372 A Plain English Reference to traditions would be killed unless The Third Book of Nephi Samuel's signs came to pass. Signs of ’s birth are given When Nephi heard this wicked plan his See 3 Nephi, Chapter 1 heart was filled with sorrow. He went The year was 1 BC when Lachoneus out and bowed himself down upon the was Chief Judge and Governor over earth and cried mightily to his God on the land. Helaman's son Nephi had left behalf of his people --those who were Zarahemla, putting his oldest son about to be killed because of their faith Nephi in charge of the brass plates and in their forefathers' words. all the records that had been kept, and After Nephi had cried mightily to the all of those sacred things that had been Lord all that day, the Lord's voice said handed down for 600 years. to him, After Nephi left no one heard of him "Lift up your head and be of good again, and his son Nephi continued to cheer, for the time has come. Tonight keep a record of the people. the sign will be given, and tomorrow I In the beginning of the 92nd year of will come into the world, to show the the judges' reign (1 AD), more world I will fulfill all I have told my prophecies were fulfilled, for the holy to say. people began to see greater signs and I will come to my own to fulfill all miracles. things I have made known to the But some said the time was past for people from the beginning of the Samuel's words to be fulfilled. They world, and to do the will of both the began to celebrate over their brethren, Father and the Son. Of the Father saying, "The time is past and Samuel's because of my spirit, and of the Son words are not fulfilled, so your joy and because of my flesh. faith in those things has been in vain." These words that came to Nephi were They made a great uproar throughout fulfilled, for when the sun went down it the land, causing sorrow among the did not get dark, and the people were believers, who thought maybe the astonished. promised signs might not come. Even Many who had not believed the so, they continued to watch for the day, prophets fell to the earth as if dead, for the night, and the day that would be they knew their great plan of like one long day, so their faith would destruction for the believers had been not be in vain. frustrated. They knew the Son of God Then the unbelievers set a date when would soon appear. all those who believed in those 373

All the people from the west to the And the people began to have peace in east, both in the northern and the land again. southern lands, were so astonished There was no contention, except for they fell to the earth. They knew the some arguing among a few who had prophets had testified of these things begun to preach, who were trying to for many years and that the sign had prove by the scriptures that it was not come. They were afraid because of necessary to continue to observe the their sins and unbelief. law of . There was no darkness all that night. It They were mistaken in this preaching was as light as mid-day. The sun rose because they did not understand the in the morning as usual, and everyone scriptures. But soon they were knew it was the day that the Lord convinced of their error and confessed would be born. All things happened their faults, for it was made known to down to the last detail according to the them that the law was not yet prophets' words. Even a new star fulfilled, and that it must be fulfilled appeared. down to the last detail. From this time on, Satan sent lies The year 1 AD passed, bringing good among the people to harden their hearts news to the people, for the signs came against believing in the signs and according to the words of all the holy wonders they had seen. In spite of prophets. these lies, most of the people believed Two AD was also a peaceful year, and were converted to the Lord. except for the strife caused by the Gadianton robbers. They lived in the mountains, infesting the land. Their hiding places in the mountains were so hard to attack that the Nephi and many others went among people could not overpower them. So the people, baptizing them unto the Gadiantons continued to commit repentance, which took away their sins. many murders among the people. 374

In 3 AD the Gadiantons began to and wonders would be given. Satan increase their numbers greatly as continued to lead away people, many Nephite dissenters joined tempting them to do more wicked them. This caused much sorrow things. This continued through 9 AD. among the who stayed in And now 100 years had passed since their lands. the days of the Mosiah the Nephite This also caused many to King. 609 years had passed since Lehi sorrow, for many of their had left , and 9 years had and women were led away by some of passed since the sign of Christ's birth the Gadiantons who were Zoramites. had been given. (The Nephites had These young Lamanites were seduced begun to count their years from the into joining the Gadiantons through time Christ was born). lies and flattery. Now Nephi was in charge of all the Because their rising generation was plates and sacred things. His father becoming wicked, the Lamanites began Nephi did not return to Zarahemla and to decrease in faith and righteousness. could not be found anywhere in the Signs are explained away land. See 3 Nephi, Chapter 2 In spite of all the preaching and By 4 AD, the people started to forget prophesying among them, the people the signs and wonders they had heard remained wicked throughout 10 and 11 from heaven, and they were less and AD. less impressed by new signs. They By 13 AD, wars broke out everywhere became more stubborn and blind to the because so many Gadianton robbers truth, no longer believing what they killing people and destroying their had seen and heard. cities. People made up reasons to explain the All the Lamanite converts united with great wonders they had witnessed, the Nephites, and they were compelled saying they were made by men and by to take up arms to defend their women, the devil's power to deceive them. children and right to live and worship This is how Satan got hold of the freely. people's hearts once again, leading Before the end of 13 AD, the Nephites' them away to believe Christ was a situation became desperate, for they product of foolish and vain were threatened with utter destruction. imaginations. The Lamanite converts who had united As the people became more and more with the Nephites were considered to wicked, they didn't believe more signs be Nephites. Their curse was taken 375 from them, and their skin became lighter like the Nephites'. Their children also became very fair and were also called Nephites. By 14 AD, the fighting was terrible, but the Nephites managed to drive the robbers back into their hiding places in the mountains. In 15 AD, the Gadiantons again came against the Nephites. The Nephites in general had become wicked, and they had so many arguments and dissensions that they lost their battles, and the robbers gained more power over them. By the end of 15 AD, the Nephites were suffering greatly, and the sword of destruction hung over them because of their sinful ways. Kishkuman killed, Nephites fight Gadiantons See 3 Nephi, Chapter 3 In 16 AD, Lachoneus, Governor of the brave and well armed men, who land, received the following letter from anxiously wait for my command to Giddianhi, the Gadianton leader, destroy you. "Lachoneus, most noble and chief I know of their unconquerable spirit governor of the land, I write this letter and eternal hatred toward you for the to praise your people's determination to many wrongs you have committed maintain what they think are their against them. I have proven my men in rights. You put up a good fight, as if battle and know that if I were to you were supported by a god, while command them to attack, you would be defending what you call your liberty, completely destroyed. property and country. Because I know you are determined to It is a pity, most noble Lachoneus, that fight for what you believe to be right, you should be so foolish and vain as to and because I respect your noble spirit, think you can stand against so many I have written this letter for your sake. 376

I would rather see you give up your Lachoneus had his people pray to the cities, lands and possessions to my Lord for strength to defend people than see you be destroyed. themselves against the robbers' attack. We don’t want you to be our slaves, He sent a proclamation among all the but our brethren. Surrender and people to gather their women, become acquainted with our secret children, flocks, herds and all their works, and we will share what we have things into one place. with you. I swear to you with an oath, He told the Nephites after they had if you do this, you will not be gathered to build very strong destroyed. fortifications around themselves, to be But if you won’t do this, I swear to you guarded day and night by their Nephite with an oath next month I will and Lamanite armies. command my armies to attack and not In his proclamation, Lachoneus stop killing until you are extinct! said, "As the Lord lives, unless you I am Giddianhi, governor of the secret repent of all your sins and pray to society of Gadianton — a good society the Lord you will not be delivered with good works --ancient works from the Gadianton robbers." handed down to us. I write this letter to Lachoneus' prophecies were so great you, Lachoneus, hoping that you will and marvelous, fear came over all the give up your lands and possessions, people. They exerted themselves with without a fight, to my people — those all their might to do what Lachoneus who have left you because you have told them. taken their right to govern from them. Lachoneus appointed chief captains to Unless you do this, I will avenge command the Nephite armies during them." the robbers' pending attack. Gidgiddoni As Lachoneus read this letter he was was appointed as chief commander shocked at Giddianhi's boldness in over the entire Nephite army. demanding the Nephites give up their Except for when they were completely land, threatening to destroy them to wicked, it was the Nephite custom to avenge the Nephite defectors, who had appoint someone with the spirit of only wronged themselves by becoming revelation and prophecy as their Gadiantons. leader over all their chief captains. This Lachoneus was a just man, never is why Gidgiddoni, a great , frightened by the threats and demands was appointed as chief commander. of a robber, so he ignored Giddianhi's Their chief judge Lachoneus was also a letter. prophet. 377

Then the people said to Gidgiddoni, "Pray to the Lord and ask Him to let us go into the mountains and wilderness to destroy the robbers in their own lands." Gidgiddoni replied, "The Lord forbids this, for if we went out against the land. Lachoneus had them gather in the robbers, He would deliver us into their southern land because the northern hands. We will gather and prepare our land had a great curse upon it. armies in the center of our lands. We'll wait for them to come out against They fortified themselves against their us. If we do this, as the Lord lives He enemies, and lived together in this one will deliver the robbers into our large area. hands.” They feared Lachoneus' words enough Nephites defeat robbers to repent of all their sins. They prayed See 3 Nephi, Chapter 4 to the Lord their God to deliver them when their enemies would attack. And Toward the end of 17 AD, the the Nephites were very sorrowful proclamation of Lachoneus had gone because of their Gadianton enemies. throughout all the land. Tens of thousands of Nephites gathered their Gidgiddoni had them make all types of horses, chariots, flocks, herds, grain weapons, armor and shields. and all their belongings to the Toward the end of 18 AD, the gathering place where they would Gadianton armies began to come down defend themselves against their from the hills and mountains and out enemies. of their secret places. They came out The land of Zarahemla, the land of their wilderness strongholds, taking between Zarahemla and Bountiful, up possession of the lands in the north to the land of Desolation, was the and south that had been deserted by gathering place. the Nephites. Several thousand Lamanites, now The Gadiantons found no wild animals called Nephites, also gathered to this to be hunted in these deserted lands. 378

They could only find game in the with joy, thinking that the Nephites had wilderness, so they could not survive fallen in fear of them. in the abandoned Nephite cities. But they were soon disappointed, for The Nephites had left their lands the Nephites were not afraid of them. desolate by gathering their flocks, They feared their God instead, asking herds and all their belongings into one for His protection. area. By doing this, the Nephites kept As Giddianhi's army rushed upon the robbers from stealing their food. them, the Nephites were prepared to The only way the robbers could get meet them in the strength of the Lord. food from the Nephites was to fight This battle resulted in the greatest them out in the open. The Nephites' slaughter ever known since the time plan was to destroy the robbers by of Lehi. In spite of Giddianhi's oaths holding out against them in one large and threats, the Nephites beat the group, for they had gathered a seven robbers. year's supply of food and provisions. Gidgiddoni commanded his armies to Within the next year, 19 AD, Giddianhi chase the robbers as far as the borders and his people were in great need of of the wilderness, and not spare any food. They could only survive by who fell before them, and this is what stealing and killing, so they had no the Nephites did. choice but to attack the Nephites. Giddianhi, who had stood and fought The robbers did not dare spread out with boldness, was pursued as he fled. over the land to raise their own grain, Because he was so tired from fighting for fear of being attacked by the he was overtaken and killed. Nephites. Then the Nephite army returned to During the 6th month of 19 AD, the their place of security, and the robbers robbers made their attack. They looked did not attack them again for over a terrifying, for they had shaved their year. heads and had painted themselves with In 21 AD, the robbers surrounded the blood. They also wore armor, helmets, Nephites, thinking they could cut them and lamb-skin loin cloths. off from their lands and force them to When the Nephite armies saw surrender. Giddianhi's army, they fell to the earth The robbers had appointed a new and prayed to the Lord to deliver them leader, Zemnarihah, who had ordered from their enemies. When Giddianhi's this siege. The Nephites had the army saw this, they began to shout advantage, because it was impossible 379 for the robbers to lay siege long The Nephites rejoiced and cried again enough to have any effect on their food with one voice, "May the God of supply. Abraham, Isaac and protect this Meanwhile, the robbers had no grain, people in righteousness, as long as but only the meat they could hunt in they call upon Him for protection." the wilderness. Soon wild game Together they sang praises to their God became scarce, and the robbers were for the great thing He had done for about to die of starvation. them in preserving them from falling The Nephites continually went out into the hands of their enemies. against the weak robbers day and night, They cried, "Hosanna to the Most High killing tens of thousands of them. God! Blessed be the name of the Lord Because of this, Zemnarihah's people God Almighty, the Most High God!” wanted to end their siege. So Covenants fulfilled Zemnarihah withdrew and marched his When they are understood armies to the most northern part of See 3 Nephi, Chapter 5 the land. Their hearts were swollen, and they Gidgiddoni was aware of Zemnarihah's cried with joy because of the great plan, and knowing that the robbers had goodness of God in delivering them been weakened, he sent out his army at out of the hands of their enemies. night to cut off their retreat. They knew they had been delivered In the morning, the robbers were met from an everlasting destruction by Nephite armies ahead of them and because of their repentance and behind them, leaving them no retreat. humility. Several thousand robbers surrendered, Not a single Nephite doubted the and those who did not were killed. words of all the holy prophets. They knew they would all be fulfilled. Their leader, Zemnarihah, was taken to They knew Christ must have come a tree and hung. because of the many signs they had When Zemnarihah was dead, the seen. They gave up all their sins and Nephites cut down the tree and served God diligently day and night. shouted, "May the Lord preserve His For the next three years, the Nephites people in righteousness and holiness of preached God's word to all the heart. And as this man has fallen to the robbers they had taken prisoner. The earth, may the Lord cut down all who robbers who repented and made seek to kill the righteous with their a covenant not to murder anymore power and secret combinations." were set free. 380

Those who would not repent, who This is a small record of what has continued to desire secret murders and taken place from the time Lehi left threaten their brethren, were Jerusalem in 600 BC until the present condemned and punished according to time (about 380 AD). the law. This is how the Nephites put I began my record from the accounts of an end to the secret combinations. those who lived before, and I will Many great, marvelous finish my record with an account of things happened that cannot be what I have seen myself. written in this book. Not even 1% of I know this record is just and true, but what took place during this 25 year there are many things we cannot write period (1 to 26 AD) was written by because of the nature of our language. Nephi in his book. Now I will review the history of my But there are other records that people: contain the history of everything the I Mormon am a pure descendant of people did. From these records, Nephi Lehi. I have reason to bless my God made a shorter version, which is true. and Savior Christ, who brought And I, Mormon, have made this record our forefathers out of the land of of these things by referring to Nephi's Jerusalem. He has given me and my shorter record. people great knowledge unto the I make this record on plates I made. salvation of our souls. Like my father, I was named after the Surely He has blessed the house of land of Mormon, the land where Alma Jacob (Israel) and has been merciful to first established the church among the the descendants of of old. Nephites after transgressing under When Lehi's descendants obeyed the King Noah. Lord’s commands, He blessed and I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son prospered them according to His word. of God. I have been called by Him to As surely as the Lord lives, He will declare His word among His people, bring many of Joseph's descendants that they might have everlasting life. to a knowledge of the Lord their God Because the prayers of the holy ones and gather them together from all who have gone before me must be over the earth. fulfilled according to their faith, it has In His own due time, His covenant become necessary for me, according to with all of Israel's descendants will God's will, to make a record of the be fulfilled as they come to Nephites. understand the covenant itself. 381

Note: Other references to this covenant As long as the people did not become are found in 2 Nephi 29:13-14 and 3 sinful, there was nothing in all the land Nephi 21:7 to keep them from continual When they understand this covenant prosperity. they will know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This great peace was established by Gidgiddoni, by Lachoneus the judge, After they come to know Christ, then and by appointed leaders. they will be gathered from all over the earth to their own lands, from Many new cities were built and many where they have been dispersed. And old cities repaired. Many highways as the Lord lives, so will it be. Amen. and roads were built to connect cities and lands, and peace continued Those with the throughout 28 AD. gospel seek for power See 3 Nephi, Chapter 6 But in 29 AD some disputes started among the more proud people who Now I will continue the Nephite boasted because of their riches, and history. they greatly persecuted those who had All the Nephite families took their less. flocks, horses, cattle and all their There were many lawyers, merchants possessions, and returned to their own and officers in the land. The people lands in 26 AD. They had not eaten all began to be distinguished into upper their grain, so they took it back with and lower classes according to their them. wealth and education. They also took their gold, silver and The rich received more precious things to their own lands and opportunities for learning, while the homes in the northern and poor were denied an education. southern lands. While some people were lifted up in They gave lands to the robbers who pride, others were very humble. had repented, who still wanted to be Some fought while others refused to called Lamanites. By doing this, all the fight, even while being persecuted and people were able to work the land and afflicted. feed themselves, and peace was As this great inequality spread established. throughout the land the church began By 27 AD, the Nephites prospered to break up. greatly. There was great order in the In just one year the church was land, and they made fair and just laws. broken up, except among a few 382 converted Lamanites who would not condemn anyone to death without the depart from the true faith, who governor's signature. diligently obeyed the Lord's However, many of those who boldly commands. testified of Christ were secretly put to This sinful condition was caused by death by the judges. The governor Satan's great power, which power didn't know of these murders until a increased as people yielded to his complaint came to him against the temptations, seeking power, authority, corrupt judges. riches and vain things of the world. Then the corrupt judges were brought Satan led them away to commit all before the governor to be judged for types of sins, so their peace lasted only their crimes, according to the law of a few years. the people. By 30 AD the people were being But the corrupt judges’ friends and completely controlled by the devil's relatives conspired with nearly every desires, for they were in a state of lawyer and high priest. Together, they awful wickedness. made a covenant — even that same These people did not sin ignorantly, covenant given by them of old, for they had been taught God's will. administered by the devil, to combine They chose to wilfully rebel against against all righteousness. God. They secretly combined against the In 30 AD Lachoneus, son of Lord's people, entering into a Lachoneus, filled his father's position covenant to destroy them and assist as governor of the people. those guilty of murder to escape the grasp of justice. That year, men began to be inspired from heaven and were sent forth to They defied the laws of their country, stand among the people all over the covenanting with one another to kill land, preaching and testifying boldly of the governor, to destroy liberty, and to the people's sins. They testified about establish a king over the land. That the redemption and resurrection the way people would not be free, but be Lord would bring to pass for His subject to kings. people, after His suffering and death. Wicked tribes prevail Many people (mostly the chief judges, See 3 Nephi, Chapter 7 those who had been high priests and The conspirators were not successful in lawyers, and those who were lawyers) establishing a king over the land, but in became very angry with those who that same year, 30 AD, they murdered testified, but the wicked men could not 383 the chief judge of the land as he sat on with one another, they were united in the judgment seat. their hatred of Jacob's secret band. The rest of the people divided into Knowing this, Jacob commanded his tribes according to families, relatives people to go to the most northern and friends, but these tribes were not parts of the land to build a kingdom. unified. This is how the government Jacob promised his people that soon was destroyed. many more dissenters would join them Each tribe appointed a chief, and every and make them strong enough to man in each tribe had a large family, conquer the tribes. many relatives and friends. This is how By the end of 30 AD Jacob's people many large tribes were set up. had gone north. They had gone so There were no wars as yet among the quickly the tribes were not able to cut tribes, but all this degeneration was the off their escape. result of people yielding to Satan's In 31 AD the various tribes agreed not power. to go to war with one another. The government had been destroyed However, they continued to keep their because of the secret combinations of own separate laws. They all established the friends and relatives of those who very strict laws to not trespass against had murdered the prophets. one another. By doing this, they had some peace in the land. Still, their Because there was so much contention hearts were turned away from the in the land, nearly all the righteous Lord, and they stoned the prophets and people had become wicked and only a ran them out of their lands. few remained righteous. All this occurred in less than 6 years. Nephi had been visited by angels. He had heard the Lord's voice and had Then this secret combination, which been given the power to know of had brought on such great iniquity, Christ's ministry. He had also seen assembled and selected a man named the people’s quick return from Jacob to be their king. Jacob had been righteousness to wickedness. one of the main voices against the prophets who testified of Jesus. This Being grieved for the hardness of their secret combination of wicked people hearts and blindness of their minds, was not as numerous as the people of Nephi went among the people in 31 the tribes. AD, boldly testifying of repentance and of the remission of sins through Although each tribal leader established faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. his own laws, and the tribes enemies 384

and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they believed. Those who had devils cast out of them and those healed from sickness also testified to the people that the Spirit of God had come upon them, and they He said and did many things among showed signs and them, with power performed miracles among the and great authority. people. All of what Nephi did cannot be In the beginning of 33 AD, Nephi written in this book. To write only part continued to preach repentance and of what he did would not be enough, so remission of sins to the people. they are not written at all. Nephi ordained men to baptize, and all The people hated Nephi because his those who repented were baptized by powerful witness was too great for them. (Now, I want to remind you that them to deny. Nephi had such great those who were baptized were faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that immersed in water.) Their baptisms angels visited him daily. were a witness and a testimony before God that they had repented and had He cast out devils in the name of Jesus, received a remission of their sins. and even raised his brother Timothy after he had been stoned to death by The greatest the people. destruction ever known See 3 Nephi, Chapter 8 As the people saw Nephi do this and many other miracles in the name of We know Nephi's record is true, for he Jesus, they became more angry with was a just man. He performed many him for being so powerful. miracles in the name of Jesus, and no man could perform a miracle in the By the end of 31 AD there were few name of Jesus unless he was converts to the Lord, but those who completely cleansed from sin. were converted testified to the people they had been visited by the power 385

According to Nephi, if he made no Some people were carried away and mistake in the reckoning of our time, lost in tornadoes. the year was 33 AD when the people All the land became deformed began to earnestly look for the sign that because of the tempests, thunder, Samuel had given — that there would lightning and earthquakes, and rocks be three days of complete darkness. were broken up all over the land. This But the people started to doubt, and terrible destruction lasted for three they argued with one another in spite hours, after which the earth became of the many signs given. calm, yet covered in darkness. On the fourth day of the first month in The darkness was so thick, people 34 AD, a terrible tempest arose like no could feel it. No light could be made other ever known. There was thunder by candles, torches or fires, even when and intense lightening, and the whole the people tried to light very fine, dry earth shook as if it were about to break wood. There was no light from the apart. sun, moon or stars because the mist The city of Zarahemla caught fire, and of darkness over the land was so great. the city of Moroni sank into the ocean This darkness lasted for three days. and its inhabitants drowned. A great During this time, there was great and mountain rose up and covered the city continual mourning, howling and of Moronihah. weeping among all the people because There was great and terrible of the darkness and great destruction destruction in the southern land, but that had come upon them. In one place even greaterand more terrible they cried, "If only we had repented destruction in the northern land. before this great and terrible day. Then our brethren would have been spared The whole face of the land was instead of being burned in the great changed by tempests, tornadoes, city of Zarahemla." thunder, lightning and great earthquakes. Highways were broken In another place the people mourned up, level roads were ruined, and many and cried, "If only we had repented smooth places were made rough. before this great and terrible day, and our people had not killed and stoned Many great and notable cities were the prophets or exiled them. Then our either sunk, burned or leveled by mothers, fair daughters and children earthquakes, and all the inhabitants would have been spared instead of thereof were killed. The cities that being buried in the great city of remained were heavily damaged, and Moronihah.” many people in them died. 386

Voice of Christ heard thereof have been buried up in the See 3 Nephi, Chapter 9 depths of the earth to hide their Then a voice was heard by all the wickedness and sins from before my people which said, face — so the blood of the prophets and saints will not come to me "All people on earth are greatly cursed anymore against them. if they will not repent. The devil now laughs and his angels rejoice over the I have caused that great city of fair sons and daughters of my people Jacobugath, inhabited by Jacob's who have been killed, and who have people, to be burned, for their sins and fallen because of their sinfulness. wickedness were above all the wickedness of the whole earth--even I have burned that great city of their secret murders and combinations. Zarahemla along with its inhabitants. They destroyed the peace of my people I have sunk that great city of Moroni in and the government of the land. the depths of the ocean, and its I destroyed them with fire to hide inhabitants have drowned. them from before my face — so the I have covered that great city of blood of the prophets and saints will Moronihah, and its inhabitants with not come to me against them earth to hide their wickedness and sins anymore. from before my face --so the blood of I have also burned the cities of the prophets and saints will not come Laman, Josh, Gad and Kishkumen to me anymore against them. along with their inhabitants, because of I have caused the city of Gilgal to their wickedness in casting out the be buried in the earth along with its prophets and stoning those whom I inhabitants. sent to tell them of their I have caused the waters to come and wickedness. Because they cast them all cover the cities of Onihah, Mocum and out, and there was not one righteous Jerusalem with their inhabitants, to person among them, I sent down fire to hide their wickedness and sins from destroy them, that their great before my face — so the blood of the wickedness might be hid from before prophets and saints will not come to my face — that the blood of the me anymore against them. prophets and saints whom I sent among them might not cry to me from I have sunk the cities of Gadiandi, the ground against them. Gadiomnah, Jacob and Gimgimno into the earth, and have made hills and I have caused many great destructions valleys in their places. The inhabitants to come upon this land, and upon this people because of their wickedness. 387

Oh, all of you who are spared because with fire and the Holy Ghost, although you were more righteous than they, they did not know it. will you not return to me now, repent I have come to the world to redeem of your sins and be converted, that I it from sin. Therefore, I will receive may heal you? those who repent and come to me as If you will come to me, you will have little children, for of such is the eternal life, for my arms of mercy are kingdom of God. For such I have laid extended toward you. Whoever will down my life and have taken it up come to me, I will receive, and blessed again. Therefore, repent; come to me are those who come to me. from the ends of the earth and be Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of saved.” God. I created the heavens and earth, Voice of Christ heard again and all things in them. I was with the See 3 Nephi, Chapter 10 Father from the beginning. I am in the After all the people in the land heard Father, and the Father in me, and by this voice, they were so astonished me the Father has glorified His name. they stopped mourning the loss of I came to my own people and was their family members who had died in rejected by them. And now the the destruction, and it was quiet for scriptures of my coming are fulfilled. many hours. All those who receive me will become Then the voice was heard again by all God's sons and daughters, for the people, saying, redemption comes by me, and I have “Oh, you people of those great fallen fulfilled the law of Moses. cities, who are descendants of Jacob I am the light and life of the world. I — the house of Israel, how often have am Alpha and Omega (beginning and I gathered and nourished you, as a end). hen gathers her chickens under her You will no longer make blood wings. sacrifices or burnt offerings to me, for I And how often I would have gathered will no longer accept them. you, oh house of Israel in Jerusalem, You will offer as a sacrifice to me as well as those who have died here, a broken heart and contrite spirit, but you would not come. after which I will baptize you with fire Oh, people of the house of Israel, and the Holy Ghost, even as I baptized whom I have spared, how often will I the Lamanites. Because of their faith in yet gather you, as a hen gathers her when converted, they were baptized chickens under her wings, if you 388 will repent and return to me with full these things would happen at Christ's purpose of heart. coming. But if you will not return to me, your Zenos and Zenock (both killed around cities will become desolate until the 700 B.C. in the Old World for covenants made with your forefathers preaching) testified of these things, and are fulfilled." particularly about us, their descendants. After the people heard this, they began Our forefather, Jacob (Israel), also again to weep and cry aloud over the testified about us, the descendants of loss of their family members and his son, Joseph of old. And Joseph's friends. But after three days of this prophecies are written on the brass despair, the morning sun finally broke plates that our forefather, Lehi, brought the darkness, and the earth stopped out of Jerusalem. trembling and breaking up with I, Mormon, will show you by the end dreadful groaning and loud noises. of 34 AD the Nephites and converted As the earth settled and became still Lamanites spared had been shown again, the mourning, weeping and great things, and they had received wailing of the people turned to joy! great blessings. For soon after Christ They praised and gave thanks to the went up into heaven from Jerusalem Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer. He came down, showed Himself and The scriptures, or words of the ministered to them. prophets, had been fulfilled. And Now I will continue this account, the more righteous part of the people which includes His ministry to these had been saved --those who had people. received the prophets and saints instead Christ appears soon of killing them. The more righteous after the destruction were not sunk and buried in the earth. See 3 Nephi, Chapter 11 They were not drowned in the sea or A great multitude had gathered around burned. They were not crushed by the temple in Bountiful. They falling buildings, carried away in were marveling and wondering, tornadoes, nor suffocated by thick, showing each other the great and dark smoke. marvelous changes made over the Mormon comments: As you read this, entire landscape. They were also ask yourself whether or not all this talking about Jesus Christ, of whose death and destruction fulfilled the death these signs had been given. prophecies of the many holy prophets, As they were speaking, they heard a who were killed for testifying that voice from heaven. They looked 389 around, not understanding the voice. It cup that the Father has given me. I was not harsh or loud, but calm. Even have glorified the Father in taking upon though it was a calm voice, it made me the sins of the world, in which I their entire bodies quake as it have suffered the will of the Father in penetrated them to the very center of all things from the beginning." their souls. After Jesus said this, the whole They all heard the voice a second time, multitude fell to the earth, but they still did not understand it. A remembering it had been prophesied third time they heard the voice, and that Christ would show Himself to they looked intently toward heaven them after going up into heaven from from where it came. Finally they Jerusalem. Then the Lord said, understood the voice, which said,

"Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I "Arise and come to me, that you may am well pleased, in whom I have put your hands into my side and feel glorified my name. Hear Him." the prints of the nails in my hands and As they understood, they looked up feet, that you may know I am the God again and saw a Man dressed in a of Israel, and the God of the whole white robe descending from heaven. earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world." He came down and stood among them. All eyes were upon Him, and no one One by one, the multitude put their dared speak, for they thought He was hands into His side and felt the prints an angel. He held out His hands and of the nails in His hands and feet. They said, all knew and witnessed it was He, of whom the prophets had written, who "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the would come. After they had all prophets testified would come into the witnessed for themselves, they cried world. I am the light and life of the out with one voice, "Hosanna! Blessed world. I have drunk out of that bitter 390 be the name of the Most High God!" And they fell down at Jesus' feet and worshipped Him. Then Jesus asked Nephi to come forward. Nephi came forward, bowed himself before the Lord and kissed His feet. The Lord commanded Nephi to rise and then said to him, "I give you power to baptize this people after I ascend into heaven again." The Lord called eleven others and also gave them power to baptize. He said to them, "This is how you will baptize, and there will be no disputes among you. Those who repent after hearing you, who also desire baptism, will enter the water, and you will baptize them in for you must be unified, as the Father, my name. Calling them by name, you the Son and Holy Ghost are unified. will say, There must be no more disputes about 'Having been authorized by (Having how to baptize as there have been in been commisioned of) Jesus Christ, I the past. There also must not be baptize you in the name of the Father, arguments about points of my doctrine. and of the Son, For whoever has the spirit of and of the Holy Ghost, amen.' contention is not of me, but of the Then immerse them in water and bring devil, the father of contention. He stirs them out again. This is how you will up people to become angry baptize in my name, without disputes, and fight with one another. My doctrine, which the Father has given 391 me, is that such things should be done they will fall, and the gates of hell will away. be opened to receive them.” I bear record of the Father, the Father Christ teaches His new law bears record of me, and the Holy Ghost See 3 Nephi, Chapter 12 bears record of us both. I bear record "Now, declare the words I have spoken that the Father commands all people to the ends of the earth." everywhere to repent and believe in After Jesus said these words to Nephi me. and twelve others He held out His hand Those who believe in me and are to the multitude and cried, "You are baptized will be saved to inherit God's blessed if you follow these twelve kingdom. Those who do not believe in whom I have chosen to minister to as me and are not baptized will be your servants. I have given them power damned (their progress stopped). This to baptize you with water, after which I is my doctrine, and I bear record of it will baptize you with fire and the from the Father. Holy Ghost. The Father will bear record of me to You are blessed if you believe in me those who believe in Him and me by and are baptized after you have seen visiting them with fire and the Holy me and know that I am. Ghost. Just as the Father bears record Those who believe your testimony — of me, the Holy Ghost will bear record that you have seen me and know that I of the Father and me. This is because am, who humble themselves and are the Father and I and the Holy Ghost are baptized, will be more blessed, for one (in purpose). they will be visited with fire and with I repeat, you must repent, become like the Holy Ghost and will receive a a little child (humble) and be baptized remission of their sins. in my name. Otherwise you cannot Blessed are the poor in spirit who receive these things (fire and the Holy come to me, for they will inherit the Ghost) and inherit God's kingdom. kingdom of heaven. This is my doctrine. Those who build Blessed are all who mourn, for they upon my doctrine build upon my rock, will be comforted. and the gates of hell will not prevail against them. Those who declare more Blessed are the meek, for they will or less than this and call it my doctrine inherit the earth. are inspired by the devil. They are not Blessed are those who hunger and built upon my rock, but upon sand. thirst for righteousness, for they will When trials and temptations come, be filled with the Holy Ghost. 392

which will be great. Remember the prophets who lived before you were persecuted this same way. You must become the salt of the earth. Note: Becoming the salt is a result of making covenants. See D&C 101:39-40 And remember, if the salt of the earth loses its flavor, then it is only good to be thrown out and trampled under foot. Be a light to the people. A city built on a hill is seen by all. You do not hide a lit candle. You put it on a Blessed are the merciful, for they will candlestick to light obtain mercy. your house. Likewise, let your light shine before all people, that they Blessed are the pure in heart, for they may see your good works and glorify will see God. your Heavenly Father. Blessed are peacemakers, for they will Do not think I have come to destroy be called the children of God. the law or words of the prophets. I Blessed are all who are persecuted for have not come to destroy the law, but my name's sake, for they will inherit to fulfill it, and I have fulfilled it in the kingdom of heaven. every detail. You are blessed when others revile, I gave you the law and my Father's persecute and lie about you because of commands so you would believe in your devotion to me. You will have me, repent of your sins and come to me great joy in your heavenly reward, with a broken heart and contrite spirit. 393

You have the commands before you But I say that those who lust have now, and the law is fulfilled Therefore, already committed adultery in their come to me and be saved, for unless hearts. I give you a command not to you obey my commands I have now allow any lustful thoughts to enter given, you will not enter the kingdom your heart. It is better for you to deny of heaven. yourselves these things, taking up your You have heard it was said by them of cross, than to forfeit living in God's old, and it is also written in your presence forever. scriptures, that you shall not kill, that It has been written by them of old, 'A those who kill will be in danger of man can divorce his wife by simply God's judgment. But I say those those giving her written notice.' who are angry with their brother or But I say, if a man (or woman) sister are in danger of God's divorces his wife (or wife her husband) judgment. without good cause, then God Those who feel contempt for another will not honor that divorce. by saying such things as 'You are It is also written, 'Do not forswear worthless' will be in danger of God's yourself, but perform your oaths to the council. Those who demean Lord.' another by saying things as 'You But I say, swear not at all, not by fool' will be in danger of spiritual heaven — His throne, nor by the earth torment. --His footstool. Do not swear by your If you come to me or desire to come to head, for you yourself cannot control me, and you remember someone who what must be. has bad feelings toward you, go to that Let your communication be as simple person and make things right first. as 'Yes' and 'No,' for too many words Then sincerely come to me and I will often results in evil. receive you. It is written, 'Others must pay for Quickly agree with your enemy while harming you by being harmed in the in his way, or he may catch you same manner.' anytime and put you in prison, and you will not be released until you have paid But I say, do not contend with evil all his fines. And how can you pay people. If they offend you, do not even a penny while in prison? respond by offending them. It is written by them of old, 'Do not If someone asks you for your coat, give commit adultery.' it to him, and a blanket as well. If 394 someone asks you to go a mile with When you pray, do not pray like the him, go two. hypocrites who love to pray in front of Give to those who ask of you, and do others, for they have their reward. Go not turn away those who would into your room and close the door. borrow from you. Then pray to your Heavenly Father in secret and He will reward It is also written, 'Love your neighbor you openly. and hate your enemy.' When you pray, do not repeat But I say, love your enemy. insincere words, for this is how the Bless those who curse you. Do good to heathens pray, thinking God will hear those who hate you. Pray for those them better if they use many words. who us use and persecute you. You do not need many words, for your By doing this, you will become the Heavenly Father already knows your children of your Heavenly Father, for needs before you ask Him. He makes His sun rise upon both the This is an example of a sincere prayer: evil and the good. Our Father who art in Heaven, By fulfilling all the old laws (through hallowed be Thy name. Thy will be the atonement) --by making all things done on earth as it is in heaven. new, I have made it possible for you to Forgive us our debts as we forgive our become perfect, even as I and your debtors. Lead us from temptation and Heavenly Father are perfect.” deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Christ teaches His gospel kingdom, power and glory forever. See 3 Nephi, Chapter 13 Amen. Jesus continued speaking to the If you forgive others who have hurt multitude; you, then your Heavenly Father will "Give to the poor because you want to forgive you of your sins. But if you give, for if you give to appear good to refuse to forgive others, then your others, then your Heavenly Father will Heavenly Father will refuse to not reward you. When you give to the forgive you. poor, do not call attention to yourself When you fast, do not fast like the as the hypocrites to be praised, for they hypocrites, who make long, sad faces have their reward. to look humble to others. They have When you give to others, do it secretly. their reward. When you fast, hold your If you give secretly, then your head up and be cheerful. Do not let Heavenly Father, who sees you in others know you are fasting by acting secret, will reward you openly. weak and tired. Instead, present your 395 fast only to your Heavenly Father, and Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you He who sees you in secret will reward not more valuable to God than they? you openly. And by worrying about your food, can Do not collect earthly treasures. They you extend your life one day? are easily lost or stolen, and all things And why worry about having adequate rust and decay. Instead, save up clothing? Consider how the lilies of the treasures in heaven, where things field grow. They do not concern do not decay and are not lost or stolen, themselves with their appearance, yet for where your treasure is found, there even King Solomon in his glorious is your heart also. attire was never as beautiful as they. If The light of the body is the eye. If your God clothes the short-lived flowers, He eye is upon God and you are dedicated will also clothe you, if you have faith to serving Him, then your whole soul in Him. will be full of light. If your eye is Knowing this, do not worry about focused on evil and you are not your needs. Your Heavenly Father dedicated to serving God, then your knows you have need of food, clothing whole soul will be full of great and many other things. If you show darkness! your faith by seeking the kingdom of You cannot serve two opposing God and His righteousness above all masters, for you will hate one and love else, then He will provide you the other. For example, if you love with all these things. God, you hate worldliness, and if you Do not worry about what will happen love worldliness, you hate God, for no tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care one can serve God and the world at the of itself. Be more concerned about the same time." temptations you must overcome When Jesus finished speaking to the today.” Nephites, He turned to His twelve Jesus teaches the multitude disciples and said, See 3 Nephi, Chapter 14 "Remember my words, for you will be After speaking to His disciples, Jesus teaching them again to the people. Do turned to the multitude again, and said, not worry about your life — your food, "Do not judge others, for God will drink and clothing, for your life is judge you as you judge others. Why more than food, and your body notice your brother's or sister's little more than clothing. faults while ignoring your own, larger Look at the birds. They do not worry ones? Why try and solve their about having enough food, and your problems before solving your own? Do 396 not be a hypocrite. Correct your own only does evil. All who do evil (leading faults first, then you will be better able away from Christ) will be cut down to help others correct theirs. and burned at my coming. By their Do not give holy things to wicked works you will know them. Only people, for they will mock and reject those who do the will of their them and try to destroy you. Heavenly ASK . . . Father will enter His kingdom. On judgment day, many will say to me, Ask and it will be given. 'Lord, Lord, we have prophesied, cast Seek and you will find. out devils, and have done many Knock and the door will be wonderful works in Thy name.' opened to receive you. Then I will say to them, 'I never knew What man among you, if his son asks you. Leave me, you evil-doers.' him for bread will give him a stone? Or Those who hear my words and obey if his son asks for a fish will he give them are like the wise man who built him a snake? If you, in a natural, evil his house on solid rock. When it rained state are able to give good things to and floods came, and when strong your children, then how much winds blew, his house stood because it more will your Heavenly Father was built on rock. give good things to those who ask of Him? And those who hear my words and do not obey them are like the foolish man All the good things you want others to who built his house on sand. When it do for you are the very things you rained and the floods came, and when should do for them. This is the law strong winds blew, his house fell with given to the prophets. a great crash.” Many people travel the wide road, Christ teaches His new law through the wide gate to destruction. See 3 Nephi, Chapter 15 But you should go through the narrow gate. Because the road and gate to Jesus continued to speak to the eternal life are narrow, few will find it. multitude: Beware of false prophets "Now you have heard what I told the who seem righteous but seek to destroy people in Jerusalem before ascending good. You can detect them if their to my Father. At the last day, I works do not lead you to me. will raise up those who have remembered my teachings and have A righteous person brings to done what I have commanded them." pass good works, but a wicked person 397

Jesus then perceived that some of the Jesus then turned to the twelve whom people were wondering what was He had chosen, and said, going to happen to the law of Moses, "You are my disciples, a light to this for they did not understand what He people who are descendants of Joseph, had meant when He said, who was sold into Egypt. "Old things have passed away and all The Father has given this land to you things have become new.” as an inheritance. The Father did not So Jesus said, command me to tell the descendants of "Here is how old things have passed Judah (the Jews) in Jerusalem about away and how all things have become this land, inherited by you, the new. The law given to Moses is descendants of Joseph. fulfilled. I gave the law to Moses after I also was never commanded to tell the covenanting with Israel and his Jews about the other tribes, descended descendants. I came to fulfill the law, from Israel's other sons, who were led and I have fulfilled it. This is why the away from Judah's rule. I was only law of Moses now comes to an end. commanded to say to the Jews, I have not done away with the 'I have other sheep which are not of prophets, for all the prophets' words this fold. I must gather them, and they that are not yet fulfilled soon will be. will hear my voice, and there will be Because I said old things have passed one fold and one shepherd.’ away I do not mean the prophecies of -- (John 10:16) things to come will not be fulfilled. Because the Jews were so stubborn and The covenant I made with Israel and unbelieving, they could not understand his descendants is not yet completely my words. This is why the Father fulfilled, but the law I gave to Moses is commanded me not to tell them more fulfilled to and has come to an end in about you. me. But the Father has commanded me to Behold, I am the law and the light. tell you that you were separated from Look to me, continue in righteousness Judah's descendants, who know throughout your life, and you will live, nothing of you because of their for unto such I will give eternal life. wickedness. Keep my commandments that I have The Father has also separated the other given you. This is the law given to the tribes from Judah's descendants, and prophets, who truly testified of me." the Jews also know nothing of them. 398

You are the other sheep of whom I And through the fullness of the spoke, but the Jews thought I was Gentiles in the last days, these records telling them about the Gentiles, not will bring the knowledge of me, their knowing they would convert the Redeemer, to many of them (the Gentiles through their preaching. The Jews). After they receive this Jews did not understand that the knowledge, then I will gather them Gentiles will not at any time hear my from all over the earth and fulfill the voice directly, but only through the Father's covenant (the fulfillment Holy Ghost. of all of 's prophecies) He made But you hear my voice directly and see to all of Israel's descendants. me, and you are my sheep, numbered Note: Latter-day Saints are referred to among those given to me by the as Gentiles. (1 Ne 15:17-18, 2 Ne 25:17-18, 30:3-10, and Ether 4:6-7). The Father.” "fullness of the Gentiles" is only The Jews to gather the sanctified LDS Gentiles (Ether after accepting Christ 4:6-7) bringing the "fullness of the gospel," or "greater things" (such as the See 3 Nephi, Chapter 16 of Jared's brother, not yet "I have other sheep, other tribes and translated) to the house of Israel, which will finally convince them to accept nations who neither live here nor in Christ as their Redeemer. (1 Ne Jerusalem. They have not yet heard my 15:13-14, 3 Ne 26:8-9). The gathering of voice nor have seen me, but I will Israel comes after the Jews receive show myself to them because the these greater things. Father has commanded me to go to "The Gentiles are blessed because of them. They will hear me and be their testimony of me through the Holy numbered among my sheep, and there Ghost, who witnesses to them of me will be one fold and one shepherd. and the Father. The Father said, I command you to write down what I 'Because the Gentiles will believe in am saying, for if my people in me, and because you will not, oh house Jerusalem (The Jews) do not ask the of Israel, in the last days the gospel Father in my name, and receive a will come to the Gentiles (of European knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, descent, including Joseph Smith, Jr.) and also a knowledge of the other first.' tribes, then your record of me (the But cursed are the unbelieving complete ) will come Gentiles, for even though the Father forth through the Gentiles (the Latter- will show mercy on the Gentiles, day Saints) to their descendants, allowing them to conquer, afflict and scattered all over the earth. kill Israel's descendants because of His 399 judgments upon the house of Israel, He will allow my people to go among them commanded me to tell you this: and conquer them. 'When the Gentiles sin against my For the Gentiles will be like salt that gospel, and reject its fullness (such as has lost its flavor, and is good for the vision on Jared's brother), when nothing but to be thrown out through their pride, they lift and trodden under the feet of my themselves above all nations and people, the house of Israel.' people of the earth, when they are full Again note: Becoming the salt is a result of lying, deceit, mischief, hypocrisy, of making covenants. murder, priestcraft, immorality and See D&C 101:39-40 secret abominations, then I will take I have been commanded by the Father the fullness of my gospel from to give this land to the house of Israel among them. and their descendants as an inheritance. Note: The Savior warns the LDS When this land is given back to Gentiles (for only LDS can "sin against" Israel's descendants, then these words, the gospel) in this manner three times. See 3 Ne 16:10-15, 20:27-28, 21:11-14 spoken by Isaiah, will be fulfilled: And I will remember the covenant I Your watchmen will lift up their voices made to Israel's descendants by and sing together, for they will have bringing my gospel to them (a great understanding when the latter-day Lamanite conversion). Lord again brings Zion. Be joyful and Note: A great Lamanite conversion sing together, house of Israel, once described in 1 Ne 15:14-16, 2 Ne 30:4-5, scattered, for the Lord has comforted and 3 Ne 26:8-9. His people and redeemed Jerusalem. The Gentiles will no longer have The Lord has shown His great power power over them, and they will come in view of all people in all nations, to know the fullness of my gospel. and they will witness His salvation." 'But if the Gentiles repent and come Christ heals, prays back to me,' and blesses children says the Father, See 3 Nephi, Chapter 17 'They will be numbered among my After speaking these words, Jesus people of the house of Israel, and I will looked over the multitude and said, protect them from being trampled by "I must go now. I sense you do not my people. understand all my words. But if the Gentiles sin against my Go to your homes and ponder these gospel, rejecting its fullness, and do things. Ask the Father, in my name, to not repent and come back to me, then I give you understanding, to prepare 400 your minds for tomorrow, when I will As many others who were able to get come to you again. through the crowd came and kissed His Now I will go to the Father, and also show myself to the lost tribes of Israel. They are not lost to the Father, for He knows where He has taken them." After Jesus said this, He looked over the multitude, who were in tears, looking at Him as if they would ask Him to stay a little longer. Then Jesus said to them, feet, bathing them with tears of joy. "I am filled with compassion toward Then Jesus asked them to bring their you. Have you any who are sick, lame, children to Him. blind, deaf, or who suffer in any way? The people set their children down Bring them here and I will heal them, around Jesus, and then stepped back for I have compassion and mercy on until all the children had been brought you. to Him. I sense you want me to show you the Then Jesus told the multitude to kneel same things I showed your brethren in upon the ground. Jerusalem, and I see you have enough Jesus groaned and said, faith for me to heal you." "Father, I am troubled because of the Then the multitude brought their sick wickedness of the people of the house and afflicted to Jesus and He healed of Israel." them one by one. Then He knelt on the earth and prayed Those who were healed, and those who to the Father. The things He prayed were well bowed at His feet and cannot be written, but the multitude worshipped Him. heard His words and this much was written: 401

"Never before has anyone seen or Then Jesus wept, and He took their heard such great and marvelous children, one by one, blessed them, and things as we saw and heard when prayed to the Father for them. Then He Jesus spoke to the Father. For human wept again and said to the multitude, language cannot describe, and human "Behold your little ones! hearts cannot conceive of the joy that Then the multitude saw the heavens filled our souls when we heard Him open, and angels descend as if pray to the Father for us." surrounded with fire. They came When Jesus finished praying He stood down and surrounded the little ones up, but the multitude was too with fire, and taught them. overcome with joy to stand. Jesus The multitude, consisting of about invited them to stand, and after they 2,500 people, saw and heard these stood, He said, things and bore record that what they "You are blessed because of your faith. saw and heard was true. And now my joy is full." 402

Christ introduces the Always do this, giving the wine to See 3 Nephi, Chapter 18 those who repent and are baptized in Then Jesus told His disciples to bring my name, in remembrance of my blood bread and wine. While they were gone, that I have shed for you, witnessing to He told the multitude to sit upon the the Father that you will always ground. remember me. If you always remember me my Spirit will always After the disciples returned with bread be with you. and wine, Jesus broke the bread, blessed it, and gave some of it to His I give you a commandment to do these disciples to eat. After they were filled, things (be baptized and receive the Jesus told them to give bread to the sacrament). If you obey it, you will be multitude. blessed for building upon my rock. After the multitude had eaten and were But if one of you does more or less filled, Jesus said to His disciples, than these things, he is not built upon my rock, but upon sand. He will fall, "I will ordain one of you, giving him and the gates of hell will open to the power to break bread, bless it, and receive him. give it to the people of my church--to all who believe and are baptized in my You are blessed and kept from hell if name. you keep my commandments that the Father has told me to give you. Do this often, even as I have done, in remembrance of my body that I now You must watch and pray always, or show you. Do this as a testimony to the you will be tempted by the devil and Father that you will always remember become his captives. As I have prayed me. If you always remember me, my among you, pray in my church — Spirit will always be with you." among my people who repent and are baptized in my name. Then Jesus told His disciples to drink of the wine, and then give it to the I am the light and have set an example multitude to drink. The disciples and for you." the multitude drank, and were all filled. After Jesus said these things to His Then Jesus said to His disciples, disciples, He turned to the multitude "You are blessed because of what you and said, "You must watch and pray have done, for this fulfills my always. Otherwise, you will be commandments and witnesses to the tempted by Satan, who wants to have Father that you are willing to obey power over you. them. Therefore, you must always always pray to the Father in my name. 403

Whatever you ask the Father, if it is Whoever eats and drinks these right and if you believe you will emblems of my flesh and blood while receive, then it will be given to you. unworthy eats and drinks damnation to Pray with your families to the Father, his soul. always in my name, and they will be Do not tell an unworthy man to leave blessed. your meeting, but care for him and Meet together often as my church. Do pray for him. If he repents and is not forbid anyone from meeting with baptized in my name, then receive him you, but invite all to come. If they and give him the bread and wine. come, pray for them in my name to the But if he does not repent, he will not be Father. numbered among the sheep of my Hold up your light that it may shine to flock, for he might destroy them. (For I the world. I am the light you should know my sheep, and they are hold up — the things you have seen me numbered.) do. Even though he is not baptized and You have seen me pray to the Father, numbered among my sheep, you will and you see that I have not sent any of continue to invite him to your you away, but have commanded each meetings, for he may yet repent and of you to come to me — to feel and come to me with full purpose of heart, see. and I will heal him, and you will have assisted me in saving him. You must do likewise, inviting those in the world to come to me. And those Do as I have commanded and you will who do not obey this command will be not come under condemnation, for led by the devil's temptations." cursed are those whom the Father condemns. After saying this to the multitude, Jesus turned to His disciples again, and I give you, my disciples, these said, commandments because of the disputes that have been among you. You will be "Before I go to my Father to fulfill blessed if you have no disputes other commands He has given me, I among you. Now I go to the Father, give you one other commandment: because it is necessary for your Do not allow anyone, whom you know benefit." to be unworthy (unbaptized), to eat the Then Jesus touched each of His bread or drink the wine that you will disciples as He spoke to them minister to my people. individually. Later, the disciples bore 404 record that Jesus gave them the power to give the Holy Ghost. And I Mormon will show you later that their record is true. After Jesus touched His disciples, a cloud came over the multitude, preventing them from seeing Him, and only His disciples saw Him ascend into heaven. Teaching, baptism, Holy Ghost, Prayer See 3 Nephi, Chapter 19 After Jesus ascended into heaven, the multitude dispersed and went home with their families. The multitude who had seen Shemnon, Jonas, Zedekiah and Jesus immediately told everyone who Isaiah. had not been with them, that Jesus had Because the multitude was so large, the spoken to them, and that He would disciples divided them into twelve show Himself again the next day. groups. Each of the twelve groups was All that night the people spread the instructed by a disciple to kneel and word to many others who had not seen pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. Jesus. Those who were told traveled all Each disciple also prayed in the same night so they could be where Jesus manner and taught his group of people. would show Himself the next day. After the disciples had taught the very By morning, a very large multitude had same words that Jesus had spoken to gathered. The twelve disciples whom them, they knelt again and prayed. Jesus had chosen stood in the middle They all prayed for what they desired of the multitude. They were: most — the gift of the Holy Ghost. Nephi, his brother Timothy, whom he After they had all prayed, the disciples had raised from the dead, and his led the people down to the edge of the son Jonas. There was also Mathoni water. and his brother Mathonihah. And also Kumen, Kumenonhi, , 405

First, Nephi went down into the water "Father, I thank Thee that Thou has and was baptized. Then Nephi baptized given the Holy Ghost to these whom I the eleven other disciples. have chosen. Because of their belief in After the twelve had all been baptized, me, I have chosen them out of the the Holy Ghost fell upon them, and world. Father, I pray Thee that Thou they were filled with fire and the Holy will give the Holy Ghost to all who Ghost. The twelve were surrounded believe their words. with what appeared to be fire, which Father, Thou has given them the Holy came down from heaven. Angels also Ghost because they believe in me, and came down and spoke to the twelve, Thou sees that they believe in me, and and the large multitude witnessed it all. they pray to me because I am with As the angels were teaching the them. disciples, Jesus came and stood in the I pray for my disciples and also for middle of the large multitude and those who will believe in their words, began speaking to them. Jesus told the that they may believe in me, that I may multitude and His disciples to kneel be in them as Thou, Father, art in me, upon the ground. He told His disciples that we may be one." to pray, and they began to pray to After Jesus prayed, He went over to Jesus, calling Him their Lord and God. His disciples, who were still praying to Jesus went a short distance from them, Him. They were not repeating the same knelt on the ground and prayed, words, for the Holy Ghost gave them their words and the desire to continue praying. Jesus blessed them as they 406 prayed, and His smile and His light multitude heard, and their hearts were shone upon them. open so they understood His words. The disciples became as white and After Jesus finished praying He went to pure as Jesus' light. Nothing on earth His disciples and said, could be as white and pure as this light. "I have never seen such great faith Jesus told them to keep praying. Then among all the Jews. Because of their He went a short way off again, knelt unbelief, I could not show them such and prayed, great miracles. None of the Jews saw "Father, I thank Thee that Thou has or heard such great things as you have purified the twelve whom I have seen and heard." chosen because of their faith, and I Latter-day gathering pray for my disciples, and for those And covenant fulfillment who will believe their words, that they See 3 Nephi, Chapter 20 all may be purified in me, through their Jesus told the multitude and His faith. disciples to stop praying, but to I do not pray for the world, but only for continue to pray in their hearts. He told those whom Thou has given me out of them to stand, and then He broke the world, because of their faith, that bread again, blessed it, and gave it to they may be purified in me, that I may His disciples to eat. After they had be in them as Thou art in me, that we may be one, that I may be glorified in them." Then Jesus came back over to His disciples who were still praying to Him. He smiled upon them again, and they were as bright as He. Then Jesus went off a eaten, He told them to break bread and third time to pray. give it to the multitude. And it is impossible for humans to Then Jesus gave His disciples wine to speak or write the marvelous words drink and told them to give it to the that Jesus prayed. Yet the large multitude. None of the disciples nor 407 anyone in the multitude had brought descendants, who are a part of the bread or wine, but Jesus truly gave house of Jacob (Israel), will go in them bread and wine. among the Gentiles. They will Jesus said to them, be few among many, but they will destroy the Gentiles, their "Whoever eats and drinks of these enemies. They will destroy them as a emblems eats and drinks in young lion might destroy flocks of remembrance of me (my body and my sheep when there is no one to come blood), and his soul will never hunger and rescue them. nor thirst, but will be filled." I will gather my people together like After the multitude had partaken of the one who brings wheat to the threshing emblems, they were filled with the floor, and I will make my people, with Spirit, and they shouted with one whom the Father has covenanted, voice, giving glory to Jesus. very strong against the Gentiles-- Then Jesus said, strong as iron, strong as brass. They "Now I will finish the commandment will destroy many people and beat the Father gave to me concerning this them into pieces. people, who are a part of the house of And the Gentiles' wealth will be Israel. consecrated to the Lord. Do you remember my telling you that I am He who will do it. The Father Isaiah's words would be fulfilled? They says, are written, and you have them, so read "The sword of my justice will hang and study them. When Isaiah's words over the Gentiles at that day. Unless are fulfilled, then the covenant the they repent, it will fall upon them, even Father made with the house of Israel upon all the Gentile nations. When will also be fulfilled. these nations fall, I will establish my The scattered parts of the house of people, oh house of Israel. Israel will be gathered together from I will establish the house of Israel in all over the earth. They will all be this land in order to fulfill the covenant brought to a knowledge of the Lord that I made with your father, Jacob their God, who has redeemed them. (Israel). This land will be a New The Father has commanded me to give Jerusalem and the powers of heaven you this land for your inheritance. will be among this people. Even I will If the Gentiles do not repent after be among them." receiving my blessings, and after Behold, I am the one of whom Moses scattering my people, then your spoke, saying, 408

'The Lord your God will raise up a will give them the land of their prophet. You must listen to Him, for forefathers — the land of Jerusalem those who will not listen to Him will be (and the New Jerusalem) — as an destroyed.' inheritance forever." All the prophets have testified of me. The time will come when the fullness You are the children of the prophets, of of my gospel will be preached to my the house of Israel, and of the people. Then they will believe I am covenant that the Father made with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and they your forefathers. For He said to will pray to the Father in my name. Abraham, Then their leaders will sing together, 'Through your descendants all the for they will all understand the truth nations of the earth will be blessed.' together. And the Father will gather the house of Israel and give them Because you are children of the Jerusalem as their inheritance. covenant, the Father raised me up and sent me to you first, that I may turn you Then the house of Israel (the Lamanite from your sins. tribes, the lost tribes, the Jews, and those adopted in) will all sing together After you and your descendants have with joy, for the Father will comfort been blessed, then the Father's His people and redeem the Old and covenant to Abraham will be fulfilled, New . and all nations will be blessed with the gospel. The Father will show His power as all nations watch, and they will yet The Gentiles will have the Holy Ghost, see the Father's salvation. And the and they will be blessed, and made Father and I are one. mightier than any other people. Then the Gentiles will scatter my people, oh Then these words of Isaiah will be house of Israel, for the Father said, fulfilled: "The Gentiles will be a scourge to the Oh Zion, awake, awake again, oh Lamanites upon this land. But after the Jerusalem, the holy city. For no longer Gentiles receive the fullness of my will the wicked or the unclean be gospel, if they then harden their hearts among you. Shake the dust off against me, then I will return their sins yourself, come and sit down, oh back upon them. Jerusalem (Jews). Loose the cords from around your neck, oh captive I will remember the covenant that I daughter of Zion (Lamanites of the made with my people and will gather New Jerusalem). them together in my own due time. I 409

You sold yourselves for nothing and Christ speaks of latter-day Israel will be redeemed without money. And See 3 Nephi, Chapter 21 in the day my people are redeemed, Christ continued to speak to the they will know the name of the one multitude, who redeems them (Jesus Christ). "I will give your descendants a sign, The house of Israel will say, 'How which will tell them that they beautiful among all the nations are the are about to be gathered in from their feet of him who brings good news and long dispersion, and I will again peace, who brings salvation to us, who establish my Zion. says to those in Zion, "Your God is My words (written in The Book of King!"' Mormon) will come from the Father to They will shout, 'Leave your corrupt the Gentiles. Then the Gentiles will towns and cities. Stay unspotted from know they have scattered your the world! But do not leave in a hurry descendants (Native Americans — a or in fear, for the Lord will protect you remnant of the house of Jacob). They with His divine and complete will bring your descendants The Book protection.' of Mormon. By bringing forth this The Savior continued, book, the Father will begin to fulfill "My servant will be wise and His covenants with His people, the esteemed highly by all, for many will house of Israel. be very surprised when he survives a As He fulfills His covenant, the Father great physical ordeal. He will purge will show His power to all the many nations, for many kings will take Gentiles, that they might become notice, will see his mighty miracles, humble and repent, come to me and be and will listen to the truths he will baptized, know my gospel, and be teach. included with my people. Note: This servant who is protected is When your descendants begin to know mentioned in 2 Ne 7:7-9 and the truth of [the entire] Book of 3 Ne 20:24-25 , 21:10. Mormon, heir mighty conversions The Father has commanded me to tell will be their sign. By this sign, they you that all these things will surely will know the Father's work has happen. After these things happen, already begun — a work that the covenant the Father made with His will soon completely fulfill His people will be fulfilled and Jerusalem covenant with the house of Israel! will be inhabited again with my people, for it is the land of their In that day (the very last days, not the inheritance.” restoration), for my sake, the Father 410 will do a work that will be great and be in my hands. So although they will marvelous among the Gentiles and hurt him, I will heal him, showing their kings, who will be humbled, them my wisdom is greater than the seeing and considering things they had devil's cunning. never known before. As Moses said it would be done, the Yet many will not believe the truth, Father will give my servant the power even though a man (servant) will to bring forth my words to the declare it to them. Gentiles. Notes: The Book of Mormon is the Note: This servant is not Joseph Smith, beginning of the Father's work (Ether who was not healed, but martyred. The 4:17, 3 Ne 29:1-8). Father will give this servant of Christ This power is the Lord's setting His hand the power to bring forth the greater a second time to recover Israel, showing portion of His words, which He spoke to Himself to them in power and great the Nephites, which are written on the glory, and destroying their enemies (2 plates of Nephi (3 Ne 23:4, 26:6-10). Ne 6:14). The vision of Jared's brother, engraved This power will enable His new on Mormon's plates by Moroni, will scriptures to be read throughout the also come forth (2 Ne 27:10, Ether world, to bless those who believe them 3:28, 4:4-6). and curse those who contest them (1 Ne The brass plates will also come 14:7, 2 Ne 27:11, Ether 4:8-11). forth and be read by all nations (1 Ne And finally, this power will redeem Zion 5:17-19, Alma 37:3-4). as a man, like Moses, whom the Lord Those who reject these words will be raises up, leads latter-day Israel to their cut off from my covenant people. lands of inheritance (D&C 103:15-18, 113:5-6, 2 Ne 3:24). Note: As all these scriptures come forth More scripture will come through to all nations, they will become the the sanctified Gentiles to the house of means of mass conversion and Israel (1 Ne 14:1, 2 Ne 28:30, 3 Ne condemnation as the Lord fulfills His 26:8-9, Ether 4:6-7). covenant with all the house of Israel. (D&C 1:12-15, 1 Ne 14:7, 22:8-12, 3 Ne "Great and marvelous" works are yet to 16:10-15, 29:4-9). come (Ether 4:15). The Savior continues speaking: This "servant" will present new scripture to Gentile kings, who will listen "And my people who are Jacob's intently (3 Ne 20:45). descendants will be among the Then the believing of the house of Israel Gentiles, like a young lion among a will be restored to their lands of inheritance, assisted by the flock of sheep. They will tread the wealthy, believing Gentiles (2 Ne unbelieving Gentiles down and tear 10:7-9, 3 Ne 20:45-46). them to pieces, and no one will be able Those who reject the truth will to save them. Jacob's descendants will persecute my servant, but his life will 411

fight their enemies, the Gentiles, dispersed people --including the lost and cut them off. tribes the Father led out of Jerusalem The Gentiles will be cursed unless they — that they may come to me and call repent, upon the Father in my name. 'For in that day,' says the Father, 'I And the Father's work will begin as He will cut off their means of prepares the way in all nations for His transportation, and also cut off their people to be gathered home to their cities and places of defense. I will rid lands of inheritance. They will come them of their spiritualists and material from all nations, but not in haste, images they will make for themselves. because . . . I will destroy their places of idol 'I will go before them,' says the Father, worship and their cities.' 'And I will also be behind them.’ Then all the Gentiles' lying, deception, Jesus quotes Isaiah envy, strife, priestcraft and prostitution See 3 Nephi, Chapter 22 will be done away, because the Father "When Isaiah's prophecies of Israel's has said, 'Whoever will not repent and descendants are fulfilled, these words come to my Beloved Son at that day will go forth: will be cut off from my people.' 'Sing and shout for joy, for although I the Lord will execute vengance and you were once barren and desolate, you fury upon them, even as upon the will have more children than the heathen, such as they have never Gentiles (as numerous as the sands known! But if they will repent, listen upon the seashore). You will build to my words and humble themselves, I large homes and many cities across will establish my church among them. the face of the land as your children Then they will enter the covenant and inherit the Gentiles' wealth and inhabit be numbered among Jacob's their desolate cities! descendants, to whom I have given this Do not be afraid, oh house of Israel, for land for their inheritance. you will forget the shame, confusion Then the Gentiles will will assist my and humiliation of your earlier people, Jacob's descendants, who are widowhood. I, your maker and scattered over the land, to gather husband, am the Lord of Hosts — your together and build a city that will be Redeemer — the Holy One of Israel-- called the New Jerusalem. the God of the whole earth. I will again The power of heaven will come down call Israel — a young wife, who was and I will be among them. Then the left and refused, who grieved in spirit. Father's work will begin among all my 412

In a little wrath I left you alone for a will be established in righteousness, far small moment, but I will gather you from terror, oppression and fear. together with everlasting kindness. I Your enemies will surely gather against will have great mercy on you. you, but they will fall, for I have As I have sworn not to flood the earth created all men, and your enemies are again, so I will swear not to be angry in my hands. Therefore, no weapon with you again, oh house of Israel. that your enemies create will harm you, Though the mountains depart and the for you will condemn those who speak hills be removed, my kindness will not out against you. depart from you, nor will the covenant This is the heritage of my servants, and of my peace be removed. their righteousness is of me.' Oh you who have been afflicted and Jesus Commands tossed with tempests, and have not Study of Isaiah been comforted! I will lay your See 3 Nephi, Chapter 23 foundations with sapphires, make your "I, Jesus Christ, command you to windows of agate, your gates of rubies, diligently search Isaiah's words, for and surround your lands with beautiful they are great. Surely Isaiah spoke stones. All your children will be taught of all things having to do with my of me and have great peace, for you 413 people--Israel (Jacob) and his did arise, appear and minister to descendants. This is why Isaiah also many?" speaks to the Gentiles. Everything he Nephi remembered these things had has written has come to pass, or will not been written. Jesus commanded yet come to pass. that to be written, and so it was done. Because Isaiah's prophecies will all After Jesus explained all their come to pass, listen to my words and scriptures to them, He commanded write them down. Then according to them to teach His explanations to one the Father's will, my words will come another. to the Gentiles. Christ commands Whoever responds to my words by teaching and writing repenting and being baptized will be See 3 Nephi, Chapter 24 saved. Therefore, search the words of Then Jesus commanded them to write the prophets in the scriptures, for as He repeated the words that the many of them testify of these things." Father had given to Malachi. After they After Jesus had explained all the were written, Jesus explained them. scriptures He had given them, He said, And these are the words that the Father "There are other scriptures that should said to Malachi: be written, that you have not "I will send my messenger, and He written."To Nephi He said, "Bring the will prepare the way before me. The record that you have kept." Lord, whom you seek, even Nephi then brought the records to Jesus the messenger of the covenant, in and laid them before Him. As Jesus whom you delight, will suddenly come looked at the records, He said, "I to His temple. commanded my servant, Samuel, the And who will survive the day of His Lamanite, to testify to this people, that coming? For He is like a refiner's fire on the day the Father would glorify and will come to cleanse the earth. He His name in me, many saints will purify Levi's sons, purging them as would arise from the dead, gold and silver, that they may offer a and appear and minister to many. Was righteous offering to the Lord. Then this not so?" Judah's and Jerusalem's offerings will His disciples answered, "Yes, Lord, again be pleasant to the Lord, as they Samuel did prophesy according to Thy once were in days of old. words, and they were all fulfilled." I will come to judge, being a swift Then Jesus asked them, "How is it you witness against the spiritualists, have not written that many saints adulterers, and false swearers. Against 414 those who oppress by withholding You have said, 'It's useless to serve wages, who oppress the widows, who God, for how do we profit by keeping turn away strangers and have no fear of His ordinances — by mournfully me. walking before the Lord of Hosts? I am the Lord and I do not change. Look how happy the proud are, how Therefore, according to my promises, successful the wicked, and how those you, the descendants of Jacob, who tempt God escape His judgment.' will not be consumed. Then those who feared the Lord, But even from the days of your speaking of Him often, were heard by forefathers you have strayed from my Him, and a book of remembrance was ordinances. Return to me, and I written about them. The Lord of Hosts will return to you. said, But you ask, 'How do we return to the 'They will be mine in the day that I Lord?' make up my jewels — when I support my people as a man supports his own You would not think of robbing God, son who serves him. Then you will yet you have robbed me. But you ask, return to me and know the righteous 'How have we robbed Thee?' You have from the wicked, and see who has robbed me by not paying your tithes served God and who has not. and offerings. Christ quotes what Because of this, the whole nation of He said to Malachi Israel is cursed. So bring all the tithed See 3 Nephi, Chapter 25 items into my storehouse, that it may be full. Prove me and see whether or "The day comes that will burn like an not I will open the windows of heaven oven. In that day all the proud — all and pour out so many blessings upon who do wickedly, will burn like you that you will not have enough kindling, like stubble in a field. But for room to receive them all. you who fear me, the Son of Righteousness will arise with healing And I will rebuke the devil for your in His wings, and you will be safe and sake, and he will not be able to destroy cared for like calves in a stall. Then your prosperity. All nations will call you will tread down the wicked, who you blessed, for your lands will be will be ashes under your feet. delightful. Remember to observe the statutes and In the past your words have been judgments I gave to my servant, strong against me. But you ask, ‘How Moses, while in Horeb, for all of have we spoken against Thee?' Israel. 415

I will send you the prophet Elijah who was prepared before the world before the great and dreadful day of was created. the Lord. Elijah will turn the hearts of This book that I, Mormon, am writing the forefathers to their children and cannot contain even 1% of what Jesus the hearts of the children to their taught the people, but Nephi's plates forefathers. Otherwise, I would curse contain most of what He taught (the the whole earth.” greater things). Christ explains all things I have written these words (the lesser See 3 Nephi, Chapter 26 things) with the hope they will again Jesus explained everything to the be brought to this people (the multitude, great and small things. He Lamanites) through the Gentiles said, (beginning with the Gentile Joseph "The Father commanded me to repeat Smith, Jr.), according to the words of these scriptures to you so you would Jesus. have them to pass on to future If the Lamanites and Gentiles prove generations." their faith by believing these lesser Christ explained all things, from the things (in The Book of Mormon), then beginning until the time when He will the greater things will be shown to come in His glory --when the them (all of Christ's words). But if they elements will melt with fervent heat -- will not believe these things, the when the earth will be wrapped greater things will be withheld from together like a scroll — when them, to their condemnation. the heavens and the earth will pass I was about to write the greater things, away. all of which are engraved on Nephi's Christ also explained everything that plates, but the Lord commanded me will happen before that great and last not to, saying, day, when all people will stand before "I will try the faith of my people." God to be judged by their good or evil On my plates, I've only written what works. the Lord commanded me to write. Those who do good will receive The Lord taught the people for three a resurrection of everlasting life, and days. After this, He showed Himself to those who do evil will receive them often, breaking and blessing a resurrection of damnation. This bread and giving it to them. He taught will be done according to the and ministered to their children, mercy, justice and holiness of Christ, enabling the children to say great and marvelous things to their fathers, 416 even greater things than He had "What do you desire of me?" revealed to the people. They answered, "Lord, tell us what to For on the second day, Christ came name this church, for there are again and healed all their sick, lame, disputations among the people on this blind, and deaf, and raised a man from matter." the dead. Then He ascended to the The Lord replied, Father again. "Why do the people dispute over this? And on the next day, the third day, the Have they not read the scriptures that multitude saw and heard those say you must take the name of Christ children. Even babes opened their upon yourself? For you will be called mouths and spoke things too by my name at the last day. marvelous to be written. Those who take my name upon The disciples whom Jesus had chosen themselves and continue in began to baptize and teach all who righteousness throughout their lives came to them, and all who were will be saved at the last day. baptized in the name of Jesus were Whatever you do, do it in my name. filled with the Holy Ghost. Many of Call the church by my name, and call them saw and heard unspeakable things upon the Father in my name to bless not lawful to be written. the church for my sake. They taught and ministered to one And how can it be my church unless it another. They had all things in is called by my name? If a church is common, and everyone dealt fairly called by Moses' name, then it is with one another, doing everything Moses' church. If it is called by the Jesus had commanded them. Those name of a man, then it is the church of who were baptized in the name of a man (note: such as the Lutheran Jesus formed the church of Christ. Church, named after Martin Luther). Christ’s church: But if a church is called by my name, it His name and doctrine is my church, if built upon my gospel. See 3 Nephi, Chapter 27 And you are built upon my gospel. As the disciples were journeying, So call upon the Father in my name for preaching and baptizing in the name of the sake of the church and He will hear Jesus, they were united in mighty you. If a church is built upon my prayer and fasting. And Jesus showed gospel, then the Father will show His Himself to them again, for they had own works within it. been praying to the Father in His name. Standing among them, He said, 417

If a church is not built upon my gospel, No unclean thing can enter His but upon the works of men or the devil, kingdom. Only those whose robes have its members will have joy in their been washed clean through my works for awhile, but eventually the blood, who by faith repent of all their end will come. Then they will be cut sins and remain righteous will enter down and thrown into the fire, from His kingdom. where there is no return. For their This is my commandment to all: works will follow them. Repent, come to me and be baptized in And because of their works, they will my name, that you may be sanctified be cut down. Therefore, remember by receiving the Holy Ghost — that what I have told you. you may stand spotless before me at I have given you my gospel, which is the last day. this — I came into the world to do This is my gospel. In my church do the will of my Father, who sent me. what you have seen me do. And if you My Father sent me to be lifted up on do these things, you are blessed, for the cross, that I may draw all people to you will be lifted up at the last day. me. As I have been lifted up by the Write what you have seen and heard, people, so shall the people be lifted up except for things forbidden to be by the Father, to stand before me and written. Also write the works of this be judged by their works, whether they people, who will be judged by your be good or evil. records, for your records will make Those who repent and are baptized in their works known. my name will be filled with the Holy All things are written by the Father, Ghost. Those who remain righteous and the world will be judged by what during their lives lives will be guiltless is written in all these books. before my Father when I stand to judge You, my disciples, will be the judges the world. of this people, according to the gift of Because of the Father's justice, those fair judgment I will give you. Because who do not continue in righteousness of this gift, what kind of men should throughout their lives will be cut down you be? Even as I am. and thrown into the fire, from which Now I will go to the Father, and they cannot return. whatever you ask of Him in my name This is the message that the Father has will be given to you. Ask and you will given to all people. And because He receive. Knock and it will be opened to does not lie, He will fulfill all His you. words. 418

Because of you and this generation, my "What is it you desire of me after I joy is great and is full. Even the Father have gone to the Father?" and all the holy angels rejoice over this generation, for none of them who live now will be lost. But I sorrow over the fourth generation from this time, for they will be led away captive by the devil, even as the son of perdition was led away. They will sell me for silver, gold and the temporary things of Nine of the disciples answered, this world. When they do this, I will "I desire after I have lived to an old visit them, turning their works upon age, my ministry will come to an end, their own heads. and I will quickly come to Thee in Thy Enter through the narrow kingdom." gate and straight way that leads to Jesus' response to each of them was, life, which few people find. Because "You are blessed for desiring this, so the gate that leads to death is wide, when you are 72 years old, you will many go through it and travel the broad come to me in my kingdom and rest way until night comes, when no work with me." can be done.” The disciples are Then Jesus turned to the remaining three disciples and asked them, Granted their desires See 3 Nephi, Chapter 28 "What is it that you desire of me after I have gone to the Father?” They After saying these things to His sorrowed, not daring to ask Him for disciples, Jesus asked each of them, what they wanted, thinking it was too one by one, great a request. 419

Jesus said to them, "I know your unspeakable things — and the power to thoughts. You desire what John, my speak about what they had seen and beloved, who was with me in my heard was not given to them. ministry before I was lifted up by the At the time they were caught up, the Jews, desired of me. three disciples could not tell if they You are more blessed, for you will were in or out of their bodies, for it never experience death. You will live seemed as if their bodies had become to see all of the Father's work among immortal, enabling them to see the His children, even until all things are things of God. fulfilled according to His will, when I Afterward, when they spoke to the come in my glory with the powers of people on earth, they did not tell them heaven. of what they had seen and heard, for You will never endure the pains of they had been commanded not to. death, for when I come in my glory Whether or not they were mortal or you will be changed in an instant immortal from that day on, I do not from mortal to immortal beings. Then know. But I do know, according to the you will be blessed in my Father's record, that these three disciples went kingdom. throughout the land, speaking to all the Again I say, you will not have pain as people. They united the believers with mortals, nor sorrow, except over the the church by baptizing them and sins of the world. I will do all this giving them the Holy Ghost. because your desire is to bring souls to These disciples were thrown in prison me in this world. by those who did not belong to the Because of this, you will have a church, but the prisons broke apart and fullness of joy — just as my Father has fell down. given me. You will sit down in His They were thrown into pits, but they kingdom and be like me, for I am like struck the earth with God's word, and the Father, and we are one. The Holy by His power they were delivered out Ghost bears record of the Father and of the pits. Because of this, the me, and the Father gives the Holy unbelievers could not dig pits deep Ghost to His children because of me." enough to hold them. After saying this, Jesus touched each of Three times they were thrown into a the nine disciples with His finger. Then very hot fire and received no harm. He departed into heaven with the Twice they were thrown into a den of remaining three. They were caught up wild beasts, but they played with the into heaven, seeing and hearing 420 beasts like children playing with them among the Gentiles before that lambs, and received no harm. judgment day. These three disciples went among all If you had all the scriptures that gave the Nephites, preaching the gospel of an account of all the marvelous works Christ to everyone in the land, of Christ, then you, too would know converting them to the Lord and know these things must surely come. uniting them with the church of Christ. And cursed are those who reject the This is how the people of that words of Jesus and the words of His generation were blessed according to chosen servants, for they will be Jesus' words. rejected by Him at the last day. It And now I, Mormon, make an end of would be better for them if they were speaking about these things for a time. never born, for they will not be able to I was about to write the names of those escape the justice of an offended God three disciples who will never die, but and be saved after rejecting His words. the Lord forbade me so that their Earlier I wrote I did not know whether identity would remain hidden from the or not the three disciples had become world. However, I have seen them, and immortal after going up into heaven. they have spoken to me. They will also Since then I have asked the Lord, and be among the Gentiles and the Jews, He showed me that their bodies were but they will not be known by them. changed. Otherwise, they would have When the Lord sees fit in His wisdom, died like other men. Their change was they will minister to all the scattered not the same kind of change that will tribes of Israel, and to all nations, come upon everyone at the last day, but bringing many souls to Jesus. They because of it, Satan has no power to will fulfill their desires as they use tempt them. They are sanctified in the God's convincing power within them. flesh and are holy. They are like God's angels, and if they This is why the powers of the pray to the Father in the name of Jesus, earth cannot hold them. They will they can show themselves to remain in this condition until Christ's whomever they desire. Great and judgment day, when they will receive a marvelous works will be performed greater change, and will be received by them before that great day to come, into the Father's kingdom, never to when all people must surely stand leave again. before the judgment-seat of Christ. There will even be a great and marvelous work performed by 421

Gentiles warned again mercy, according to the word of See 3 Nephi, Chapter 29 Christ! In the latter days, when the Lord sees Note: Like Judas, those who have the fit in His wisdom to bring my words gospel, yet prefer money over Christ's power, sell their souls for nothing. Their (The Book of Mormon) to the Gentiles, fate is worse than all else (3 Ne 20:28, 2 then you will know that His covenant Ne 9:27, Mormon 8:38-41) with Israel's descendants --their You Gentiles must no longer despise restoration to their lands of inheritance the Jews and make fun of them, nor of —is beginning to be fulfilled. any other of Israel's descendants, for You will also know that the Lord's the Lord will remember His words spoken by all the holy prophets covenant to them and do what He will soon be fulfilled. Then you promised for them. Gentiles will no longer need to Therefore, do not think you can turn say, "The Lord delays His coming to the Lord's hand and somehow prevent Israel's descendants." You will no His judgments from coming upon longer need to think that the scriptures you as He fulfills His covenant to were written in vain, for the Lord Israel's descendants. will remember His covenant to His Mormon commanded people of the house of Israel. to warn the Gentiles When you read my words, I warn you See 3 Nephi, Chapter 30 to no longer ignore the Lord's work, for Listen, oh you Gentiles, and hear the sword of His justice is in His right the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of hand, and in the last days, if you reject the living God, that He has His work, He will cause this sword to commanded me to write to you, soon overtake you, just as it has overtaken all my people. "Turn from your wicked ways, all you Gentiles. Repent of your evil-doing -- Cursed are those who reject the Lord lying, deception, sexual impurity, idol by denying Christ and His works! worship, secret abominations, murder, Cursed are those who deny the Lord's priestcraft, envy and strife. revelations, who will say, "The Lord no longer works by revelation, prophecy, Come to me and be baptized in my gifts, tongues, healing or by the power name, that you may receive a remission of the Holy Ghost!" Cursed are those of your sins and be filled with the who will say, in order to get money, Holy Ghost, that you may be that Christ cannot do miracles for numbered with my people who are of them, for they will become like the son the house of Israel." of perdition, for whom there was no