Compare 1 Nephi 14:2. How can this be? Virtually all of those who come into the restored Church are already of the blood of Israel; their patriarchal blessings so attest. Lineal descent, however, is only part of being counted worthy of the blessings of Israel (see Romans 9:6; 3 Nephi 30:2).
Righteousness-which includes coming unto Christ and entering into covenant with him-is absolutely necessary before a person secures his own place in the house of Israel.
Nephi taught that “as many of the Gentiles as will repent are the covenant people of the Lord; and as many of the Jews [or any other group which traces its lineage to Jacob] as will not repent shall be cast off; for the Lord covenateth with none save it be with them that repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel” (2 Nephi 30:2, italics added).
We do not become covenant people until we enter the covenant gospel through receiving Christ, the mediator of that covenant.
“I Give Unto Men Weakness That They May Be Humble”
Weaknesses of the flesh come in many forms, but all come as a result of the fall of Adam, which introduced into the world pains and problems, sicknesses and sorrows, temptations and trials. Not only did the nature of man become fallen- carnal, sensual, and devilish (see Ether 3:2; Mosiah 16:3; Alma 22:13)- but the entire world fell to a telestial state with all of its accompanying “weaknesses” and inherent problems.
Such weaknesses affect all mankind- even the prophets of God. “Notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am!” Nephi bemoaned. “Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins.” (2 Nephi 4:17-19; compare Paul’s similar struggles in Romans 7:19-21.)