Peering into the Deep: Understanding the Nephilim and the Work of Revelation

Brothers and sisters, have you ever read a passage in the scriptures—or perhaps a modern retelling—that leaves you looking up, wondering, “Wait, what was *that*?” It’s natural. The scriptures are filled with accounts of immense power, profound covenants, and mysteries that challenge our current understanding. It’s a testament to the breadth of God’s plan that He reveals it in stages, allowing us to learn, grow, and build our testimonies brick by sacred brick.

Recently, I was pondering the account surrounding the Nephilim. It’s a topic that generates a lot of discussion, and honestly, it’s a perfect example of how we, as disciples, are called to be students of the word, asking the hard questions and seeking the Lord’s clarification.

Understanding the Mystery: Nephilim in Context

When we approach topics like this, it’s vital to remember our guiding principle: we are learning to be disciples who can answer questions with grace, knowledge, and, most importantly, the Spirit. We aren't trying to write a definitive textbook on cosmology; we are trying to understand the pattern of divine progression and humanity’s relationship with the covenant path.

The sources are varied—legends, modern media, and sacred texts. It’s easy to get lost in the speculation. But as we always try to do when studying any difficult doctrine, we must anchor ourselves in what the scriptures *do* say, and what the prophets have taught us about the nature of good and evil.

When we watch this, we hear various theories—giants, fallen angels, genetic mixtures. It’s a lot to process! But what’s the takeaway for us, the modern Latter-day Saints? It’s a reminder of the constant battle between the natural man and the Spirit. The wickedness described in Genesis 6 was a profound turning point, leading to judgment, yes, but it also points to the necessity of the Atonement.

The Focus of the Work: Christ’s Plan

For me, the most important thread woven through any study of ancient sin or great wickedness is the unwavering focus on the Savior. The Nephilim narrative, for all its intrigue, serves to underscore the magnitude of the fall and, by extension, the infinite scope of the Atonement. It shows us the depth of the chasm that needed bridging.

This is where our commitment to Preach My Gospel becomes so vital. Whether you are preparing for your mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply having a deep conversation with an investigator in your own living room, the goal remains the same: point them back to the Savior. We are called to be internet missionaries everywhere, all the time.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: Acknowledging the Unknown

Here’s a skill I’ve picked up lately, and I think it’ll help you when you’re in those deep discussions. When an investigator asks a question that is genuinely outside the scope of current scripture understanding—like the precise nature of the Nephilim—don't panic or try to fill the void with speculation. Instead, use this framework:

1. Validate: Acknowledge the depth of the question ("That is a profound question that many scholars have debated.")
2. Pivot: Gently guide the conversation back to the core principle ("What this mystery does teach us, however, is how serious sin requires a Savior.")
3. Cite: Point to a core doctrine or scripture passage that *is* clear (e.g., the Atonement, the Book of Mormon testimony).

This shows respect for the question while keeping the focus squarely on the Gospel.

Where to Go Next: Deepening Your Study

If this topic, or any other deep scripture dive, has piqued your interest, I highly recommend diving deeper into the resources available through LivingBook. If you’re feeling the call to study with others, consider joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. We can tackle these weighty topics together!

For those who enjoy grappling with the hard questions, I encourage you to use Davee. He excels at walking you through the nuances of investigator questions, helping you practice your answers before you ever step into the field.

If you’re looking for foundational reading on how to approach these complex topics with faith and clarity, I’ve been revisiting some excellent material from the Iron Rod authors. Check out the recommended reading in LivingBook!

What mysteries have you wrestled with lately? Share your thoughts below, or better yet, join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge—it’s a wonderful way to build our testimonies together!