6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.
Jacob uses “we” signifying that there are many who because of their righteousness have many revelations.
8 …And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God.
We are commanded to know Him and we can only do that through revelation.
12 And now, beloved, marvel not that I tell you these things; for why not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him, as to attain to the knowledge of a resurrection and the world to come?
Jacob is using very simple language for those that hear may hear. It is our right, all men, not just the prophets, to attain to a “perfect knowledge of Him,” and in the same breath a knowledge of a resurrection and the world to come. Joseph Smith says that a calling and election made sure is a knowledge from God through revelation that you are saved and have a place with Him, is not this a knowledge of a resurrection? If we can only gain a knowledge of Him through revelation then the only way we are to obtain a knowledge of a resurrection, is by revelation. And if we have a knowledge of a resurrection, then, like the Brother of Jared we cannot be contained within the vail and we are to attain a knowledge of the world to come.
13 Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls…
From these scriptures, we begin to be taught that it is our duty to struggle more in the spirit until we attain a knowledge of these great things. I think that this is poetic, once we gain a perfect knowledge of Christ and his atonement and resurrection, we are to continue until we gain ourselves a resurrection, and from there naturally and because we have grown out of our shell of mortaily, are taught of the world to come and learn great wisdom.
Craig
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