Lesson 42: “This Is My Gospel” 3 Nephi 27–30; 4 Nephi

Lesson 42: “This Is My Gospel”

3 Nephi 27–30; 4 Nephi

The Things of God, Man and the Devil

3 Nephi 27

The twelve disciples fasted and prayed, wishing to know what the Church should be called.  Obviously, there was contention on the matter among the members of the Church, and perhaps even among the Twelve.  The Lord appeared, telling them to stop their disputing.  He explained that if a church is named after Moses or someone else, then it belongs to that person.  Therefore,

“…if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel” (3 Ne 27:8).

This might seem like a no brainer issue, but something similar happened in Paul’s day (1 Corinthians 3).  Even in the early days of the Church, it changed its name from “The Church of Christ” to “The Church of Latter-day Saints” and finally to “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”, but only after the Lord commanded it.

“For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (D&C 115:4). 

Because of the name change away from the Church of Christ in the 1830s, there were some members in Kirtland Ohio that felt the Church had strayed from its roots and believed Joseph Smith was a fallen prophet.  This is how important a name can be, anciently and today.

But just because a church calls itself after Christ’s name, does not mean it is his Church. It must also be “built upon my (Jesus’) gospel.”  To the extent that a church strays from that directive, it is less and less the Lord’s church.  A Church built upon the gospel will show forth the Father’s works.

“if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return. For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you” (3 Ne 27:11-12).

Here, the Lord gives us an insight on not only the churches that are in the world, but all organizations and things found on earth.  All things are founded upon the Lord’s gospel, man’s gospel, or Satan’s gospel.  Of the three, only the Lord’s gospel promises eternal joy and peace.  The other two are temporary, and one may find “joy” or perhaps “pleasure” is a better word, in those things. But eventually the things of man corrode and fall apart, while the works of Satan will all end tragically.

How do we determine the things of man?  A simple illustration might help us see this.  Many eons ago, my youngest son asked me to buy him the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle game for his Nintendo system.  He told me that it would make him the happiest person on earth.  So, for his birthday, I purchased it for him. Indeed, he seemed like the happiest kid in the world when he unwrapped it.  For days he played the game, almost without stop.  After a couple weeks, I noticed he wasn’t playing it. I asked him why he wasn’t.  He responded that he now had beaten the game several times and was bored with it.  No longer did I see the face of the happiest kid in the world, but someone who needed his next “fix.”

Meanwhile the scriptures explain to us that the things of God fill us with the Holy Spirit, which brings us joy and peace.  King Benjamin insisted that happiness only comes from turning to Christ and His gospel, believing and repenting, then receiving the ordinances and the Holy Ghost as a constant companion (Mosiah 2-5).  A person who continually walks with the Spirit never becomes bored with spiritual experiences, even though they may come in very simple packaging and little fanfare or marketing.

Meanwhile, the things of Satan addict people to evil.  Whether it is sexual perversion, violence, greed, or any other immoral practice, does not matter. Satan gives the person big sensations to experience.  Such feelings are often addictive, which is why people become addicted to sex, drugs, violence, and a variety of other things.  Once ensnared, Satan no longer has a need to support the person, and allows the person’s world to collapse.

It is possible that some churches work under the power of God, or partially under his blessing.  It may be that others work under the doctrine of man’s gospel – not evil, but not virtuous, either.  Then there are some practices and beliefs that are totally wicked.  Here are the three choices set before most of us: Telestial, Terrestrial or Celestial life.

I am lifted up

Jesus continues by explaining, 

“And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.   And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.   And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father” (3 Ne 27:15-17).

All men will return back into the presence of God, to be judged of their works.  There are two parts of this judgment: those who repent and are baptized, and those who endure to the end.  The first part notes the Justification of Christ’s atonement.  Those who believe and repent (symbolized by baptism) are made guiltless, or sinless.  They are saved from Outer Darkness and spiritual death.  Meanwhile, those who also seek to endure to the end, keeping the commandments and being righteous, are Sanctified by Christ’s atonement and the Holy Ghost.  As a person seeks to grow in righteousness, they receive a greater portion of the Holy Ghost, making the person more holy and sanctified than before.

For those who do not believe, repent, nor endure to the end, there is only one place for them: Outer Darkness.  Because we have this life and the Spirit World, we have time to be justified and rescued from eternal hell fire.  However, the longer we wait, the less time we will have to become sanctified to a higher level of heaven than just the Telestial.  So, it is important not to waste our probationary period here on earth.  These teachings are made clearer by Jesus:

“And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end (Justification)  Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day (Sanctification)” (3 Ne 27:19-20).

Jesus then explains we are judged from the books.  The apostle John noted that the Book of Life AND the books of works were brought forth in the final judgment.  Those who have been Justified are found in the Book of Life.  Those not found in the Book of Life are cast out into Outer Darkness.  For those who are in the Book of Life, they are then judged according to the books of works, to determine how holy and sanctified the individual has become (Revelation 20:12-15).

Transfiguration and Translation

3 Nephi 28

The Twelve desired a gift.  Nine of them wanted to live to old age, and then be received into heaven. They were granted this blessing.  However, three of the group wished to dwell upon the earth until the last day. 

“Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven.  And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father.  And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand: (3 Ne 28:7-9).

Here we learn some important concepts of Translation:

1.       They do not “taste of death.”  This could be interpreted two ways.  First, that anyone taking a bite out of on of their arms would conclude they have not decomposed.  That is probably not the correct meaning given (although still valid), given the context.  It means they will not experience death.  They shall die and be reborn in a twinkling of an eye, so quick there is not time to experience what death is.

2.       They will live in a translated state until God accomplishes all of his work and Christ comes in glory at his Second Coming.

3.       Satan has no power over them.

4.       They do not endure normal pain, but will experience the pains and sorrows of the world.  Experiencing sorrow for the sins of the world seems to suggest they somehow experience, at least in part, the sorrow and pain Jesus felt in taking upon himself the sins of the world.

We are told that the translation experience required they be transfigured or changed from a mortal to an immortal body.  Transfiguration is normally expressed in temporary events, such as when Moses or Joseph Smith saw God.  They both returned to their mortal state, but weakened from the experience.  For those who are translated, the transfiguration is a permanent transformation, making them holy and sanctified both spirit and body.  Though not resurrected, they are in between the resurrected and mortal states.

For these three, this was an ascension event.  They likely were brought up to the throne of God where the change from mortal to immortal was made.  It is actually an event that is anticipated in the LDS endowment, when the members are asked to put the temple robes on top of their normal white clothing.  This change from mortal appearance to immortal appearance, or to a transfigured or translated or resurrected state, is important to recognize.

Mormon speaks to us of the forthcoming Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 29-30

Mormon returns to share his thoughts with us.  He focuses on the works of his hands, the abridgment of the large plates of Nephi.  He explains briefly the main and key events and teachings therein.  The Lord lives and all which his prophets have foretold will come to pass.  When the Book of Mormon comes forth, then Israel would no longer be spurned by God.  Since its publication in 1830, we see that the Jews are returning to Israel. They again have their own nation.  Hundreds of thousands of Lamanites (both direct DNA and cultural descendants) have read the Book of Mormon and know that they are of the House of Israel.

Can you imagine how that sounded at the time Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery translated Mormon’s words?  Only a handful of people believed in the work they were doing.  No one but Joseph saw the metal plates until the Three Witnesses. The early Saints were persecuted and driven from place to place, and still there is this prophecy in the book itself stating that its words would come to the House of Israel, and help prepare them for the Second Coming!

“And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel. And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words which have been spoken are vain, for behold, the Lord will remember his covenant which he hath made unto his people of the house of Israel.  And when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the sword of his justice is in his right hand; and behold, at that day, if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you” (3 Ne 29:2-4).

With the coming of the Book of Mormon, God is beginning to fulfill his work and covenant with Israel.  What a bold statement to make, if this book were made by a fraud.  Instead, we see it coming true.

One thing Mormon does warn Israel and Gentile alike: do not take lightly the revelations and miracles of God.

“Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost!  Yea, and wo unto him that shall say at that day, to get gain, that there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus Christ; for he that doeth this shall become like unto the son of perdition, for whom there was no mercy, according to the word of Christ!” (3 Ne 29:6-7).

In chapter 30, Mormon briefly calls upon the Gentiles to repent.  They must become a part of spiritual Israel, or be destroyed at his Second Coming.  The path is as described many times in the Book of Mormon: faith in Christ, repentance, baptism for remission of sins, and receiving the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Fourth Nephi – the Nephite Millennial Zion

In Fourth Nephi, we begin by seeing the results of the great destruction among the Nephites, followed by the coming of the resurrected Lord, and finally through the teaching of the Twelve.  People throughout the lands of the Nephites and Lamanites repent.  They have a “Millennium” of more than 200 years, before things begin to break down.

What constitutes the key factors behind this Zion period?

1.       “... And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost”

2.       “…the people were all converted unto the Lord” – not just a few. One cannot have a Zion, if some of the people are not converted, truly converted, to the Lord.

3.       “…there were no contentions and disputations among them” – note they had contentions over baptism and the name of the Church, which Jesus had to settle for them.  Now, there were no contentions. Satan had no power over this people.

4.       “…every man did deal justly one with another.”   There were no Gadianton robbers seeking to get gain or advantage over another.  All were honest in their dealings with their fellow man.

5.       “And they had all things common among them….”  Note, this does not say whether the material goods were taken by government via taxes and redistributed.  More likely, they distributed to the poor via the Twelve disciples or an organization set up by them to manage it (local teachers and priests?).

6.       “…they were all made free….”  There were neither slaves nor servants among them. Remember, much of Nephite history deals with one form of slavery or another:  Lamanites seeking to enslave Nephites, Zoramites enslaving their poor, Gadiantons enslaving those who would not join them.

7.       They were all “partakers of the heavenly gift”.  This is a phrase that we could spend lots of pages writing about.  The heavenly gift?  Is it the Holy Ghost?  The 2^nd Comforter?  Perhaps.  But I think it more suggests the concept of Zion as a model of heaven.  Enoch’s Zion was made perfect, the whole people were translated (like the 3 Nephites just mentioned above), and Zion was lifted up and taken to heaven.  It was made into a Celestial temple.  Now, the Nephites had their own Celestial temple here on earth.  The heavenly gift is to dwell in unity among a Zion people, who have all things in common – material and spiritual things, who are all converted to Christ, and who are ready to become one with the Godhead.

And so we see that Christ’s teachings have led us to this point, where we find the people, no longer Nephites and Lamanites, but the people of Christ, living as the pure in heart in a perfect society of love, harmony and peace.

Sadly, it only lasts a few centuries.  Then greed, contention and worldly desires set in.  The people quickly devolve from the finest in the world to the worst the world has ever known.  Once a people have been so enlightened by truth and witnessed Christ as they did, they can never again put the genie back into the bottle and be regular people.  There is only one direction, and that is straight down, as if they got too close to the edge of heaven, slipped, and fell straight to hell.

Herein we see a prophecy of the world today.  A people are led by God to discover the promised land. They prosper when they follow God, and suffer when they disobey their covenant with him.  They eventually come to a great destruction, followed by the Coming of Christ and a Millennial reign.  Afterward, Satan is loosed for a season, wherein the demon will gather those sons of perdition to his side.  All of this leads to a grand and ultimate fight at the end of the world, with the wicked destroyed, and the world is prepared for a new, reborn, people.

Lesson 41: “He Did Expound All Things unto Them” 3 Nephi 22–26

Lesson 41: “He Did Expound All Things unto Them”

3 Nephi 22–26

Sing, O Barren!

3 Nephi 22

Here, the Lord quotes Isaiah 54 prior to expounding the scriptures for the Nephites.  This act (common in the Book of Mormon) of quoting a prophet and then expounding is known as Midrash or as a pesher (commentary) in early Jewish terms.  The Dead Sea Scrolls have peshers such as the Habakkuk Commentary, wherein the author quotes a section of Habakkuk and then explains how it applies to the people and events of his day. 

“And then shall that which is written come to pass: Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child; for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate cities to be inhabited” (3 Ne 22:1-3).

Isaiah writes in desert/wilderness imagery.  The woman who is barren is Israel. She wanders in the wilderness, because the cities are all desolate.  She’s lived in a small pup tent for years, but now is encouraged to enlarge her tent.  Why?  She will now have children and descendants. Israel is barren no more.  Eventually the descendants will be so numerous that they will no longer be able to dwell in the enlarged tent, but will move back into the cities that were once left desolate.

As noted before, the tent symbolizes the Tabernacle or Temple of the Lord.  When Nephi told us that his father “dwelt in a tent,” it held great significance. This is not because he enjoyed camping out, but because his father’s tent represented the sacred space or Holy of Holies, for the family.  As ancient Israel surrounded the Tabernacle, so Lehi’s children’s tents would surround his.  It was here that Lehi had the Vision of the Tree of Life, and discovered the Liahona, a treasure to be stored in a sacred place.

Now, we find that the woman who is cast into the desert has a small tent or Tabernacle.  She is like the twelve tribes wandering for 40 years in the desert.  Once Joshua brought them into the Promised Land, they were able to expand into cities and build a temple to God.

In this instance, the house of Israel will inherit the places left by the Gentiles, who are now left desolate and cast out of the Promised Land.  For the Nephites, this holds important significance, as they will become almost extinct, leaving the Lamanites and other Native Americans in the area as the primary “adopted” House of Joseph in the land.

Isaiah continues by stating that the Lord cast Israel (the woman) out for a time, because she had been unfaithful to the covenant made with Yahweh.  However, he will forgive her and bring her gently back.  She will prosper, and the covenant will stand in full force, once again.  As noted, this covenant is one with the people, not just individuals.

“Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children” (3 Ne 22:11-13).

The Lord describes the building of His House, the Temple.  The woman/church’s children shall be “taught of” (which can mean taught by or taught about) the Lord in his House.  Within the Temple, they will feel peace and safety.

Great are the words of Isaiah

3 Ne 23

The Lord begins explaining and expounding his pesher of Isaiah’s words.

“And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.  For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles” (3 Ne 23:1-2).

Something that many LDS do not note is God gives us a commandment to search diligently in Isaiah’s words.  They are not only for the house of Israel, but Isaiah “must speak also to the Gentiles”.  Isaiah can be hard to understand at first, because he uses poetic form and symbolism to teach.  This means that we must make the effort to understand Isaiah’s methods in order to understand what he is teaching to us.  Too often we skim through the scriptures and the Book of Isaiah in particular, when we should be drinking deeply from the waters therein.  We cannot know the will of God concerning us without understanding Isaiah and the Book of Mormon.  Their message is deeply connected, but is lost on many who choose to skip stones across the ocean of spiritual knowledge.

There are many recent, good studies on Isaiah, both from LDS and non-LDS scholars, which can help us understand his writings better.  I encourage spending a year studying Isaiah, about one chapter a week, and research on the Internet what one can on the wording, symbolism and meaning of each verse.  You’ll be amazed at what you will learn in doing this.

Once Jesus expounded on Isaiah, he commanded the official Nephite record be brought forth.  In looking at them, he noted that Samuel the Lamanite’s prophesy was not included.  He ordered that it be entered into the record.  If Samuel’s words were so important that the Lord commanded them added, perhaps we should spend the urgent time needed to really understand them, as well.

Jesus quotes Malachi

3 Nephi 24-25

The Lord then begins quoting Malachi chapters 3 and 4, on two extremely important teachings regarding the great coming of the Lord.

“Thus said the Father unto Malachi—Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap. And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” 3 Ne 24:1-3, Malachi 3:1-3).

You’ll note that it isn’t Jesus speaking to Malachi, but the Father!  The Lord will come to his temple when no one is expecting it, prepared by his servant.  Some see this as fulfilled in Jesus’ mortal ministry: John the Baptist preparing the way, and Jesus entering the temple at that time.  However, we now see this as a current and future prophecy.

Samuel the Lamanite prepared the way for the coming of Christ in power and glory to the Nephites. He has suddenly come to his temple in the city of Bountiful.  The wicked were not able to abide the day of his coming, having been destroyed in the great earthquakes, whirlwinds, and 3 days of darkness.  Only in purifying the Nephites and their priesthood holders through those refining destructions, were Nephi and the other 11 disciples ready give an offering in righteousness.  The people were ready to sacrifice a broken heart and contrite spirit  as an offering. In doing so, they will create the Nephite “Millennial” (technically 200 years) period of peace.

Jesus also refers to the final days of this earth.  Joseph Smith was called as the servant to prepare the way.  With the gospel restored, with all the covenants and ordinances brought to earth again, the world is prepared to have the Lord “suddenly” come to his temple.  This may be any of the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it may also mean a future temple in Jerusalem.  As it is, the Lord suddenly came to the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836, shortly after its dedication.  He came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (D&C 110), accepting the house of the Lord  and their work of restoration as an “offering in righteousness”.  This is not a complete fulfillment of this prophesy, but is a symbolic fulfilling of it – in anticipation of Jesus’ return in the clouds in great power and glory.

Jesus is called the “messenger of the covenant.”  This refers to the Angel of the Lord’s Presence, or the Messiah.  The covenant of the temple is with God the Father, through Jesus Christ.  Christ or Messiah or Anointed One, represents the One who was called forth to lead the angelic Divine Council and to restore mankind back to the presence of God.  Christ offers himself as the sacrifice, but we must accept his sacrifice by covenant.  He is the Angel of the Lord’s Presence, captain of the Divine Council, and the Messenger of the Covenant that brings people back into the presence of the Lord.

“For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.  But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves in the stall.  And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of Hosts” (3 Ne 25:1-3, Malachi 4:1-3).

Again, Jesus quotes Malachi 4, and again we see this partially fulfilled with the Nephites. The wicked have literally been burnt as stubble, as cities have been destroyed by fire – perhaps from volcanic lava and melted rocks being rained down upon them. Only those that feared God survived the ordeal, and were now able to stand in Jesus’ presence.  Christ called them forth, healing the sick and afflicted, blessing the children. With the balm of Gilead, Jesus healed them from what must have been intense post traumatic stress disorder, caused by the destructions they endured.  They were renewed, born again, protected, even as calves in the stall.

In the last days, we shall also see such destructions.  There are some Christians and LDS who believe we can build a Zion society in the world without the conflagrations and destruction of the wicked. They hope we will not have massive evil, wars, pestilences, and deaths.  But the scriptures are very clear that the events that preceded Jesus’ coming in glory to the Nephites will also be seen in the last days of earth.  Only the righteous may be rescued, as calves in a stall.

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (3 Ne 25:5-6).

This scripture is the only one I’m aware of that is quoted in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.  It has had at least a partial fulfillment in the Kirtland temple, when Elijah, Moses and Elias (Abraham?) came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to give them keys and authorities for the work of the restoration (D&C 110).  Elijah’s work was to bring the sealing powers of the priesthood, so as to seal families together to their ancestors (turning the hearts of the fathers and children towards one another).

In the Jewish celebration of Passover, the feast is prepared with one empty seat at the table.  This seat is for the prophet Elijah, in case he comes to that home prior to the coming of the Messiah.  Interestingly, Elijah visited Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple during Passover (April 3, 1836).

It is possible that there will be another final visit by Elijah, as well.  What it could entail, in regards to turning the hearts of fathers and children to one another, can only be imagined.

Isaiah, Samuel and Malachi

So, why would the Lord offer us these three prophets’ words together like this?  Why not the words of Moses, Nephi or Zenock?  There is a pattern in the words of Isaiah, Samuel and Malachi.  Jesus uses them as three witnesses to his coming in great power.

Isaiah speaks of the temple in the wilderness being returned to the Promised Land, the woman no longer barren.  Samuel the Lamanite foresees the coming of Christ in power and glory to the Nephites, along with the destruction of the wicked.  Malachi sees the Lord’s return to a people who are ready to receive him, who are no longer barren, but are a people that have turned their hearts to their ancestors and descendants.  Malachi sees the Lord coming to his temple, no longer lost and wandering in the wilderness.  The three see Christ coming to save His people from the wicked world, destroying those who are Israel’s enemies.

They foresee a time when Israel (Nephites, etc) will become one people in Jesus.  The Lord will fight their battles (as we’ll see more of in the next lesson), and they will be one in the temple, the House of the Lord, forever.

Book of Mormon Lesson 40: “Then Will I Gather Them In” 3 Nephi 16; 20–21

Lesson 40: “Then Will I Gather Them In”

 3 Nephi 16; 20–21

I have other sheep

3 Nephi 16

Jesus told the Nephites that they are the other sheep, whom he referred to when speaking to the Jews.  Yet, now we find that the Nephites are not the only “other sheep.”  These primarily include the other lost tribes of Israel.  However, the Lord seems to add an additional Beatitude here:

“And blessed are the Gentiles, because of their belief in me, in and of the Holy Ghost, which witnesses unto them of me and of the Father” (3 Ne 16:6).

The Gentiles may also be blessed, even as Israel is when they believe and obey.  While they cannot see the Lord without the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood (D&C 84:19-26), they can feel the witness of the Holy Ghost as it testifies of the Father and Son.  Note that this is not just a promise to the Gentiles among the Latter-day Saints, but to all Gentiles.  When missionaries testify of God, Christ and the restored gospel to people, it is the Holy Ghost that witnesses of these truths.

The Holy Ghost testifies not only of celestial truths, but also of the truths of terrestrial things.  The Law of Moses and Aaronic Priesthood are terrestrial.  They received the key to the ministering of angels, who speak by the power of the Holy Ghost.

It is too easy and simple to think that because God restored the fullness of the gospel through Joseph Smith that God cannot speak to others, as well.  In Alma 29:8, we find that the Lord delivers to each people and nation the amount of light and truth they are ready and willing to receive.  Most Christian churches are good and inspired to the level in which they accept God’s truth.  Even the LDS Church, with its continuing revelation, recognizes that it does not have all truth, only a fullness of it.  This means we have enough to bless and exalt people.  It does not mean we have all the answers.  So, we see Jesus tell the Nephites:

“Behold, because of their belief in me, saith the Father, and because of the unbelief of you, O house of Israel, in the latter day shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that the fulness of these things shall be made known unto them” (3 Ne 16:7).

God gives them a fullness of “these things” meaning of spiritual truths, covenants and ordinances.  It does not mean a fullness of all things nor all truth.  From Adam to Joseph Smith to our modern prophet, all have to deal with the human struggle to gain revelation, and then to understand that revelation.

Gentiles reject the Gospel

“And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them” (3 Ne 16:10).

This isn’t a question of IF the Gentiles will reject Christ, but WHEN.  Note the signs of their apostasy from Christianity: pride, lying, dishonesty, murder, priestcraft, whoredoms and secret combinations. Today, we find Europe is basically non-Christian. The United States is increasingly changing from religious to spiritual, where people believe in God but do little about that belief.  Marriage covenants are replaced with marriages of convenience, which may be broken on a whim.  Many live together, rather than be burdened with the marriage covenant.  Sex is everywhere and all too common, replacing true love with just a physical attraction. Dishonesty and lying are spreading, as bankers and Congressmen seek to hide their dealings in crashing the US economy in 2008.  A recent study shows that most scientific papers that are recalled are rescinded because of dishonesty, rather than honest mistakes.  Murders increase around the globe.  Many churches have replaced the 10 Commandments with the 10 Suggestions in order to be popular and rich.  Secret combinations abound in gangs, governments, unions and big business.

If we have not yet reached the end of the Gentiles’ time to enjoy the fullness of God’s blessings, we are rapidly approaching it.  In that day, Israel will gain power over the Gentiles of Europe and America.  They will trample down those who oppose them.  God will redeem Israel, and Isaiah tells us that in that day,

“The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God” (3 Ne 16:20).

The Sacrament again

3 Nephi 20

Jesus provides the bread and wine to the Nephites.  He administers to his twelve apostles, who then administered to the twelve groups of Nephites.  As noted in previous lessons, while baptism sometimes seems like an individual ordinance and covenant, we see in the renewal of those covenants via the Sacrament that it is a communal experience.  The people renew their covenants as a group.  This is part and parcel of Christ’s desire to make them one people, by having them covenant together as one.

Jesus teaches of Isaiah

Afterwards, Jesus commands the people to study the words of Isaiah, especially in regards to the Lord’s promises with Israel (as we read in 3 Ne 16:18-20).

“…when they (Isaiah’s words) shall be fulfilled then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath made unto his people, O house of Israel” (3 Ne 20:12).

Isaiah foresaw the coming of the gospel to the Gentiles, and later the apostasy of the Gentiles.  Now the Lord will return the covenant to the house of Israel and the few humble Gentiles that continue to believe.  The final gathering of Israel will occur at that time.  Currently, we are primarily involved in the spiritual gathering of Israel.  In the last times, we will see the physical gathering of Israel.  They will come to know their Lord and follow him.

As for the Gentiles, if they reject God and work against Israel, the Lord tells the Nephites:

“Then shall ye, who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver….And it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that the sword of my justice shall hang over them at that day; and except they repent it shall fall upon them, saith the Father, yea, even upon all the nations of the Gentiles….And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people (Israel); yea, even I will be in the midst of you.” (3 Ne 20:16-22).

Israel (whether the Jews or the descendants of the house of Joseph, etc.) will have the covenant with God.  He will make them powerful and lead them to victory.  Only those Gentiles who humble themselves and repent shall avoid the destructions of the last days.

Again, Jesus references the covenant with Abraham.  This covenant is all about the people as a group, and not an individual.  Abraham, Isaac and Jacob symbolize the Godhead, and Israel are their children.  When Israel learns to be one as a covenant people, they become holy and God can dwell in their midst.  In conjunction with the Abrahamic covenant, the Lord quotes Isaiah to place a well known quote into the context of the covenant people:

“And then shall they say: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings unto them of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!” (3 Ne 20:40, Isa 52:7).

Depart from Babylon

“And then shall a cry go forth: Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch not that which is unclean; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord” (3 Ne 20:41).

Here we see two concepts: leaving Babylon behind (both physically and spiritually).  Babylon represents the evils and sins of the world.  The Gentiles will forsake God in exchange for the wealth and prestige of Babylon.  They will spiritually decay and canker.

The “vessels of the Lord” represents the holy items connected to the Temple or Tabernacle.  When the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, they took with them a portable temple, the Tabernacle of Moses.  The priests and Levites were the only ones allowed to carry the sacred items from one site to another.  Once reestablished, the priests were to offer sacrifice and perform other important ordinances within the holy sanctuary.  Whether carrying incense burners or the Ark of the Covenant, the priesthood holders were expected to be clean or holy.  When on priest offered strange fire to the Lord, he was destroyed.  As the Ark of the Covenant was being carried and tipped a little, a Levite tried to steady the ark. Since he was not allowed to touch it, he was not clean nor allowed to be near the ark.  The Lord destroyed him, as well.

There are many Gentiles among us today who seek to steady the ark, even though they have not the authority.  Many heavily criticize the doctrines and teachings, the Brethren and other leaders, whom the critics see as weak or foolish.  These doctrines and leaders are not required to be perfect.  They are expected to be clean.  In humbly seeking to be holy, the Lord sanctifies them.  Meanwhile those who offer strange fire or steady the ark will find that the Lord will destroy them someday, if they do not humble themselves and repent.

The Gentiles and Israel

3 Nephi 21

“...it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel;
And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to know these things—it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel” (3 Ne 21:6-7).

The Lord gives the sign of the last days to Israel.  The Gentiles will receive the writings of the Nephites and deliver them to the lost tribes of Israel.  At that time, the fulfilling of the covenant with Israel shall commence.  When the Gentiles, by and large, reject the gospel truths they once embraced, then the house of Israel will be restored completely to the covenant.  Those Gentiles who humble themselves will become a part of the house of Israel.  This includes most of the members of European, Asian, and African heritage.

Finally, the Lord will do away with Babylon.  It will be destroyed.  Anyone involved with the enticements of Babylon risk being destroyed.  

In this last day, Jesus states that the “work of the Father shall commence.”  It is a work that is tied directly with the believers and followers, those of the spiritual and physical house of Israel. They shall learn, as a people, to call upon the Father in Jesus’ name.  This work is one of spiritually converting and physically gathering Israel to the promised lands: Jerusalem and Zion.  The righteous will not have to leave in haste, as Lot had to escape Sodom.  But they will gather under the power of God in Zion and her stakes, as well as the Jews in Jerusalem.  This will be the refuge for the righteous.