Understanding that Christ’s teachings call us to a higher way of living, focusing not just on outward commandments but on the condition of our hearts. This shift to internalizing Christ’s teachings leads to spiritual growth and increased faith.

“So I believe that Jesus did not intend His sermon on this subject to be a verbal hammer for battering us about our shortcomings. No, I believe He intended it to be a tribute to who and what God the Eternal Father is and what we can achieve with Him in eternity. In any case, I am grateful to know that in spite of my imperfections, at least God is perfect—that at least He is, for example, able to love His enemies, because too often, due to the “natural man” and woman in us, you and I are sometimes that enemy. How grateful I am that at least God can bless those who despitefully use Him because, without wanting or intending to do so, we all despitefully use Him sometimes. I am grateful that God is merciful and a peacemaker because I need mercy and the world needs peace. Of course, all we say of the Father’s virtues we also say of His Only Begotten Son, who lived and died unto the same perfection. I hasten to say that focusing on the Father’s and the Son’s achievements rather than our failures does not give us one ounce of justification for undisciplined lives or dumbing down our standards. No, from the beginning the gospel has been “for the perfecting of the saints, … till we … come … unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” I am simply suggesting that at least one purpose of a scripture or a commandment can be to remind us just how magnificent “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” really is, inspiring in us greater love and admiration for Him and a greater desire to be like Him. “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him … ,” Moroni pleads. “Love God with all your might, mind and strength, then … by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ. ” Our only hope for true perfection is in receiving it as a gift from heaven—we can’t “earn” it. Thus, the grace of Christ offers us not only salvation from sorrow and sin and death but also salvation from our own persistent self-criticism.” Jeffrey R. Holland, “ Be Ye Therefore Perfect – Eventually “

(Compare to Matthew 5) 1-2: Jesus begins teaching the multitude who are gathered in Bountiful. He shares the blessings available as they accept and live His teachings, beginning with faith, baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost. 3-16: The beatitudes are taught to the Nephites, emphasizing the qualities we need to develop on our Christian journey. 17-48: The Savior explains one aspect of His mission, which is to fulfill the Law of Moses. “Old things are done away and all things have become new.” (v.47) This includes turning the other cheek, loving our enemies and controlling our lusts and anger. He concludes with an invitation for us to all strive to become like Him. Open in Gospel Library 🡒

(Compare to Matthew 6) 1-13: Jesus teaches that humility and meekness in our relationships with others and with our Heavenly Father are essential. He teaches the Lord’s Prayer to the Nephites.. 14-24: The Savior’s teachings include forgiving others, working on developing personal righteousness and seeking after that which is of God. We cannot serve both God and the things of the world. 25-34: Jesus speaks specifically to His twelve disciples and instructs them to put their full trust in God. As they choose to seek first the Kingdom of God, they will be supported and sustained in their ministry. Open in Gospel Library 🡒

(Compare to Matthew 7) 1-5: Jesus again addresses the multitude and instructs them not to judge others. 6-12: Just as earthly parents desire to help their children, our Heavenly Father is anxious to bless us. We need to ask, seek and knock. Additionally, we need to treat others as we wish to be treated. 13-23: Jesus details the “strait” path that will lead us back to Him and our Heavenly Parents. We need to be vigilant and recognize the false prophets and incorrect teachings that would lead us away from His path. 24-27: As we hear and implement the Savior’s teachings into our lives we are like a house built on a rock, safe from life’s storms. Open in Gospel Library 🡒

1-10: Jesus addresses the multitude and clarifies how He fulfills the Law of Moses and the continuing promises available through God’s covenant with the House of Israel. 11-24: He then turns to the disciples and addresses the concept of “other sheep.” He was not allowed to fully explain to those in Jerusalem about His ministry to His sheep in the Americas. However, the goal is “one fold and one shepherd.” Open in Gospel Library 🡒

1-3: As the Savior continues to teach about His other sheep, the Nephites learn that there are even more people and cultures yet to hear His message of redemption and salvation. 4-7: In the latter days, the Lord will also use faithful Gentiles to bring the gospel to the unbelieving of scattered Israel. 8-15: However, should the Gentiles reject God and embrace iniquity, they will not share in the blessings promised to those of the House of Israel. In fact, they can expect to be “trodden under foot of my people.” (v.15) 16-20: Jesus quotes a prophecy of Isaiah, in which redemption, salvation and joy are promised to God’s covenant people. Open in Gospel Library 🡒

[1] Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, October 25, 1891, p. 393, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org . [2] Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, September 25, 1890, p. 328, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org . [3] Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, September 25, 1890, p. 328, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org . [4] Official Declaration 1, Doctrine and Covenants, ChurchofJesusChrist.org . [5] Discourse by Wilford Woodruff, October 6, 1890, p. 3, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org .

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 12–16

Week 40: September 30–October 6, 2024

“I Am the Law, and the Light”

“We Rejoice in Christ”

Scripture Focus

Book of Mormon Chapters: 3 Nephi 12–16

Historical Context: Jesus Christ appears to the Nephites, teaching the higher law; compare to the Sermon on the Mount in the New Testament.

Doctrinal Focus

Key Doctrinal Points: The higher law, fulfillment of the Law of Moses, and the role of Jesus as the ultimate Lawgiver and Redeemer.
Potential Doctrinal Challenges:

Why did Christ abolish the Law of Moses?

Christ did not “abolish” the Law of Moses but fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). The Law of Moses was a preparatory law that pointed to Christ’s Atonement. With Christ’s coming, the law was fulfilled, and a higher law—one focused more on the heart than on outward observances—was introduced. This progression from the lesser to the greater is evident in both ancient and modern scripture.

How does the higher law differ from the previous commandments?

The higher law is one of principles and internal transformation, not just external observance. While the Law of Moses focused on specific rituals and outward commandments, the higher law taught by Jesus focuses on love, forgiveness, and becoming like Christ from within. It calls us to be transformed spiritually, aiming for a deeper relationship with God rather than just strict rule-keeping.

Historical & Doctrinal Challenges

Why does the Book of Mormon contain "New Testament" language and phrases?

Christ did not “abolish” the Law of Moses but fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). The Law of Moses was a preparatory law that pointed to Christ’s Atonement. With Christ’s coming, the law was fulfilled, and a higher law—one focused more on the heart than on outward observances—was introduced. This progression from the lesser to the greater is evident in both ancient and modern scripture.
The presence of New Testament language in the Book of Mormon can be explained by Joseph Smith’s translation process. The translation utilized language that was familiar to him, such as phrases from the King James Version of the Bible. Additionally, doctrinal continuity between the Bible and Book of Mormon is expected, as both testify of Christ. What matters is the unique message of the Book of Mormon and its role in restoring lost truths.
Resource:
Question: Why does the Book of Mormon contain ‘New Testament’ language and phrases?

Why does part of the longer ending of Mark show up in the Book of Mormon?

The longer ending of Mark, though debated among scholars, is present in many versions of the Bible, including the King James Version. Joseph Smith’s translation drew on biblical language, and such similarities are consistent with the overall translation method, which reflects the familiar phrasing of 19th-century scripture. The doctrinal points in the Book of Mormon remain unique and powerful, regardless of similar wording.
Resource:
Question: Why does part of the longer ending of Mark show up in the Book of Mormon?

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Application for Today

There are many principles to find in 3 Nephi 12–16. Some are highlighted in the lesson outline, but you will find others. Let Heavenly Father, through His Spirit, teach you what you need right now.

Faithful Insights

Understanding that Christ’s teachings call us to a higher way of living, focusing not just on outward commandments but on the condition of our hearts. This shift to internalizing Christ’s teachings leads to spiritual growth and increased faith.

Testimonies

“So I believe that Jesus did not intend His sermon on this subject to be a verbal hammer for battering us about our shortcomings. No, I believe He intended it to be a tribute to who and what God the Eternal Father is and what we can achieve with Him in eternity. In any case, I am grateful to know that in spite of my imperfections, at least God is perfect—that at least He is, for example, able to love His enemies, because too often, due to the “natural man” and woman in us, you and I are sometimes that enemy. How grateful I am that at least God can bless those who despitefully use Him because, without wanting or intending to do so, we all despitefully use Him sometimes. I am grateful that God is merciful and a peacemaker because I need mercy and the world needs peace. Of course, all we say of the Father’s virtues we also say of His Only Begotten Son, who lived and died unto the same perfection.
I hasten to say that focusing on the Father’s and the Son’s achievements rather than our failures does not give us one ounce of justification for undisciplined lives or dumbing down our standards. No, from the beginning the gospel has been “for the perfecting of the saints, … till we … come … unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” I am simply suggesting that at least one purpose of a scripture or a commandment can be to remind us just how magnificent “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” really is, inspiring in us greater love and admiration for Him and a greater desire to be like Him.
“Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him … ,” Moroni pleads. “Love God with all your might, mind and strength, then … by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ.” Our only hope for true perfection is in receiving it as a gift from heaven—we can’t “earn” it. Thus, the grace of Christ offers us not only salvation from sorrow and sin and death but also salvation from our own persistent self-criticism.”
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Be Ye Therefore Perfect – Eventually“

Discussion Questions

– How can we apply the higher law in our personal lives today?
– What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses, and how should this shape our faith and behavior?

Chapter Summaries

3 Nephi 12

(Compare to Matthew 5)
1-2: Jesus begins teaching the multitude who are gathered in Bountiful. He shares the blessings available as they accept and live His teachings, beginning with faith, baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost.
3-16: The beatitudes are taught to the Nephites, emphasizing the qualities we need to develop on our Christian journey.
17-48: The Savior explains one aspect of His mission, which is to fulfill the Law of Moses. “Old things are done away and all things have become new.” (v.47) This includes turning the other cheek, loving our enemies and controlling our lusts and anger. He concludes with an invitation for us to all strive to become like Him.
Open in Gospel Library 🡒

3 Nephi 13

(Compare to Matthew 6)
1-13: Jesus teaches that humility and meekness in our relationships with others and with our Heavenly Father are essential. He teaches the Lord’s Prayer to the Nephites..
14-24: The Savior’s teachings include forgiving others, working on developing personal righteousness and seeking after that which is of God. We cannot serve both God and the things of the world.
25-34: Jesus speaks specifically to His twelve disciples and instructs them to put their full trust in God. As they choose to seek first the Kingdom of God, they will be supported and sustained in their ministry.
Open in Gospel Library 🡒

3 Nephi 14

(Compare to Matthew 7)
1-5: Jesus again addresses the multitude and instructs them not to judge others.
6-12: Just as earthly parents desire to help their children, our Heavenly Father is anxious to bless us. We need to ask, seek and knock. Additionally, we need to treat others as we wish to be treated.
13-23: Jesus details the “strait” path that will lead us back to Him and our Heavenly Parents. We need to be vigilant and recognize the false prophets and incorrect teachings that would lead us away from His path.
24-27: As we hear and implement the Savior’s teachings into our lives we are like a house built on a rock, safe from life’s storms.
Open in Gospel Library 🡒

3 Nephi 15

1-10: Jesus addresses the multitude and clarifies how He fulfills the Law of Moses and the continuing promises available through God’s covenant with the House of Israel.
11-24: He then turns to the disciples and addresses the concept of “other sheep.” He was not allowed to fully explain to those in Jerusalem about His ministry to His sheep in the Americas. However, the goal is “one fold and one shepherd.”
Open in Gospel Library 🡒

3 Nephi 16

1-3: As the Savior continues to teach about His other sheep, the Nephites learn that there are even more people and cultures yet to hear His message of redemption and salvation.
4-7: In the latter days, the Lord will also use faithful Gentiles to bring the gospel to the unbelieving of scattered Israel.
8-15: However, should the Gentiles reject God and embrace iniquity, they will not share in the blessings promised to those of the House of Israel. In fact, they can expect to be “trodden under foot of my people.” (v.15)
16-20: Jesus quotes a prophecy of Isaiah, in which redemption, salvation and joy are promised to God’s covenant people.
Open in Gospel Library 🡒

Devotional: "I am the Law, and the Light"

I will never forget the feeling of the Spirit I felt in the Conference Center in April of 2018 as President Russell M. Nelson, the newly ordained prophet, spoke about changes to how elders quorum would be organized and as he called for the men to arise by quorums. I felt the Spirit testify to me that President Nelson was a prophet of God and that the changes being made that day were correct. There have been numerous changes in the Church in my lifetime. The missionary age change, ministering, the way temple ordinances are administered, the reemphasis on using the name of the Church, among several other changes reflect the ongoing process of revelation and inspiration.

This week in Come, Follow Me we study about Christ’s visit to the Americas following His death and Resurrection. This visit is recorded in the book of 3 Nephi and allows us a glimpse into one of the most sacred times in human history as the Resurrected Savior ministered and taught the people gathered in Bountiful. During this visit, Christ taught the higher law that would help them to “be perfect” (3 Nephi 12:48). He told the people, “Therefore those things which were of old time, which were under the law, in me are all fulfilled. Old things are done away, and all things have become new” (3 Nephi 12:46–47).

The scriptural record notes that “when Jesus had said these words he perceived that there were some among them who marveled, and wondered what he would concerning the law of Moses; for they understood not the saying that old things had passed away, and that all things had become new” (3 Nephi 15:2). Christ lovingly reminded the people, “I do not destroy the prophets, for as many as have not been fulfilled in me, verily I say unto you, shall all be fulfilled. . . . I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life” (3 Nephi 15:6, 9). Christ was teaching the people gathered in Bountiful that changes in how the Church is run are meant to bring us closer to Him—change did not discredit past revelation, but rather signaled a new period of growth and revelation.

Wilford Woodruff saw this in his own life when the Lord inspired him to issue the Manifesto. Many criticized him for making this change, and President Woodruff noted in one journal, “The Lord has revealed to me that there are many in the Church who feel badly tried about the Manifesto and also about the Testimony of the Presidency & Apostles.”^[1] However, President Woodruff knew that what the Lord had revealed to him was true. In his journal, on September 25, 1890, President Woodruff noted that he wrote the Manifesto “after Praying to the Lord & feeling inspired by his spirit.”^[2] He knew that this was a change that would deeply challenge the Saints, yet he also knew that this was necessary for the “temporal salvation”^[3] of the Church. Before the Saints in Cache Valley, President Woodruff declared, “I want to say this: I should have let all the temples go out of our hands; I should have gone to prison myself, and let every other man go there, had not the God of heaven commanded me to do what I did do; and when the hour came that I was commanded to do that, it was all clear to me. I went before the Lord, and I wrote what the Lord told me to write.”^[4]

Christ asked His followers to stop centuries of practicing the ordinances of the law of Moses. Wilford Woodruff, speaking as the Lord’s prophet, asked the Saints to cease the practice of plural marriage. President Nelson has likewise revealed ways we as a Church can improve and be better. As Latter-day Saints, we have the privilege of turning to the Lord and verifying that the directions from His prophets are indeed from Him. As President Woodruff said, “Go before the Lord and ask Him for light and truth. . . . Let your prayers ascend into the ears of the God of Sabaoth, and they will be heard and answered upon your heads.”^[5] In this life we may not fully know why the Lord makes changes, but we can receive light from Him to know that those changes are truly from Him.

Endnotes

^[1] Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, October 25, 1891, p. 393, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org.
^[2] Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, September 25, 1890, p. 328, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org.
^[3] Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, September 25, 1890, p. 328, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org.
^[4] Official Declaration 1, Doctrine and Covenants, ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
^[5] Discourse by Wilford Woodruff, October 6, 1890, p. 3, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org.

Author

Hailing from Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Robert Swanson received his BA in History from Brigham Young University and his MA in History from Rutgers University–Camden, and he is currently a History PhD student at the University of Missouri focusing his work on abolitionism in the Early American Republic. He is married to his best friend, Bridget Garner Swanson, and they have two little girls who have made life even more of a fantastic adventure than they thought possible.

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