Third Nephi 1-5Third Nephi 1-5

In 1879In 1879, it was recommended by , it was recommended by Orson Pratt that the heading of the Orson Pratt that the heading of the Book of NephiBook of Nephi which contained both which contained both third and fourth Nephi be changed third and fourth Nephi be changed to Third and Fourth Nephi. It was to Third and Fourth Nephi. It was also the first time the Book of also the first time the Book of Mormon had numbered verses.Mormon had numbered verses.

It is clear that Third Nephi contains some of the most It is clear that Third Nephi contains some of the most moving and powerful passages in all scripturemoving and powerful passages in all scripture. .

It testifies of Jesus Christ, His prophets, and the It testifies of Jesus Christ, His prophets, and the doctrines of salvation…. What a blessing it would be if doctrines of salvation…. What a blessing it would be if every family would read together Third Nephi, discuss every family would read together Third Nephi, discuss its sacred contents, and then determine how they can its sacred contents, and then determine how they can liken it unto themselves and apply its teachings in their liken it unto themselves and apply its teachings in their lives. lives.

Third Nephi is a book that should be read and read Third Nephi is a book that should be read and read againagain ( (Teachings of Ezra Taft BensonTeachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 60)., 60).

Third NephiThird Nephi““Nowhere in the scriptures do we have a more Nowhere in the scriptures do we have a more beautiful or detailed record of God’s dealings with man beautiful or detailed record of God’s dealings with man than in the account of this visit as recorded in Third than in the account of this visit as recorded in Third Nephi. I commend to all the reading of this account. Nephi. I commend to all the reading of this account. Surely we can find nothing there except some Surely we can find nothing there except some warnings and beautiful teachings which, if accepted warnings and beautiful teachings which, if accepted and lived, will do more than anything else to bring and lived, will do more than anything else to bring peace and happiness to the world and to the peace and happiness to the world and to the individualindividual… Here we can find explanations for many … Here we can find explanations for many unanswered questions in the Bible” (N. Eldon Tanner, unanswered questions in the Bible” (N. Eldon Tanner, EnsignEnsign, May 1975, 34)., May 1975, 34).

Third Nephi Third Nephi ““The Fifth GospelThe Fifth Gospel””

The first seven chapters show the need for the The first seven chapters show the need for the destruction.destruction.

Chapter eight begins the destruction for those who Chapter eight begins the destruction for those who won’t repent.won’t repent.

The remaining chapters call for The remaining chapters call for repentance to those repentance to those who were more righteous than those who were who were more righteous than those who were destroyeddestroyed..

3 Nephi 1:33 Nephi 1:3

Perhaps Nephi was translated like Alma the Younger (Alma Perhaps Nephi was translated like Alma the Younger (Alma 45:18-19).45:18-19).

3 Nephi 1:43 Nephi 1:4

Signs flow from faith and are a product of it. Signs flow from faith and are a product of it.

Signs are not to produce faith, but to reward it. Signs are not to produce faith, but to reward it.

Signs are wonders and miracles manifested to the faithful. Signs are wonders and miracles manifested to the faithful.

It is not uncommon in the scriptures to see the most marvelous It is not uncommon in the scriptures to see the most marvelous signs of Gods power ignored by those without faith. signs of Gods power ignored by those without faith.

If someone joins this church because of a miracle, it will be a If someone joins this church because of a miracle, it will be a miracle if they stay in itmiracle if they stay in it..

3 Nephi 1:12-143 Nephi 1:12-14

Divine investiture of authorityDivine investiture of authority operates in operates in circumstances other than those where the Savior circumstances other than those where the Savior speaks on behalf of the Father. speaks on behalf of the Father.

For example, the Holy Ghost speaks on behalf of For example, the Holy Ghost speaks on behalf of Christ (Moses 5:9) and angels speak in behalf of the Christ (Moses 5:9) and angels speak in behalf of the Lord (Revelation 22:8-13). Lord (Revelation 22:8-13). It may well be that the It may well be that the words spoken to Nephi the night before the Savior to words spoken to Nephi the night before the Savior to be born were spoken by the Spirit or an angel in be born were spoken by the Spirit or an angel in behalf of Christbehalf of Christ ((McConkie,McConkie, The Mortal Messiah 1:349, The Mortal Messiah 1:349, note 1).note 1).

3 Nephi 1:133 Nephi 1:13

Oh, the magnitude of that sacrifice, that condescension! That Oh, the magnitude of that sacrifice, that condescension! That night, God the Son traded his heavenly home with all its celestial night, God the Son traded his heavenly home with all its celestial adornments for a mortal abode with all its primitive trappings. He adornments for a mortal abode with all its primitive trappings. He was left alone to inherit a manger. He exchanged the dominion of was left alone to inherit a manger. He exchanged the dominion of a god for the dependence of a babe. He gave up wealth, power, a god for the dependence of a babe. He gave up wealth, power, dominion, and the fullness of his glory --- for what? --- for taunting, dominion, and the fullness of his glory --- for what? --- for taunting, mocking, humiliation, and subjection. It was a trade of mocking, humiliation, and subjection. It was a trade of unparalleled dimension, a condescension of incredible unparalleled dimension, a condescension of incredible proportions, a descent of incalculable depth. And so, the great proportions, a descent of incalculable depth. And so, the great Jehovah, creator of worlds without number, infinite in virtue and Jehovah, creator of worlds without number, infinite in virtue and power, made his entry into this world in swaddling clothes and a power, made his entry into this world in swaddling clothes and a manger (Callister, manger (Callister, The Infinite AtonementThe Infinite Atonement, 2000, 64)., 2000, 64).

When Does the Spirit When Does the Spirit Enter the BodyEnter the Body??

“ “ The Book of Mormon account on Christ speaking to The Book of Mormon account on Christ speaking to Nephi the grandson of Helaman and saying, ‘On the Nephi the grandson of Helaman and saying, ‘On the morrow come I into the world’ (3 Nephi 1:13), is not morrow come I into the world’ (3 Nephi 1:13), is not intended to infer that the spirit does not enter the body intended to infer that the spirit does not enter the body until the moment of the actual birth. Rather this until the moment of the actual birth. Rather this revelation to the Nephites was itself being conveyed in revelation to the Nephites was itself being conveyed in a miraculous and unusual way. Quite probably the one a miraculous and unusual way. Quite probably the one uttering the words was speaking in the first person as uttering the words was speaking in the first person as though he were Christ, in accordance with the law though he were Christ, in accordance with the law enabling other to act and speak for Deity on the enabling other to act and speak for Deity on the principal of divine investiture of authority" (Bruce R. principal of divine investiture of authority" (Bruce R. McConkieMcConkie, DNTC, 1:85)., DNTC, 1:85).

B.C. to A.D. were added in B.C. to A.D. were added in 1920 by Elder Talmage and 1920 by Elder Talmage and committee. Also, it is the committee. Also, it is the first time the Book of first time the Book of Mormon had two columns Mormon had two columns on each page.on each page.

3 Nephi 1:243 Nephi 1:24

How should we respond to those How should we respond to those who want to contend with us over who want to contend with us over the scriptures?the scriptures?

Doctrine and Covenants 71:7Doctrine and Covenants 71:7

There are some of other faiths who do not regard us as There are some of other faiths who do not regard us as Christians. That is not important…”Christians. That is not important…”I hope we do not argue over I hope we do not argue over this matterthis matter. .

There is no reason to debate it. We simply, quietly, and without There is no reason to debate it. We simply, quietly, and without apology testify that God has revealed Himself and His beloved apology testify that God has revealed Himself and His beloved Son in opening this full and final dispensation of His work.Son in opening this full and final dispensation of His work.

““We must not become disagreeable as we talk of doctrinal We must not become disagreeable as we talk of doctrinal differencesdifferences……

““We can respect other religions, and must do so. We must We can respect other religions, and must do so. We must recognize the great good they accomplish. We must teach our recognize the great good they accomplish. We must teach our children to be tolerant friendly toward those not of our faith…children to be tolerant friendly toward those not of our faith…

““A holier-than-thou attitude is not becoming of us” (Gordon B. A holier-than-thou attitude is not becoming of us” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Hinckley, Ensign, Ensign, May 1998, 4May 1998, 4).).

Why We Are Not Considered Why We Are Not Considered Christians By the WorldChristians By the World!!

1. We do not come from the traditional Catholic or 1. We do not come from the traditional Catholic or Protestant line.Protestant line.

2. We do not believe in “the Trinity.”2. We do not believe in “the Trinity.”

3. Our unusual doctrines.3. Our unusual doctrines.

Concerning mainstream Christianity, they say: Concerning mainstream Christianity, they say: “You’re not like us, and we say, you’re right, and we “You’re not like us, and we say, you’re right, and we don’t want to be!”don’t want to be!”

John TaylorJohn Taylor

3 Nephi 1:293 Nephi 1:29

““We Must Protect Ourselves from Being Led AstrayWe Must Protect Ourselves from Being Led Astray””

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “You face President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “You face tremendous temptation. It comes at you in the halls of tremendous temptation. It comes at you in the halls of popular entertainment, on the internet, in the movies, popular entertainment, on the internet, in the movies, on television, in cheap literature, and in other ways ---on television, in cheap literature, and in other ways ---subtle, titillating, and difficult to resist. Peer pressure subtle, titillating, and difficult to resist. Peer pressure may be almost overpowering, But, my dear young may be almost overpowering, But, my dear young friends, you must not give in. You must be strong, friends, you must not give in. You must be strong, You must take the long look ahead rather than You must take the long look ahead rather than succumbing to the present seductive temptation….succumbing to the present seductive temptation….

“…“…You are the best generation we have ever You are the best generation we have ever had. You know the gospel better. You are had. You know the gospel better. You are more faithful in your duties. You are stronger to more faithful in your duties. You are stronger to face the temptations which come your way. face the temptations which come your way. Live by your standards. Pray for guidance and Live by your standards. Pray for guidance and protection of the Lord. He will never leave you protection of the Lord. He will never leave you alone. He will comfort you. He will sustain you. alone. He will comfort you. He will sustain you. He will bless and magnify you and make your He will bless and magnify you and make your reward sweet and beautiful. And you will reward sweet and beautiful. And you will discover that your example will attract others discover that your example will attract others who will take courage from your strength” (C.R., who will take courage from your strength” (C.R., Oct. 2003, 86-88).Oct. 2003, 86-88).

3 Nephi 2:1-43 Nephi 2:1-4

Why do the Wicked Sometimes See SignsWhy do the Wicked Sometimes See Signs??

1. 1. To vindicate prophets (Mosiah 20:21).To vindicate prophets (Mosiah 20:21).

2. 2. Leave the wicked without excuse (D&C 63:7).Leave the wicked without excuse (D&C 63:7).

3. 3. Show correctness of prophets’ words (Helaman Show correctness of prophets’ words (Helaman 9:2-4).9:2-4).

4. 4. Condemn the wicked (Matthew 12:39).Condemn the wicked (Matthew 12:39).

3 Types of Calendar Systems3 Types of Calendar Systems::

3 Nephi 2:5-83 Nephi 2:5-8

1. 1. The number of years since Lehi left The number of years since Lehi left Jerusalem, used from 600 B.C. to 92 B.C. (I Nephi Jerusalem, used from 600 B.C. to 92 B.C. (I Nephi – – Mosiah 29).Mosiah 29).

2.2. From the reign of the Judges, used from 92 B.C From the reign of the Judges, used from 92 B.C to to A.D. 9 (Mosiah 29 – 3 Nephi 1).A.D. 9 (Mosiah 29 – 3 Nephi 1).

3.3. From the time of birth of Christ, used for the From the time of birth of Christ, used for the remainder of their record (3 Nephi 1 – Moroni 10).remainder of their record (3 Nephi 1 – Moroni 10).

3 Nephi 3-43 Nephi 3-4Physical and Spiritual PreparationPhysical and Spiritual Preparation

Elder Oaks asked, “What if the day of His coming were Elder Oaks asked, “What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow --- through our premature death or His unexpected coming --- --- through our premature death or His unexpected coming --- what would we do today? What confessions would we make? what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would we settle? What forgiveness would we extend? What we settle? What forgiveness would we extend? What testimonies would we bear?testimonies would we bear?

““If you would do those things then, why not now? Why not seek If you would do those things then, why not now? Why not seek peace while peace can be obtained? If our lamps of peace while peace can be obtained? If our lamps of preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to replenish them (C.R., Apr. 2004, 7-8).replenish them (C.R., Apr. 2004, 7-8).

3 Nephi 3:23 Nephi 3:2

FlatteryFlattery = = insincere praise! insincere praise!

Usually overstated or untrue, it is a tool of the devil.Usually overstated or untrue, it is a tool of the devil.

““When the Devil cannot overcome an individual When the Devil cannot overcome an individual through temptation to commit wickedness, when he through temptation to commit wickedness, when he sees that a person is determined to walk in the line sees that a person is determined to walk in the line and travel straight forward into the celestial kingdom, and travel straight forward into the celestial kingdom, he will adopt a course of flattery, will strive to exercise he will adopt a course of flattery, will strive to exercise a pleasing influence and move along smoothly with a pleasing influence and move along smoothly with him and when he sees an opportunity he will try to turn him and when he sees an opportunity he will try to turn him out of the way, if it is only to the extent of a hair’s him out of the way, if it is only to the extent of a hair’s breadth’ (breadth’ (Discourses of Brigham YoungDiscourses of Brigham Young, comp. John , comp. John A. Widtsoe (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,1941, A. Widtsoe (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,1941, 81).81).

3 Nephi 3:12, 15-16, 25-263 Nephi 3:12, 15-16, 25-26

How are our prayers and our works How are our prayers and our works relatedrelated??

““Here the Lord counsels us on balance. Faith is vital, Here the Lord counsels us on balance. Faith is vital, but it must be accompanied by the personal work but it must be accompanied by the personal work appropriate to the task. Only then do we qualify for appropriate to the task. Only then do we qualify for the blessing. the blessing. The appropriate approach is to study as The appropriate approach is to study as if everything depended upon us and then to pray and if everything depended upon us and then to pray and exercise faith as if everything depended on the Lordexercise faith as if everything depended on the Lord” ” ((Dallin H. Oaks, Dallin H. Oaks, EnsignEnsign, October 1994,11, October 1994,11).).

3 Nephi 4:333 Nephi 4:33

““Hearts were swollen with joy, unto the Hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears”gushing out of many tears”

We hear the words of the Lord most often by a We hear the words of the Lord most often by a feelingfeeling. If we are humble and sensitive, the . If we are humble and sensitive, the Lord will prompt us through our feelings. That Lord will prompt us through our feelings. That is why spiritual promptings move us on is why spiritual promptings move us on occasion to great joy, sometimes to tears. Many occasion to great joy, sometimes to tears. Many times my emotions have been made tender and times my emotions have been made tender and my feelings very sensitive when touched by the my feelings very sensitive when touched by the spirit” spirit” ((Ezra Taft Benson, Ezra Taft Benson, TeachingsTeachings, 77, 77).).

3 Nephi 5:133 Nephi 5:13

What constitutes “a disciple of Jesus ChristWhat constitutes “a disciple of Jesus Christ”?”?

““Discipleship is general; any follower of a man Discipleship is general; any follower of a man or devotee to a principle may be called a or devotee to a principle may be called a disciple. The Holy Apostleship is an office and disciple. The Holy Apostleship is an office and calling… comprising as a distinguishing calling… comprising as a distinguishing function that of personal and special witness to function that of personal and special witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ as the one and only the divinity of Jesus Christ as the one and only Redeemer and Savior of mankind “(James E. Redeemer and Savior of mankind “(James E. Talmage, Talmage, Jesus the ChristJesus the Christ, 212)., 212).

3 Nephi 5:253 Nephi 5:25How much of the Lord’s gospel is covenant How much of the Lord’s gospel is covenant relatedrelated??

““God’s people have been known as a covenant God’s people have been known as a covenant people. The gospel itself is the new and everlasting people. The gospel itself is the new and everlasting covenant. The posterity of Abraham through Isaac and covenant. The posterity of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob is the covenant race. We come into the Church Jacob is the covenant race. We come into the Church by covenant, which we enter into when we go into the by covenant, which we enter into when we go into the waters of baptism. The new and everlasting covenant waters of baptism. The new and everlasting covenant of celestial marriage is the gate to exaltation in the of celestial marriage is the gate to exaltation in the celestial kingdom. Men receive the Melchizedek celestial kingdom. Men receive the Melchizedek Priesthood by an oath and covenant” Priesthood by an oath and covenant” ((Marion G. Marion G. Romney, C.R., April 1962).Romney, C.R., April 1962).

3 Nephi 5:263 Nephi 5:26

““They” They” = = “Us”“Us”

The gift we give the Lord is “Gathered Israel.”The gift we give the Lord is “Gathered Israel.”

((Isaiah 18Isaiah 18))