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Great work Loren. I have added a lot of notes to my Gospel Library quoting this article. It is always good to see the presence of the Christ, the Logos, more clearly as we read scripture.
This is compelling and instructive.
Thank you.
In regards to “The Word of God and the Rod of Iron”, I’ve thought that when Jesus says “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6) it could be applied to Lehi’s Vision. Jesus is the way or the covenant path that we follow from baptism to the Tree of Life. He is the truth or Word of God or the Rod of Iron. He is the life or Tree of Life at the end of the way/path. Each of these can be seen a personal manifestations of the Savior. You have covered the Word, I imagine Him embracing those who reach the end of the path at the Tree of Life, and I imagine Him helping us along the path and setting the example of the path to be followed.
Yes, the rod of iron (the Word of God) as a metonym for Christ is an intriguing possibility. The connection with John 24:6 is compelling. Thanks.
This paper opened my mind to a deeper understanding of scriptural passages I was only seeing from a superficial vantage point! Thank you for emphasizing Christ in this ingenious way!
Thanks for you comment Nathan. The scriptures, and especially the Book of Mormon, truly testify of Christ!