“There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed.” (2 Nephi 30:17)
“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:2-3)
In this article, I wanted to contrast two verse, particularly 2 Nephi 30:17 and Luke 12:2-3.
2 Nephi 30:17 is part of a broader discourse delivered by the Prophet Nephi to his people. He was a prophet in ancient America, teaching his followers about the future, the coming of the Messiah, and the eventual judgment that all individuals will face. This particular verse speaks about the divine principle of accountability and the inexorable revelation of hidden truths.
Understanding the Verse
Let’s break down the verse into its components to get a better grasp of its meaning.
“There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed”
This first part of the verse conveys a universal truth that nothing hidden or secret can remain concealed forever. It speaks to the nature of secrecy and the eventual disclosure of all that is kept hidden. This helps us have a better understanding of the omniscience of God, who sees and knows all things, even those hidden from mortal eyes.
“There is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light”
Nephi continues to show that even actions or deeds made in the darkness, away from the scrutiny of others, will be brought into the light of divine judgment. This tells us something about the justice and righteousness of God, who will not allow darkness to perpetuate unchecked. It also suggests that those who engage in nefarious deeds will not escape accountability.
“There is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed”
The final part of the verse speaks about the sealing power that relates to the binding and loosing of things on earth and in heaven. It indicates that anything that is sealed—whether it be knowledge, covenants, or actions—will eventually be unsealed or revealed. This emphasizes the fact that nothing can be permanently hidden or obscured from the all-knowing gaze of God.
Interpretation and Application
The teachings in this verse have several profound implications for us.
Accountability
It stresses the accountability that we have for our actions and intentions. Knowing that nothing can be hidden forever, there is a call to live with integrity and righteousness.
Justice and Judgment
The verse also speaks about the ultimate justice and fairness of God’s judgment. No deed, however hidden, will escape His notice, and there will be a reckoning for all actions.
Comfort and Assurance
For those who strive to live righteously, this verse can bring comfort. It gives the assurance that even if a person’s good deeds are not recognised on earth, they are seen and known by God, who will ultimately reveal all things.
Encouragement to Repentance
On the other hand, for those who may have hidden transgressions, this verse serves as a call to repentance. It reminds them that secrecy will not shield them forever and encourages a turning towards the light of truth and righteousness.
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Now, let’s contrast 2 Nephi 30:17 with Luke 12:2-3.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is teaching his disciples, warning them about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the importance of genuine faith and righteousness. This verse shows a similar theme to the one in 2 Nephi, teaching that nothing hidden will remain so indefinitely. Jesus is teaching that all secrets, all hidden intentions, and deeds will eventually come to light. He warns against hypocrisy, urging His disciples to live with integrity and honesty, knowing that nothing is truly hidden from God’s sight.
Contrast and Meaning
The similarities between these verses are striking. Both speak to the inevitable revelation of secrets and hidden deeds, showing the accountability of individuals before God. However, there are nuances in the contexts of these verses.
2 Nephi emphasizes that nothing secret or sealed will remain so forever. It reflects on the final judgment and the accountability people will face for their actions and intentions, especially those done in darkness or secrecy.
In the Gospel according to Luke, Jesus is warning against hypocrisy and the façade of righteousness. He teaches that eventually, all hidden deeds and intentions will be known, urging His followers to live with integrity and sincerity.
Conclusion
Both verses convey the idea that one cannot hide their true nature or deeds from God. Whether it’s Nephi in the Book of Mormon or Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, the message is clear: what is done in secret will be revealed, and true righteousness is found in living honestly and openly before Heavenly Father. These teachings are good reminders for each of us concerning the importance of sincerity, integrity, and genuine faith in the sight of God.
