nephi's endorsement of journal writing is found in the final words of the first verse, which, when read differently, essentially says,: "I make a record of my proceedings in my days because I have had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God." If you have had a knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, you should make a record of your proceedings in your days. Your posterity will benefit from hearing about your experiences and relationship with God.

Lehi's Vision of the Godhead

First Nephi 1:8 - There is no doubt Lehi saw God the Father. "He saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels". And similar to the Brother of Jared, Lehi was visited by the premortal Jesus Christ - Jehovah. "He saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day." As further proof, the One is followed by Twelve and the went forth upon the face of the earth. "The first came and stood before my father and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read." His experience with the Holy Ghost is written in verse 12: "as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord." What a stunning vision that I never really paid attention to. He saw or felt all three members of the Godhead. How many visions like this are recorded in the scriptures?

The Transformation of Lehi

First Nephi 1 - It sounds as though Lehi was a good man. He had lived at Jerusalem all his days. I imagine he was probably very religious, but when he heard specific prophecies of the destruction of his city, he became more than one of its ordinary citizens. First he heard the words of the prophets. Verse 5 indicates he believed their words, because he was motivated to pray on behalf of his people. Then, he prayed with "all his heart" (a phrase always followed by a great spiritual manifestation). I imagine he was alone, outside the city, in his own arid version of a sacred grove. In answer to his earnest prayer, a pillar of fire came upon a rock in front of him and he saw and heard much, which caused him to tremble and quake. No doubt this pillar of fire reminded him, and those wicked people he would later testify to, of Moses and the Exodus. A testimony that bold must either be accepted or rejected, not ignored. He returned home, cast himself on his bed, and was again carried away in a vision. He saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The premortal Jesus Christ came down and personally taught him. He read sacred things. Verse 18 says After the Lord had shown so many marvelous things to him, he went forth among the people and began to prophesy. Believing the prophets led to becoming a prophet. They mocked him, they tried to kill him, and the Lord delivered him.

First Nephi 1 Echos the Message of the Restoration

First Nephi chapter 1 is designed to reinforce to first time readers the vision of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and the Restoration, things the missionaries teach in their first lesson.
- Nephi testifies that his record is true
- Lehi hears the message of prophets and decides to pray about it
- Lehi saw a vision in response to his sincere prayer
- Lehi saw God the Father and Jesus Christ
- Lehi was given a book to read which filled him with the Spirit
- Lehi testifies specifically of Jesus Christ's mission

Putting Lehi in perspective

We know from the first few pages of the Book of Mormon that Lehi:
- Was a "goodly" father
- Was married to a "goodly"woman
- Had 4 sons and 2 or more daughters
- His "language" was Egyptian and his learning was Jewish
- Dwelt at Jerusalem all his days
- Had gold, silver, and precious things
- Believed the prophets who testified of the destruction of Jerusalem
- Prayed with all his heart on behalf of his people
- Saw a pillar of fire
- Saw and conversed with the pre-mortal Jesus Christ
- Had many visions and dreams
- Prophesied without fear of his own life
- Left his home and possessions
- Was obedient to the commandments of God