“The Rise of the Church of Christ”

As we have become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I hope that our home study these past couple of years has really brought to us insights about the blessings of having the true Church on earth. I hope also that as we study this week Doctrine and Covenants 20–22 we can find passages from these sections that help teach us why we are thankful the Church was restored and how we can keep those thoughts and knowledge with us at all times that we strengthen ourselves in Christ.

History and Background

In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord commanded that His Church be organized on April 6, 1830. Although this revelation, now found as Doctrine and Covenants 20, was recorded a few days after the Church’s organization, portions of it may have been revealed as early as June 1829. This revelation highlights the importance of the Book of Mormon, outlines responsibilities of priesthood offices, and provides instructions for the ordinances of baptism and the sacrament.

On the day the Church was organized, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 21. In it the Lord designated him as a prophet, seer, and leader of the restored Church and exhorted the Church members to heed the Prophet’s words. Soon after the Church was established, some people questioned whether those who had been baptized previously in other churches needed to be baptized again to become members of the restored Church. Joseph inquired of the Lord and received the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 22, wherein the Lord taught that baptism must be performed by those with proper authority.

End of March 1830 The printing of the Book of Mormon was completed.

April 6, 1830 The Church was organized by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York.

April 6, 1830 Doctrine and Covenants 21 was received.After April 6, 1830

Doctrine and Covenants 20 was finalized and recorded (though portions were likely received months earlier).

April 16, 1830 Doctrine and Covenants 22 was received.

June 9, 1830 The first Church conference was held in Fayette, New York.

While it is not known exactly when the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 20 was received, the Prophet Joseph Smith summarized the flow of divine direction: “In this manner did the Lord continue to give us instructions from time to time, concerning the duties which now devolved upon us, and among many other things of the kind, we obtained of him the following, by the Spirit of Prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to his will and commandment, we should proceed to organize his Church once again, here upon the earth” (in The Joseph Smith Papers, Histories, Volume 1: Joseph Smith Histories, 1832–1844, 336; spelling standardized). Those instructions became known as the “Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ.”

The complete text of the Articles and Covenants was written soon after the organizational meeting held on April 6, 1830, and provides an overview of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ and of offices and ordinances in it. At the first conference of the Church, held on June 9, 1830, at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr., the Articles and Covenants were read and presented to the membership for approval (see The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 1: July 1828–June 1831, 116–26). Over the next few years, the Articles and Covenants, now Doctrine and Covenants 20, was amended from time to time as the Prophet Joseph Smith continued to receive revelation concerning the structure of the Church. For example, Doctrine and Covenants 20:65–67 was added after the office of high priest was revealed in Kirtland, Ohio, in June 1831 (see the section heading to D&C 52).

Part One: Doctrine and Covenants 20–21 The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored.

A study of these sections provides us with the benefit of better understanding the similarities between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Church that Christ established anciently.

In reading 20:1–4, What evidence can we find that the helps us understand that the Church of Jesus Christ was established under the Lord’s direction?

1 The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April—

2 Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;

3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand;

4 And this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now and forever. Amen.

Verse 1: Joseph Smith taught that The day of the organization of the Church was divinely appointed stating that April 6th A.D. 33 was likely the day the Savoir was born and crucified meaning he was born and died on that day. “Let us inquire if the day observed by the Christian world as the day of Christ’s birth the 25th of December is or is not the real Christmas day. A great many authors have found out from their researches that it is not. I think that there is scarcely an author at the present day that believes that the 25th of December was the day that Christ was born….It is generally believed and conceded by the learned who have investigated the matter that Christ was born in April…It is stated that according to the best of their judgement from the researches they have made, Christ was crucified on the 6th of April. That is the day on which this Church was organized. But when these learned me go back from the day of his crucifixion to the day of his birth, they are at a loss, having no certain evidence or testimony by which they can determine it.” (Orson Pratt Quoted by B.H. Roberts in Outlines of Ecclesiastical History P. 17)

There is no authentic record of the date for the birth of Christ, but scholars consider it probable that He was born on the tenth day of the Jewish month Nisan, which in the year of the Nativity has been calculated to correspond to Saturday, April the 5th. But He was born at night and Saturday expired at sunset, the date would then be April 6th nd that would be the beginning of Sunday. (Doctrine and Covenants Commentary p. 98 Hyrum M Smith)

Verse 2-4: If Joseph had not been clearly established as the head of the church confusion and problems could have arisen. Having only one revelator for the Church explains why the Lord designated a “first”and a “second” elder in the early stages of the existence of the Church. The Prophet Joseph Smith stated: “I will inform you that it is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instructions for those in authority, higher than themselves; therefore you will see the impropriety of giving heed to them; but if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit and instruction; for the fundamental principles, government, and doctrine of the Church are vested in the keys of the kingdom”(History of the Church,1:338).

What did Joseph Smith write about the organization of the Church that helps us better understand? Articles of Faith 1:6,

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

What truths can we learn from this statement? The Lord’s Church in the latter days is organized as it was in Jesus’s day.

What do we find in the following scriptures about the organization, practices and teachings of the Savior’s Church?

• Matthew 16:18–19

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this ^arock I will build my ^bchurch; and the gates of ^chell shall not ^dprevail against it.

19 And I will ^agive unto thee the ^bkeys of the ^ckingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt ^dbind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

• Matthew 28:16–19

16 ¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 ¶ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

• Luke 9:1–2; 10:1–2

1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

• Acts 8:14–17

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

• Ephesians 2:19–20

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

• Ephesians 4:11–15

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

• James 5:14–15

14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

• 1 Corinthians 15:29 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

What similarities do you see between Christ’s original Church and the Church in our day in the following scriptures?

Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–25

17 By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them;

18 And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them;

19 And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship.

20 But by the transgression of these holy laws man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man.

21 Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him.

22 He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.

23 He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day;

24 And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father;

25 That as many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be saved—

 Doctrine and Covenants 20: 60 Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him.

Doctrine and Covenants 20: 72–79

72 Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent—

73 The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

74 Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

75 It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus;

76 And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying:

77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

78 The manner of administering the wine—he shall take the cup also, and say:

79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

Doctrine and Covenants 20: 21:1–2

1 Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith.

What do you learn about the Restoration of Christ’s Church from this comparison?

Why is it important to know that the Lord’s Church today was organized according to the pattern of His ancient Church?

**Point to Ponder: Brother Tad R. Callister, former Sunday School General President, has taught: The Lord’s declaration in Doctrine and Covenants does not mean that other churches do not have some truth, for certainly they do. It does not mean that other churches do not render good, for they render much good. What it does mean is that this is the only church that has all the truth that has been revealed thus far in this dispensation—the only church that has the ordinances necessary for exaltation and the only church that has the priesthood of God to perform those ordinances with divine validity. What evidence do we have of this assertion? …If one were to match the blueprint of Christ’s original Church against every church in the world today, he would find … it will only match one—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Tad R. Callister, “What Is the Blueprint of Christ’s Church?” [Church Educational System devotional for young adults, Jan. 12, 2014], ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

It is important to understand that being a member of the “only true and living church” of Jesus Christ does not mean that we believe we are better than other people. But our membership does include a responsibility to love others and invite them to come unto Christ and receive the blessings of His restored gospel.

Part Two: Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 75–79; 22 Sacred ordinances help us become like the Savior

In these verses of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord sets forth the duties of priesthood offices and gives instructions for baptism and the sacrament. In outlining the specifics of the instruction we can find ways to improve our knowledge of the gospel and strengthen our testimonies.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 Here we are taught the fundamental principles needed to for our welfare and for the church to move forward through baptism. The Lord in this verse makes it very plain and gives instruction concerning baptism which teaches that there are three requirements of a person before baptism: 1. To be humble and come with a broken heart and contrite spirit. 2. Show before the Church that they are willing to take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. 3. Manifest by works that they have received the spirit.

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who ^ahumble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and ^bcontrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the ^cname of Jesus Christ, having a ^ddetermination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their ^eworks that they have received of the ^fSpirit of Christ unto the ^gremission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

How do these qualifications help us prepare to be baptized into the Lord’s Church?

What does it man to have a broken heart and contrite spirit? President Ezra Taft Benson taught what it means to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit: “Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and suffering. Our sins caused Him to bleed at every pore. This very real mental and spiritual anguish is what the scriptures refer to as having a ‘broken heart and a contrite spirit’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 83).

What does it mean to take Christ’s name upon ourselves? Mosiah 5:5–12 (click to read the reference)

What helps you maintain your “determination to serve [Jesus Christ] to the end”?

What does section 22 teach about baptism? This revelation given specifically to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not an individual as some previous revelations, teaches that previous baptisms received by those desiring to join the Church, though done by emersion, were not done by the proper authority. Though it was meaningful and sincere, the ordinance of baptism must be performed again done through the proper authority. (A Companion to Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants Daniel Ludlow)

If you had a friend who had been baptized into another church how could you use these sections to help them understand why re-baptism is needed for the Savior’s restored church? When missionaries invite people to be baptized they’re often met with a question: “what if I’ve already been baptized? Doesn’t that count/” Sections 20-22 explained two truths about this question. 1. Being baptized as asign of repentance and devotion to the savior is alway sa good thing. The Lord is pleased wen His children try to serve Him according to the knowledge they have.

2. But the priesthood, the authorityt to act in God;s name, is found only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Being baptized in good faith as a member of another Christian church is a step in teh right direction, but without priesthood authority from God, “although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing.” (Doctrine and Covenants 22:2)

So the Answer to the original question is essentially, “Yes, your prior baptism counts as a righteous good ting that made your Heavenly Father happy. You did what was best based on what you knew at the time. But now you know more, and the Lord wants you to act on that knew knowledge to show your commitment to Him.”

Doctrine and Covenants 20:75 after instructing Church members regarding baptism, the Lord commanded that the Saints meet together regularly.

75 It is expedient that the church ^ameet together often to ^bpartake of ^cbread and wine in the ^dremembrance of the Lord Jesus;

Why should church members meet together often? 75–79 To partake of the Sacrament in remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The sacrament was administered by the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on April 6, 1830, the day that the Church was organized. The Lord commanded members of His Church to “meet together often to partake of [the sacrament] in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus” Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained one of the reasons why it is a blessing to participate in this sacred ordinance: “The sacramental prayers confirm that one of the central purposes of the sacrament as instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ is that we might ‘always remember him’ (D&C 20:77, 79). Remembering the Savior obviously includes remembering His Atonement, which is symbolically represented by the bread and water as emblems of His suffering and death. We must never forget what He did for us, for without His Atonement and Resurrection, life would have no meaning. With His Atonement and Resurrection, however, our lives have eternal, divine possibilities” (“To Always Remember Him,” Ensign, Apr. 2011, 49).

What words or phrases stand out when we read the sacrament prayers?

77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this ^abread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and ^bwitness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his ^ccommandments which he has given them; that they may always have his ^dSpirit to be with them. Amen.

78 The ^amanner of administering the wine—he shall take the ^bcup also, and say:

79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this ^awine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

Why is it important to partake of the sacrament each week? Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how keeping the covenant to always remember Jesus Christ can help us make better choices: “When our day-to-day challenges loom before us, it is natural to focus on the here and now. But when we do, we may make poor choices, become depressed, or experience hopelessness. Because of this human tendency, prophets have admonished us to remember the eternal perspective. Only then can we successfully navigate mortality. …“Each Sunday the sacrament helps us remember God’s goodness and marvelous promises. By partaking of simple, tangible objects—a piece of bread and a sip of water—we promise to always remember the Savior and His great atoning sacrifice. Through the sacrament, we renew our covenants and express our willingness to keep His commandments. …“With the help of the sacrament, we can always remember Him and maintain an eternal perspective” (“Maintaining an Eternal Perspective,” Ensign, Mar. 2014, 56, 59).

How would you complete the following statements? When we partake of the sacrament we witness___________ As we faithfully keep the promises made during the sacrament the Lord promises_________

When we partake of the sacrament, we witness that we are willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. As we faithfully keep the promises made during the sacrament, the Lord promises that we will always have His Spirit to be with us.

Part Three: Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–60 Priesthood service blesses Church members and their families.

When the Church was organized in 1830, the Lord outlined the responsibilities and duties of elders, priests, teachers, and deacons. Since that time, additional details have been revealed regarding these priesthood offices. Nevertheless, the important instructions outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–59 are principles that all priesthood holders should continue to study and follow.

Imagine that a recently baptized friend or family member is about to be ordained to a priesthood office. How would you use these verses to help him understand his duties? 20:38–60 (click the link to read)

**Breaking it down

Doctrine and Covenants 20:38-44: What is an Apostle and his duties? In the early years of the restored Church, the term apostle was often applied to elders involved in missionary work (see, for example, the Lord’s reference to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer in D&C 18:9, 14). It is also helpful to note that at the time the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 20 was given, the office of high priest in the Melchezidek priesthood had not yet been revealed. (Guide to the Scriptures, “Elder,” scriptures.lds.org).

Doctrine and Covenants 20:45 The office of Elder. The title “Elder” is now used to describe any Melchizedek Priesthood holder who is called to preach the gospel, regardless of his priesthood office. “For example, male missionaries are addressed as elders. Also, an Apostle is an elder, and it is proper to speak of members of the Quorum of the Twelve or Quorums of the Seventy by this title (D&C 20:38; 1 Pet. 5:1)” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Elder,” scriptures.lds.org).

Doctrine and Covenants 20:46-52: Duties of a Priest. Priests officiate at the sacrament table and offer the sacramental prayers. They can prepare and pass the sacrament. They can also baptize, confer the Aaronic Priesthood, and ordain deacons, teachers, and other priests. Priests assist the bishop in “administering … temporal things” This may include gathering fast offerings, caring for the poor and needy, caring for the meetinghouse and grounds, serving as a messenger for the bishop, and fulfilling other assignments from the bishop. Priests “preach, teach, expound, exhort, … and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties” One way to do this is by serving as a home teacher. Priests also continue to “see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking” This responsibility includes being a peacemaker and being an example of moral integrity and uprightness. They continue to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ” This includes setting a good example, fellowshipping quorum members and others, speaking in Church meetings, sharing the gospel, and bearing testimony.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:53-56: Duties of Teachers. Teachers assist the bishop in “administering … temporal things This may include gathering fast offerings, caring for the poor and needy, caring for the meetinghouse and grounds, serving as a messenger for the bishop in Church meetings, and fulfilling other assignments from the quorum president. Teachers are to “watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them” Teachers also “see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking; and see that the church meet together often” This responsibility includes being a peacemaker, being an example of moral integrity and uprightness, and inviting others to attend church. They continue to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ” This includes setting a good example, fellowshipping quorum members and others, speaking in Church meetings, sharing the gospel, and bearing testimony.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:57-59: Duty of Deacons Deacons assist the bishop in “administering … temporal things” This may include gathering fast offerings, caring for the poor and needy, caring for the meetinghouse and grounds, serving as a messenger for the bishop in Church meetings, and fulfilling other assignments from the quorum president. They invite All to Come unto Christ. Deacons “watch over the church [and are] standing ministers unto the church” They “warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ” This includes setting a good example, fellowshipping quorum members and others, notifying members of Church meetings, speaking in meetings, sharing the gospel, and bearing testimony.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–59: Understanding Priesthood duties. President Thomas S. Monson emphasized the need to know our duty and to carry it out in the service of others: “The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. The call of duty can come quietly as we who hold the priesthood respond to the assignments we receive. President George Albert Smith, that modest yet effective leader, declared, ‘It is your duty first of all to learn what the Lord wants and then by the power and strength of His holy Priesthood to magnify your calling in the presence of your fellows in such a way that the people will be glad to follow you’ [in Conference Report, Apr. 1942, 14]” (“Do Your Duty—That Is Best,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 59).

Doctrine and Covenants 20:60 Ordination to these callings is to be according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There must be no office seeking, rivalry or nepotism.

In addition, how might these verses help a newly baptized sister see how she can participate in the work described here? We all work with priesthood power. “Men are ordained to priesthood offices, while both women and men are invited to experience the power and blessings of the priesthood in their lives. …“… [Women] preach and pray in congregations, fill numerous positions of leadership and service, participate in priesthood councils at the local and general levels, and serve formal proselytizing missions across the globe. In these and other ways, women exercise priesthood authority even though they are not ordained to priesthood office. …“… In ecclesiastical callings, temple ordinances, family relationships, and quiet, individual ministry, Latter-day Saint women and men go forward with priesthood power and authority. This interdependence of men and women in accomplishing God’s work through His power is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Gospel Topics, “Joseph Smith’s Teachings about Priesthood, Temple, Women,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Part Four: Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–7 We are blessed when we receive the Lord’s word through His prophet.

Following the Lord’s instructions to organize His Church, the Prophet Joseph Smith gathered approximately 60 believers together at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, New York, on Tuesday, April 6, 1830. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery organized the Church according to the will of God and according to the laws of the state of New York. The meeting consisted of prayer, sustainings, ordinations, the administration of the sacrament, and confirmations of those previously baptized. At this meeting, the Prophet received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 21. This section contains powerful statements about following the Lord’s prophet.

The Lord guides His people through His chosen servants. In April 1830, those believers who would become members of the Church were instructed to “give heed” to the words and commandments of the Prophet Joseph Smith as if they came from the mouth of the Lord D&C 21:4–5. In another revelation the Lord explained why the prophet can be considered as God’s mouthpiece: “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” D&C 1:38.

The Lord also counseled those who would become members of His Church to receive the Prophet Joseph Smith’s words “in all patience and faith” D&C 21:5. President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) explained how this passage applies to all Church members today: “The only safety we have as members of this church is to do exactly what the Lord said to the Church in that day when the Church was organized. We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet, ‘as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; … as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith’ D&C 21:4–5 There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory’ (D&C 21:6)” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 84–85).

Conclusion

For each of us, this week I leave a challenge. Let us ponder what you have learned from our personal study of Doctrine and Covenants 20–22 about the importance of actively participating in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Consider the following invitations, and set a goal regarding at least one of them:

• How can you make the partaking of the sacrament each week more meaningful?
• What can you do to more faithfully keep the covenants you made at baptism?
• How can you better exercise “patience and faith” D&C 21:5 in order to follow the counsel and teachings of prophets?

Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual

Seminary Student Manual

Ensign

Doctrines of the Gospel

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What Does It Mean to Repent?/“The Worth of Souls Is Great”

It is only through the Holy Ghost that a person’s heart can change. President Henry B. Eyring taught, “If you teach doctrinal principles, the Holy Ghost will come” (“Discussion with Elder Richard G. Scott and Elder Henry B. Eyring” [Church Educational System satellite training broadcast, Aug. 11, 2003]).

Today we talk about the doctrinal principle of repentance. Now don’t sigh with disappointment or roll your eyes because you feel you’re getting another lecture on repenting. For this is not a lecture and it is far from disappointing. This is a doctrinal principle of great worth, it is a gift that brings joy, peace, comfort and feeling of self worth you cannot gain from any other source. Today is a great day for a good talk on how to more completely connect with the Savior and feel His love so we discuss Doctrine and Covenants 18–19 and the commandment to preach nothing but repentance with a hope that you see and know that repentance is not a visit to the principal’s office, it is not a beating down of self, it is life changing, a humbling, glorious gift from the Father, given by His son because he loves you so…

History and Background

The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 18 was given in June 1829, shortly after Peter, James, and John conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Their visitation emphasized the important role of Apostles in the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ. Doctrine and Covenants 18:1–16 focuses on the calling Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer received to be servants of Jesus Christ and preach repentance to others. Doctrine and Covenants 18:17–47 teaches the importance of taking upon us the name of Jesus Christ. The Lord also mentioned the forthcoming call of the Twelve Apostles and the desire they would have to take upon themselves the name of the Savior “with full purpose of heart” (D&C 18:27). The Lord gave Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer the unique responsibility to “search out the Twelve” (D&C 18:37).

In June 1829, Joseph Smith hired the printer Egbert B. Grandin to print 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon at a cost of $3,000. However, Grandin would not start the printing or even buy the type until he was guaranteed payment for the job. In the revelation contained in Doctrine and Covenants 19, likely given in the summer of 1829, the Lord commanded Martin Harris to “impart a portion of thy property … [and] pay the debt thou has contracted with the printer” (D&C 19:34–35). Using a portion of his farm as collateral, Martin Harris personally guaranteed payment of the cost of printing if sales of the Book of Mormon did not cover the cost.

President Joseph Fielding Smith described this revelation, with its teachings on the Atonement, as “one of the great revelations given in this dispensation; there are few of greater [importance] than this” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 1:85).

Part One Being Spiritually Prepared to Repent Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19 

When reading Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19 though hard for our human minds to understand, it is not hard to feel the Savior’s love for us. Here He tells of the suffering He personally experienced as He atoned for our sins and also teaches us why He did so and why he was willing to suffer so greatly. It was for us, “that [we] might not suffer if [we] would repent.” Repentance is not a sentence, it is not visit to the principles office, it is a blessing made possible by the Savior. It should be for each of us a constant, daily effort to turn away from sin and turn to God. It is part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help us return to Him, and understanding how to repent, can help us be cleansed of our sins, change our hearts and minds, and draw closer to God.

We are taught from the New Testament that every person needs repentance Romans 3:23. Each one of us knows that we need to repent, its the only way to find true joy and peace. That’s because it comes through the power of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice Alma 36:24. We’ve also learned that putting off repentance is a really bad idea Alma 34:32–34. Yet often times many of us do put it off. Why?

The main reason I believe many of us put off repentance is due to fear. Whether is for a serious sin or something we need to change such as attitudes, habits or behaviors Satan has placed in us that repentance is something we should fear or something that restricts our freedom. It was that way for me at first, when I knew in my heart that repentance was the only way to find happiness and a peaceful life. After many months of prayer, scripture study and heart to heart talks in my journal between the Lord and myself I began to understand that repentance is not to be feared, rather it is a gift.

Many people misunderstand what it means to repent. They may dread repentance or think it applies only to serious sins. Here are seven fears or concerns that can cause us to put off repentance:

1. Embarrassment: If I tell my bishop what I’ve done, he’ll be so disappointed—and I’ll be so embarrassed. What if I have to tell my parents? What if others find out? I personally had to overcome this fear in order to progress in my journey. My main concern was what would the bishop think of me. I already had what I felt was a tainted reputation I had worked for many years to change from my sins and be a new person, but there was one piece to my efforts that was missing and that was a full confession and willingness to fully cleanse. In counseling with the Father in Heaven daily concerning this matter, the feeling came to me so strong that I could not deny that this is what I needed to do to complete the process. This was not asked of me because I needed to be repremanded or for any other reason that to one, show the Lord of my willingness to come and follow him and two, to be able to forgive myself. Though the things that I would reveal would indeed be embarrasing to me the Lord already knew these things and he would strengthen not only me but also my bishopric to understand and guide me. And it was indeed true, when my full confession came, relief came and I need not fear because I had followed the Savior. What ever happened to me at this point in my life, Heavenly Father knew I had come to him with full purpose of heart and laid my sins before him to give them up. That is what is most important, not the embarassing act itself.

“I promise you [that the bishop] will not condemn you. As a servant of the Lord, he will be kind and understanding as he listens to you. He will then help you through the repentance process. He is the Lord’s messenger of mercy to help you become clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” Elder C. Scott Grow of the Seventy, “Why and What Do I Need to Confess to My Bishop?” New Era, Oct. 2013, 29.

2. Fear of Consequences: If I tell my bishop about my sins, there might be consequences—not taking the sacrament, not blessing or passing the sacrament, not leaving on a mission when I want to. That would mess up my life too much. I too had fear of consequences when contemplating my repentance. I feared loosing my standing in the church, I feared loosing friends and family, I feared loosing the Lord and the Holy Ghost. But what I most feared was what if I had to sit in sacrament meeting and people saw me not taking the sacrament. Sounds kind of silly maybe but this is a fine tactic of Satan to keep us from repenting. Again I sought the Lord through mighty prayer day and night constantly to face my fear and what I learned was that yes, there would be consequences for my actions, I even had the privilege of those consequences being revealed to me during my prayers; but what I was taught was to be not afraid, the consequences of not repenting are far worse than what I would need to go through and the Lord would not leave me comfortless. In my experience I was not allowed to partake of the sacrament for a long period of time but what I found was that I was not afraid, rather I was completely humbled, and I felt the spirit as I had never felt before because I chose to come unto Christ and follow him even in the hardest of times. This continues to be one of the greatest gifts of my life and sustains me during times of trouble, hardship and also daily repentance.

“The fact that we can repent is the good news of the gospel! Guilt can be swept away. We can be filled with joy, receive a remission of our sins, and have peace of conscience. We can be freed from feelings of despair and the bondage of sin.” (Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Oct. 2016 general conference.)

“If you have sinned, the sooner you repent, the sooner you begin to make your way back and find the peace and joy that come with forgiveness.” (For the Strength of Youth (2011), 28.)

3. Fear of Effort: Daily repentance is a hard thing, it takes too much time, thought and preparation. Making changes is hard and its not fun. Putting forth effort for something that can be so time consuming and hard sometimes puts us out and so we pass it by. But we all know that anything worthwhile takes effort. We put effort into hobbies, work, school, which all can be noteworthy worthwhile choices. If we can do so for these temporal things how much more important is it for our spiritual welfare to put forth the same effort. Forgiveness and spiritual peace are the most worthwhile of all our efforts, its something we all desire greatly. Those things we desire greatly require work, hard work. Repentance is no different, when we put in the effort to try our best to understand that repentance is not just about the serious sins its about daily effort in improving, growing and changing; our minds, hearts and lives will change. The effort then becomes not an effort at all but a great blessing.

“Repentance means striving to change. It would mock the Savior’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross for us to expect that He should transform us into angelic beings with no real effort on our part. Rather, we seek His grace to complement and reward our most diligent efforts (see 2 Nephi 25:23). Perhaps as much as praying for mercy, we should pray for time and opportunity to work and strive and overcome.” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Oct. 2011 general conference.)

4. Fear of a Shattered Self-Image: I’m one of the “good kids.” If I admit that I’ve made mistakes, that’s it—I wouldn’t be a “good kid” anymore. What would I be? Who would I be? I’d rather just try to forget it and move on as though everything were the same. Now this is the big one, at least it was for me. My self image due to my sins had already been disentigrated, I had worked hard to come back to church and make myself right and undo the image created into something better. If I came forth would there be anything left of me to change? It was kind of surprising to me that when I sought my bishop to start my process of repentance and he told me of the great courage I had in seeking him out and expressed a deep respect. He told me that I had been such a good member of the church that it was hard to give the consequences that would come, he told me he couldn’t do that to me. I heard myself telling him that it had to be this way, please do this for me, its the only way I can be right with the Savior. I remember the tears in his eyes, and the great love he expressed for me and for the Savior in teaching me how repentance is full of love and not rejection. Knowing that was crushing blow to the battle and made me better than I ever could have been. However, this does not stop Satan from his tactics and even today I suffer with issues dealing with self image and repentance. I do not fear repenting, I fear the pain that comes from my sins and I tend to beat myself up because I should know better, or I am not trying hard enough. What I have to remember, what we all should remember is that God sees us as we are, our image is not shattered and it is not bad when repenting in fact it is opposite. When we humbly acknowledge our sin before God so that He can “make weak things become strong” Ether 12:27 the image of ourselves that we should see is the one that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have of us. We are children of God who, though imperfect, have infinite and divine potential through Their help.

“God sees us as we truly are—and He sees us worthy of rescue. …“… With each step of faith on the path of discipleship, we grow into the beings of eternal glory and infinite joy we were designed to become.” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home,” Apr. 2016 general conference.)

5. Fear of Losing Your Personality: If I conform to the Church’s standards, I’ll be giving up some of the things that make me me, like my favorite movies, TV shows, music, and ways of expressing myself. I’ll just be another cookie-cutter Latter-day Saint. I’d rather just be me. For me this was not a fear, I did not want to be the old person I was I wanted a change I wanted to be the cookie-cutter Latter-day but I did not want to loose myself. I was a dance teacher at the time so things like music and costuming played a big part in life. I loved movies, I liked being funny with jokes and humor some of which, were off color at times. I wrote poetry and short stories for self, competition and publication, sometimes the content was suggestive. Though I had a great desire to be a “Latter-day Saint” that desire did not make it easy to change. It took a while for me to see that this type of change is important but when I did, it rocked my world. After the experience of following a path of repentance I was readmitted into full fellowship, my first calling was second counselor in the primary presidency. That is when it hit. I was incredibly humbled that the Lord would see fit to call one such as I, to such an important calling. This meant that I needed to change, if I were entrusted with such an important role in the lives of children I did not want to mess that up as I had done in the past. I had to lead a life that showed my willingness and ability to live as though the Savior were in my presence. One day I began going though all of my albums, CD’s, movies, writings and many other things. I became embarrassed at some of the music and movies I had used in dance performances. I “purged” my house of everything that I did not think fit in a gospel centered life. My mom became so worried with my behavior she called my sister to tell her I had lost it and was throwing out everything in the house. Indeed it must have seemed so for things like the movie Grease, that are acceptable in the world, for me were not acceptable anymore and I was ashamed at inducing it into the lives of my children. If I were going to be a leader in the Lord’s church I must see that might life was in harmony with His teachings. What is the take away from this story? I no longer wanted to be defined by my sins, and I did not want to teach others to be that way. I found new ways to express my self that are even deeper and more meaningful that ever before. I didn’t have to stop being me I just had to change some of the aspects such as choosing better music, costuming and movies. When I did I discovered that living the standards of the Church is not conforming, it is liberating.

“Satan would rather that you define yourself by your sins instead of your divine potential. … Don’t listen to him.” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Four Titles,” Apr. 2013 general conference.)

“There is more individuality in those who are more holy. Sin, on the other hand, brings sameness; it shrinks us to addictive appetites and insubordinate impulses.” Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Oct. 1991 general conference.

6. Fear of Failure: I’ve tried to change so many times but keep making the same mistakes. Maybe I’ve had all my chances. Maybe I’ll never be able to change. If I try one more time and fail, won’t that prove it? I have found this to be one of the things I struggle with today more than ever. Not due to serious sin, but sins of omission. Such can be studied in the book of James in the New Testament which teaches us that we should be slow to wrath, James 1:19–20, doers of the word not hearers only, James 1:22–25, do not be double minded James 1:8 and do away with hatred or bitterness toward another James 1:21. We may not struggle with all of these of course, but in the time we live in now its hard to not take offense, to be slow to anger, to not be negative, or to improve out language, thoughts and actions. Its hard to change these things, they are hard to practice for we are human and we will not be perfect in this life, yet we do not need to fear trying to be more perfect. I have found that with a great desire to change habits and ways it did not come overnight and repeated my mistake time and again. But the more I counseled with the Lord, the more I continued to daily repent and strive, the better it got and one day a change would just happen. I would take notice weeks or months later that I had indeed made great strides and did change. There is no limit to sincere repentance Mosiah 26:30. Christ was the infinite and eternal sacrifice to atone for our sins so that we can be forgiven if we have faith and repent  Alma 34:9–16. Infinite and eternal are the key words here, for we are not beyond the bounds of His Atonement, because it has no bounds. Thus we must keep trying. Over and over!

“Sometimes in our repentance, in our daily efforts to become more Christlike, we find ourselves repeatedly struggling with the same difficulties. As if we were climbing a tree-covered mountain, at times we don’t see our progress until we get closer to the top and look back from the high ridges. Don’t be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting.” (Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Oct. 2009 general conference.)

“With the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the strength of heaven to help us, we can improve, and the great thing about the gospel is we get credit for trying, even if we don’t always succeed.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Apr. 2016 general conference.)

7. Fear of Success: What if I really am able to change my life? There might be a lot more expected of me then. Maybe it’s just better to be flawed and mediocre so I won’t be expected to take on more responsibility. Being afraid of higher expectations or more responsibility may come from laziness or insecurity. But Heavenly Father’s plan is one of improvement and progress. You accepted that plan before this life; embrace it now by being diligent and having faith. Try to see the kind of person Heavenly Father wants you to become and the kind of life He wants you to have. If you could actually see the person you have the potential to become, it would be difficult for you to even believe it. With Heavenly Father’s and the Savior’s help, it’s within your grasp. (7 Things We Fear about Repetance and Why We Shouldn’t David A Edwards Ensign March 2017)

“Our responsibility is to rise from mediocrity to competence, from failure to achievement. Our task is to become our best selves.” (President Thomas S. Monson, “The Will Within,” Apr. 1987 general conference.)

Part Two: We Can Do It Better  Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–19

All prophets since the beginning have called upon people to repent. However, perhaps no invitation to repent is as poignant as the Savior’s found in Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–19

15 Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I ^asmite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your ^bsufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.

16 For behold, I, God, have ^asuffered these things for all, that they ^bmight not suffer if they would ^crepent;

17 But if they would not repent they must ^asuffer even as I;

18 Which ^asuffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might ^bnot drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and ^afinished my preparations unto the children of men.

What do you learn about the Savior from these verses?

What do these verses say about the importance of repentance in the Lord’s eyes?

In addition to forgiveness of sin, what other blessings come from repentance? Click to Watch the Video “Repentance: A Joyful Choice” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

President Russel M Nelson teaches us that when it comes to repentance, “We Can Do Better and Be Better” Specifically he teaches that:

1. Too many people consider repentance as punishment—something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances. But this feeling of being penalized is engendered by Satan. He tries to block us from looking to Jesus Christ, who stands with open arms, hoping and willing to heal, forgive, cleanse, strengthen, purify, and sanctify us.
2. The word for repentance in the Greek New Testament is metanoeo. The prefix meta- means “change.” The suffix -noeo is related to Greek words that mean “mind,” “knowledge,” “spirit,” and “breath.” Thus, when Jesus asks you and me to “repent,” He is inviting us to change our mind, our knowledge, our spirit—even the way we breathe. He is asking us to change the way we love, think, serve, spend our time, treat our wives, teach our children, and even care for our bodies. Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance.
3. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Whether you are diligently moving along the covenant path, have slipped or stepped from the covenant path, or can’t even see the path from where you are now, I plead with you to repent. Experience the strengthening power of daily repentance—of doing and being a little better each day.
4. When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ!….
5. We need to do better and be better because we are in a battle. The battle with sin is real. The adversary is quadrupling his efforts to disrupt testimonies and impede the work of the Lord. He is arming his minions with potent weapons to keep us from partaking of the joy and love of the Lord. Repentance is the key to avoiding misery inflicted by traps of the adversary.
6. The Lord does not expect perfection from us at this point in our eternal progression. But He does expect us to become increasingly pure. Daily repentance is the pathway to purity, and purity brings power. Personal purity can make us powerful tools in the hands of God. Our repentance—our purity—will empower us to help in the gathering of Israel.

Conclusion

How has repentance helped you come closer to Heavenly Father? How can you have a deeper desire to repent? How can better see that repentance is a daily effort and not just reserved for serious sins? President Dallin H Oaks reminds us that: The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ opens the door for “all men [to] repent and come unto him” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:11; The book of Alma reports repentance and forgiveness even of those who had been a wicked and a bloodthirsty people Alma 25:16; 27:27, 30 My message …is one of hope for all of us…We are all sinners who can be cleansed by repentance. “To repent from sin is not easy,” Elder Russell M. Nelson taught in a prior general conference. “But the prize is worth the price.” (“Cleansed by Repentance” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 91–94)

Resources

“Stand as a Witness”

Today as we consider Doctrine and Covenants 14–17 Think about the doctrine and events. How will you be inspired to stand as a witness of the things taught?

History and Background

This section is revelation given by the Prophet Joseph Smith to David Whitmer. Who is David Whitmer? He was one of the three witness to the Book of Mormon after meeting and becoming well acquainted with Joseph in 1828-29. He was baptized by the Prophet in June 1829 and very soon after was blessed with seeing the plates of the Book of Mormon. He was a charter member of the church established April 6 1830 and ordained a high priest on Oct 25 1831. He moved to Jackson County Missouri and served as president of the high council in clay county later being sustained as president of the Saints in Missouri. However in 1838, he fell into apostasy and was excommunicated, yet, he continued to live in Missouri for the rest of his life never denying his testimony of the Book of Mormon. He died in 1888.

When learning about this man it is important to remember that The Lord chose Three Witnesses who would see the Book of Mormon gold plates so they could “testify to the truth of the book and the things therein” (2 Nephi 27:12). One of these witnesses was David Whitmer.

David heard about the gold plates while visiting Oliver Cowdery, who was acting as scribe as Joseph Smith translated. Oliver later wrote to David, asking if he and Joseph could stay with him and finish the translation. David traveled 300 miles (483 km) to Pennsylvania to bring Joseph and Oliver to his parents’ home in New York. David’s interest grew as he watched Joseph translate the Book of Mormon. Eventually, along with Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, David was shown the plates by an angel and heard the voice of God command them to testify of what they had seen.

David left the Church a few years later and never returned, but he never denied his testimony. Near the end of his life, David wrote: “I have never at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof, which has so long since been published with [the Book of Mormon], as one of the three witnesses. Those who know me best, will know that I have always adhered to that testimony. And that no man may be misled or doubt my present views in regard to the same, I do again affirm the truth of all of my statements, as then made and published” (An Address to All Believers in Christ [1887], 8–9). (Liahona February 2021)

Part One: Doctrine and Covenants 14–16 The Lord invites us to participate in His work.

To better understand how these sections relate to us and to see how the Lord invites each of us to participate in His work, a history of these sections and the Whitmer family is helpful as these three sections are from the Lord to David, Peter, and

What do you know about the Whitmer family?

The Whitmer Family.: Of the Book of Mormon’s eleven witnesses, seven were Whitmers by blood or marriage. The Book of Mormon translation was finished at the Whitmer home in Fayette; near it the Three Witnesses saw Moroni and the plates; there the organization of the Church and early New York conferences were held; half of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants from the New York period were received there, a record unequaled by any other dwelling in the state. Joseph Smith’s family had carried the first burden in inquiry and persecution in the gospel’s restoration, but the Whitmers were the family that nourished the Church. (The Whitmers: A Family That Nourished the Church Ensign 1979)

Back in New York, Oliver’s friend David Whitmer was eager to learn more about Joseph’s work. Though David lived in Fayette, about thirty miles from Manchester, he and Oliver had become friends while Oliver was teaching school and living with the Smiths. They often talked about the gold plates, and when Oliver moved to Harmony, he promised to write to David about the translation.

Letters started arriving a short time later. Oliver wrote that Joseph knew details about his life that no one could have known except by revelation from God. He described the Lord’s words to Joseph and the translation of the record. In one letter, Oliver shared a few lines of the translation, testifying of its truthfulness.

Another letter informed David that it was God’s will for him to bring his team and wagon to Harmony to help Joseph, Emma, and Oliver move to the Whitmer home in Fayette, where they would finish the translation. People in Harmony had become less welcoming to the Smiths. Some men had even threatened to attack them, and had it not been for the influence of Emma’s family, they might have been seriously hurt.

David shared Oliver’s letters with his parents and siblings, who agreed to welcome Joseph, Emma, and Oliver into their home. The Whitmers were descendants of German-speaking settlers in the area and had a reputation for hard work and piety. Their farm was close enough to the Smith home for a visit but far enough away to keep thieves from disturbing them.

David wanted to go to Harmony immediately, but his father reminded him that he had two days of heavy work to do before he could leave. It was planting season, and David needed to plow twenty acres and enrich the soil with plaster of paris to help their wheat grow. His father said he ought to pray first to learn if it was absolutely necessary to leave now. David took his father’s advice, and as he prayed, he felt the Spirit tell him to finish his work at home before going to Harmony.

The next morning, David walked out to the fields and saw rows of dark furrows in ground that had been unplowed the evening before. Exploring the fields further, he saw that about six acres had been plowed overnight, and the plow was waiting for him in the last furrow, ready for him to finish the job. David’s father was astonished when he learned what had happened. “There must be an overruling hand in this,” he said, “and I think you had better go down to Pennsylvania as soon as your plaster of paris is sown.”

David worked hard to plow the remaining fields and prepare the soil for a successful planting. When he finished, he hitched his wagon to a strong team of horses and set out for Harmony earlier than expected. (Saints Vol 1: 68-69)

How do these facts help us better understand the Lord’s counsel to the Whitmers in sections 14–16? (click the link to read or see below)

Section 14 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to David Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829. The Whitmer family had become greatly interested in the translating of the Book of Mormon. The Prophet established his residence at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr., where he dwelt until the work of translation was carried to completion and the copyright on the forthcoming book was secured. Three of the Whitmer sons, each having received a testimony as to the genuineness of the work, became deeply concerned over the matter of their individual duty. This revelation and the two following (sections 15 and 16) were given in answer to an inquiry through the Urim and Thummim. David Whitmer later became one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

1 ^aA great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.

2 Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.

3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.

5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will ^aknock it shall be opened unto you.

6 Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things.

7 And, if you ^akeep my commandments and ^bendure to the end you shall have ^ceternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

8 And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith ^abelieving, you shall receive the ^bHoly Ghost, which ^cgiveth utterance, that you may stand as a ^dwitness of the things of which you shall both ^ehear and see, and also that you may declare ^frepentance unto this generation.

9 Behold, I am ^aJesus Christ, the ^bSon of the ^cliving God, who ^dcreated the heavens and the ^eearth, a ^flight which cannot be hid in ^gdarkness;

10 Wherefore, I must bring forth the ^afulness of my ^bgospel from the ^cGentiles unto the house of Israel.

11 And behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen.

Section 15 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829. The message is intimately and impressively personal in that the Lord tells of what was known only to John Whitmer and Himself. John Whitmer later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

1 Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

2 For behold, I speak unto you with ^asharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the ^bearth.

3 And I will ^atell you that which no man ^bknoweth save me and thee alone—

4 For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.

6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to ^adeclare ^brepentance unto this people, that you may bring ^csouls unto me, that you may ^drest with them in the ^ekingdom of my ^fFather. Amen.

SECTION 16 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Peter Whitmer Jr., at Fayette, New York, June 1829. Peter Whitmer Jr. later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

1–2, The Lord’s arm is over all the earth; 3–6, To preach the gospel and save souls is the thing of most worth.

1 ^aHearken, my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

2 For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth.

3 And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone—

4 For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given unto you according to my commandments.

6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.

What do you learn about the work of the Lord from the following passages? Doctrine and Covenants 14:1; 14:2–4; 14:5, 8; 14:6–7; 14:9–11; 15:6.

14:1: 1 ^aA great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men

The first five verses of this blessing are almost word for word as the blessings given to Oliver Cowdrey in Section 6. The Lord uses in these verses adjectives “great and marvelous” to refer to His work. The church which is the Lord’s work, is great and marvelous and was about to come forth.

14:2–4: 2 Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.

3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.

The word God is quick, it is living and not dead. It is powerful it is a force like electricity. Like a sword it pierces and cuts and penetrates to the core of each of us. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The symbol of the field white and ready to harvest represents the people of the earth who are ready to head the gospel. This is like a harvest to the Lord, in the same way a farmer or Lord of the harvest would gather what has been grown.

14:5, 8; 5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will ^aknock it shall be opened unto you.

6 Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things.

7 And, if you ^akeep my commandments and ^bendure to the end you shall have ^ceternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

8 And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith ^abelieving, you shall receive the ^bHoly Ghost, which ^cgiveth utterance, that you may stand as a ^dwitness of the things of which you shall both ^ehear and see, and also that you may declare ^frepentance unto this generation.

When we read ask and you will receive and knock and it shall be opened we are taught that by having the faith to ask the Lord what he expects of us and to give us counsel we will receive. As it has been shown the Whitmer’s wanted to know thus they asked and these revelations are what they received. Further, the Lord promised David Whitmer that if the commandments were kept and if he would endure to the end he should have eternal life He was commanded to help to assist with the Lord’s work and would be given the blessing of being a witness of those things which they would see and hear, all of which was promised based on faithfulness. David is specifically promised that he would be a witness in a special way.

In order for David Whitmer or any of God’s children to have eternal life they must endure to the end, that is, remain faithful throughout their mortal probation. The Lord counseled David Whitmer to ask in faith and to be believing so that he would receive the Holy Ghost and also that he might see, hear, and know the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. David’s faith was sufficient, and he became one of the three special witnesses of the Book of Mormon. (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual)

What does it mean to endure to the end and why is it important? The importance of enduring to the end was explained by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Some think of enduring to the end as simply suffering through challenges. It is so much more than that—it is the process of coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him. …“Enduring to the end is the doctrine of continuing on the path leading to eternal life after one has entered into the path through faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Enduring to the end requires our whole heart. …“Enduring to the end means that we have planted our lives firmly on gospel soil, staying in the mainstream of the Church, humbly serving our fellow men, living Christlike lives, and keeping our covenants” (“Press On,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 101).

What is the definition of eternal life and what did it mean for David Whitmer and for us? Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what eternal life is and why it is considered to be the greatest gift we can receive from God: “Eternal life is the name of the kind of life which God lives and is therefore ‘the greatest of all the gifts of God’ (D&C 14:7); and because those who gain it become like God, they are one with him. “Exaltation consists of an inheritance in the highest heaven of the celestial world, where alone the family unit continues and where each recipient gains for himself an eternal family unit, patterned after the family of God our Heavenly Father, so that every exalted person lives the kind of life which God lives and is therefore one with him. …“Thus, to be saved, to gain exaltation, to inherit eternal life, all mean to be one with God, to live as he lives, to think as he thinks, to act as he acts, to possess the same glory, the same power, the same might and dominion that he possesses” (The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ [1978], 130).

Read Doctrine and Covenants 15–16, looking for how much the Lord values the work of saving souls.

14:9–11; 9 Behold, I am ^aJesus Christ, the ^bSon of the ^cliving God, who ^dcreated the heavens and the ^eearth, a ^flight which cannot be hid in ^gdarkness;

10 Wherefore, I must bring forth the ^afulness of my ^bgospel from the ^cGentiles unto the house of Israel.

11 And behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen.

The Lord presents himself here as the Son of God who created all things. The Fullness of the Gospel must be brought to the house of Israel. This is the work that began with the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon. David Whitmer was called to assist given the promise that if he would do so, he would be blessed temporally and spiritually.

President Wilford Woodruff, speaking in a day when there were few Jewish converts to the Church, said: “We are all Gentiles. The Latter-day Saints are all Gentiles in a national capacity. The Gospel came to us among the Gentiles. We are not Jews, and the
Gentile nations have got to hear the Gospel first. The whole Christian world have got to hear the Gospel, and when they reject it, the law will be bound and the testimony sealed, and it will turn to the house of Israel. Up to the present day we have been called to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, and we have had to do it. For the last time we have been warning the world, and we have been engaged in that work for forty-five years.” (In Journal of Discourses, 18:1)

How have you seen the Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 15:6 and 16:6 fulfilled in your lives?

15:6: 6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to ^adeclare ^brepentance unto this people, that you may bring ^csouls unto me, that you may ^drest with them in the ^ekingdom of my ^fFather. Amen.

16:6: 6 Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things.

In the revelations recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 15–16, the Lord blessed John and Peter Whitmer for having shared God’s words with others. They learned that declaring repentance and bringing souls to Jesus Christ is the most worthwhile thing that they could do. Elder M. Russell Ballard explained one of the reasons why bringing souls unto Christ is of such great importance: “Don’t ever forget, brothers and sisters, that you and I have in our possession the very points of doctrine that will bring people to the Lord. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power to bring deep and abiding happiness to the human soul—something that will be valued and cherished for the rest of time and for all eternity. We are not just trying to get people to join our Church; we are sharing with them the fulness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. But as powerful as our message is, it cannot be imposed or forced upon people. It can only be shared—heart to heart, soul to soul, spirit to spirit—by being good neighbors and by caring and showing love” (“The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 40).

What do we learn from these sections that can help us prepare to share the gospel?

What will you do to assist in the Lord’s harvest?

Part Two: Doctrine and Covenants 17 We can remain true to what we know, even if others reject us.

In March 1829, the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that He would permit three servants to view the Book of Mormon plates and to thereby become witnesses who would bear testimony to the world  D&C 5:11–15. Later, while finishing the translation of the small plates near the end of his work on the Book of Mormon, Joseph was again reminded of the Lord’s plan to appoint three witnesses to view the plates 2 Nephi 27:12–14; Ether 5:2–4. The Prophet Joseph Smith recorded, “Almost immediately after we had made this discovery, it occurred to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and … Martin Harris (who had [come] to enquire after our progress in the work) that they would have me enquire of the Lord, to know if they might not obtain of him [the privilege] to be these three special witnesses; and finally they became so very solicitous, and [urged] me so much, that at length I complied, and through the Urim and Thummim, I obtained of the Lord for them the following Revelation [D&C 17]” (in The Joseph Smith Papers, Histories, Volume 1: Joseph Smith Histories, 1832–1844, ed. Karen Lynn Davidson and others [2012], 314; spelling standardized).

Doctrine and Covenants 17:

1 Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do with full purpose of heart, you shall have a ^aview of the ^bplates, and also of the ^cbreastplate, the ^dsword of Laban, the ^eUrim and Thummim, which were given to the ^fbrother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord ^gface to face, and the ^hmiraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the ⁱRed Sea.

2 And it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them, even by that faith which was had by the prophets of old.

3 And after that you have obtained faith, and have seen them with your eyes, you shall ^atestify of them, by the power of God;

4 And this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men in this work.

5 And ye shall testify that you have seen them, even as my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., has seen them; for it is by my power that he has seen them, and it is because he had faith.

6 And he has translated the ^abook, even that ^bpart which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true.

7 Wherefore, you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him;

8 And if you do these last ^acommandments of mine, which I have given you, the ^bgates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my ^cgrace is sufficient for you, and you shall be ^dlifted up at the last day.

9 And I, Jesus Christ, your ^aLord and your God, have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen.

Why did the Lord provide witnesses of the Book of Mormon? The Three Witnesses fulfilled an important law established by the Lord. Elder Bruce R. McConkie pointed out that “whenever the Lord has established a dispensation by revealing his gospel and by conferring priesthood and keys upon men, he has acted in accordance with the law of witnesses which he himself ordained. This law is: ‘In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.’ (2 Cor. 13:1; Deut. 17:6; 19:15;
Matt. 18:15–16; John 8:12–29.) “Never does one man stand alone in establishing a new dispensation of revealed truth, or in carrying the burden of such a message and warning to the world. In every dispensation, from Adam to the present, two or more witnesses have always joined their testimonies, thus leaving their hearers without excuse in the day of judgment should the testimony be rejected.” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 436.)

Even if we have not seen angels or handled the gold plates, we can still bear witness of the Book of Mormon. What do you find in section 17 (including the section heading) that you feel applies to you?

If someone asked why we believe the Book of Mormon is true, what would we say?

President Ezra Taft Benson gave the following invitation to Church members in 1988: “The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to ‘sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out [His] elect.’ (Moses 7:62.) This sacred volume of scripture needs to become more central in our preaching, our teaching, and our missionary work. “… In this age of the electronic media and the mass distribution of the printed word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way. “We have the Book of Mormon, we have the members, we have the missionaries, we have the resources, and the world has the need. The time is now! “My beloved brothers and sisters, we hardly fathom the power of the Book of Mormon, nor the divine role it must play, nor the extent to which it must be moved” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 143–44).

What do we learn from the experiences of other witnesses of the Book of Mormon? The Testimony of Eight Witnesses (Click the link to read)

As recorded in the Book of Mormon, the Lord prophesied that besides Joseph Smith and the Three Witnesses, “there is none other which shall view [the book], save it be a few according to the will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men” (2 Nephi 27:13; see also verse 12). This refers to the Eight Witnesses who both saw and handled the golden plates. In all, there were 12 eyewitnesses of the Book of Mormon plates (Joseph Smith, the Three Witnesses, and the Eight Witnesses) who were given the commandment to declare their witness to the world. Additional individuals felt the plates, when the plates were covered by a cloth, or felt their weight in a cloth sack. Mary Whitmer, the wife of Peter Whitmer Sr., had a remarkable experience during this time. She and her husband carried the increased burden of hosting the Smiths and Oliver Cowdery in their home while the Prophet completed the translation of the Book of Mormon. Their son, David, remembered that although his mother did not complain, she felt overwhelmed. “David later related what happened one day as his mother went to the barn to milk the cows: ‘She was met out near the yard by the same old man [seen earlier by David] (judging by her description of him) who said to her: “You have been very faithful and diligent in your labors, but you are tired because of the increase of your toil; it is proper therefore that you should receive a witness that your faith may be strengthened.” Thereupon he showed her the plates’” (Church History in the Fulness of Times [Church Educational System manual, 2000], 57–58).

The testimony of the Three Witnesses is given in the preface to the Book of Mormon. Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris never faltered in bearing testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. As history attests, however, they did falter in other Church related areas. David Whitmer left the Church and never came back. Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris
both left the Church but were eventually rebaptized and died in full fellowship. But even while they were out of the Church, all three continued to bear solemn witness of the reality of their experience on that day. They undoubtedly felt the weight of the Lord’s warning to them to keep his commandments or the gates of hell would prevail against them.

Francis W. Kirkham wrote about Oliver Cowdery’s death that “in the year 1878, David Whitmer said to Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith concerning his departure: ‘Oliver died the happiest man I ever saw. After shaking hands with the family and kissing his wife and daughter, he said, “Now I lay me down for the last time; I am going to my Savior”; and he died immediately, with a smile on his face.’” (New Witness for Christ, 1:248.) The Richmond Democrat carried the following account of David Whitmer: “On Sunday evening, at 5:30 (Jan. 22, 1888), Mr. Whitmer called his family and some friends to his bedside, and addressing himself to the attending physician, said: ‘Dr. Buchanan, I want you to say whether or not I am in my right mind, before I give my dying testimony.’ The doctor answered: ‘Yes, you are in your right mind, for I have just had a conversation with you.’ He then addressed himself to all around his bedside in these words: ‘Now you must all be faithful in Christ. I want to say to you all, the Bible and the record of the Nephites (Book of Mormon) is true, so you can say that you have heard me bear my testimony on my death-bed. All be faithful in Christ, and your reward will be according to your works. God bless you all. My trust is in Christ forever, worlds without end. Amen.’” (In Jenson, Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:270.)

The last testimony of Martin Harris was given to Elder William Harrison Homer, who was with him at the time of his death. Elder Homer recorded: “The next day, July 10, 1875, marked the end. It was in the evening. It was milking time, and Martin Harris, Jr., and his wife, Nancy Homer Harris, had gone out to milk and to do the evening’s chores. In the house with the stricken man were left my mother, Eliza Williamson Homer, and myself, who had had so interesting a day with Martin Harris at Kirtland. I stood by the bedside holding the patient’s right hand and my mother at the foot of the bed, Martin Harris had been unconscious for a number of days. When we first entered the room the old gentleman appeared to be sleeping. He soon woke up and asked for a drink of water. I put my arm under the old gentleman, raised him, and my mother held the glass to his lips. He drank freely, then he looked up at me and recognized me. He said, ‘I know you. You are my friend.’ He said, ‘Yes, I did see the plates on which the Book of Mormon was written; I did see the angel; I did hear the voice of God; and I do know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, holding the keys of the Holy Priesthood.’ This was the end. Martin Harris, divinely-chosen witness of the work of God, relaxed, gave up my hand. He lay back on his pillow Section 17 33 (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual)

How does this teach us that we can remain true even when rejected by others?

Conclusion

What do we learn from the history, the background and the doctrine of these sections of the Doctrine and Covenants? In all of our study, in all of our quests, in all of our wishes and desires, it is important to remember that if we keep God’s commandments and endure to the end we will receive eternal life. Our efforts to bring Jesus Christ to others are of great worth to us and God truly does know us personally. If we faithfully assist the Lord in His work, he will bless us spiritually and temporally and after we obtain a witness for ourselves, though it may not be as those we read about, we still have a great responsibility to testify of it. Jesus Christ Himself testified of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, thus our responsibility is surely great to also testify.

Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual

Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Manual

Liahona Magazine

Ensign

Conference Reports

Journal of Discoures

History of the Chruch

Church History in the Fulness of Times

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church

The Joseph Smith Papers

Mormon Doctrine

The Promised Messiah

Doctrine and Covenants Commentary Hyrum M Smith and Janne M Sjodahl

A Companion to Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants Vol 1 Daniel Ludlow

A companion to Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants Vol 2 Daniel Ludlow

“By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Its important to remember in our gospel study, as we read blogs, articles, commentaries, and other resources that the purpose of these are not to prescribe what will happen in class or in your personal study. They are supplements to—not a replacement for—personal revelation. Let the Spirit guide your personal study and preparation, and then see if these activities might help you discover and share the important principles in Ether 12–15.

As you study ask yourself these questions and make note in your journal!

“I have learned that …” “I have a testimony of …” and “I have experienced …”

History and Background

Ether 12:23 After recounting many years of Jaredite history, Moroni introduced the ministry of the prophet Ether. Moroni then interrupted the historical account to record some of the blessings that come to those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ. In humble prayer, Moroni expressed a concern. He worried about the weakness he perceived in his writing and in the writing of other Book of Mormon prophets. The Lord responded with a promise to strengthen those who humble themselves and have faith in Him.

Ether 13–15 Moroni recorded Ether’s prophecies about the New Jerusalem and the Jerusalem of old. Ether warned Coriantumr, a Jaredite king, that his people would be destroyed if he and his household would not repent. When Coriantumr and his people refused to repent, war and wickedness escalated for many years until the entire Jaredite nation was destroyed. Only Ether and Coriantumr survived to witness the fulfillment of Ether’s prophecy.

The book of Ether’s account of the tragic destruction of a once-great nation helps us see the inevitable consequences of rejecting the prophets and the devastating results of unrestrained sin. In contrast, we also read some profound instruction on faith in Jesus Christ. The combined teachings of the prophets Ether and Moroni demonstrate that faith leads to repentance, brings about miracles, and turns personal weakness into strength. Sadly, the Jaredites refused to heed Ether’s teachings and turned away from the truth that could have saved them.

Part One: Ether 12:2–22 We will receive a witness of truth as we exercise faith in Jesus Christ.

Ether 12 begins with Moroni’s introduction of Ether, a Jaredite prophet who preached during a time when the people rejected the prophets and lived in wickedness.

2 And ^aEther was a prophet of the Lord; wherefore Ether came forth in the days of Coriantumr, and began to prophesy unto the people, for he could not be ^brestrained because of the Spirit of the Lord which was in him.

3 For he did ^acry from the ^bmorning, even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto repentance lest they should be ^cdestroyed, saying unto them that ^dby ^efaith all things are fulfilled—

4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with ^asurety ^bhope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which ^chope cometh of ^dfaith, maketh an ^eanchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in ^fgood works, being led to ^gglorify God.

5 And it came to pass that Ether did prophesy great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they ^asaw them not.

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that ^afaith is things which are ^bhoped for and ^cnot seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no ^dwitness until after the ^etrial of your faith.

7 For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith in him, for he showed himself ^anot unto the world.

8 But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.

9 Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.

10 Behold it was by faith that they of old were ^acalled after the holy order of God.

11 Wherefore, by faith was the law of Moses given. But in the ^agift of his Son hath God prepared a more ^bexcellent way; and it is by faith that it hath been fulfilled.

12 For if there be no ^afaith among the children of men God can do no ^bmiracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.

13 Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the ^aprison to tumble to the earth.

14 Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the ^achange upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the ^bHoly Ghost.

15 Behold, it was the faith of ^aAmmon and his brethren which ^bwrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites.

16 Yea, and even all they who wrought ^amiracles wrought them by ^bfaith, even those who were before Christ and also those who were after.

17 And it was by faith that the three disciples obtained a promise that they should ^anot taste of death; and they obtained not the promise until after their faith.

18 And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.

19 And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even ^abefore Christ came, who could not be kept from within the ^bveil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad.

20 And behold, we have seen in this record that one of these was the brother of Jared; for so great was his faith in God, that when God put forth his ^afinger he could not hide it from the sight of the brother of Jared, because of his word which he had spoken unto him, which word he had obtained by faith.

21 And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, because of the ^apromise which the brother of Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore he showed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the ^bveil.

22 And it is by faith that my fathers have obtained the ^apromise that these things should come unto their brethren through the Gentiles; therefore the Lord hath commanded me, yea, even Jesus Christ.

The people mentioned in these verses exercised faith. How can we follow their examples?

According to these verses, what are the results of exercising faith in Jesus Christ?

Some people have the following attitude: “I will not believe or live according to a gospel principle until I see evidence that it is true.”

According to Ether 12:6, what must happen before we can receive a witness?

What do you think the phrase “trial of your faith” refers to? Some people mistakenly interpret “trial of faith” to always refer to hardship. The phrase “trial of faith” can describe anything that gives us an opportunity to demonstrate or exercise our faith in Jesus Christ.

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gives us an explanation of the phrase “trial of faith.”

“You can learn to use faith more effectively by applying this principle taught by Moroni: ‘… ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith’ [Ether 12:6; italics added]. Thus, every time you try your faith, that is, act in worthiness on an impression, you will receive the confirming evidence of the Spirit. Those feelings will fortify your faith. As you repeat that pattern, your faith will become stronger” (Richard G. Scott, “The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 76).

How is the process described by Elder Scott different from the attitude of those who want evidence before they will believe or act?

What principle can we learn from Ether 12:6 about what we must do if we desire to receive a spiritual witness from the Lord? If we desire a spiritual witness, then we must first exercise faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel.

“Sometimes we try to do it backward. For example, we may take this approach: I will be happy to live the law of tithing, but first I need to know that it’s true. Maybe we even pray to gain a testimony of the law of tithing and hope the Lord will bless us with that testimony before we have ever filled out a tithing slip. It just doesn’t work that way. The Lord expects us to exercise faith. We have to consistently pay a full and honest tithe in order to gain a testimony of tithing. This same pattern applies to all the principles of the gospel, whether it is the law of chastity, the principle of modesty, the Word of Wisdom, or the law of the fast” (Bonnie L. Oscarson, “Be Ye Converted,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 77).

Why do you think it is important for us to exercise faith in Jesus Christ through our actions before we receive a spiritual witness?

President Gordon B. Hinckley related a story that illustrates the principle of receiving a witness after the trial of our faith:

“Let me give you a story of a woman in São Paulo, Brazil. She worked while going to school to provide for her family. I use her own words in telling this story. She says: “‘The university in which I studied had a regulation that prohibited the students that were in debt from taking tests. For this reason, when I received my salary I would first separate the money for tithing and offerings, and the remainder was allotted for the payment of the school and other expenses. I remember a time when I … faced serious financial difficulties. It was a Thursday when I received my salary. When I figured the monthly budget, I noticed that there wouldn’t be enough to pay [both] my tithing and my university. I would have to choose between them. The bimonthly tests would start the following week, and if I didn’t take them I could lose the school year. I felt great agony. … My heart ached. I had a painful decision before me, and I didn’t know what to decide. I pondered between the two choices: to pay tithing or to risk the possibility of not obtaining the necessary credits to be approved in school. This feeling consumed my soul and remained with me up to Saturday. It was then that I remembered that when I was baptized I had agreed to live the law of tithing. I had taken upon myself an obligation, not with the missionaries, but with my Heavenly Father. At that moment, the anguish started to disappear, giving place to a pleasant sensation of tranquility and determination. …That night when I prayed, I asked the Lord to forgive me for my indecision. On Sunday, before the beginning of sacrament meeting, I contacted the bishop, and with great pleasure I paid my tithing and offerings. That was a special day. I felt happy and peaceful within myself and with Heavenly Father. The next day I was in my office; I tried to find a way to be able to take the tests that would begin on Wednesday. The more I thought, the further I felt from a solution. …The working period was ending when my employer approached and gave the last orders of the day. When he had done so, with his briefcase in his hand he bid farewell. … Suddenly, he halted, and looking at me he asked, “How is your college?” I was surprised, and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The only thing I could answer with a trembling voice was, “Everything is all right!” He looked thoughtfully at me and bid farewell again. …Suddenly the secretary entered the room, saying that I was a very fortunate person! When I asked her why, she simply answered: “The employer has just said that from today on the company is going to pay fully for your college and your books. Before you leave, stop at my desk and inform me of the costs so that tomorrow I can give you the check. After she left, crying and feeling very humble, I knelt exactly where I was and thanked the Lord for His generosity. I … said to Heavenly Father that He didn’t have to bless me so much. I only needed the cost of one month’s installment, and the tithing I had paid on Sunday was very small compared to the amount I was receiving! During that prayer the words recorded in Malachi came to my mind: “Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:10). Up to that moment I had never felt the magnitude of the promise contained in that scripture and that this commandment was truly a witness of the love that God, our Heavenly Father, gives to His children here on earth’” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Walk by Faith,” Ensign, May 2002, 73–74).

Part Two: Ether 12:1–9, 28, 32 Faith leads to “hope for a better world.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency explains about hope:

“When we have hope, we trust God’s promises. We have a quiet assurance that if we do ‘the works of righteousness,’ we ‘shall receive [our] reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come’ (D&C 59:23). …“The principle of hope extends into the eternities, but it also can sustain you through the everyday challenges of life” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 85, 86).

“Hope is a gift of the Spirit [see Moroni 8:26]. It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in the Savior [see Moroni 7:41]. This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment [see Colossians 1:21–23], and, as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace [see Romans 15:13], mercy [see Psalm 33:22], rejoicing [see Romans 12:12], and gladness [see Proverbs 10:28]. The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet [see 1 Thessalonians 5:8]; it is the foundation of our faith [see Hebrews 11:1; Moroni 7:40] and an anchor to our souls [see Hebrews 6:19; Ether 12:4]” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Infinite Power of Hope,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 21–22).

What happens to us when we have no hope? Ether 12:1–9, 28, 32

1 And it came to pass that the days of Ether were in the days of ^aCoriantumr; and Coriantumr was king over all the land.

2 And ^aEther was a prophet of the Lord; wherefore Ether came forth in the days of Coriantumr, and began to prophesy unto the people, for he could not be ^brestrained because of the Spirit of the Lord which was in him.

3 For he did ^acry from the ^bmorning, even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto repentance lest they should be ^cdestroyed, saying unto them that ^dby ^efaith all things are fulfilled—

4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with ^asurety ^bhope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which ^chope cometh of ^dfaith, maketh an ^eanchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in ^fgood works, being led to ^gglorify God.

5 And it came to pass that Ether did prophesy great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they ^asaw them not.

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that ^afaith is things which are ^bhoped for and ^cnot seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no ^dwitness until after the ^etrial of your faith.

7 For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith in him, for he showed himself ^anot unto the world.

8 But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.

9 Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.

28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that ^afaith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all ^brighteousness.

32 And I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for man, yea, even among the ^amansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more excellent ^bhope; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.

What should we hope for?

What principle can we learn from Ether 12:4 about what happens when we have hope and faith in Jesus Christ? When we have hope and faith in Jesus Christ, we will become steadfast and we will abound in good works and glorify God.

Part Three: Ether 12:23–29 Through the grace of Jesus Christ, weak things can become strong.

To help us personalize the truths Moroni learned about weakness and strength in Ether 12, think of someone who may be feeling discouraged because of their weaknesses. Then search Ether 12:23–29 to find messages that could help that person.

23 And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will ^amock at these things, because of our ^bweakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us ^cmighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing; for thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them;

24 And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the ^aawkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in ^bwriting like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he ^cwrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them.

25 Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we ^acannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our ^bweakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall ^cmock at our words.

26 And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: ^aFools ^bmock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their ^aweakness. I ^bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my ^cgrace is sufficient for all men that ^dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make ^eweak things become strong unto them.

28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that ^afaith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all ^brighteousness.

29 And I, Moroni, having heard these words, was ^acomforted, and said: O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I know that thou workest unto the children of men according to their faith;

If Moroni were here today, what might he say to encourage him or her?

What experiences from your own lives can you think of when the Savior has helped “weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

How is this change different from self-improvement efforts that a person might make without relying on the Savior?

President Henry B. Eyring, commenting on Ether 12:27, taught: “Moroni said that when he ‘heard these words,’ he ‘was comforted’ (Ether 12:29). They can be a comfort to all of us. Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress. Your awareness of your weakness is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior. The Spirit not only comforts you, but He is also the agent by which the Atonement works a change in your very nature. Then weak things become strong” (“My Peace I Leave with You,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 16).

Moroni’s experience is one of many in the scriptures that show how the Savior’s grace can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Review the definition of grace in the Bible Dictionary  (click to read) or True to the Faith (pages 77–78). ( click to read.)

Grace:

A word that occurs frequently in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul. The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by His atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts. Divine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the Fall of Adam and also because of man’s weaknesses and shortcomings. However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient. Hence the explanation, “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25:23). It is truly the grace of Jesus Christ that makes salvation possible. This principle is expressed in Jesus’ parable of the vine and the branches (John 15:1–11). See also John 1:12–17; Eph. 2:8–9; Philip. 4:13; D&C 93:11–14.

How do the scriptural these examples illustrate the power of the Savior’s grace?

How do we invite this power into our lives?

It’s common to compare our weaknesses to another’s perceived strengths; even Moroni felt he compared unfavorably to the brother of Jared Ether 12:24

Why is it dangerous to compare ourselves to others?

According to Ether 12:26–27, how does the Lord want us to see our weakness? (click to read or see above verse)

How does He want us to see the weakness of others?  Ether 12:26. (click to read or see above verse)

Weakness comes to men and women through the Fall of Adam. The physical body and mind is susceptible to disease and decay. We are subject to temptation and struggle. Each of us experiences personal weaknesses. Nevertheless, the Lord clearly teaches that as we come unto Him in humility and faith, He will help us turn weakness into strength. His grace is sufficient to make this transformation by lifting us above our own natural abilities. In a very personal way, we experience how the power of the Atonement overcomes the effects of the Fall.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of how the Lord can help us overcome our weaknesses. “When we read in the scriptures of man’s ‘weakness,’ this term includes the generic but necessary weakness inherent in the general human condition in which the flesh has such an incessant impact upon the spirit (see Ether 12:28–29). Weakness likewise includes, however, our specific, individual weaknesses, which we are expected to overcome (see D&C 66:3; Jacob 4:7). Life has a way of exposing these weaknesses” (Lord, Increase Our Faith [1994], 84).

Furthermore, Elder Maxwell described how recognizing our weaknesses is one way that the Lord has chosen to increase our learning:

“When we are unduly impatient with an omniscient God’s timing, we really are suggesting that we know what is best. Strange, isn’t it—we who wear wristwatches seek to counsel Him who oversees cosmic clocks and calendars. Because God wants us to come home after having become more like Him and His Son, part of this developmental process, of necessity, consists of showing unto us our weaknesses. Hence, if we have ultimate hope we will be submissive because, with His help, those weaknesses can even become strengths (see Ether 12:27). It is not an easy thing, however, to be shown one’s weaknesses, as these are regularly demonstrated by life’s circumstances. Nevertheless, this is part of coming unto Christ, and it is a vital, if painful, part of God’s plan of happiness” (Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 79; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 63).

The scriptures testify that Jesus Christ can save us from our inadequacies as well as our sins:

1. “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
2. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
3. “The Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace … that we have power to do these things” (Jacob 4:7).
4. “I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things” (Alma 26:12).
5. “If ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ” (Moroni 10:32).

Moroni taught that not only must we exercise faith in the Lord, but we must humble ourselves as well.

Part Four: Ether 13–15 Rejecting the prophets brings spiritual danger.

In these chapters the Jaredites rejected Ether and cast him out from among them. During the day, Ether “hid himself in the cavity of a rock,” where he finished his record of the Jaredites. At night, he went out to see the things that were happening to his people, the Jaredites. He wrote about the things he saw.

What does the Lord want us to learn from these accounts, and what can we do to avoid the fate of the Jaredites?

1. Anger and vengeance can lead us to make choices that hurt ourselves and others: “When someone has hurt us or those we care about, that pain can almost be overwhelming. It can feel as if the pain or the injustice is the most important thing in the world and that we have no choice but to seek vengeance. But Christ, the Prince of Peace, teaches us a better way. It can be very difficult to forgive someone the harm they’ve done us, but when we do, we open ourselves up to a better future. No longer does someone else’s wrongdoing control our course. When we forgive others, it frees us to choose how we will live our own lives. Forgiveness means that problems of the past no longer dictate our destinies, and we can focus on the future with God’s love in our hearts” (David E. Sorensen, “Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 12).
2. If we reject the Lord’s warnings to repent, His Spirit will withdraw and Satan will gain power over our hearts.

How does the end of the book of Ether connect with Omni 1:19–22; Mosiah 8:8; and Mosiah 28:11–18? (click to view verses)

Conclusion

We live in particularly enhanced times of trouble concerning hope, faith, offense, and rejection of prophets. For our particular day and at this specific time the book of Ether is paramount for our survival, and preparation for our eternal progression and the coming of Christ. Let us prayerful, and diligently search this lesson and find hope, exercise faith and without fail follow the Prophet, without question. In this, we will find safety and peace, which we surely need right now.

Resources

Book of Mormon Student Manual

Seminary Manual

Conference Reports

Ensign

Book of Mormon

King James LDS Bible

Doctrine and Covenants

Bible Dictionary

For Strength of Youth

“That Evil May Be Done Away”

The account of the Jaredites’ journey to the promised land contains principles that can guide us in our journey through mortality toward eternal life. Remember that the records contained in the Book of Mormon were written for our day As we study and prepare to learn, look through these scriptural accounts for principles that can strengthen you and your families to face the challenges in your lives.

Imagine that these chapters were being made into a movie; what phrase from Ether 6–11 would you suggest as a title?

History and Background Ether 6–11

In Ether 6–10, Moroni told of the Jaredites’ journey across the ocean to the promised land. He then summarized the reigns of several generations of kings, contrasting periods of righteousness with periods of wickedness and conflict. Moroni observed many similarities between the Jaredites and his own people, the Nephites. He described the cycle of pride, prosperity, wickedness, and repentance that he had seen in the two nations. He outlined the grave danger we put ourselves in when we allow pride and secret combinations to get control in our society. Both the Nephite and the Jaredite civilizations illustrate the truth that what we sow, we shall reap. Following the Lord brings happiness, while straying from His commandments brings strife and misery.

Ether 6 After making preparations according to the commandments of the Lord, the Jaredites boarded their vessels, trusting that the Lord would bring them through their difficult journey to the promised land. The Lord sent a wind that tossed the barges on the waves and buried them in the sea many times, yet that wind propelled the vessels toward the promised land. Upon establishing themselves in the new land, the people chose a king, despite warnings from the brother of Jared.

Ether 7–11 The brother of Jared was saddened by his people’s request to be led by a king. He said, “Surely this thing leadeth into captivity” Ether 6:23. His prophecy was fulfilled two generations later. During the reigns of many kings, the Jaredites went through several cycles of hearkening to the prophets and living in righteousness and then rejecting the prophets and living in wickedness.

Part One Ether 6:1–12 The Lord will guide us through our mortal journey.

This week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families suggests comparing the Jaredites’ voyage across the sea to our journey through mortality.

**Points to Ponder:

• What do you think it means that the Jaredites embarked on their journey “commending themselves unto the Lord their God” Ether 6:4?
• Why might it have been difficult to trust in the Lord in this situation?
• What do you think would have been difficult about traveling in a Jaredite barge?
• What do you think the phrase “mountain waves” Ether 6:6 means? How do you think you would have felt if you had been in a Jaredite barge when such a wave caused it to be “buried in the depths of the sea”? (Remember that the Jaredites had to wait for their barges to surface before they could unplug a hole and receive air.)
• How did the Jaredites show their trust in the Lord as they crossed the sea? Ether 6:7, 9.
• According to Ether 6:11, how long did the Jaredites travel this way?
• © 2017 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

1 And now I, Moroni, proceed to give the record of Jared and his brother.

2 For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels.

3 And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.

4 And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.

5 And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind.

6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.

7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

8 And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.

9 And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.

10 And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.

11 And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water.

12 And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.

Do you find details about the voyage that could have symbolic meaning (such as the shining stones, the barges, and the wind)

What might these symbols represent in our lives. For example, what is our “promised land”? verse 8. How does God guide us on our journey? (see the verse above or click the link)

How does turning to God helps us grow through our trials? The Lord provides light for us during our journey through mortality. Trials and adversity can propel us toward eternal life. If we sincerely pray, God can lift us above trials and adversity.

Our trials prepare us to receive eternal life

Speaking in a general conference during the difficult years of World War II, Elder Charles A. Callis of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “We are told that when the Jaredites in their barges set forth for this land of promise, fierce and terrible tempests prevailed. The winds blew and they were in imminent danger all the while on that perilous journey. God sustained them. And we read that although these gales and tempests raged, holding destruction in their wake, that the wind was continually blowing toward the Promised Land. And these adversities through which we are passing, these terrible wars and all the horrible things that are prevailing, are in the power of God. He can stop them when He chooses, when His divine purposes are fulfilled. But let us not forget that through this sea of trouble, our adversities, the experiences through which we pass and which God will make work together for our good, if we will obey Him—all these are blowing us forward to the haven of rest, to a glorious future, to eternal life” (Conference Report, Apr. 1943, 62).

What did the Jaredites do when they “were encompassed about by many waters”? verse 7. (see verse above or click the link)

How did the way they responded to their trials help them progress toward their “promised land”?

How did the Lord help them through their struggles?

Based on what you have learned from the Jaredites’ journey, what will the Lord do for us as we trust in Him and do His will? As we trust in the Lord and do His will, He will direct the course of our lives and lead us to eternal life.

President Thomas S. Monson taught how we can be prepared for the challenges that face us: “We live at a time when many in the world have slipped from the moorings of safety found in compliance with the commandments. It is a time of permissiveness, with society in general routinely disregarding and breaking the laws of God. We often find ourselves swimming against the current, and sometimes it seems as though the current could carry us away. I am reminded of the words of the Lord found in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Said the Lord, ‘Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come’ [Ether 2:25]. My brothers and sisters, He has prepared us. If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness—a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right” (Thomas S. Monson, “Closing Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 109).

Part Two Ether 6:7–18, 30; 9:28–35; 10:1–2 The Lord blesses us when we are humble.

Although much of the story of the Jaredites illustrates the negative consequences of pride and wickedness, it also includes periods of humility and prosperity that we can learn from. Look in these verses for evidence that the Jaredites had humbled themselves—or were humbled by their circumstances—and how the Lord blessed them as a result.

7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being ^atight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ^bark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

8 And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were ^adriven forth before the wind.

9 And they did ^asing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did ^bthank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.

10 And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither ^awhale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.

11 And thus they were driven forth, ^athree hundred and forty and four days upon the water.

12 And they did ^aland upon the shore of the ^bpromised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his ^ctender mercies over them.

13 And it came to pass that they went forth upon the face of the land, and began to till the earth.

14 And Jared had four ^asons; and they were called Jacom, and Gilgah, and Mahah, and Orihah.

15 And the brother of Jared also begat sons and daughters.

16 And the ^afriends of Jared and his brother were in number about twenty and two souls; and they also begat sons and daughters before they came to the promised land; and therefore they began to be many.

17 And they were taught to ^awalk humbly before the Lord; and they were also ^btaught from on high.

18 And it came to pass that they began to spread upon the face of the land, and to multiply and to till the earth; and they did wax strong in the land.

28 And there came prophets in the land again, crying repentance unto them—that they must prepare the way of the Lord or there should come a curse upon the face of the land; yea, even there should be a great famine, in which they should be destroyed if they did not repent.

29 But the people believed not the words of the prophets, but they cast them out; and some of them they cast into pits and left them to perish. And it came to pass that they did all these things according to the commandment of the king, Heth.

30 And it came to pass that there began to be a great dearth upon the land, and the inhabitants began to be destroyed exceedingly fast because of the dearth, for there was no rain upon the face of the earth.

31 And there came forth poisonous serpents also upon the face of the land, and did poison many people. And it came to pass that their flocks began to flee before the poisonous serpents, towards the land southward, which was called by the Nephites Zarahemla.

32 And it came to pass that there were many of them which did perish by the way; nevertheless, there were some which fled into the land southward.

33 And it came to pass that the Lord did cause the serpents that they should pursue them no more, but that they should hedge up the way that the people could not pass, that whoso should attempt to pass might fall by the poisonous serpents.

34 And it came to pass that the people did follow the course of the beasts, and did devour the carcasses of them which fell by the way, until they had devoured them all. Now when the people saw that they must perish they began to repent of their iniquities and cry unto the Lord.

35 And it came to pass that when they had humbled themselves sufficiently before the Lord he did send rain upon the face of the earth; and the people began to revive again, and there began to be fruit in the north countries, and in all the countries round about. And the Lord did show forth his power unto them in preserving them from famine.

1 And it came to pass that Shez, who was a descendant of Heth—for ^aHeth had perished by the famine, and all his household save it were Shez—wherefore, Shez began to build up again a broken people.

2 And it came to pass that Shez did remember the destruction of his fathers, and he did build up a righteous kingdom; for he remembered what the Lord had done in bringing Jared and his brother ^aacross the deep; and he did walk in the ways of the Lord; and he begat sons and daughters.

How does being humble help us draw closer to God? If we humble ourselves and exercise faith in the Lord, then He will make weak things become strong unto us bringing more in tune with Him allowing the spirit to strive with us always.

The thing about being humble is that when we recognize our inability to do it all ourselves and rely and trust in God, our relationship with him becomes individually unique and not only are we led here in this life, but we will be led safely home eternally.

To be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord—to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies. We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous.

Jesus Christ is our greatest example of humility. During His mortal ministry, He always acknowledged that His strength came because of His dependence on His Father. He said: “I can of mine own self do nothing. … I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30).

The Lord will strengthen us as we humble ourselves before Him. James taught: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. … Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:6, 10). (Gospel Topics Humility)

Part Three: Ether 7–11 Righteous leaders direct people to God.

Even those who have never held a formal leadership position can learn from the examples of righteous and wicked Jaredite kings; these accounts can help us become better leaders in our homes, in our communities, and at church.

Think about someone you consider to be a good leader. What are some of that person’s qualities?

Learn about one of the Jaredite kings in Ether 7–11 from the following list: (Click the link beside each name to read)

• Orihah—Ether 6:30–7:1
• Shule—Ether 7:23–27
• Jared—Ether 8:1–7, 11–15
• Emer and Coriantum—Ether 9:21–23
• Heth—Ether 9:26–30
• Shez—Ether 10:1–2
• Riplakish—Ether 10:5–8
• Morianton—Ether 10:10–11
• Lib—Ether 10:19–28
• Ethem—Ether 11:11–13

What do you learn from these kings about leadership?

How can we develop these qualities and be leaders, even if we don’t have a specific leadership assignment?

Qualities of righteous leaders.

“In God’s kingdom, greatness and leadership means seeing others as they truly are—as God sees them—and then reaching out and ministering to them. It means rejoicing with those who are happy, weeping with those who grieve, lifting up those in distress, and loving our neighbor as Christ loves us. …Leadership in the Church is not so much about directing others as it is about our willingness to be directed by God” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Greatest among You,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 79–80).

“Only the wholesome have the capacity to lift and encourage one another to greater service, to greater achievement, to greater strength” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 244).

“The world teaches that leaders must be mighty; the Lord teaches that they must be meek. Worldly leaders gain power and influence through their talent, skill, and wealth. Christlike leaders gain power and influence ‘by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned’ [Doctrines and Covenants 121:41]” (Stephen W. Owen, “The Greatest Leaders Are the Greatest Followers,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 75).

Conclusion

Being humble is not only how we survive its how we live, its how we understand, its how to be Christlike in turbulent times. When we are not compelled but willingly humble ourselves, the tribulations of earth life become teaching moments that change us into the eternal beings we are meant to be. Likewise this humbleness can help us to become the loving leaders Christ also needs us to be, whether in our homes, through callings or both. Our mortal journey is our greatest calling, it is paramount that we magnify it, learn from it, and allow it to groom us for eternity as life does not end here but goes far beyond what our minds can imagine

Resources

Book of Mormon Student Manual

Conference Reports

Ensign

Doctrine and Covenants

King James Holy Bible LDS

Gospel Topics Church of Jesus Christ.org

Seminary Manual

“Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

For Book of Mormon Readers, sometimes when we come to the book of Ether, confusion might set in. The time frame makes a big shift and rather than moving forward at this point, it takes us on more of a flashback. The Book of Mormon is not arranged in chronological order. If it were, the book of Ether would be listed first. In this book we move from Lamanites and the descendants of Lehi to the people of Jared who first occupied the American Continent.

History and Background

The Jaredite record begins approximately 2200 B.C. in The book of Ether which covers over 1,700 years of history from 2200 B.C. down to the time of Coriantumr. We don’t know exactly when Coriantumr lived, but it was somewhere between 500 and 250 B.C. 

Following the Flood in Noah’s day, many descendants of those who had been spared became wicked. One group of people attempted to build a tower “whose top may reach unto heaven” Genesis 11:4. The story of the Jaredite nation began with the building of the Tower of Babel. The Lord dealt with the widespread wickedness by confounding the common language and by scattering the people across the face of the earth Ether 1:33; Genesis 11:5–8.

The brother of Jared pled with the Lord to preserve the language of his worthy friends and family. Demonstrating great faith and led by the hand of God, the brother of Jared was able to lead this group to another land. The story of this migration is filled with important principles that we can apply to our lives today. These principles include the exercise of faith to receive divine assistance and the role of prayer in accomplishing difficult tasks. As we study the life of the brother of Jared, we will learn of the blessings that come when individuals exercise strong faith.

Here is a review of the origins of the book of Ether and how all the chapters fit together:

• Jaredite prophets kept the history until the final Jaredite prophet named Ether  Ether 1:6.
• Limhi’s search found part of the Jaredite record—in the form of the 24 gold plates Mosiah 8:7–11.
• King Mosiah translated the Jaredite record Mosiah 28:10–17.
• Moroni abridged or edited the Jaredite record and included it before his own writings Ether 1:1–6.

Ether 1 Moroni began his account of the Jaredite history by recording the ancestry of the prophet Ether, who wrote the history on the 24 gold plates. Moroni recorded Ether’s ancestry back to a man named Jared, who lived during the time of the Tower of Babel.

Ether 2 After departing from the Tower of Babel, Jared and his brother and their families and friends were led by the Lord through the wilderness. The Lord instructed the brother of Jared to build eight barges to carry his people over the sea to a land of promise. As the brother of Jared and his people obeyed the Lord in faith, the Lord gave them the guidance and direction necessary to be successful in their journey.

Ether 3 Responding to the Lord’s question—“What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?”—the brother of Jared prepared 16 stones and humbly asked the Lord to touch them “that they may shine forth in darkness” (Ether 2:23; 3:4). Because the brother of Jared had great faith, he saw the Savior’s finger touch the stones. The Lord then showed Himself to the brother of Jared and revealed many things. The Lord commanded the brother of Jared to write what he had seen and heard and to seal up these writings until the Lord would desire them to come forth.

Ether 4–5 The Lord commanded Moroni to seal up the recorded vision of the brother of Jared and explained that these writings would be revealed when people have faith as the brother of Jared did. Moroni prophesied that three witnesses would bear testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon in the latter days.

Part One: Ether 1–3; 4:8–19 As we continually call upon the Lord, He will reveal His will.

Every one of us has struggled to find an answer to a problem or question. How can the brother of Jared’s experiences help us learn how to seek help from the Lord?

1. He teaches us about prayer. The brother of Jared was mighty with prayer.

Imagine that you were giving counsel to someone who is just learning how to pray. What advice would you give?

Search Ether 3:1–5  find one or two tips or principles about how to pray effectively.

1 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying:

2 O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.

3 Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness; but behold these things which I have molten out of the rock.

4 And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.

5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.

What stands out to you about the prayers of the brother of Jared?

In what ways is crying unto Heavenly Father different from just “saying a prayer”?

What principle can we learn from the way the brother of Jared prayed and the way the Lord answered his prayers? As we consistently cry unto God in faith, He will have compassion on us.

Think now about their own prayers and how they can follow the brother of Jared’s example to become more meaningful.

2. Revelation, the brother of Jared was mighty in receiving revelation.

What do we learn about the various ways the Lord may choose to help us? What do we learn about our role in the process of receiving revelation? Ether 1:33–43 and 2:16–3:6 

33 Which Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered.

34 And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words.

35 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon Jared; therefore he did not confound the language of Jared; and Jared and his brother were not confounded.

36 Then Jared said unto his brother: Cry again unto the Lord, and it may be that he will turn away his anger from them who are our friends, that he confound not their language.

37 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon their friends and their families also, that they were not confounded.

38 And it came to pass that Jared spake again unto his brother, saying: Go and inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the land, and if he will drive us out of the land, cry unto him whither we shall go. And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth? And if it so be, let us be faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our inheritance.

39 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord according to that which had been spoken by the mouth of Jared.

40 And it came to pass that the Lord did hear the brother of Jared, and had compassion upon him, and said unto him:

41 Go to and gather together thy flocks, both male and female, of every kind; and also of the seed of the earth of every kind; and thy families; and also Jared thy brother and his family; and also thy friends and their families, and the friends of Jared and their families.

42 And when thou hast done this thou shalt go at the head of them down into the valley which is northward. And there will I meet thee, and I will go before thee into a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth.

43 And there will I bless thee and thy seed, and raise up unto me of thy seed, and of the seed of thy brother, and they who shall go with thee, a great nation. And there shall be none greater than the nation which I will raise up unto me of thy seed, upon all the face of the earth. And thus I will do unto thee because this long time ye have cried unto me.

16 And the Lord said: Go to work and build, after the manner of barges which ye have hitherto built. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner which they had built, according to the instructions of the Lord. And they were small, and they were light upon the water, even like unto the lightness of a fowl upon the water.

17 And they were built after a manner that they were exceedingly tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish; and the bottom thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the sides thereof were tight like unto a dish; and the ends thereof were peaked; and the top thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the length thereof was the length of a tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a dish.

18 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me.

19 And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light; whither shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish.

20 And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: Behold, thou shalt make a hole in the top, and also in the bottom; and when thou shalt suffer for air thou shalt unstop the hole and receive air. And if it be so that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole, that ye may not perish in the flood.

21 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did so, according as the Lord had commanded.

22 And he cried again unto the Lord saying: O Lord, behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me; and I have prepared the vessels for my people, and behold there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?

23 And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels? For behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take fire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fire.

24 For behold, ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth.

25 And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come. Therefore what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea?

Elder Richard G. Scott taught:

“When we explain a problem and a proposed solution, sometimes He answers yes, sometimes no. Often He withholds an answer, not for lack of concern, but because He loves us—perfectly. He wants us to apply truths He has given us. For us to grow, we need to trust our ability to make correct decisions. We need to do what we feel is right. In time, He will answer. He will not fail us. …

“… He wants us to act to gain needed experience:

“When He answers yes, it is to give us confidence.

“When He answers no, it is to prevent error.

“When He withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth. We are expected to assume accountability by acting on a decision that is consistent with His teachings without prior confirmation. We are not to sit passively waiting or to murmur because the Lord has not spoken. We are to act” (“Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 31–32).

After sharing the brother of Jared’s revelatory experience in Ether 3, Moroni gave counsel in Ether 4 about how we can receive revelation from the Lord.

What things that can prevent us from receiving revelation or truth from the Lord? Ether 4:8–10

8 And he that will contend against the word of the Lord, let him be accursed; and he that shall deny these things, let him be accursed; for unto them will I show no greater things, saith Jesus Christ; for I am he who speaketh.

9 And at my command the heavens are opened and are shut; and at my word the earth shall shake; and at my command the inhabitants thereof shall pass away, even so as by fire.

10 And he that believeth not my words believeth not my disciples; and if it so be that I do not speak, judge ye; for ye shall know that it is I that speaketh, at the last day.

How can we avoid these spiritual barriers in our lives?

How we can qualify to receive truth from the Lord? Ether 4:7, 11–15,

7 And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are.

11 But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good.

12 And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world.

13 Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief.

14 Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief.

15 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.

What does it mean to “exercise faith in … the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did”? Ether 4:7 Ether 3:1–9.

1 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying:

2 O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.

3 Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness; but behold these things which I have molten out of the rock.

4 And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.

5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.

6 And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear.

7 And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him: Arise, why hast thou fallen?

8 And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood.

9 And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this?

What does it mean to “rend [the] veil of unbelief” in our lives? Ether 4:15. How can we help others do the same? (Click the link to read or see above passages)

President Russell M Nelson teaches us that The Prophet Joseph Smith set a pattern for us to follow in resolving our questions. Drawn to the promise of James that if we lack wisdom we may ask of God, the boy Joseph took his question directly to Heavenly Father. He sought personal revelation, and his seeking opened this last dispensation.

In like manner, what will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 93–96).

Part Two: Ether 2:14–15 Through His chastening, the Lord invites us to repent and come unto Him.

Even a prophet as great as the brother of Jared received chastening from the Lord. In fact, part of what made him great was the way he responded to chastening. What can learn from the brother of Jared’s example?

14 And it came to pass at the end of four years that the Lord came again unto the brother of Jared, and stood in a cloud and talked with him. And for the space of three hours did the Lord talk with the brother of Jared, and chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord.

15 And the brother of Jared repented of the evil which he had done, and did call upon the name of the Lord for his brethren who were with him. And the Lord said unto him: I will forgive thee and thy brethren of their sins; but thou shalt not sin any more, for ye shall remember that my Spirit will not always strive with man; wherefore, if ye will sin until ye are fully ripe ye shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And these are my thoughts upon the land which I shall give you for your inheritance; for it shall be a land choice above all other lands.

What lessons do we learn that will help us draw closer to Heavenly Father? The Lord is not pleased when we fail to call upon Him in prayer. The Lord desires us to call upon Him regularly in prayer.

Elder Donald L. Staheli, who served as a member of the Seventy taught, “Daily fervent prayers seeking forgiveness and special help and direction are essential to our lives and the nourishment of our testimonies. When we become hurried, repetitive, casual, or forgetful in our prayers, we tend to lose the closeness of the Spirit, which is so essential in the continual direction we need to successfully manage the challenges of our everyday lives” (“Securing Our Testimonies” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 39).

**Point to Ponder: Personal Prayer Review

• How do you feel about the frequency of your personal prayers?
• How do you feel about the sincerity of your personal prayers?
• In your personal prayers, do you feel that you truly communicate with Heavenly Father? Why, or why not?
• If you could make one change that would improve your personal prayers, what might it be?

How do you think the Lord’s chastening could be a blessing to the brother of Jared and his people as they continued their journey toward the promised land?

The Lord’s chastening and the brother of Jared’s response may have helped prepare him for the experiences he had. The brother of Jared repented of his sins and prayed to the Lord for his family members and friends. The Lord told him that he was forgiven but that he must continue in righteousness in order to be led to the promised land.

A message from Elder Lynn G. Robbins’s guides us in how discipline from the Lord helps us: compassion doesn’t nullify the need for discipline. The word discipline comes from the Latin word discere, “to learn,” or discipulus, “learner,” making a disciple a student and follower. To discipline in the Lord’s way is to lovingly and patiently teach. In the scriptures the Lord often uses the word chasten when speaking of discipline (see, for example, Mosiah 23:21; D&C 95:1). The word chasten comes from the Latin castus, meaning “chaste or pure,” and chasten means “to purify.”

In the world, it is an earthly judge who condemns a man and locks him in prison. In contrast, the Book of Mormon teaches us that when we willfully sin, we become our “own judges” (Alma 41:7) and consign ourselves to spiritual prison. Ironically, the common judge in this case holds the keys that unlock the prison gates; “for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation” (D&C 95:1; emphasis added). The proceedings of a righteous judge are merciful, loving, and redemptive, not condemning.

Young Joseph Smith was disciplined with a four-year probation before obtaining the golden plates, “because you have not kept the commandments of the Lord.” Later, when Joseph lost the 116 manuscript pages, he was disciplined again. Though Joseph was truly remorseful, the Lord still withdrew his privileges for a short season because “whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven” (D&C 95:1).

Joseph said, “The angel was rejoiced when he gave me back the Urim and Thummim and said that God was pleased with my faithfulness and humility, and loved me for my penitence and diligence in prayer.” Because the Lord wanted to teach Joseph a heart-changing lesson, He required a heartrending sacrifice of him—sacrifice being an essential part of discipline. (“Discipline” in Elder Lynn G. Robbins)

Part Three: Ether 5 Three witnesses testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

Learning more about Moroni’s prophecy of the Three Witnesses can help strengthen each of our testimonies of the Book of Mormon.

1 And now I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me, according to my memory; and I have told you the things which I have sealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate; for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God.

2 And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work;

3 And unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are true.

4 And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day.

5 And if it so be that they repent and come unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom of God.

6 And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen.

Reading read “The Testimony of Three Witnesses” (at the beginning of the Book of Mormon) gives us even more clarity:

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen. Oliver Cowdery David Whitmer Martin Harris

What do you feel the Lord’s purpose was in allowing the Three Witnesses to see an angel and the plates?

What witnesses in our lives have inspired us to believe?

How has “the power of God and also his word” been “shown forth” to us in the Book of Mormon? (Ether 5:4). (click to read or see above passage)

President Eyring taught of this: “The Three Witnesses never denied their testimony of the Book of Mormon. They could not because they knew it was true. They made sacrifices and faced difficulties beyond what most people ever know. Oliver Cowdery gave the same testimony about the divine origin of the Book of Mormon as he lay dying. … That they continued to affirm what they saw and heard in that marvelous experience, during long periods of estrangement from the Church and from Joseph, makes their testimony more powerful” (“An Enduring Testimony of the Mission of the Prophet Joseph,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 90).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated: “The solemn written testimony of three witnesses to what they saw and heard—two of them simultaneously and the third almost immediately thereafter—is entitled to great weight. Indeed, we know that upon the testimony of one witness great miracles have been claimed and accepted by many religious people, and in the secular world the testimony of one witness has been deemed sufficient for weighty penalties and judgments.

“Persons experienced in evaluating testimony commonly consider a witness’s opportunity to observe an event and the possibility of his bias on the subject. Where different witnesses give identical testimony about the same event, skeptics look for evidence of collusion among them or for other witnesses who could contradict them.

“Measured against all of these possible objections, the testimony of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon stands forth in great strength. Each of the three had ample reason and opportunity to renounce his testimony if it had been false or to equivocate on details if any had been inaccurate. As is well known, because of disagreements or jealousies involving other leaders of the Church, each one of these three witnesses was excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by about eight years after the publication of their testimony. All three went their separate ways, with no common interest to support a collusive effort. Yet to the end of their lives—periods ranging from 12 to 50 years after their excommunications—not one of these witnesses deviated from his published testimony or said anything that cast any shadow on its truthfulness.

“Furthermore, their testimony stands uncontradicted by any other witnesses. Reject it one may, but how does one explain three men of good character uniting and persisting in this published testimony to the end of their lives in the face of great ridicule and other personal disadvantage? Like the Book of Mormon itself, there is no better explanation than is given in the testimony itself, the solemn statement of good and honest men who told what they saw. …

“… Witnesses are important, and the testimony of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon is impressive and reliable” (Conference Report, Apr. 1999, 46, 49; or Ensign, May 1999, 35–37).

Conclusion

We need His chastening, His guidance and counsel, we need His will revealed unto us, we need the Book of Mormon! As the Lord asked the brother of Jared so does he ask us, “What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?” What do we need brothers and sisters to maintain the light of our vessels, to rend the veil of unbelief that lurks to take us down, as well as those around us. How can we better utilize the Book of Mormon to strengthen us and those we know? These chapters in Ether are surely a good start, let us contemplate this week with a focus on drawing nearer to Christ. For surely in these perilous times we need it.

Resources

Book of Mormon Student Manual

Ensign

Conference Reports

Seminary Manuals

“I Speak unto You as If Ye Were Present”

We know, as Latter-day Saints, that we believe in the Book of Mormon, it is the foundation of our religion. We believe that it is divine and sent to us from God to give us a completeness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But do we as members of His church take time to better understand the role of the Book of Mormon and its purpose?

In a study of the final testimony of Mormon and the initial writings of Moroni, we can better understand the role and purpose of the Book of Mormon. Moroni declared: “I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing” (Mormon 8:35).

The Book of Mormon is a guide, a precious thing given unto us to carry us through. Let us take time today to renew our study with enhanced outlook to gain a better understanding of this divine gift.

History and Background

Mormon 7 After the final battle between the Nephites and Lamanites, Mormon wrote to the future descendants of the Book of Mormon people about the importance of knowing who they are and what they must do to be saved. With great love for the future descendants of his enemies, Mormon taught the importance of following the gospel of Jesus Christ so that it might be “well with [them] in the day of judgment”

Mormon 8 After writing about the destruction of his people and the death of his father, Moroni prophesied of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and warned of the consequences of rejecting it. Moroni saw that the Nephite record would come forth in a day of great wickedness, when many would love worldly possessions more than God.

Mormon 9 Moroni finished his father’s record by calling upon those who do not believe in Jesus Christ to turn to the Lord through repentance. He taught that God is a God of miracles who does not change and that miracles cease only because of unbelief. He encouraged people to believe in Jesus Christ and to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ in order to receive the things they need.

Part One: Mormon 7:8–10; 8:12–22; 9:31–37 The Book of Mormon is of great worth.

How do you determine the value of something? How does knowing the value of something change the way we use it? Learning more about what Moroni said about the value of the Book of Mormon (“this record”) can help us understand its value, even more than we do already.

12 And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you.

13 Behold, I make an end of speaking concerning this people. I am the son of Mormon, and my father was a descendant of Nephi.

14 And I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless.

15 For none can have power to bring it to light save it be given him of God; for God wills that it shall be done with an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people of the Lord.

16 And blessed be he that shall bring this thing to light; for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the word of God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people; and it shall be done by the power of God.

17 And if there be faults they be the faults of a man. But behold, we know no fault; nevertheless God knoweth all things; therefore, he that condemneth, let him be aware lest he shall be in danger of hell fire.

18 And he that saith: Show unto me, or ye shall be smitten—let him beware lest he commandeth that which is forbidden of the Lord.

19 For behold, the same that judgeth rashly shall be judged rashly again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he that smiteth shall be smitten again, of the Lord.

20 Behold what the scripture says—man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay.

21 And he that shall breathe out wrath and strifes against the work of the Lord, and against the covenant people of the Lord who are the house of Israel, and shall say: We will destroy the work of the Lord, and the Lord will not remember his covenant which he hath made unto the house of Israel—the same is in danger to be hewn down and cast into the fire;

22 For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled.

What did Moroni say about the value of the Book of Mormon in the above verses?

How can we show that we value the Book of Mormon?

In recognizing the role and importance of the Book of Mormon its important to remember that the Book of Mormon and the Bible support each other. Mormon 7:8–10 

8 Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles from the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you.

9 For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them.

10 And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen.

Summarize Mormon’s description of the two records in the above verses.

One purpose of the Book of Mormon is to prove to the world that the Holy Bible is true (see D&C 20:11). By reading the Book of Mormon, a person’s testimony of the Bible increases. President Ezra Taft Benson spoke of his love for the Bible and the Book of Mormon and how both testify that Jesus is the Christ: “I love the Bible, both the Old and the New Testaments. It is a source of great truth. …“… That sacred and holy book has been of inestimable worth to the children of men. In fact, it was a passage from the Bible that inspired the Prophet Joseph Smith to go to a grove of trees near his home and kneel in prayer. What followed was the glorious vision that commenced the restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. That vision also began the process of bringing forth new scripture [the Book of Mormon] to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Bible in bearing witness to a wicked world that Jesus is the Christ and that God lives and loves His children and is still intimately involved in their salvation and exaltation” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 100–101; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 78). (Book of Mormon Student Manual)

Can you find examples of how the Bible and Book of Mormon overlap each other in the above verses?

Can you find how the Book of Mormon and Bible are different in the above verses?

What Mormon said about the relationship between “this” (the Book of Mormon) and “that” (the Bible)?

The Bible testifies of the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible. Mormon declared, “This [the Book of Mormon] is written for the intent that ye may believe that [the Bible]; and if ye believe that [the Bible] ye will believe this [the Book of Mormon] also” (Mormon 7:9).

President Brigham Young declared it impossible for someone who claimed to truly believe in the Bible to not believe in the Book of Mormon if they have seriously studied the Book of Mormon and learned its doctrines: “No man can say that this book (laying his hand on the Bible) is true, is the word of the Lord, is the way, is the guide-board in the path, and a charter by which we may learn the will of God; and at the same time say, that the Book of Mormon is untrue; if he has had the privilege of reading it, or of hearing it read, and learning its doctrines. There is not that person on the face of the earth who has had the privilege of learning the Gospel of Jesus Christ from these two books, who can say that one is true, and the other is false” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 459). (Book of Mormon Student Manual)

**Point to Ponder: Look in the Guide to the Scriptures to find verses from the Book of Mormon and the Bible that help us understand the truths.

Part Two: Mormon 8:1–11 We can be faithful even when we are alone.

As you we are approaching the end of this year’s study of the Book of Mormon, perhaps we could reflect on why we feel this book was written for our day.

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us. …“Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations [see 2 Nephi 25:21; Jacob 1:3; Mormon 7:1; 8:34–35]. …“If they saw our day, and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’” (“The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6).

Why did the Lord inspire Moroni to include these words in the record? How do they help us in our day? Mormon 8:26–41

26 And no one need say they shall not come, for they surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it; for out of the earth shall they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall come in a day when it shall be said that miracles are done away; and it shall come even as if one should speak from the dead.

27 And it shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret combinations and the works of darkness.

28 Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches.

29 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands;

30 And there shall also be heard of wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.

31 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth; there shall be murders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations; when there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it mattereth not, for the Lord will uphold such at the last day. But wo unto such, for they are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity.

32 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.

33 O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled.

34 Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.

35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

36 And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.

37 For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.

38 O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?

39 Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?

40 Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads?

41 Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer.

What evidence have you seen of Moroni’s prophetic description of our day being fulfilled?

What did Moroni invite the people of our day to do? Mormon 8:33 “look … unto the revelations of God”?

How might knowing that Moroni saw our day influence the way we read the Book of Mormon?

President Ezra Taft Benson spoke of Book of Mormon prophets: “If they saw our day, and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” 6).

How can knowing that Moroni and other prophets saw us and our day strengthen your faith in the Book of Mormon?

How can knowing that these prophets saw our day help us better understand the truth that the Book of Mormon is of great worth?

Moroni saw the wickedness of people in the latter days. They would be prideful and would care more about possessions and fine clothing than about the poor and the needy. Moroni rebuked these people and prophesied that the Lord would punish them.

President Thomas S. Monson said: “I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart” (Thomas S. Monson, “The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 87).

What did President Monson invite us to do with the Book of Mormon?

What blessings did he promise those who prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon every day?

As taught in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, Mormon 9:1–30 contains Moroni’s message in response to the lack of belief in Jesus Christ in our day.

1 And now, I speak also concerning those who do not believe in Christ.

2 Behold, will ye believe in the day of your visitation—behold, when the Lord shall come, yea, even that great day when the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, yea, in that great day when ye shall be brought to stand before the Lamb of God—then will ye say that there is no God?

3 Then will ye longer deny the Christ, or can ye behold the Lamb of God? Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with him under a consciousness of your guilt? Do ye suppose that ye could be happy to dwell with that holy Being, when your souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt that ye have ever abused his laws?

4 Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell.

5 For behold, when ye shall be brought to see your nakedness before God, and also the glory of God, and the holiness of Jesus Christ, it will kindle a flame of unquenchable fire upon you.

6 O then ye unbelieving, turn ye unto the Lord; cry mightily unto the Father in the name of Jesus, that perhaps ye may be found spotless, pure, fair, and white, having been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, at that great and last day.

7 And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues;

8 Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them.

9 For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?

10 And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles.

11 But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.

12 Behold, he created Adam, and by Adam came the fall of man. And because of the fall of man came Jesus Christ, even the Father and the Son; and because of Jesus Christ came the redemption of man.

13 And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death.

14 And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still.

15 And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.

16 Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?

17 Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought?

18 And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles.

19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.

20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.

21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.

22 For behold, thus said Jesus Christ, the Son of God, unto his disciples who should tarry, yea, and also to all his disciples, in the hearing of the multitude: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature;

23 And he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned;

24 And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover;

25 And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth.

26 And now, behold, who can stand against the works of the Lord? Who can deny his sayings? Who will rise up against the almighty power of the Lord? Who will despise the works of the Lord? Who will despise the children of Christ? Behold, all ye who are despisers of the works of the Lord, for ye shall wonder and perish.

27 O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.

28 Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God.

29 See that ye are not baptized unworthily; see that ye partake not of the sacrament of Christ unworthily; but see that ye do all things in worthiness, and do it in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God; and if ye do this, and endure to the end, ye will in nowise be cast out.

30 Behold, I speak unto you as though I spake from the dead; for I know that ye shall have my words.

Even though Mormon 9:1–6 was written to “those who do not believe in Christ,” it is helpful for all of us to imagine standing before God one day to be judged.

What counsel do you find helpful in the following verses? (Click the link to read or see above)

 1–6 (the consequences of not believing in Christ) Click the link to read or see above

• how will the wicked feel in the presence of Jesus Christ?
• Why will they feel this way?

President Boyd K. Packer told of traveling for six days as a young man with a military crew in a hot, smoky freight train, with no way to bathe or change clothes. At a train stop, the hungry crew went to a restaurant. “It was crowded, and so we joined a long line waiting to be seated. I was first, just behind some well-dressed women. Even without turning around, the stately woman in front of me soon became aware that we were there. “She turned and looked at us. Then she turned and looked me over from head to toe. There I stood in that sweaty, dirty, sooty, wrinkled uniform. She said in a tone of disgust, ‘My, what untidy men!’ All eyes turned to us. “No doubt she wished we were not there; I shared her wish. I felt as dirty as I was, uncomfortable, and ashamed.”

President Packer then quoted Mormon 9:4 and compared his experience to being spiritually unclean in the presence of God. Testifying that the Atonement of Jesus Christ was the only way he could become spiritually clean, he then said: “Can you imagine how I felt when finally I could see that if I followed whatever conditions the Redeemer had set, I need never endure the agony of being spiritually unclean? Imagine the consoling, liberating, exalting feeling that will come to you when you see the reality of the Atonement and the practical everyday value of it to you individually” (“Washed Clean,” Ensign, May 1997, 9–10).

• What principle can we identify from Moroni’s teachings in Mormon 9:6? Those who turn from their unbelief to the Lord can be cleansed from their sins through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

7–20 (the importance of believing in a God of revelation and miracles) Click the link to read or see above

What are the main points Moroni made to persuade people to believe in miracles?

What are three reasons why God might cease to do miracles among His children?

Miracles cease when we …	Miracles can happen when we …
Dwindle in unbelief	Increase our faith
Depart from the right way	Live in the right way, or keep God’s commandments
Know not the God in whom we should trust	Come to know and trust in God

Since we know God is unchanging and that He performed miracles among His children in former times, what truth can we learn from verse 19 about His willingness to perform miracles in our lives today? God has always performed miracles, and because He is unchangeable, He still works miracles according to our faith. 

21–30  (Moroni’s counsel to us) Click the link to read or see above

What Counsel does Moroni give to us in these verses? If we pray in faith and in the name of Christ, doubting nothing, Heavenly Father will give us what we ask for.

**Point to Ponder: The Book of Mormon is so important that Moroni was concerned some people in the last days would reject its message because of the imperfections of those who wrote it and of the language it was written in. However, Moroni and others prayed in faith that the Book of Mormon would come forth in the latter days so that the descendants of their brethren, the Lamanites, could be restored to “the knowledge of Christ” and to the covenants that God had made with the house of Israel.

Conclusion

Moroni’s prophetic vantage point allowed him to complete the Nephite record with total awareness of both the escalating wickedness and the great spiritual blessings of the dispensation of the fulness of times. In a day when some people might be inclined to abandon faith in the face of great difficulties, Moroni’s words teach us to see miracles and revelations as evidence that “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (see Mormon 9:9). Although the spiritual and social conditions in the world may be in a state of constant change and decline, God’s covenant people can have full confidence that He is eternally the same.

Resources

Book of Mormon Student Manual

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“I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

As we move to the next section to study Mormon 1–6, this week, lets look for truths that can help each of us remain faithful in times of wickedness, as Mormon did. But as we do lets keep in mind that repentance is not just for the big ones, its a daily process that we should engage in. We are human and still make human mistakes, choices and actions. If we heed the council of Mormon in these chapters, we can more feel more prepared and have a heart full of joy knowing that we have done all we can do do be repentant, and obedient for Christ who has suffered all to save us.

History and Background

The first six chapters of the book of Moroni deal with ordinances and practices of the Church in Moroni’s day: baptism, confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost, conferral of the priesthood and ordination to offices in the priesthood, the sacrament, fellowshipping new members, and conducting Church meetings. Some might be inclined to skip these chapters because their content is so familiar to active Latter-day Saints. But Moroni included these teachings because he felt that “perhaps they may be of worth unto [his] brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day” Moroni 1:4.

Moroni 1–3 After completing his abridgment of the plates of Ether, Moroni supposed that he would not write any more. However, he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto [his] brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord” Moroni 1:4. His words affirm his faithfulness to Jesus Christ, and they also outline important ordinances of the gospel.

Moroni 4–5 Moroni recorded the Savior’s instructions to the Nephites regarding the administration of the sacrament, including the prayers that priesthood holders were to use in blessing the bread and wine.

Moroni 6 As Moroni neared the completion of his writings on the plates, he explained some of the qualifications for individuals to be baptized into the Church. He then outlined the responsibilities of Church members to care for each other. He also explained the purposes of Church meetings and emphasized the need for Church meetings to be conducted by the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Some Doctrines and Principles

• Priesthood ordinances are essential in the gospel of Jesus Christ Moroni 2–6.
• We partake of the sacrament to renew covenants with the Lord Moroni 4–5.
• Repentance leads to baptism Moroni 6:1–3.
• We must watch over each other and nourish each other with the word of God Moroni 6:4–9.

Part One: Mormon 1–6 We can live righteously despite the wickedness around us.

Mormon reported that, starting in the 201st year, pride, disunity, and wickedness took over (see 4 Nephi 1:24–47). In the book of Mormon we read of events where he was an eyewitness. These events include the demise of the Nephite civilization. In Mormon 1–6 we can empathize with Mormon’s sorrow over the destruction of his people, a destruction which came upon them because of their rejection of the Lord and His gospel. We can also resolve to avoid such calamity in our own lives. (Book of Mormon Student Manual)

We can all, as members of the church understand Mormon’s experience with striving to live righteously in a wicked world. Particularly in this time and season we are currently in. What can we learn from Mormon’s example that might help us now?

In the following verses find phrases or words that identify Mormon’s qualities that would direct us today ? Mormon 1:2–3, 15–16; 2:1, 23–24; 3:1–3, 12, 17–22

2 And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe;

3 Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this people.

15 And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.

16 And I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was shut, and I was forbidden that I should preach unto them; for behold they had wilfully rebelled against their God; and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity.

1 And it came to pass in that same year there began to be a war again between the Nephites and the Lamanites. And notwithstanding I being young, was large in stature; therefore the people of Nephi appointed me that I should be their leader, or the leader of their armies.

23 And it came to pass that I did speak unto my people, and did urge them with great energy, that they would stand boldly before the Lamanites and fight for their wives, and their children, and their houses, and their homes.

24 And my words did arouse them somewhat to vigor, insomuch that they did not flee from before the Lamanites, but did stand with boldness against them.

1 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did not come to battle again until ten years more had passed away. And behold, I had employed my people, the Nephites, in preparing their lands and their arms against the time of battle.

2 And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared.

3 And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God.

How would these qualities have helped Mormon remain spiritually strong?

How can they help us be more like Mormon?

Mormon frequently wrote directly to people in our day. What can we learn from his words to us in Mormon 3:17–22 and 5:10–24? (click the link to read or see passage below)

17 Therefore I write unto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare to return to the land of your inheritance;

18 Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your works by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem.

19 And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem.

20 And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil;

21 And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye shall have among you; and also that the Jews, the covenant people of the Lord, shall have other witness besides him whom they saw and heard, that Jesus, whom they slew, was the very Christ and the very God.

22 And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.

10 And now behold, this I speak unto their seed, and also to the Gentiles who have care for the house of Israel, that realize and know from whence their blessings come.

11 For I know that such will sorrow for the calamity of the house of Israel; yea, they will sorrow for the destruction of this people; they will sorrow that this people had not repented that they might have been clasped in the arms of Jesus.

12 Now these things are written unto the remnant of the house of Jacob; and they are written after this manner, because it is known of God that wickedness will not bring them forth unto them; and they are to be hid up unto the Lord that they may come forth in his own due time.

13 And this is the commandment which I have received; and behold, they shall come forth according to the commandment of the Lord, when he shall see fit, in his wisdom.

14 And behold, they shall go unto the unbelieving of the Jews; and for this intent shall they go—that they may be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God; that the Father may bring about, through his most Beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in restoring the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to the land of their inheritance, which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling of his covenant;

15 And also that the seed of this people may more fully believe his gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the Gentiles; for this people shall be scattered, and shall become a dark, a filthy, and a loathsome people, beyond the description of that which ever hath been amongst us, yea, even that which hath been among the Lamanites, and this because of their unbelief and idolatry.

16 For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven about as chaff before the wind.

17 They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father.

18 But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they.

19 And behold, the Lord hath reserved their blessings, which they might have received in the land, for the Gentiles who shall possess the land.

20 But behold, it shall come to pass that they shall be driven and scattered by the Gentiles; and after they have been driven and scattered by the Gentiles, behold, then will the Lord remember the covenant which he made unto Abraham and unto all the house of Israel.

21 And also the Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous, which have been put up unto him for them.

22 And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways?

23 Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll?

24 Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against you—lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver.

What qualities did he have that made him a great leader?

In an overview of Mormon’s life, President Gordon B. Hinckley referred to the meaning associated with Mormon’s name, a name that has become a reference to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “May I remind you for a moment of the greatness and of the goodness of this man Mormon. He lived on this American continent in the fourth century after Christ. When Mormon was a boy of ten, the historian of the people, whose name was Ammaron, described him as ‘a sober child, and … quick to observe’ (Mormon 1:2). Ammaron gave him a charge that when he reached the age of twenty-four, he was to take custody of the records of the generations who had preceded him. The years that followed Mormon’s childhood were years of terrible bloodshed for his nation, the result of a long and vicious and terrible war between those who were called Nephites and those who were called Lamanites. Mormon later became the leader of the armies of the Nephites and witnessed the carnage of his people, making it plain to them that their repeated defeats came because they forsook the Lord and He in turn abandoned them. …“He wrote to our generation with words of warning and pleading, proclaiming with eloquence his testimony of the resurrected Christ. He warned of calamities to come if we should forsake the ways of the Lord as his own people had done. Knowing that his own life would soon be brought to an end, as his enemies hunted the survivors, he pleaded for our generation to walk with faith, hope, and charity, declaring, ‘Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him’ (Moroni 7:47). Such was the goodness, the strength, the power, the faith, the prophetic heart of the prophet-leader Mormon” (Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 69–70; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 52).

How can we apply Mormon’s counsel to help us stay spiritually strong in today’s world?

Part Two: Mormon 2:10–15 Repentance requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

To learn about the difference between sorrow that leads to repentance and sorrow that does not, we read Mormon 2:10–15 

10 And it came to pass that the Nephites began to repent of their iniquity, and began to cry even as had been prophesied by Samuel the prophet; for behold no man could keep that which was his own, for the thieves, and the robbers, and the murderers, and the magic art, and the witchcraft which was in the land.

11 Thus there began to be a mourning and a lamentation in all the land because of these things, and more especially among the people of Nephi.

12 And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they would again become a righteous people.

13 But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin.

14 And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Nevertheless they would struggle with the sword for their lives.

15 And it came to pass that my sorrow did return unto me again, and I saw that the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually; for I saw thousands of them hewn down in open rebellion against their God, and heaped up as dung upon the face of the land. And thus three hundred and forty and four years had passed away.

What is the role of “sorrowing” in repentance? If our sorrow for sin is unto repentance, it will lead us to come unto Christ with a humble heart. Sorrow only for the consequences of sin leads to damnation, or being stopped in our progress toward eternal life.

Why were the Nephites sorrowing? Mormon 2:10–13 (click to read or see above passage) They sorrowed only because of the consequences of their sins, not because they regretted their actions.

What do you think it means that “the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin?” (See Verse 13 in above passage)

What did the Nephites not do, because they were sorrowing only for the consequences of sin?

How might sorrowing only because of the consequences of sin prevent us from coming unto Jesus Christ and repenting? Sorrowing only because of the consequences of sin can prevent us from coming unto Jesus Christ with broken hearts and contrite spirits.

What should we feel sorrow for when we sin?

What do you think it means to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit? To be humble and repentant [see Guide to the Scriptures, “Broken Heart,” scriptures.lds.org].)

Repentance isn’t easy. It takes ability. It takes self-discipline and humility. Repentance is not a negative teaching, but rather it is a positive process of building good character. Repentance could become a remedy for most spiritual ills. However, it is not a mere superficial, shallow-rooted expression of regret. What, then, is true repentance?

President Joseph F. Smith declared that: “True repentance is not only sorrow for sins, and humble penitence and contrition before God, but it involves the necessity of turning away from them [sins], a discontinuance of all evil practices and deeds, a thorough reformation of life, a vital change from evil to good, from vice to virtue, from darkness to light. Not only so, but to make restitution, so far as it is possible, for all the wrongs we have done, to pay our debts, and restore to God and man their rights—that which is due to them from us. This is true repentance, and the exercise of the will and all the powers of body and mind is demanded, to complete this glorious work of repentance; [only] then God will accept it.” (Gospel Doctrine, p. 123.)

If one truly repents, it will be manifested by his works, for, “By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins —behold, he will confess them and forsake them.” (D&C 58:43.) Thus repentance calls for a heartfelt sorrow for sin resulting not only in a cessation thereof but also in reformation of life. That’s the important thing—a reformation of life!

To repent isn’t exactly popular these days. Yet the Lord expects each of us to repent, to improve, and to conscientiously reform our lives. In fact, he set for us a lofty goal, saying: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48.) (There is Need for Repentance Elray L Christiansen October 1973 General Conference)

What attitudes and behaviors can help us have “broken hearts and contrite spirits”?

“Let him that stole steal no more. …” (Eph. 4:28.)

“… let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly. …” (D&C 121:45.)

“… pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44.) Destroy your enemies by making them your friends.

Let the unkind among us become considerate.

Let the truth be spoken always, no matter what the consequences may be. (There is Need for Repentance Elray L Christiansen October 1973 General Conference)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:7–8, 10.)

Part Three: Mormon 3:12 We can love others, even if we don’t agree with their choices.

Like Mormon, many of us associate closely with people who do not share our beliefs. How might we use Mormon’s experience in loving others despite our differences?

12 Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts.

What was Mormon’s response when the Nephites swore to seek revenge? 3:11–13 

11 And it came to pass that I, Mormon, did utterly refuse from this time forth to be a commander and a leader of this people, because of their wickedness and abomination.

12 Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts.

13 And thrice have I delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, and they have repented not of their sins.

When he was in the Presiding Bishopric, Bishop Glenn L. Pace admonished us to strive to emulate the love Mormon exhibited: “This prophet had Christlike love for a fallen people. Can we be content with loving less? We must press forward with the pure love of Christ to spread the good news of the gospel. As we do so and fight the war of good against evil, light against darkness, and truth against falsehood, we must not neglect our responsibility of dressing the wounds of those who have fallen in battle. There is no room in the kingdom for fatalism” (Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 8; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 8–9).

What experiences do you have from your own lives of loving those who did not share your beliefs or values?

President Dallin H. Oaks explained: “We should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: ‘Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them’ (Matthew 7:12). “When our positions do not prevail, we should accept unfavorable results graciously and practice civility with our adversaries” (“Loving Others and Living with Differences,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 27).

Part 4: Mormon 6:17 Jesus Christ stands with open arms to receive us.

For those who might have no hope that they can be forgiven for their sins, Mormon’s description of the Savior standing “with open arms to receive you” provides reassurance.

17 O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!

What does this verse teach about the Savior’s eagerness to help us?

President Russell M. Nelson shared the following experience:

“Last year while Elder David S. Baxter and I were driving to a stake conference, we stopped at a restaurant. Later when returning to our car, we were approached by a woman who called out to us. … She asked if we were elders in the Church. We said yes. Almost unrestrained, she told the story of her tragic life, swamped in sin. Now, only 28 years old, she was miserable. She felt worthless, with nothing to live for. As she spoke, the sweetness of her soul began to emerge. Pleading tearfully, she asked if there was any hope for her, any way up and out of her hopelessness.

“‘Yes,’ we responded, ‘there is hope. Hope is linked to repentance. You can change. You can “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him”’ [Moroni 10:32]. We urged her not to procrastinate [see Alma 13:27; 34:33]. She sobbed humbly and thanked us sincerely.

“As Elder Baxter and I continued our journey, we pondered that experience. We recalled the counsel given to a hopeless soul by Aaron, who said, ‘If thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, … then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest’ [Alma 22:16]. …

“… To the 28-year-old woman mired in the swamp of sin, and to each one of us, I declare that the sweet blessing of repentance is possible. It comes through complete conversion to the Lord and His holy work.”

In addition, President Nelson observed: “We also remember the sinful people under the care of their concerned leader, Mormon, who wrote, ‘I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them’ (Mormon 5:2)” (“Repentance and Conversion,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 102, 104).

Mormon mourned the death of his unrepentant people and sorrowed that they did not change their ways before their lives ended. If they had set aside their pride and repented of their sins, Mormon taught that their reunion with the Savior would have been joyful (see Mormon 6:17).

We too must prepare ourselves to stand before the Lord at the Judgment. President James E. Faust explained:

“We long for the ultimate blessing of the Atonement—to become one with Him, to be in His divine presence, to be called individually by name as He warmly welcomes us home with a radiant smile, beckoning us with open arms to be enfolded in His boundless love. How gloriously sublime this experience will be if we can feel worthy enough to be in His presence! The free gift of His great atoning sacrifice for each of us is the only way we can be exalted enough to stand before Him and see Him face-to-face. The overwhelming message of the Atonement is the perfect love the Savior has for each and all of us. It is a love which is full of mercy, patience, grace, equity, long-suffering, and, above all, forgiving.

“The evil influence of Satan would destroy any hope we have in overcoming our mistakes. He would have us feel that we are lost and that there is no hope. In contrast, Jesus reaches down to us to lift us up. Through our repentance and the gift of the Atonement, we can prepare to be worthy to stand in His presence” (Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 22; or Ensign, Nov. 2001, 20).

Along with ourselves, how can we help others recognize that repentance is possible?

Conclusion

Its important to know that though our times are severely wicked, they will get worse, yet, there is hope for we can live righteously in a wicked world, the Lord does not leave us alone to do so. He has given us specific guidelines through these chapters as well as our living prophet today. Keeping this in mind it is critical that we understand repentance and what it means to have a broken heart and contrite spirit. To love others as Christ loves us and to be prepared to meet him. Are we? Today if he came could we stand before him and look at him with a perfect recollection of all we have done, thought, said? I can imagine that we would be bathing his feet with our tears.

As we access the Atonement, repenting righteously, we can be ready, and He will accept our hearts. Let us not forget He stands with open arms, to everyone, that means you and me too. Let us press forward with this goal, with this hope in mind.

Resources

Book of Mormon Student Manual

Ensign

Conference Reports

Guide to the Scriptures

Seminary Manual

Institute Manual

“There Could Not Be a Happier People”

In an evaluation of your life have you thought about this question? How happy are you? I’ve thought about it a lot particularly lately. How happy am I. I still struggle with health and financial issues, I still struggle with trial tribulation an find myself repenting of things daily and wish I could be better. I find that I am a woman that makes mistakes, that suffers from anxiety and PTSD, self esteem issues and neediness. I suffer from the grief of the death of my children daily, and simply put, I just suffer; but am I happy? I could never be happier as the gospel of Jesus Christ changed my life and though I suffer, I do so gratefully for He is worth it, and my joy is full. In all these things, I truly have happiness and my heart though it grieves and I struggle, it is not beyond the touch of Jesus Christ it is not, beyond being happy.

As we study this week 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi we can put a focus on the happiness of the people as they embrace the gospel. In this, we too can embrace and find joy.

History and Background

3 Nephi 27 Soon after the Savior’s ministry among the Nephites, the twelve newly called Nephite disciples met together in mighty prayer and fasting. Jesus Christ appeared to them and answered their question concerning the name they should give the Church. He taught them about His gospel and commanded them to be like Him.

3 Nephi 28 When Jesus Christ asked each of His twelve Nephite disciples what they desired of Him, nine requested to speedily return to Him when their ministry on the earth was complete. Three desired to remain on the earth to bring souls to Him until His Second Coming. The Lord honored both sets of righteous desires. Mormon provided some details of the Three Nephites’ ministry, and he also shared what the Lord had revealed to him about the physical change the Three Nephites experienced so they could remain on the earth.

3 Nephi 29–30 As Mormon concluded his account of the Savior’s visit among the Nephites, he explained that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon would be a sign that the Lord was fulfilling His covenant with the house of Israel. He also warned that those who reject the works of God will be subject to God’s judgments. Finally, he recorded the Savior’s invitation for all people to repent and be numbered among the house of Israel.

4 Nephi In only 49 verses, the book of 4 Nephi narrates a period of nearly 300 years—almost one-third of the entire Nephite history covered by the Book of Mormon. The brevity of 4 Nephi contributes to its power. It succinctly highlights the contrast between the people’s righteousness immediately following the Savior’s ministry among them and their wickedness four generations later. The book’s first 18 verses illustrate the blessings enjoyed by a society that is built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. Later verses provide a witness of the destructiveness of pride, showing how this society gradually weakened until it was almost entirely consumed in sin. After Jesus Christ’s ministry among the descendants of Lehi, the people applied His teachings and enjoyed many years of unity, prosperity, and happiness. They united as “the children of Christ” and no longer referred to themselves as Nephites or Lamanites (4 Nephi 1:17). However, they eventually became prideful and increasingly wicked, and they again divided themselves as Nephites and Lamanites. Nearly 300 years after the Savior’s visit, almost all the people had become wicked.

Part One: 3 Nephi 27:1–22 The Church of Jesus Christ is called in His name and is built upon His gospel.

Discussing the name of the Church helps to deepen our appreciation for our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following is how the church was named and why.

1 And it came to pass that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen, and were baptizing in the name of Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting.

2 And Jesus again showed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Father in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said unto them: What will ye that I shall give unto you?

3 And they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.

4 And the Lord said unto them: Verily, verily, I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing?

5 Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;

6 And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.

7 Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.

8 And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.

9 Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you;

10 And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.

11 But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.

12 For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you.

13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.

14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—

15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.

16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.

17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.

18 And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words.

19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.

20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;

22 Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

What can a name communicate about an organization and the people in it?

Soon after Jesus Christ’s visit to the Nephites, His twelve Nephite disciples united in fasting and prayer. They wanted to know what the name of the Church should be. As they were praying, the Savior appeared and began to teach them.  3 Nephi 27:1–3 (click the link to read or see above)

What did the Savior taught about the name of His Church?

What reasons did He give for naming the Church after Himself?

What is the the Savior’s description of His true Church? The true Church of Jesus Christ must be called by His name and be built upon His gospel.

Why do you think it is important for the Savior’s Church to bear His name?

Why is it important to use the name of the Church as we share our beliefs with others?

President M. Russell Ballard said:

“I have thought a lot about why the Savior gave the nine-word name to His restored Church. It may seem long, but if we think of it as a descriptive overview of what the Church is, it suddenly becomes wonderfully brief, candid, and straightforward. How could any description be more direct and clear and yet expressed in such few words?

“Every word is clarifying and indispensable. The word The indicates the unique position of the restored Church among the religions of the world.

“The words Church of Jesus Christ declare that it is His Church [see 3 Nephi 27:8]. …

“Of Latter-day explains that it is the same Church as the Church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry but restored in these latter days. We know there was a falling away, or an apostasy, necessitating the Restoration of His true and complete Church in our time.

“Saints means that its members follow Him and strive to do His will, keep His commandments, and prepare once again to live with Him and our Heavenly Father in the future. Saint simply refers to those who seek to make their lives holy by covenanting to follow Christ” (“The Importance of a Name,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 80).

Why do you think it is important for the Church to not just bear Jesus Christ’s name but also be built on His gospel?

How would we summarize what the Savior said?

As we study the Savior’s definition of the gospel, what insights do we gain about how to live the gospel in our daily lives?

Part Two: 3 Nephi 29–30 The Book of Mormon is a sign that God’s latter-day work is being fulfilled.

3 Nephi ends with Mormon describing the Book of Mormon’s role in the latter-day gathering of Israel and the Lord (through Mormon) warning the Gentiles in the latter days to repent and turn unto Him. These chapters give us a good opportunity to recommit to using the Book of Mormon in our lives and in inviting others to come unto the Savior.

3 Nephi 29–30 by talking about signs. What is signified by the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, which Mormon called “these sayings?” 3 Nephi 29:1–3 

1 And now behold, I say unto you that when the Lord shall see fit, in his wisdom, that these sayings shall come unto the Gentiles according to his word, then ye may know that the covenant which the Father hath made with the children of Israel, concerning their restoration to the lands of their inheritance, is already beginning to be fulfilled.

2 And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel.

3 And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words which have been spoken are vain, for behold, the Lord will remember his covenant which he hath made unto his people of the house of Israel.

“these sayings” in 3 Nephi 29:1 refers to the writings of the Book of Mormon. How would you summarize the prophecy recorded in these verses? The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the Lord is fulfilling His covenant to gather Israel in the latter days. The Book of Mormon is fulfillment of Mormon’s prophecy and we can be assured that the Lord is preparing His people for His coming.

What message did the Lord give in 3 Nephi 29:4–9 to those who would “spurn” or “deny”

4 And when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the sword of his justice is in his right hand; and behold, at that day, if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you.

5 Wo unto him that spurneth at the doings of the Lord; yea, wo unto him that shall deny the Christ and his works!

6 Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost!

7 Yea, and wo unto him that shall say at that day, to get gain, that there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus Christ; for he that doeth this shall become like unto the son of perdition, for whom there was no mercy, according to the word of Christ!

8 Yea, and ye need not any longer hiss, nor spurn, nor make game of the Jews, nor any of the remnant of the house of Israel; for behold, the Lord remembereth his covenant unto them, and he will do unto them according to that which he hath sworn.

9 Therefore ye need not suppose that ye can turn the right hand of the Lord unto the left, that he may not execute judgment unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the house of Israel.

What did Mormon say people in the last days would spurn? “The doings of the Lord.”

What do you think Mormon meant when he wrote, “Wo unto him that spurneth at the doings of the Lord … [and] shall deny the Christ and his works?” Those who spurn the Lord’s doings and deny Him will eventually experience sadness and regret.

How does reading the Book of Mormon daily strengthen our faith in those things that other people “spurn” or “deny” in our day?

In 3 Nephi 30, Mormon fulfilled a commandment from the Lord to record an invitation from Jesus Christ specifically to the Gentiles, or people without the gospel.

1 Hearken, O ye Gentiles, and hear the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, which he hath commanded me that I should speak concerning you, for, behold he commandeth me that I should write, saying:

2 Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.

What did the Savior invite the Gentiles of the last days to do? “turn … from your wicked ways,” “repent of your evil doings,” and “come unto me, and be baptized in my name.”

What blessings does Jesus Christ promise to the Gentiles if they will accept His invitations and come unto Him? Receiving a remission of sins, being filled with the Holy Ghost, and being numbered among His people.

What principle do we learn about this from Verse 2? If we repent, come unto Jesus Christ, and be baptized, then we will receive a remission of our sins, be filled with the Holy Ghost, and be numbered with the house of Israel.

“It does not matter if your lineage in the house of Israel is through bloodlines or by adoption. As a member of the Church, you are counted as a descendant of Abraham and an heir to all the promises and blessings contained in the Abrahamic covenant” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 112).

“As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you are a child of the covenant (see 3 Nephi 20:25–26). You have received the everlasting gospel and inherited the same promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You have the right to the blessings of the priesthood and to eternal life, according to your faithfulness in receiving the ordinances of salvation and keeping the associated covenants. Nations of the earth will be blessed by your efforts and by the labors of your posterity” (True to the Faith, 5–6).

Why is it a blessing to be numbered among the Lord’s people?

Even though 3 Nephi 30:2 is addressed to those who are not members of the Church, we can use Jesus Christ’s invitation to measure our own efforts to keep the covenants we have made with God. We can use 3 Nephi 30:2 to evaluate our efforts to come unto Christ by turning from “evil doings.”

Self-Evaluation: determine which “evil doings” you may need to more fully turn away from in order to come unto Christ. As we repent and come unto Jesus Christ, He will bless us and number us among His people.

“Evil doings” mentioned in 3 Nephi 30:2	I do this often.I sometimes do this.I never do this.
Lying and deceiving (leading someone to believe something that is not true)
Secret abominations (private actions that are sinful or offensive to God)
Idolatries (giving priority to the things of the world over the things of God)
Priestcrafts (participating in religious activities to glorify oneself rather than to serve God and others)
Envyings (being jealous or resentful of what someone else has)
Strifes (contention, fighting, or quarreling)

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Part Three: 4 Nephi Conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel leads to unity and happiness.

The account in 4 Nephi illustrates the joy that can come into our lives as individuals, as families, and as a ward or stake as we strive to be more fully converted to Jesus Christ.

It covers the nearly 200 years of unity and harmony following Jesus Christ’s visit to the Americas. The people “were all converted unto the Lord” 4 Nephi 1:2, resulting in a society that people of all ages have dreamed of. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed that following Christ’s visit, “His majestic teachings and ennobling spirit led to the happiest of all times, a time in which ‘there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift’ [4 Nephi 1:2–3]. That blessed circumstance was, I suppose, achieved on only one other occasion of which we know—the city of Enoch, where ‘they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them’ [Moses 7:18]” (Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 40; or Ensign, May 1996, 30).

When we talk about being converted unto the Lord we need to remember that this includes more than simply being a member of His Church. It involves “changing one’s beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God … [and] become a disciple of Christ” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Conversion, Convert,” scriptures.lds.org).

President Marion G. Romney (1897–1988) of the First Presidency gave the following insight regarding the meaning of true conversion:

“Webster [dictionary] says the verb, ‘convert,’ means ‘to turn from one belief or course to another.’ That ‘conversion’ is ‘a spiritual and moral change. …’ As used in the scriptures, ‘converted’ generally implies not merely mental acceptance of Jesus and his teachings but also a motivating faith in him and in his gospel—a faith which works a transformation, an actual change in one’s understanding of life’s meaning and in his allegiance to God—in interest, in thought, and in conduct. …“In one who is wholly converted, desire for things inimical [contrary] to the gospel of Jesus Christ has actually died, and substituted therefor is a love of God with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments. …“… From this it would appear that membership in the Church and conversion are not necessarily synonymous. Being converted … and having a testimony are not necessarily the same thing either. A testimony comes when the Holy Ghost gives the earnest seeker a witness of the truth. A moving testimony vitalizes faith; that is, it induces repentance and obedience to the commandments. Conversion, on the other hand, is the fruit of, or the reward for, repentance and obedience” (Conference Report, Oct. 1963, 23–24).

In  4 Nephi 1:1–2  what happened as the people became converted unto the Lord?

1 And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost.

2 And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.

When we are converted unto the Lord, we avoid contention. Regarding the way members of the Church should treat others, the Lord revealed, “Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God” (D&C 82:19).

Why do you think becoming converted unto the Lord helps us avoid engaging in contention with others?

What words or phrases in these verses describe what the people experienced because they were all converted unto the Lord? 4 Nephi 1:3, 5, 7, 10–13, 15. 

5 And there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus.

6 And thus did the thirty and eighth year pass away, and also the thirty and ninth, and forty and first, and the forty and second, yea, even until forty and nine years had passed away, and also the fifty and first, and the fifty and second; yea, and even until fifty and nine years had passed away.

7 And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly in the land; yea, insomuch that they did build cities again where there had been cities burned.

8 Yea, even that great city Zarahemla did they cause to be built again.

9 But there were many cities which had been sunk, and waters came up in the stead thereof; therefore these cities could not be renewed.

10 And now, behold, it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceedingly fast, and became an exceedingly fair and delightsome people.

11 And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them.

12 And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the law of Moses; but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord.

13 And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land; but there were mighty miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus.

14 And it came to pass that the seventy and first year passed away, and also the seventy and second year, yea, and in fine, till the seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea, even an hundred years had passed away, and the disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the paradise of God, save it were the three who should tarry; and there were other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many of that generation had passed away.

15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

What ceased to exist among the people during this time? 4 Nephi 1:16–17 

**Note: tumults refer to public commotions or upoars, whoredoms refer to sexual sins, and lasciviousness refers to lustfulness and immorality.

16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.

What do you think the phrase “nor any manner of -ites” (verse 17) means? The people of the Book of Mormon had distinguished themselves as Nephites and Lamanites—and many other “-ites”—for centuries, but after the Savior’s ministry among them, these distinctions disappeared.

What can we do to overcome such divisions and truly become “one, the children of Christ”?

What would it take in today’s world to build a society that did not have any contentions or disputations? President Spencer W. Kimball taught how this goal can be achieved: “First, we must eliminate the individual tendency to selfishness that snares the soul, shrinks the heart, and darkens the mind. …“Second, we must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other. …“Third, we must lay on the altar and sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord. We begin by offering a ‘broken heart and a contrite spirit’ [3 Nephi 9:20]” (Conference Report, Apr. 1978, 123; or Ensign, May 1978, 81).

President James E. Faust of the First Presidency taught that despite diversity of cultures, races, or traditions, unity can be developed: “I have learned to admire, respect, and love the good people from every race, culture, and nation that I have been privileged to visit. In my experience, no race or class seems superior to any other in spirituality and faithfulness. Those who seem less caring spiritually are those individuals—regardless of race, culture, or nationality—spoken of by the Savior in the parable of the sower who are ‘choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection’ [Luke 8:14]. …“As we move into more and more countries in the world, we find a rich cultural diversity in the Church. Yet everywhere there can be a ‘unity of the faith’ [Ephesians 4:13]. Each group brings special gifts and talents to the table of the Lord. We can all learn much of value from each other. But each of us should also voluntarily seek to enjoy all of the unifying and saving covenants, ordinances, and doctrines of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. “In the great diversity of peoples, cultures, and circumstances, we remember that all are equal before the Lord” (Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 81–82; or Ensign, May 1995, 61–62).

According to verses 16–17, how were the people blessed because they were converted unto the Lord? When we are converted unto the Lord, we are blessed with happiness and unity as the children of Christ.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught: “Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens [see Moses 7:18]. … If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen” (“Come to Zion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 38).

How do you think your life would be different if everyone you knew was converted unto the Lord?

Tragically, the second half of 4 Nephi reveals how a righteous and happy people allowed pride and apostasy to enter their lives, bringing the eventual destruction of their society.

What can we learn from the decline of the Zion society?

What ended the happiness and unity the people experienced in the nearly 200 years following the Savior’s visit? 4 Nephi 1:19–34

19 And it came to pass that Nephi, he that kept this last record, (and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi) died, and his son Amos kept it in his stead; and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi also.

20 And he kept it eighty and four years, and there was still peace in the land, save it were a small part of the people who had revolted from the church and taken upon them the name of Lamanites; therefore there began to be Lamanites again in the land.

21 And it came to pass that Amos died also, (and it was an hundred and ninety and four years from the coming of Christ) and his son Amos kept the record in his stead; and he also kept it upon the plates of Nephi; and it was also written in the book of Nephi, which is this book.

22 And it came to pass that two hundred years had passed away; and the second generation had all passed away save it were a few.

23 And now I, Mormon, would that ye should know that the people had multiplied, insomuch that they were spread upon all the face of the land, and that they had become exceedingly rich, because of their prosperity in Christ.

24 And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.

25 And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.

26 And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ.

27 And it came to pass that when two hundred and ten years had passed away there were many churches in the land; yea, there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner of wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been forbidden because of unworthiness.

28 And this church did multiply exceedingly because of iniquity, and because of the power of Satan who did get hold upon their hearts.

29 And again, there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them because of the many miracles which were wrought among them.

30 Therefore they did exercise power and authority over the disciples of Jesus who did tarry with them, and they did cast them into prison; but by the power of the word of God, which was in them, the prisons were rent in twain, and they went forth doing mighty miracles among them.

31 Nevertheless, and notwithstanding all these miracles, the people did harden their hearts, and did seek to kill them, even as the Jews at Jerusalem sought to kill Jesus, according to his word.

32 And they did cast them into furnaces of fire, and they came forth receiving no harm.

33 And they also cast them into dens of wild beasts, and they did play with the wild beasts even as a child with a lamb; and they did come forth from among them, receiving no harm.

34 Nevertheless, the people did harden their hearts, for they were led by many priests and false prophets to build up many churches, and to do all manner of iniquity. And they did smite upon the people of Jesus; but the people of Jesus did not smite again. And thus they did dwindle in unbelief and wickedness, from year to year, even until two hundred and thirty years had passed away.

What truths in these verses can help us identify attitudes and behaviors that need to change in our lives and in our society?

Conclusion

In recent days President Nelson has taught of the importance of the name of the church, and the importance we have to uphold that name and use it correctly. In great detail this is explained in these chapters giving us even more reason to practice this appropriately. In connection with this The Book of Mormon is a sign that latter-day work is being fulfilled, this is evident more now than ever, and conversion, true conversion is a new level we need to achieve.

“Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree of conversion and the transformation that it brings to your life” (Richard G. Scott, “Full Conversion Brings Happiness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2002, 25).

How can your efforts to become more converted unto the Lord influence the happiness and well-being of those around you? When members of a family, quorum, class, or other group are unified in righteousness, they can experience greater happiness than they would be able to experience on their own. Therefore let us be unified and progress to the state of happiness the Lord wants us to have.

Resources

Book of Mormon Student Manual

Seminary Manual

Doctrine and Covenants

Conference Reports

Ensign

True to the Faith

Guide to the Scriptures

“Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

As we Let the Spirit guide our study of 3 Nephi 20–26. He will help us identify principles that could be particularly meaningful to each of us, our families and people we may have the opportunity to teach.

History and Background

During the second day of His three-day ministry, the Savior endorsed and expounded on the prophecies of Isaiah and Malachi. He observed the extent of Isaiah’s prophecies as touching on “all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel” 3 Nephi 23:2. Jesus Christ personally examined the scriptural record for accuracy and caused that the fulfillment of Samuel’s prophesy of the Resurrection and the words of Malachi be included 3 Nephi 24:1; 26:1–2. Malachi’s words declare the blessings associated with the law of tithing and the role the prophet Elijah would have during the last days in preparation for the Second Coming.

The Lord commanded each of us to search the scriptures and the prophets 3 Nephi 23:5. The Savior declared it is wisdom that “these scriptures … should be given unto future generations” 3 Nephi 26:2. Every Latter-day Saint has a duty to diligently search the scriptures. Consider what it means to diligently search the scriptures and the prophets rather than merely reading them.

3 Nephi 20 On the second day of His ministry among the Nephites, Jesus Christ again administered the sacrament to the people. He testified that the covenants and promises of the Father would be fulfilled in the last days. Israel would be gathered, and all the nations of the earth would be blessed.

3 Nephi 21–22 As Jesus Christ continued to teach the Nephites, He explained that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in the last days would be a sign that He had started gathering Israel and fulfilling His covenant with His people. Emphasizing His great love for His covenant people, the Savior quoted Isaiah’s prophecies about the restoration of the covenant people.

3 Nephi 23 After quoting the words of Isaiah, Jesus Christ commanded the Nephites to search this prophet’s words. He said that Isaiah’s words are a blessing because Isaiah “spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel”. He also said that all of Isaiah’s words had been or would be fulfilled. The Savior then commanded the Nephites to search the words of all the prophets and instructed them to add material to their records.

3 Nephi 24–26 Jesus Christ fulfilled a commandment from Heavenly Father to share with the Nephites some prophecies from the prophet Malachi. These prophecies taught that members of the house of Israel needed to repent and return to the Lord in preparation for the Savior’s Second Coming. Jesus Christ also expounded unto the Nephites “all things, even from the beginning until the time that he should come in his glory”. Mormon taught that those who believe the Book of Mormon will have even greater things manifested unto them.

Part One: 3 Nephi 20:25–41; 21:9–11, 22–29 In the latter days, God will perform a great and marvelous work.

The Savior spoke of “a great and a marvelous work” 3 Nephi 21:9 that His Father would do in the last days. He called the Restoration of the latter days “a great and a marvelous work”. In the early days of the Restoration, the Savior said “a marvelous work is about to come forth” D&C 4:1.

President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke of the miracle of the Restoration and of our responsibility to help move the work forward: “This glorious gospel was ushered in with the appearance of the Father and the Son to the boy Joseph. The dawn of the dispensation of the fulness of times rose upon the world. All of the good, the beautiful, the divine of all previous dispensations was restored in this most remarkable season. …“Do we really comprehend, do we understand the tremendous significance of that which we have? …“We of this generation are the end harvest of all that has gone before. It is not enough to simply be known as a member of this Church. A solemn obligation rests upon us. Let us face it and work at it. “We must live as true followers of the Christ, with charity toward all, returning good for evil, teaching by example the ways of the Lord, and accomplishing the vast service He has outlined for us” (Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 84–85; or Ensign, May 2004, 83–84).

The gathering of Israel primarily consists of the scattered remnants of the house of Israel coming to believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as the Savior of the world by being baptized and becoming members of His Church. For some of the house of Israel it also includes gathering to a particular land of inheritance.

What do we learn about that work as we study these passages from the listed chapters?

25 And behold, ye are the children of the prophets; and ye are of the house of Israel; and ye are of the covenant which the Father made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham: And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

26 The Father having raised me up unto you first, and sent me to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities; and this because ye are the children of the covenant—

27 And after that ye were blessed then fulfilleth the Father the covenant which he made with Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed—unto the pouring out of the Holy Ghost through me upon the Gentiles, which blessing upon the Gentiles shall make them mighty above all, unto the scattering of my people, O house of Israel.

28 And they shall be a scourge unto the people of this land. Nevertheless, when they shall have received the fulness of my gospel, then if they shall harden their hearts against me I will return their iniquities upon their own heads, saith the Father.

29 And I will remember the covenant which I have made with my people; and I have covenanted with them that I would gather them together in mine own due time, that I would give unto them again the land of their fathers for their inheritance, which is the land of Jerusalem, which is the promised land unto them forever, saith the Father.

30 And it shall come to pass that the time cometh, when the fulness of my gospel shall be preached unto them;

31 And they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and shall pray unto the Father in my name.

32 Then shall their watchmen lift up their voice, and with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye.

33 Then will the Father gather them together again, and give unto them Jerusalem for the land of their inheritance.

34 Then shall they break forth into joy—Sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Father hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

35 The Father hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of the Father; and the Father and I are one.

36 And then shall be brought to pass that which is written: Awake, awake again, and put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city, for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

37 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

38 For thus saith the Lord: Ye have sold yourselves for naught, and ye shall be redeemed without money.

39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that my people shall know my name; yea, in that day they shall know that I am he that doth speak.

40 And then shall they say: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings unto them of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!

41 And then shall a cry go forth: Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch not that which is unclean; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.

9 For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them.

10 But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.

11 Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant.

22 But if they will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance;

23 And they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem.

24 And then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem.

25 And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst.

26 And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem.

27 Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name.

28 Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father among all nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance.

29 And they shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward.

What did the Savior say would happen in a future day?  3 Nephi 20:30–32, 39–41; 21:22–29 (Click the link to read)

Why would He call these things “great” and “marvelous”?

What evidence do we see that this work is taking place? How do we participate in it?

The Prophet Joseph Smith helped fulfill the Lord’s great and marvelous work.

How did the Lord “give unto him power that he shall bring [the gospel] forth unto the Gentiles”? 3 Nephi 21: 11 (click the link to read)

11 Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant.

Why is it important to know that Joseph Smith’s ministry was foretold by the Savior? 2 Nephi 3. (click the link to read)

How do you see yourself in the great work foretold in these chapters? 3 Nephi 20:25–27 (click the link to read or see above passage)

When we make covenants with the Lord, we become the seed of Abraham. The phrase “seed of Abraham” can refer to people who are literal descendants of Abraham. It can also refer to people who, by accepting and obeying the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ, receive the fulness of the gospel, the blessings of the priesthood, and the same promises and covenants that God made with Abraham. Therefore as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are of the seed of Abraham and with that comes great responsibility, particularly in the gathering of Israel

How can we as the descendants of Abraham, (that includes us), bless “all the kindreds of the earth”?

President Russel M Nelson taught: “Ours is the responsibility to help fulfill the Abrahamic covenant. Ours is the seed foreordained and prepared to bless all people of the world [see Alma 13:1–9]. That is why priesthood duty includes missionary work. After some 4,000 years of anticipation and preparation, this is the appointed day when the gospel is to be taken to the kindreds of the earth. This is the time of the promised gathering of Israel. And we get to participate!” (Russell M. Nelson, “Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 88).

He further taught:

“These surely are the latter days, and the Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it. You can be a big part of something big, something grand, something majestic!

“When we speak of gathering, we are simply saying this fundamental truth: every one of our Heavenly Father’s children, on both sides of the veil, deserves to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. …

“… Think of it! Of all the people who have ever lived on planet earth, we are the ones who get to participate in this final, great gathering event. How exciting is that! …

“This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth” (“Hope of Israel” [worldwide devotional for youth, June 3, 2018], broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

The importance of fulfilling our responsibility to help gather Israel is paramount to the commandments and plan of the Father.

What can we do individually and as a family to improve in our responsibilities and understand the Great and Marvelous Work?

Part Two: 3 Nephi 23; 26:1–12 The Savior wants us to search the scriptures.

During the second day of His three-day ministry, the Savior endorsed and expounded on the prophecies of Isaiah and Malachi. He observed the extent of Isaiah’s prophecies as touching on “all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel” Jesus Christ personally examined the scriptural record for accuracy and caused that the fulfillment of Samuel’s prophesy of the Resurrection and the words of Malachi be included. Malachi’s words declare the blessings associated with the law of tithing and the role the prophet Elijah would have during the last days in preparation for the Second Coming.

The Lord commanded each of us to search the scriptures and the prophets. The Savior declared it is wisdom that “these scriptures … should be given unto future generations” Every Latter-day Saint has a duty to diligently search the scriptures. Consider what it means to diligently search the scriptures and the prophets rather than merely reading them.

Why did the Lord want the people to search the words of Isaiah? 3 Nephi 23:2–3.

2 For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.

3 And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake.

What else the Savior commanded the people to give heed to and search? read 3 Nephi 23:4–5 

4 Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which I have told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles.

5 And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things.

The Savior commands us to give heed to His words and to search diligently the words of the prophets.

What is the relationship between the Savior’s words and the words of His prophets? Doctrine and Covenants 1:38.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same

Why do you think it is important to search their words diligently? 1. The scriptures serve many purposes for mankind. 2. The scriptures promise great blessings to those who follow the teachings found therein. 3. The prophets of this dispensation describe many benefits that come to those who study and love the scriptures. 4. Through scripture study you may hear the voice of the Lord.

While gospel study does not require formal academic training, it does involve reason and mental exertion. The Lord expects us to “seek … diligently.” In our search for truth, we read, analyze information, weigh its reliability, and take time for deliberate pondering. We examine others’ assumptions, as well as our own, and seek to place words and facts in their proper context. We are discerning and careful, always remembering that our knowledge is incomplete but growing.

In what ways is diligently searching the words of Jesus Christ and the prophets different from only reading their words?

“As one would expect, there is a difference between diligent searching or “pondering over the scriptures” and casual reading. A Church history story illustrates the difference.

A small six-year-old boy wandered away from his handcart company during a storm and was lost. When the storm subsided, Robert and Ann Parker realized their boy was missing and began searching. For two days an organized search was unsuccessful. The decision was made that the company must move on because of the approaching winter.

A pioneer journal records the following: “Ann Parker pinned a bright [red] shawl about the thin shoulders of her husband and sent him back alone on the trail to search again for their child. If he found him dead he was to wrap him in the shawl; if alive, the shawl would be a flag to signal her. Ann and her children took up their load and struggled on with the company, while Robert retraced the miles of … trail, calling, and searching and praying for his helpless little son.”

One suspects that he did not just casually look behind a few trees or leisurely walk along the trail, but that he vigorously investigated every thicket, every clump of trees and gully or wash.

“At last he reached a … trading station where he learned that his child had been found and cared for by a woodsman and his wife. [The boy] had been ill from exposure and fright. [But] God had heard the prayers of his people.

“Out on the trail each night Ann and her children kept watch and, when, on the third night the rays of the setting sun caught the glimmer of a bright red shawl [above her husband’s head], the brave little mother sank in a pitiful heap in the sand. … [She] slept for the first time in six … days.”

The story illustrates the difference between just looking and searching diligently. A casual, infrequent exposure to the scriptures will generally not open the door to the whisperings of the Spirit or provide insights into the Savior’s life and character. We need to search the scriptures with the same vigor that Robert hunted for his son and with the consistency of the mother searching the horizon if we expect to hear his voice and know his words. President Howard W. Hunter of the Council of the Twelve in a general conference address stated the following:

“Those who delve into the scriptural library … find that to understand requires more than casual reading or perusal—there must be concentrated study. … One who studies the scriptures every day accomplishes far more than one who devotes considerable time one day and then lets days go by before continuing.” Coming Unto Christ By Searching The Scriptures Merrill J. Bateman Of the Second Quorum of the Seventy

What scripture study methods best help you make searching the words of Jesus Christ, Isaiah, and other prophets a meaningful part of your life? Many helpful tips are provided in a lesson from a Church Institute Manual Scripture Study—The Power of the Word Manual click the title to read and for more information.

**Points to Ponder: President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Always remember, there is no satisfactory substitute for the scriptures and the words of the living prophets. These should be your original sources. Read and ponder more what the Lord said, and less about what others have written concerning what the Lord said” (The Gospel Teacher, 5).

President Marion G. Romney, who was a Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “I don’t know much about the gospel other than what I’ve learned from the standard works. When I drink from a spring I like to get the water where it comes out of the ground, not down the stream after the cattle have waded in it. … I appreciate other people’s interpretation, but when it comes to the gospel we ought to be acquainted with what the Lord says and we ought to read it” (untitled address at CES coordinators convention, 13 Apr. 1973, 4).

President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “The reading of our scriptures, for me, is not at the pursuit of scholarship. Rather, it is a love affair with the work of the Lord and that of his prophets. …“I do not concern myself much with reading long commentary volumes designed to enlarge at length upon that which is found in the scriptures. Rather, I prefer to dwell with the source, tasting of the unadulterated waters of the foundation of truth—the word of God as he gave it and as it has been recorded in the books we accept as scripture. … Through reading the scriptures, we can gain the assurance of the Spirit that that which we read has come of God for the enlightenment, blessing, and joy of his children” (“Feasting upon the Scriptures,” Ensign, Dec. 1985, 45).

Part Three 3 Nephi 24:1–6 The Lord is like a refiner’s fire.

Silver is found mixed with other minerals in deposits of ore. Anciently, a refiner of silver would extract the silver by placing the ore in a furnace heated to extreme temperatures. This would cause dross (impurities or unwanted minerals) to emerge on the surface of the molten ore. The refiner would scrape the dross away, leaving pure silver, which could be identified by its distinctive glow.

A fuller was someone who cleansed and whitened cloth. The cloth would be immersed in water mixed with “fuller’s soap,” which was designed to remove oil and dirt. While the cloth was soaking, the fuller would beat or stamp it to remove impurities. (“Refiner’s Fire and Fuller’s Soap,” New Era, June 2016, 6–7.)

How can we compare this story to how the Savior purifies us? 3 Nephi 24:1–6

1 And it came to pass that he commanded them that they should write the words which the Father had given unto Malachi, which he should tell unto them. And it came to pass that after they were written he expounded them. And these are the words which he did tell unto them, saying: Thus said the Father unto Malachi—Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts.

2 But who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap.

3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger, and fear not me, saith the Lord of Hosts.

6 For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Jesus Christ fulfilled a commandment from the Father 3 Nephi 26:2 to give the Nephites some of the prophecies of Malachi, an Old Testament prophet who lived in the Holy Land about 170 years after Lehi and his family left Jerusalem. Malachi prophesied that Jesus Christ would purify the world at His Second Coming. As part of this purification, the wicked will be destroyed. He expounded unto the people “all things, even from the beginning until the time that he should come in his glory.” Mormon then taught that those who believe the Book of Mormon would have greater things manifested unto them 3 Nephi 26:9.

As He recited some of the prophecies of Malachi to the Nephites, Jesus Christ referred to the images of fire and soap. Imagine a glowing fire and a piece of soap. Think about what these two objects might have in common as purifying or cleansing agents.

Jesus Christ is compared to a refiner’s fire and fuller’s soap because of what He will do at His Second Coming. In 3 Nephi 24:3, He is compared to a silversmith, who purifies silver. To understand these verses, it is helpful to know that the process for refining silver. As mentioned above the refiner has to watch the silver closely, for if the silver is left even a moment too long in the flames, it will be destroyed. A fuller is a person who cleans garments or whitens them using soap. The “sons of Levi” were those who held the priesthood in ancient Israel; this term can apply to all of the Lord’s people today.

What does this imagery suggest will take place at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? At His Second Coming, Jesus Christ will purify His people.

What does this mean for us now? Are we being purified?

The Savior is our refiner. Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “His mission is to cleanse, purify, and refine the human soul so that it can return to his Father’s kingdom in purity, free from dross. (3 Ne. 27:19–21.) His cleansing power ‘is like a refiner’s fire, … And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver’ in that great day when he comes to judge the world. (Mal. 3:2–3; 3 Ne. 24:2–3; D.&C. 128:24)” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 624).

A fuller’s “work was to cleanse garments and whiten them” through the use of soap (Bible Dictionary, “Fullers,” 676). The Atonement of Jesus Christ acts like “fuller’s soap” to cleanse us from our sins and prepare us to stand pure and spotless before the judgment seat. (Book of Mormon Student Manual)

Part Four: 3 Nephi 24:7–18 God is merciful to those who return to Him.

In these verses we are reading about tithing. The teachings about tithing in 3 Nephi 24:8–12 are in response to the question in verse 7: “Wherein shall we return [to the Lord]?”

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say: Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the fields, saith the Lord of Hosts.

12 And all nations shall call you blessed, for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of Hosts.

What is the relationship between returning unto the Lord and paying tithing? Those who live the law of tithing show their faith in God. Obedience to this law brings the blessings stated in 3 Nephi 24:10–12.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared five reasons why every member of the Church, in any kind of circumstance, should obey the law of tithing: “I … suggest five reasons why all of us, rich or poor, longtime member or newest convert, should faithfully pay our tithes and offerings. “First, do so for the sake of your children. … Teach your children that many of the blessings of the Church are available to them because you and they give tithes and offerings to the Church. …“Second, pay your tithing to rightfully claim the blessings promised those who do so. …“Third, pay your tithing as a declaration that possession of material goods and the accumulation of worldly wealth are not the uppermost goals of your existence. …“Fourth, pay your tithes and offerings out of honesty and integrity because they are God’s rightful due. …“This leads to a fifth reason to pay our tithes and offerings. We should pay them as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven. Through His grace, God has dealt bread to the hungry and clothing to the poor. At various times in our lives, that will include all of us, either temporally or spiritually” (Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 39–41; or Ensign, Nov. 2001, 33–35).

How have you received the blessings listed in verses 10–12 as you have paid tithing?

President Harold B. Lee described one of the blessings we can receive from paying tithing: “The promise following obedience to this principle is that the windows of heaven would be open and blessings would be poured out that we would hardly be able to contain. The opening of the windows of heaven, of course, means revelation from God to him who is willing thus to sacrifice” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 206).

President Heber J. Grant testified that God will bless those who obey the law of tithing with increased wisdom: “I bear witness—and I know that the witness I bear is true—that the men and the women who have been absolutely honest with God, who have paid their tithing … , God has given them wisdom whereby they have been able to utilize the remaining nine-tenths, and it has been of greater value to them, and they have accomplished more with it than they would if they had not been honest with the Lord” (Conference Report, Apr. 1912, 30).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks addressed the statement some people give when faced with whether or not they will be obedient to the commandment to pay tithing: “Some people say, ‘I can’t afford to pay tithing.’ Those who place their faith in the Lord’s promises say, ‘I can’t afford not to pay tithing.’ “Some time ago I was speaking to a meeting of Church leaders in a country outside of North America. As I spoke about tithing, I found myself saying something I had not intended to say. I told them the Lord was grieved that only a small fraction of the members in their nations relied on the Lord’s promises and paid a full tithing. I warned that the Lord would withhold material and spiritual blessings when his covenant children were not keeping this vital commandment. “I hope those leaders taught that principle to the members of the stakes and districts in their countries. The law of tithing and the promise of blessings to those who live it apply to the people of the Lord in every nation. I hope our members will qualify for the blessings of the Lord by paying a full tithing” (Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 44; or Ensign, May 1994, 34).

What attitude described in 3 Nephi 24:13–15 is often found in today’s world?

13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say: What have we spoken against thee?

14 Ye have said: It is vain to serve God, and what doth it profit that we have kept his ordinances and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts?

15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

What would you say to someone who feels that life is easier or better for those who do not keep the commandments?

According to 3 Nephi 24, how does the Lord bless those who serve Him? See also 3 Nephi 22 Mosiah 2:41; Alma 41:10 (Click the link to read)

How could these truths be helpful to someone who is struggling to pay tithing? 3 Nephi 24:16–18

How do we become one of the Lord’s jewels? A jewel is a precious stone measured by its intrinsic and extrinsic value in the marketplace. Malachi and other prophets used the imagery of jewels symbolically to refer to people who “feared the Lord”—those who show respect for Him, keep His ordinances, and have their names in “a book of remembrance” (3 Nephi 24:16–18; see also D&C 60:4; 101:3; Exodus 28:15–21). Thus, to become one of the Lord’s jewels, you must faithfully keep the covenants associated with every ordinance regardless of worldly pressure. By doing this you show that you love the Lord, and your name will be recorded in the book of remembrance. (Book of Mormon Student Manual)

Part Five: 3 Nephi 25:5–6 Our hearts should turn to our ancestors.

These verses in Chapter 25 teach us about remembering our ancestors.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord;

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Why will the Second Coming be a blessing to those who are faithful to Jesus Christ? 3 Nephi 25:1–3

1 For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

2 But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves in the stall.

3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of Hosts.

The word root in verse 1 refers to ancestors, and branch refers to posterity. Thus, in the next life the wicked will not enjoy the blessings of being sealed to either their ancestors or to their posterity. The calves that “grow up … in the stall” are a symbol for children who are protected, cared for, and have all things necessary for them as they grow up.

The Savior shared with the Nephites what Malachi wrote about an event that would take place before the Second Coming and would involve the Old Testament prophet Elijah.

What did Malachi teach that Elijah would do to help prepare the world for the Lord’s coming? 3 Nephi 25:5–6 (click link to read or see above passage)

Elijah’s return to the earth was an essential part of the Restoration of the gospel. On April 3, 1836, Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the newly dedicated Kirtland Temple D&C 110. He conferred upon them the sealing power of the priesthood, making it possible for families to be sealed throughout the generations.

What do you think the statement that “he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” 3 Nephi 25:6 means? 

These verses teach that as our hearts are turned to our fathers, we are helping to prepare the earth for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

How does this work relate to the gathering of Israel? President Russel M Nelson taught: “These surely are the latter days, and the Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it. You can be a big part of something big, something grand, something majestic!

“When we speak of gathering, we are simply saying this fundamental truth: every one of our Heavenly Father’s children, on both sides of the veil, deserves to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. …

“… Think of it! Of all the people who have ever lived on planet earth, we are the ones who get to participate in this final, great gathering event. How exciting is that! …

“This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth” (“Hope of Israel” [worldwide devotional for youth, June 3, 2018], broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

One of the most recent conference talk from our beloved Prophet of God was October 4 2020 concerning the importance and meaning of the gathering of Israel. Click the link to video to listen: Gathering of Israel

Conclusion

Though our times are hard we are in the midst of a marvelous work and wonder all for our benefit from the Love of God and His Son Jesus Christ. The Lord is our refiner and is merciful to those he is refining and those who return unto him to be refined. He wants us to search the scriptures that he may teach us and help us through this process of refinement and preparing ourselves to meet Him. Part of this work that we must do in meeting him is to remember our ancestors and learn more in depth of the gathering of Israel that we have greater understanding and can then, help the work move along. This is our time to, like Jacob of the Old Testament, Let God Prevail. May we each following these teachings and admonitions that we may do so and remain ever faithful as Latter-day Covenant Israel.

Resources

Book of Mormon Student Manual

Seminary Manual

Conference Reports

Ensign

Holy Bible King James LDS

Doctrine and Covenants

Church Broadcast Devotionals

The Teachings of Harold B Lee

CES

Gospel Teacher