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, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

vs. 37 & 38 (emphasis added)

How does one “become” as a little child? What do the scriptures teach us?

In chapter 9, the Lord phrases this invitation just a little differently:

Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God.

3 Nephi 9:22

From the Gosepl of Mark:

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

Mark 10:15

Then we mustn’t forget King Benjamin’s insight:

For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Mosiah 3:19 (emphasis added)

What does it mean to yield?

yield – to give up possession of on claim or demand: such as… to give (oneself) up to an inclination, temptation, or habit.

Yield (Merrian-Webster)

If the Holy Spirit is to be the principle instrument of instruction on how to become more like a child, I have got to work to become more receptive to that influence.

And what do we not do as children?

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

1 Peter 2:1–3

“A Voice… Out Of Heaven”

3 Nephi 11: 1-7

(I am finally here!)

Three times it took the people to lend an ear toward the voice that they heard from the heavens, and this is what they hear:

Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

Vs. 7

The Father’s form of introduction of His Son, the Savior Jesus Christ, is both signature and instructive in its significance.

“Behold my Beloved Son”

There are four passages of scripture where we hear the voice of the Father testifying of His Beloved Son:

Of the four accounts, this is perhaps the most inviting and instructive. The Father’s title of choice in presenting the Savior of the world is “my Beloved Son”.

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

John 10:17-18

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

John 15:9-10

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

John 17:26

“In Whom I Am Well Pleased”

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:21

Finding references that immediately corroborate this statement are tricky. But the sentiment is an important one. I know I’ve heard others talk about hearing the voice of the Father at the Final Judgment.

The feeling of being accepted by someone we love is a basic human need. Being accepted by good people motivates us. It increases our sense of self-worth and self-confidence. Those who cannot find acceptance from desirable sources often seek it elsewhere…

Even in the Church we are not always free from this type of thinking. Seeking acceptance from the wrong sources or for incorrect reasons puts us on a dangerous path—one that is likely to lead us astray and even to destruction. Instead of feeling cherished and self-confident, we will eventually feel abandoned and inferior.

Elder Erich W. Kopischke, Being Accepted of the Lord

(I have read the whole of his remarks.) Christ as the examplar has his Father’s witness that his actions, his life and his example have been accepted of the Father. Just the statement alone suggests that we should also seek to be properly accepted of the Lord.

“In Whom I Have Glorified My Name”

How did the Father glorify His name via the Son? What does it mean that the Father glorified His Name through Jesus Christ?

To glorify is to praise or honor something or someone to an extreme degree. If you like someone, you might compliment or praise them, but glorifying takes that a step further. When something is glorified, it is praised to the highest degree possible.

glorify – Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel, the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that the Father should glorify his name in me that there were many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them. And he said unto them: Was it not so?

3 Nephi 23:7 (emphasis added)

With the definition in context, this scripture above points to a time or a day wherein the Son glorified the name of the Father. That day appears to be the fulfillment or the completion of the Atonement.

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Moses 1:39

The Atonement of Christ glorified the name of the Father. It exalted the Father and His work above all other purposes and activities. It made God’s plan for his children effective and opened up the only way for their salvation to be realized.

But why does he say “my name”? Why didn’t the Father say, “in whom I have glorified my plan” or “in whom I have glorified my purposes” or “my objectives” or “the ends of my creating you” ? What is it about all this that is so inseparably connected to his identity or his name?

“In the Name of the Father”

But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.

Ether 12:8 (emphasis added)

This whole book of Ether is a very interesting and compelling discussion on faith. Man is the volitional agent in terms of faith.

One final thought on the phrase “in whom I have glorified my name”: Out of the four recorded instances where the Father’s voice is heard bearing witness of His son, this is the only time where this phrase is added. It is a reference to the Atonement, and the addendum here is fitting because Christ had just completed the requirements of the Atonement.

Verse 11 in this chapter offers more of an explanation on how Christ has glorified the Father through his sufferings and obedience.

“Hear Ye Him”

An invitation to act. When I think of “hearing the word” I am reminded of the parable of the sower, and the Savior’s interactions with his disciples. That the Father ends this brief declaration with an invitation to do something is important and characteristic of true gospel messages.

Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.

Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;

Alma 5:33-34 (see also vs. 62)

Unto the Fulfilling of the Prophecies of Many of the Holy Prophets

3 Nephi 10

Today’s thoughts are more a commentary on the need for scripture study. Before my studies today, I was easily provoked, angry, and vengeful. During my scripture study, I am comtemplating the need for patience, forgiveness, and continuance in the course laid out before me.

This particular set of scriptures is curious on two points: that these things are all come to pass according to the words of the prophets, many of which were stoned for so saying. The other was the binding conditionals of the covenants made by the fathers and their affects upon the children.

Vs. 13 & 14. “…unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets.”

These verses take pains to point out that all the destruction that came upon those that were destroyed were foretold in the prophecies of the holy prophets. There is also an injunction here to search the scriptures to see that they were foretold.

Now Samuel the Lamanite prophecied of the storms and physical changes that would take place. He mentioned little of the human loss of life that would take place, only stating that there would be many cities left desolate. (Helaman 14:23-24)

  • were not sunk and buried up in the earth; (1 Ne 19:11, 2 Ne 26:5)
  • and they were not drowned in the depths of the sea;
  • and they were not burned by fire, (1 Ne 19:11 , 2 Ne 26:4)
  • neither were they fallen upon and crushed to death; (1 Ne 19:11 , 2 Ne 26:5)
  • and they were not carried away in the whirlwind; (2 Ne 26:5)
  • neither were they overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness. (1 Ne 19:11)

I am left pondering how this applies to our day. It is true that the words of the holy prophets in our time have been given to protect us from the destruction of our days. At the Lord’s second coming, will the wicked suffer a similar fate as those in the America’s at his first coming? Is this book not given as a warning of what is yet to come? But where are the two compared or contrasted.

In my own home, my children have ignored the prophecies of the holy prophets at their own peril and suffering.

3 Nefi 10

Cuatro veces la voz del Señor dice que Él desea juntar a su pueblo como la gallina junta a sus polluelos bajo las alas. Nunca fue el propósito del Señor que sufríamos todos los dolores y penas de esta vida. Más bien, Él desea que Él pueda protegernos de los dolores del mundo.

Estoy parado en este punto. El Señor no quiere que sufrimos. El propósito de la vida es que aprendimos vivir de la mañera de felicidad. Estamos creados pare tener gozo.

If Ye Will Come Unto Me Ye Shall Have Eternal Life

3 Nephi 9

Judgment is the Lord’s. This chapter contains accounts of that judgment in action. Christ has power to stop the wicked in their wickedness, mercifully, so that a further judgment or condemnation may not be required at their hands.

The Lord is waiting (patiently) for me to start producing (stop consuming) media messages that convey my faith.

This particular passage of scripture is exquisitely beautiful, especially the latter half of the chapter.

3 Nefi 9 (in Spanish)

Los primeros doce versículos se trata de los pueblos que el Señor había destruido. Al leerlo, me impacta como Él toma responsabilidad para toda la destrucción que había ocasionado.

Los verdades que el Señor declara en versículos 14-15 son los más fundamentales en todas las escrituras y en todo el mundo. Nada puede ser más verdadero que esta realidad:

Sí, en verdad os digo que si venís a mí, tendréis vida eterna. He aquí, mi brazo de misericordia se extiende hacia vosotros; y a cualquiera que venga, yo lo recibiré; y benditos son los que vienen a mí.

vs. 14

Se me llama la atención que Jesucristo y el Padre Celestial son uno. Esta enseñanza es clave y fundamental. En la ordenanza del bautismo, somos bautizados en el nombre del Padre, del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo. ¿Porqué? Por que son uno, o son perfectamente unidos. Cristo ora que los que creen en Él sean unidos a Él como Él es unido al Padre.

Luego en el siguiente versículo Cristo dice que vino a los suyos, y ellos no lo recibieron. No fueron unidos a Él. Fracaso. Esto fue el propósito de todo: ser unidos a su Dios, su pueblo no lo quiso.

Los sacrificios por el derramamiento de sangre y los holocaustos quemados se terminaron con la muerte de Jesucristo. Aquí lo declara así. En su lugar viene el sacrificio del una corazón quebrado y un espíritu contrito. El sacrificio que se requiere ahora es excepcionalmente personal y intimo.

No hay otra via.

O That We Had Repented

3 Nephi 8

Mormon starts us off by asserting the validity of the record by stating that it was a just man that kept the record. The evidence in Mormon’s mind of the author’s righteousness was this:

for he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity.

Verse 1 (emphasis added)

(This statement also gives me another dimension of discipleship, or rather a measuring stick by which to assess spiritual health.) In the mind of Mormon, this particular point of worthiness was important to emphasize. Personal worthiness matters in regards to spiritual power.

It also is instructive to note that up until the day that the signs of Christ death had come upon the people, there was great doubting and disputes as to whether the words of the prophet Samuel would actually come to pass.

There is so much symbolism in what happened with the destruction in the Americas as it correlates to the death of the Savior. Did this destruction come upon the people because of their wickedness? Or was it the natural course of events that resulted because of the Savior’s death. I feel it is both. Prophets came to advise the people of pending destruction; the people were caught up in their day-to-day affairs. Such talk seemed entirely trivial and irrelevant until their day-to-day affairs were utterly interrupted and permanently altered. That which was important was no more.

3 Nefi 8

Hacer Milagros en el Nombre de Jesús

Milagros son hechos que no son entendido por la naturaleza humana. Es decir, Nefi había aprendido como obra según la fé en el Señor Jesucristo. Para los que no entienden como obra según la fe, esto puede parecer milagroso.

Los que quedaban lamentaban que no habían arrepentidos de sus pecados, por causa de la destruccion que ocasionaba a sus familiares. Me parace curioso este perspectivo, porque no lamentaban su propia situación por causa de su propios iniquidades, más bien, el efecto que tuvo en sus familiares.

Divided into Tribes

3 Nephi 7

So here in the midst of chaos and virtual anarchy among the people (i.e. people divided into tribes; government overthrown), Nephi continues in his righteousness, being richly blessed of the Lord. The account says that Nephi did minister with great power and authority among the people. The people in turn became angry with him because he had greater power then they (always comparing themselves in their wickedness). So great was the faith of Nephi that “it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words.”

Miracles and signs are sent among the people to confirm faith, especially in times of difficulty or trial, when opposition to the work of the Lord might be greatest. Thus in this season of great opposition to the prophets, Nephi was sustained daily by the ministering of angels. He performed miracles by the power of God.

3 Nefi 7

Versículo 5 dice que en la organización de tribus, la gente cometieron un gran iniquidad. ¿Me pregunta porque? En la organización de tribus se hizo mas cierto una sistema de clases. O sea que la gente fueron organizado de acuerdo a su clase o grupo familiar– una gran desigualdad.

En la destrucción del gobierno, no habia reglas para mantener y proteger la libertad del pueblo.

Carried About by the Temptations of the Devil

3 Nephi 6

How quickly the people had turned from their righteousness! In the brief span of five years, they go from being freed from robbers and having experienced that miraculous deliverance, to being organized according to class. And these are not the same people who were once robbers. Didn’t those merchants and lawyers experience the same feelings of gratitude and deliverance? But how quickly we are to change from one opinion to another!

(This is not me pointing a finger; rather this is me internalizing my own nature.)

3 Nefi 6 (in Spanish)

Los versículos 15 y 16 enseñan que la perdida de la paz del pueblo vino a causa de Satanás y su poder para tentar al pueblo. Él tentó al pueblo a buscar el poder, la autoridad, las riquezas y las cosas vanas del mundo.

¿Porqué siempre se enfoquen en destruir el gobierno cuando llegan ser mal la gente?

El diablo trabaja por combinaciones secretas. Dios trabaja por convenios sagrados.

Then Shall They Know Their Redeemer… and Then Shall They Be Gathered In

3 Nephi 5

This book was given for the gathering of Israel, or the house of Jacob, and chapter 5 clearly demonstrates that its author, Mormon, was fully aware of the covenant and that purpose for its creation. How important is it to understand that God keeps his promises, and so much of what is happening now correlates with that promise of gathering.

Mormon reveals himself here for the first time as he is explaining the purpose of the book. This is important to me right now, because I’m thinking about the Lord’s admonition to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Mormon is not hiding his light.

3 Nefi 5 (in Spanish)

Ayer, me perdí el primer versículo que dice:

no hubo alma viviente, entre todo el pueblo de los nefitas, que dudara en lo más mínimo de las palabras que todos los santos profetas habían hablado;

Versículo 1

Digo, me perdí, pero tal vez la realidad es que encuentro esta frase un poco increíble. Pero ahora al recordar dos cosas, lo hallo verdadera.

  1. Jeremías 31:31-34, — vienen días, dice Jehová, en los cuales haré un nuevo convenio con la casa de Israel… porque todos me conocerán, desde el más pequeño de ellos hasta el más grande, dice Jehová —
  2. Sin dar referencia a esta cita, Mormon aquí también habla de recogimiento de Israel.

What is the great purpose of the gathering of Israel? What great objective does the Lord propose is keeping this covenant? I think the answer is here:

And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth unto their own lands, from whence they have been dispersed; yea, as the Lord liveth so shall it be. Amen.

Verse 26

Gratitude

Gratitude has as much to do with the future as it does the past. Gratitude defines our actions looking forward as much as it filters and cleanses our attitudes and opinions about experiences already lived. Gratitude is a choice as much as it is a blessing from God. It must be desired, then actively sought and petitioned from heaven.

…How much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Matthew 7:11

In time, it will be given us, causing us to feel all the more joy and gratefulness for such a blessing.

What are the “good things” that Christ speaks of in these verses?

Delivered from an Everlasting Destruction

3 Nephi 4

Looking for meaning in these verses, it strikes me as profoundly symbolic of the individual, internal struggle that is made against sin. Sometimes, in our lives, especially when we are fighting against internal demons, habits, and vices– sometimes it becomes necessary to sequester ourselves from influences or individuals to literally save our souls from utter destruction.

This can seem like a harsh or extreme action on the outside, but space and time are needed for healing and to rebuild strength when one has been damaged, hurt, or attacked.

I’m re-reading again with this additional perspective now.

3 Nefi 4 (Spanish)

Los que se ponen a hacer lo malo son necesitados. Los ladrones necesitan robar para mantenerse. No es sólo un estilo de vida, sino que el mantenimiento de la vida se base en hacer daño a otras personas. Y si no están haciendo daño a otras personas, no pueden vivir.

Me parece importante este punto, si lo que yo hago hace daño a otros, es malo. Si mi vida hace bien a otras personas, lo que hago es bueno.

El último versículo de esta capítulo toca de la importancia de la separación de los nefitas y sus empeños contra los ladrones. No sé porque estoy mirando a los ladrones con en grado de compasión, y juzgando a los nefitas por poner su confianza en Dios. La realidad es que los nefitas se separaron porque los ladrones instaban que debían unirse con ellos.