The reference is to the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the latter days—an event of unprecedented scope and consequence, either to the eternal blessing of those who believe and obey, or to the eternal captivity of those who reject it. The prophet Isaiah anticipated this transcendent event in a vision received several generations before Nephi’s vision: “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid” (Isaiah 29:13–14; compare 2 Nephi 25:17; 27:26).