Ether 13- Moroni 10

The book of Ether’s account of the tragic destruction of a once-great nation helps us see the inevitable consequences of rejecting the prophets and the devastating results of unrestrained sin. In contrast, we also read some profound instruction on faith in Jesus Christ. The combined teachings of the prophets Ether and Moroni demonstrate that faith leads to repentance, brings about miracles, and turns personal weakness into strength. Sadly, the Jaredites refused to heed Ether’s teachings and turned away from the truth that could have saved them. As you read Ether, chapters 11–15, ask yourself the question “What lessons are there in these chapters for me and the generation I live in?”

After Moroni ended his abridgment of the Jaredite history (see Ether 13:1; 15:34), he presumed that he would not survive to write any additional records (see Moroni 1). However, he lived an additional 36 years after the final battle between the Lamanites and the Nephites (see Mormon 6:5; Moroni 10:1).

During this time Moroni recorded additional sacred truths valuable to latter-day readers. These chapters are especially helpful for us because they contain guidelines concerning the proper administration of ordinances—especially the sacrament—and the place of the Holy Ghost in the daily administration of the Church. Moroni also highlighted the need for Church members to watch over and nourish new members who join the Church.

Here we read Mormon’s powerful sermon as recorded by his son Moroni. Previous to Moroni 7, Mormon’s scriptural work consisted primarily of abridging other prophets’ writings. Here we read Mormon’s powerful sermon that he gave to a

righteous group of Church members (see Moroni 7:2–3). Mormon taught Saints who lived in a spiritually deteriorating society how to draw closer to God. This discourse emphasizes the need for proper motivation or intent in our actions, how to discern between good and evil, and the important relationship between faith, hope, and charity.

In a day when many followers of Christ forsake righteousness to pursue the enticements of the world, what is expected of faithful Church members? President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) explained: “In the final letter recorded in the Book of Mormon from Mormon to his son Moroni, he gave counsel that applies to our day. Both father and son were seeing a whole Christian civilization fall because its people would not serve the God of the land, even Jesus Christ. Mormon wrote,

‘And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God’ (Moroni 9:6). You and I have a similar labor to perform now—to conquer the enemy and rest our souls in the kingdom” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 104; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 85).

As the Book of Mormon nears its close, it proclaims the power of the Atonement and demonstrates Mormon’s faithfulness to the cause of righteousness, even while Nephites were falling rapidly into profound wickedness. Mormon’s letters to his son Moroni reveal the inevitable results of sin and how becoming “past feeling” leads to indescribable wickedness.

Chapters 8–9 of Moroni offer valuable insight into the importance of living according to the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Moroni concluded his writings by discussing three important principles with his readers. The first focuses
on the need to learn and have a witness of the truths found in this sacred record. The second is a charge to understand and acquire the spiritual gifts available to us. Finally, he pleads with each of us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

As you conclude this study of the Book of Mormon, look for these principles. Come to know for yourself the truthfulness of the book by following Moroni’s promise (see Moroni 10:3–5 ). Learn of the gifts of the Spirit and seek to develop those the Lord has given you. Finally, seek to show by your actions that you are striving daily to come unto Christ.

Remember what the Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) declared: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its recepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461; Book of Mormon introduction).

Ether 1-12

The Book of Mormon is not arranged in chronological order. If it were, the book of Ether would be listed first.The Jaredite record begins approximately 2200 B.C. First Nephi begins in 600 B.C. The book of Ether covers over 1,700 years of history from 2200 B.C. down to the time of Coriantumr. We don’t know exactly when Coriantumr lived, but it was somewhere between 500 and 250 B.C. The rest of the Book of Mormon from the books of 1 Nephi to Moroni covers approximately 1,000 years of history.

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

God, the brother of Jared was able to lead this group to another land. The story of this migration is filled with important principles that we can apply to our lives today. These principles include the exercise of faith to receive divine assistance and the role of prayer in accomplishing difficult tasks. As you study the life of the brother of Jared, you will learn of the blessings that come when individuals exercise strong faith.

 Here is a review of the origins of the book of Ether:

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

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

4 Nephi - Mormon 9

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

Tragically, the second half of 4 Nephi reveals how a righteous and happy people allowed pride and

apostasy to enter their lives, bringing the eventual destruction of their society. As you study this book of
scripture, seek to understand what led to the happiness of the Nephite society as well as what led to the misery
and destruction of their society.

Having summarized accounts of the Lord’s visit among the Nephites and the 200-year era of peace that

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

By studying the final testimony of Mormon and the initial writings of Moroni, you will better understand

the role and purpose of the Book of Mormon. Moroni declared: “I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing” (Mormon 8:35). Moroni’s prophetic vantage point allowed him to complete the Nephite record with total awareness of both the escalating wickedness
and the great spiritual blessings of the dispensation of the fulness of times. In a day when some people
might be inclined to abandon faith in the face of great difficulties, Moroni’s words teach us to see
miracles and revelations as evidence that “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (see Mormon
9:9). Although the spiritual and social conditions in the world may be in a state of constant change
and decline, God’s covenant people can have full confidence that He is eternally the same.

3 Nephi 18-30

During His visit to the Nephites, the Savior instituted the sacrament and emphasized that the purpose of the

sacrament is to remember Him. He promised, “If ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be

with you” (3 Nephi 18:11). This same promise is part of the sacrament prayer. While you study 3 Nephi 18–19,
ponder what Jesus taught about the sacrament and about prayer and how these teachings can help you
deepen your discipleship of Christ so you can more fully enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

The hope of all righteous parents is that their descendants will come to know God for themselves
and be faithful to Him. God promised Abraham and his descendants that in the latter days their posterity
would have the blessings of the gospel and would be gathered to places of safety. The Father commanded
the Savior to teach these promises to the Nephites.

The principle of gathering involves more than assembling people together on certain lands. It

also includes a spiritual gathering that occurs when someone comes in contact with and joins the Church.
In their scattered condition, Israel lost the knowledge of their God, His gospel, the priesthood, the temple, and
the truths of salvation. The Father promised, however, that He would reach out to Israel in the last days and
offer them His gospel, His priesthood, the temple, and the path to eternal life. Heavenly Father wants to offer
the blessings of the gospel to all of His children and is helping to bring about this latter-day gathering.

During the second day of His three-day ministry, the Savior endorsed and expounded on the prophecies of

Isaiah and Malachi. He observed the extent of Isaiah’s prophecies as touching on “all things concerning my
people which are of the house of Israel” (3 Nephi 23:2).

Jesus Christ personally examined the scriptural record or accuracy and caused that the fulfillment of Samuel’s

prophesy of the Resurrection and the words of Malachi be included (see 3 Nephi 24:1; 26:1–2). Malachi’s words
declare the blessings associated with the law of tithing and the role the prophet Elijah would have during the
last days in preparation for the Second Coming.

The Lord commanded each of us to search the scriptures and the prophets (see 3 Nephi 23:5). The

Savior declared it is wisdom that “these scriptures . . .should be given unto future generations” (3 Nephi
26:2). Every Latter-day Saint has a duty to diligently search the scriptures. Consider what it means to
diligently search the scriptures and the prophets rather than merely reading them.

Near the end of His ministry to the Nephites, the Savior explained what constituted His gospel. This

block of scripture in 3 Nephi 27–30 also contains more information on translated beings (the three
Nephite disciples) than anywhere else in the scriptures.

Through studying chapter 28, you will better understand why the Lord chooses to translate some of

His mortal servants. Finally, 3 Nephi ends with Mormon describing the Book of Mormon’s role in the latter-day
gathering of Israel and the Lord (through Mormon) warning the Gentiles in the latter days to repent and
turn unto Him. This is a good opportunity to recommit to using the Book of Mormon in your life and in
inviting others to come unto the Savior.

3 Nephi 6-17

Ponder the spoken witness from Heavenly Father: “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,

in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him” (3 Nephi 11:7). Envision how you would have responded if you had been there for this announcement and the appearance of Jesus Christ—the crowning event of the Book of Mormon. Imagine how you would have felt when you heard the Son declare, “Behold,  I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world” (3 Nephi 11:10). Consider the impact on the lives of those who received a spiritual and physical witness of the reality of Jesus Christ. The voice of God was heard several times by this people. As you read 3 Nephi 8–11 look for what He taught. Consider your ability to recognize God’s voice and follow His message for you.

In His mortal ministry Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount to encourage His disciples to strive toward perfection with full purpose of heart. Following His Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the Book of Mormon people in the Western Hemisphere and again delivered this sermon. 

The gospel standards contained in this sermon have been reaffirmed in our time through modern revelation. President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency observed: “The Savior’s transcendent message in the Sermon on the Mount is of burning-bush importance to all of us: ‘But seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness’ [ Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 6:38; see also Matthew 6:33]. This message needs to penetrate into our hearts and souls. As we accept this message, we are taking our personal stand in this life” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 68; or Ensign,May 2004, 67). Through your study of these sacred principles in the Book of Mormon, you will gain insights that will help you stay faithful and remain on the road to perfection.

In the time of Moses the children of Israel were stiffnecked and hard of heart. As a result, they lost the privilege of living the fulness of the higher law (see Mosiah 13:29–31). Instead, along with portions of the higher law that they were still allowed to live, the law of Moses (the lesser law) was added to help them come to Christ (see D&C 84:18–27). After His Resurrection, Jesus Christ taught the Nephites that the law of Moses was fulfilled in Him (see 3 Nephi 12:17–18). He taught that “old things had passed away” (3 Nephi 15:2–4) and that He is “the law, and the light” to follow (3 Nephi 15:9).

 As you read 3 Nephi 15–17, notice the difference between the unbelieving Jews and the teachable Nephites. Contrast truths the Savior withheld from those at Jerusalem with the remarkable revelation given in the Americas. Observe that comprehending His teachings requires faith, pondering, and prayer. You will realize the tremendous worth of paying that price as you read about the indescribable joy experienced by these more faithful disciples and the miraculous experiences of their believing children.

Helamen 12- 3 Nephi 5

The gospel of Jesus Christ offers all people the opportunity to change. Throughout much of the Book

of Mormon, the Lamanites’ “deeds [had] been evil”; however, “the preaching of the Nephites” (Helaman 15:4) led “the more part of them” to receive the gospel (Helaman 6:1) and experience a mighty change of heart. Here in the book of Helaman is an obvious reversal of roles—a people who had once been taught became the teachers. Many Nephites, on the other hand, had become prideful and ignored their own prophets, so the Lord sent a Lamanite prophet to warn them to repent and prepare for the coming of the Lord. Look for the Nephites’ collective and individual response to the Lord’s Lamanite messenger. Samuel’s words were important enough to the Savior that He endorsed them during His personal ministry in the Americas and testified they had all been fulfilled (see 3 Nephi 23:9–13).

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) observed that “the record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 3; or Ensign, May1987, 4). Only those with firm testimonies and full conversions were able to remain steadfast prior to the Savior’s appearance in America. The same is true in our day. Only those with firm testimonies and full conversions will be able to remain steadfast prior to the Lord’s Second Coming. A careful study of 3 Nephi 1–7 will help you understand how your testimony of Jesus Christ and conversion to His gospel will give you the sustaining strength you need to stay true to the Savior during the challenging days in which you live.

Helaman 1-11

Helaman 1–4 presents a stark contrast between the fruits of good and evil. We see the results of evil upon society as well as the individual. The personal growth and blessings obtained by Saints who remain faithful in challenging circumstances can provide us with courage to remain true to righteous principles during difficult times. We can contrast the discord brought by wickedness with the great peace and joy obtained by righteousness. Noting these contrasts provides motivation to chart a course based upon principles that will bring happiness and avoid the misery that comes from disobedience.

At this crucial point in Nephite history, the wicked outnumbered the righteous. Their laws became so corrupted that they had little effect for good. Like his great-grandfather Alma, Nephi gave up his position as chief judge and devoted himself full-time to the Lord’s work (see Alma 4:15–20). During this period of spiritual darkness, the people were “ripening for destruction” (Helaman 5:2). Nephi and his brother Lehi worked diligently to stem the tide of iniquity and turned many back to the Lord.

Being completely trusted by God is a great honor. The Lectures on Faith teach that awareness of God’s approval is necessary for one’s faith: “An actual knowledge to any person, that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God without which no person can obtain eternal life” ([1985], 7). Trust and approval come by obedience to all of God’s commandments. Helaman chapters 10–12 highlight how important it is to heed the promptings of the Spirit. Only by doing so can we be sure we are living according to God’s will. These chapters also highlight how important it is to want what God wants. The Lord knew Nephi would “not ask that which is contrary to [God’s] will” (Helaman 10:5). As we prove faithful in the small things, the Lord will trust us with the greater things.