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The Resurrected Savior's Words in America

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The Resurrected Savior's Words in America The Resurrected Savior’s Words in America Christ’s twelve key messages recorded in Third Nephi Victor L. Ludlow Hill Cumorah Pageant Sacrament Meeting July 8, 2012 Introduction: If we had a ‘red-letter’ edition of the Book of Mormon, which words of the resurrected Christ would be highlighted in the text that Mormon wrote and Joseph Smith translated? What key messages would these words teach us in these latter days? How do we best read them in our gospel doctrine studies this year? And, how might we apply them? Nr. Topic Word’s of Christ in (3 Nephi Scripture Text) Historical Context 1. God of Justice 9:2-12 (9:1-12) after 3 hr destruction 2. God of Mercy 9:13-22; 10:4-7 (9:13 - 10:18a*) in darkness & hrs later 3. Divine Worship 11:7 [God the Father], 10-11, 14 (10:18b* - 11:17) 7+ wks later; Acts 1:9-11 4. Doctrine of Baptism 11:21b, 22b-41 (11:18-41; see also 19:9-14) Day 1 at Bountiful 5. Sermon at Temple 12:1b -13:24, 25b-34; 14:1b-27; 15:1b (12:1 - 15:1) Day 1; see Matthew 5-7 6. Law and Covenant 15:3b-10, 12 - 16:20; 17:1b-4 (15:2 - 17:4) Day 1; see John 10 7. Savior’s Love 17:6b-8; 14b, 20b, 23b (17:5-25) later in Day 1 8. Sacrament 18:5b-7, 10b-16, 18-25, 27-35; 20:8b (18:1-39; 20:2-9) Day 1 & Day 2 9. Prayer 19:20-23, 26b, 28-29; 35b-36 (19:1 - 20:1; also 13:5-13) Day 2 at Bountiful 10. Covenant People 20:10b - 23:5 (20:10 - 23:5) Day 2, see Isaiah 52, 54 11. Prophets’ Words 23:6b, 7b, 9, 11b; 24:1b - 25:6; 26:2, 11b (23:6 - 26:12) Day 2 12. His Church & Gospel 27:2b, 4b-32, 33b; 28:1b, 3b, 4b, 6b-11 (26:13 - 28:40) some days/weeks later * ‘a’ = the first half of a verse; ‘b’ = the second half of a verse Message 1: Jesus is a God of Justice. Christ’s first message demonstrates both his judgmental role as the Son of God and also his absolute divine power as the Lord who overcomes evil. During these three days of darkness, Jesus also visits the post-mortal spirit world where he opens the gates of death and hell. Satan’s dominion is forever diminished both as righteous spirits in paradise were prepared to follow Christ’s resurrection from the grave and as less righteous spirits in spirit prison began to receive the gospel, to repent and to leave hell for paradise. Christ triumphs over wickedness! We learn that if you rebel against God and continue in wickedness – you will be punished. Message 2: Christ is a God of Mercy. After warning of punishing judgment for the unrepentant, Jesus promises blessings of protection for the righteous. He will rescue and gather those who turn unto him. This second message is that the Lord honors his promises with the obedient. His arm of mercy is extended to those who come unto him. After hours of silence to ponder his salvation invitation, he speaks again. He compares his efforts to a hen with her chicks. She seeks to protect and feed them as she gathers them to safety. (This process will be amplified in message 10 as he gives signs and promises concerning the gathering of latter-day Israel.) Christ teaches us that if we honor our covenants with Heavenly Father, we can find refuge both in Zion on earth and also in the celestial realms in heaven. Message 3: Worshiping the Lord. The third message is very short, with one introductory verse from God the Father and three verses from Jesus. In addition, the divine witnesses and the personal, sure physical knowledge of the multitude evokes such profound expressions of godly worship that this passage becomes one of the most remembered and cherished events in Third Nephi. We see how people demonstrated humility before Jesus as they fell to the earth before him. They recognized him as the Christ as they saw, heard, and felt him. They then praised the Lord with expressions of adoration and ‘hosanna.’ They are a sublime example of divine worship. How would we dare approach and touch the Lord? Only at his invitation as humble children of God! Message 4: Christ’s Doctrine of Baptism. The Savior’s fourth message is the essence of his doctrine – the true order of baptism into his church and kingdom. He highlights key elements of baptism: it is to be done by those with authority; it is for the repentant who desire the ordinance; it requires a certain procedure; it is to be completed by immersion; it is to be done without contention; it is necessary to inherit the kingdom of God. We need to honor our baptismal covenants and to experience the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit. Message 5: The Sermon at the Bountiful Temple. The fifth message is known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ in the New Testament. It is the first of three major sermons delivered by the Savior to the multitude over the course of two days. Also called ‘The Constitution of Christianity,’ it presents essential responsibilities, privileges, and promises for the baptized members of Christ’s spiritual kingdom on earth. It is also the standard by which non-Christians judge us. Who is a true Christian in name and in deed? Is it I? We must exercise our duties and powers as citizens of Christ’s kingdom in order to further his work and to receive his eternal blessings. Message 6: The Law and Covenant Discourse. Latter-day Saints are not familiar with the Savior’s second major sermon and the Christian world hardly understands its teachings. This sixth message clarifies the teachings of Jesus in John 10 about other sheep of Israel who must hear his voice. He explains his efforts with scattered segments of Israel in the context of both the Mosaic Law and the Abrahamic Covenant. Through his atonement and resurrection, Jesus had fulfilled the Law. But, key covenant promises made with Abraham and prophesied by Isaiah remained yet to be fulfilled. The preparatory Mosaic Law is fulfilled; we, in these latter days, share the opportunity to help fulfill the Father’s covenant promises made with Abraham and our fathers. Message 7: The Savior’s Love. Christ’s seventh message was conveyed in a few words and in memorable actions. He showed his deep compassion for peoples’ imperfections. First, he healed those with physical ailments – the sick among them. Then he had their little children brought before him. As he stood in the middle of the innocent children, he expressed his sorrow over the wickedness of people, those who were morally and spiritually sick. He then knelt and uttered a great and marvelous prayer. His joy was full, he wept, he blessed the children one-by-one, and he wept again. Charity extends beyond sympathy or empathy – it includes blessing others and it requires communion with God. Message 8: The Sacrament Ordinance. The ‘hows,’ ‘whats,’ and ‘whys’ of the sacrament comprise Jesus’ eighth message. If baptism is the ‘gateway ordinance’ into Christ’s church, the sacrament ritual is the ‘renewal covenant’ of the gospel. Priesthood leaders are responsible for the proper administration of this key ordinance. Christ’s capstone promise recorded in 3 Nephi 20:8 states that as we partake of the emblems of his body and blood, our souls are filled. We ponder our Savior’s Atonement and gifts as we sing the sacrament hymn, hear the prayers, and partake of the emblems. As we also remember his promise in 3 Nephi 20:8, we bring Christ into our souls. Message 9: Proper Powerful Prayer. As first expressed in the ‘Lord’s Prayer,’ his ninth message is one of prayer. His words exhort us to pray often, to pray sincerely and secretly, even to pray for our enemies. His teachings were also exemplified by his own example as he prayed among the children (ch. 17) and alongside the multitudes (ch. 19). He shows us how a humble, obedient, prayerful child of God can commune with our Heavenly Father. His prayers for his disciples (19:20-35) compare with his great ‘Intercessory Prayer’ for his apostles as recorded in John 17. As he prayed for them, he also prayed for the saints who ‘believe on their words’ that all may be purified and become as one with him and his Father. We need to pray daily, repeatedly, with sincerity and the whole soul for the edification of ourselves and others. Message 10: The Father’s Covenant People Sermon. The tenth message is the Savior’s third and last major public sermon. Completing concepts first presented in the Law and Covenant Discourse, he includes prophecies of Isaiah and Micah and gives key signs and promises of the Abrahamic Covenant to be fulfilled in preparation for his second coming. Structured into an intricate poetic pattern, known as a ‘chiasmus,’ the sermon’s pivotal point in 21:1-7 contains the promise that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and to fulfill his covenants. Mormon’s commentary in 3 Nephi 29 provides additional insights into this profound sermon. This sermon not only speaks about us; it should also speak to us about our covenant responsibilities and promises.
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