Judge Righteous Judgments

3 Nephi 14:1-5 (See also Matthew 7:1-5; JST, Matthew 7:1-8) The start of this chapter is altered significantly in the Joseph Smith Translation. It reads: Now these are the words which Jesus taught his disciples that they should say unto the people. Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment. JST, …

First the Kingdom of God

3 Nephi 13:19-34 (See also Matthew 6:19-34) This group of verses is broken into two sections. The first was addressed to the multitude; the second was specific instructions to the Savior’s twelve chosen disciples. The instruction that had been given to the twelve is some of the doctrines that I’ve taken to me most personally. …

And Thy Father, Who Seeth in Secret, Himself Shall Reward Thee Openly

3 Nephi 13:1-18 The title phrase that I have chosen for this entry is a promise that the Savior repeats verbatim three times in this passage of scripture, emphasizing the spiritual importance of how some personal elements of discipleship ought to be kept to ourselves. For if we do these things to be seen of …

I Would that Ye Should Be… Even as I Am

3 Nephi 12:21-48 In the title, I am deliberately leaving out the word “perfect” as it is a source of much stress for many. Though I have come to look at it in the terms of “completion” not perfectionism. The Savior takes pains to spell out his definition of perfection, which is not after the …

Be the Salt… Be the Light

3 Nephi 12:13-20 The Salt of the Earth I give unto you to be the salt of the earth; vs. 13 I began today’s study by looking at the footnotes on this phrase. I quickly learned about a “covenant of salt” that existed in ancient Israel. It is referenced twice in the Old Testament: once …

Blessed

3 Nephi 12:1-12 Additional Resources Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not …

“Having Authority Given Me of Jesus Christ”

3 Nephi 11:18-41 In the second half of this chapter, the Savior organizes the structural foundations for Gospel of Jesus Christ to be administered among the Nephite people. He calls Nephi and others and commissions them to teach and baptize those that will believe in their words. Christ is clear and direct in his instructions …

“Thrust Your Hands into My Side”

3 Nephi 11:12-17 Physical proof! That is what the Savior is offering to this group of believing saints. They are being given first hand evidence of his Atonement. The invitation is to touch his body; see and feel it for yourself… “that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God …

“Behold, I am Jesus Christ”

3 Nephi 11:9-11 Having previously analyzed the Father’s introduction of the Savior, I now venture here to analyze the Savior’s own words in introducing himself. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk …

Become as a Little Child

3 Nephi 11:8, 37-38 What will it be like when Christ comes again? The answer is right here. And we have an extensive detailed account of it. It will not be dramatically different or unlike what is being described here among the Nephites. (see verse 8) And again I say unto you, ye must repent, …