Doctrinal Mastery: 2 Nephi 28:30

“Line Upon Line, Precept Upon Precept”

In a previous lesson, “2 Nephi 28:27–32,” you studied 2 Nephi 28:30 and learned that God reveals truth line upon line to those who are willing to receive it. This lesson can help you memorize the reference and key scripture phrase for 2 Nephi 28:30, explain the doctrine taught in this passage, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to realistic scenarios.

Memorize and explain

To help you memorize the key scripture phrase for 2 Nephi 28:30, draw four rows of horizontal lines in your study journal that look like stairs.

Now write the key scripture phrase and scripture reference on those lines in the following way:

Think about how stairs could remind you of how God teaches us “line upon line.”

Repeat this scripture reference and key scripture phrase until you can recite them from memory.

In a previous lesson, “2 Nephi 28:27–32,” you learned that God reveals truth line upon line to those who will receive it. To help you prepare to explain this truth, ponder the following questions and then complete the following writing activity:

• What do you think “line upon line” means?

• How do you think receiving the truth God has already given us prepares us to receive more?

1. Complete the following activity:

   Choose one of these situations where someone might need help from God:

   1. Needing advice about a challenge they are facing.

   2. Desiring to develop a stronger relationship with the Savior.

   3. Wanting to understand their patriarchal blessing.

   Write a brief explanation about what you learn from 2 Nephi 28:30 that could help in the situation you chose.

Practice application

Think of two to three words or phrases that you feel best describe what we learn from each of the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge. Why did you choose those words?

Review paragraphs 5–12 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023) if needed.

Read the following two scenarios about youth from the same ward who attend a fast and testimony meeting. Each one has different thoughts during the meeting.

1. Thomas begins to wonder what is wrong with him. He believes in God and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. But he feels like his testimony is weak compared to other members of the ward. He wonders if it is even possible for him to ever know for himself all the things that others are testifying of.

2. Partway through the meeting, Liz stops paying attention to the testimonies. She thinks to herself, “I have already heard everything they are saying, and I already know it’s all true.” She has also felt less desire to read the scriptures and attend seminary because she feels her testimony is already strong enough.

2. Complete the following activity, choosing one of the previous scenarios to focus on:

   Describe how you would use each of the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to help Thomas or Liz with their situation. If needed, the following questions can help you.

   Act in faith

   Read paragraph 7 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.

   • What could you share from this paragraph to help Thomas or Liz act in faith?

   • How can the truths from 2 Nephi 28:30 help Thomas or Liz act in faith?

   Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective

   • Using what you have learned from 2 Nephi 28:30, what could you share to help Thomas or Liz see their situation more like the Lord does?

   • What other truths could you share to help them view their concerns with an eternal perspective?

   • What do you know about God that could help them see themselves as He does?

   Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources

   • Why could it be helpful to Thomas or Liz to talk with their parents or church leaders about their thoughts?

   • What scripture verses or stories can you think of that could help them?