2 Nephi 2:15 - 16

15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first
parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are
created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to
the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.

16 Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man
could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other

It essentially says that opposition exists so we can choose a side using our own will (that's
hopefully aligned with the Father).

However, the thing that stands out the most within the passage is the end of verse 15,

even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.

There's a little bit of confusion on which fruit is bitter or sweet, both the tree of life and the
forbidden fruit have been described as desirable within the scriptures (1 Nephi 15:36; Gen 3:6)
however, Moses 6:55 says:

55 And the Lord spake unto Adam, saying: Inasmuch as thy children are conceived in sin, even
so when they begin to grow up, sin conceiveth in their hearts, and they taste the bitter, that they
may know to prize the good.

The life on Earth caused by the forbidden fruit is described as bitter and is called a necessity to
the enjoyment of eternal life. Life cannot be infinitely sweet if we do not infinitely taste the bitter.
There must be opposition or there wouldn't be a purpose to anything.

————————————————————

2 Nephi 2: 1-2

1 And now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my firstborn in the days of my tribulation in the
wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow,
because of the rudeness of thy brethren.

2 Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and
he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain

A common theme in 2 Nephi 2 opposition, and is a missionary favorite when preparing

investigators for the Plan of Salvation discussion. As it says in the first verse, Lehi is speaking to
his son, Jacob, who was born in the wilderness after he left Jerusalem. The verse supports the
idea of opposition in all things and the idea that bad things happen so good can be good.
Luke 13:24-28

While traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus had the opportunity to teach in certain villages and towns
along the way. In a certain encounter, He was asked “Lord, are there few that be saved?” His
response, in essence, was yes. Not because a select few would be chosen, but because a
select few would have prepared themselves before the deadline. Reminiscent of Philippians
2:12, where one should obey and prepare with and without an eye over you.
Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
The gate could be closing now, it could be closing tomorrow, or it could never close. We don’t
know. The most important thing is to prepare and enter in while you still can. That gate being
baptism and the keeping of the covenants made. (2 Nephi 31:17)

Alma the Elder outlines those covenants in Mosiah 18:8-10, those being: Being desirous to
come into the fold of god; to be called his people; willing to bear and lift one another’s burdens;
willing to mourn with those that mourn; comfort those that need comfort; and to stand as a
witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places. In return he promises that we will
be part of the first resurrection, or the resurrection of the righteous, and be able to receive more
blessings of the Spirit. That last covenant listed, is like a promise to not be ashamed of God.
(Remember Peter: Matthew 26:75)
In Mark 8:38 it reads,

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful
generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his
Father with the holy angels.”

If you are ashamed of the Son of man, the Son of man will be ashamed of you. This ‘Golden
Rule’(Matt 7:12) philosophy extends to some of the mercies that the Lord will extend to you. The
Golden Rule is more of a civility exchange rather than a hammurabi code. The emphasis is now
placed on the events before the events and appeals that the individual ponder the direction that
they take in all. In the term of offenses or trespasses against other people, you are to forgive,
and, you will be forgiven (Matt 6:14). Another fun point of the gospel is the requirement of
enduring to the end, as Nephi put it, enjoying to the end (2 Nephi 31:20). The gospel is best
received when it is best lived.

Mormon 9:31
Moroni is writing here and is giving insights and a sermon on the characteristics that a good
follower of Christ should have if they desire to attain forgiveness and miracles among other
things. He gives his whole spiel and has this disclaimer and provides a certain insight on history.
31 Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his
imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he
hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we
have been.

The message is simple and great. Take the path forged for you, or forge your own and get to
the same destination slower.

1 Nephi 2
After Lehi took his family into the wilderness, his sons rebelled. And Nephi, curious about his
father’s words and actions, decides to find out for himself if they are true.

16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in
stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto
the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words
which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my
brothers.

God is always waiting for us to act, and there’s always an answer if we seek it.