The Book of Mormon - Plain

The year was 1 BC when Lachoneus was the chief judge and governor over the land. Helaman's son, Nephi, had left Zarahemla, putting his oldest son, Nephi, in charge of the brass plates, all the records that had been kept, and all those sacred things that had been handed down for 600 years.

After Nephi left, no one heard of him again, and his son Nephi continued to keep a record of the people.

In the beginning of the ninety-second year of the judges' reign (1 AD), more prophecies were fulfilled, for the people began to see greater signs and miracles.

But some said the time was past for Samuel's words to be fulfilled. They began to celebrate over their brethren, saying, "The time is past and Samuel's words are not fulfilled, so your joy and faith in those things has been in vain."

They made a great uproar throughout the land, causing sorrow among the believers, who thought that perhaps the promised signs might not come. But they continued to watch for the day, the night, and the day that would be like one long day, so that their faith would not be in vain.

Then the unbelievers set a date when all those who believed in those traditions would be killed unless Samuel's signs came to pass.

When Nephi heard this wicked plan, his heart became full of sorrow. He went out and bowed himself down upon the earth and cried mightily to his God on behalf of his people--those who were about to be killed because of their faith in their forefathers' words.

After Nephi had cried mightily to the Lord all that day, the Lord's voice said to him,

These words that came to Nephi were fulfilled, for after the sun went down it did not get dark, and the people were astonished.

Many who had not believed the prophets fell to the earth as if dead, for they knew their great plan of destruction for the believers had been frustrated. They knew the Son of God would soon appear.

All the people from the west to the east, both in the northern and southern lands, were so astonished that they fell to the earth. They knew the prophets had testified of these things for many years and that the sign had come. They were afraid because of their sins and unbelief.

There was no darkness all that night. It was as light as mid-day. The sun rose in the morning as usual, and everyone knew it was the day that the Lord would be born.

All things happened down to the last detail according to the prophets' words. Even a new star appeared.

From this time on, Satan sent lies among the people to harden their hearts against believing in the signs and wonders they had seen. In spite of these lies, most of the people believed and were converted to the Lord.

Nephi and many others went among the people, baptizing them unto repentance, which took away their sins. And the people began to have peace in the land again.

There was no contention, except for some arguing among a few who had begun to preach, who were trying to prove by the scriptures that it was not necessary to continue to observe the law of Moses.

They were mistaken in this preaching because they did not understand the scriptures. But soon they were convinced of their error and confessed their faults, for it was made known to them that the law was not yet fulfilled, and that it must be fulfilled down to the last detail.

The year 1 AD passed, bringing good news to the people, for the signs came according to the words of all the holy prophets.

Two AD was also a peaceful year, except for the strife caused by the Gadianton robbers. They lived in the mountains, infesting the land. Their hiding places in the mountains were so hard to attack that the people could not overpower them. So the Gadiantons continued to commit many murders among the people.

In 3 AD the Gadiantons began to increase their numbers greatly as many Nephite dissenters joined them. This caused much sorrow among the Nephites who stayed in their lands.

This also caused many Lamanites to sorrow, for many of their young men and women were led away by some of the Gadiantons who were Zoramites. These young Lamanites were seduced into joining the Gadiantons through lies and flattery.

Because their rising generation was becoming wicked, the Lamanites began to decrease in faith and righteousness.

By 4 AD, the people started to forget the signs and wonders they had heard from heaven, and they were less and less impressed by new signs. They became more stubborn and blind to the truth, no longer believing what they had seen and heard.

The people made up excuses to account for the great wonders they had witnessed, saying they were made up by men and by the devil's power to deceive them.

This is how Satan got possession of the people's hearts once again, leading them away to believe that Christ was a product of foolish and vain imaginations.

As the people became more and more wicked, they didn't believe any more signs and wonders would be given. Satan continued to lead away the people, tempting them to do more wicked things. This continued through 9 AD.

And now a hundred years had passed since the days of the Nephite King, Mosiah. Six hundred and nine years had passed since Lehi had left Jerusalem, and nine years had passed since the sign of Christ's birth had been given. (The Nephites had begun to count their years from the time that Christ was born).

Now Nephi was in charge of all the plates and sacred things. His father Nephi did not return to Zarahemla and could not be found anywhere in the land.

In spite of all the preaching and prophesying among them, the people remained wicked throughout 10 and 11 AD.

By 13 AD, wars broke out everywhere because there were so many Gadianton robbers killing people and destroying their cities.

All the Lamanite converts united with the Nephites, and were compelled to take up arms to defend their women, children and right to live and worship freely.

Before the end of 13 AD, the Nephites' situation became desperate, for they were threatened with utter destruction.

The Lamanite converts who had united with the Nephites were considered to be Nephites. Their curse was taken from them, and their skin became lighter like the Nephites'. Their children also became very fair and were also called Nephites.

By 14 AD, the fighting was terrible, but the Nephites managed to drive the robbers back into their hiding places in the mountains.

In 15 AD, the Gadiantons again came against the Nephites. The Nephites in general had become wicked, and they had so many arguments and dissensions that they lost their battles, and the robbers gained more power over them.

By the end of 15 AD, the Nephites were suffering greatly, and the sword of destruction hung over them because of their sinful ways.

In 16 AD, Lachoneus, the governor of the land, received the following letter from Giddianhi, the Gadianton leader, or governor.

"Lachoneus, most noble and chief governor of the land, I write this letter to praise your people's determination to maintain what they think are their rights. You put up a good fight, as if you were supported by a god, while defending what you call your liberty, property and country.

It is a pity, most noble Lachoneus, that you should be so foolish and vain as to think you can stand against so many brave and well armed men, who anxiously wait for my command to destroy you.

I know of their unconquerable spirit and eternal hatred toward you for the many wrongs you have committed against them. I have proven my men in battle and know that if I were to command them to attack, you would be completely destroyed.

Because I know you are determined to fight for what you believe to be right, and because I respect your noble spirit, I have written this letter for your sake. I would rather see you give up your cities, lands and possessions to my people than see you be destroyed.

We do not want you to be our slaves, but our brethren. Surrender to us, and become acquainted with our secret works, and we will share what we have with you. I swear to you with an oath, that if you will do this, you will not be destroyed.

But if you will not do this, I swear to you with an oath that next month I will command my armies to attack, and not stop killing until you are extinct!

I am Giddianhi, governor of the secret society of Gadianton--a good society with good works--ancient works that have been handed down to us.

I write this letter to you, Lachoneus, hoping that you will give up your lands and possessions, without a fight, to my people--those who have left you because you have kept their right to govern from them. Unless you do this, I will avenge them."

As Lachoneus read this letter, he was shocked at Giddianhi's boldness in demanding that the Nephites give up their land, threatening to destroy them to avenge the Nephite defectors, who had only wronged themselves by becoming Gadiantons.

Lachoneus was a just man who could not be frightened by the threats and demands of a robber, so he ignored Giddianhi's letter.

Lachoneus had his people pray to the Lord for strength to defend themselves against the robbers' attack. He sent a proclamation among all the people to gather their women, children, flocks, herds and all their belongings into one place.

He told the Nephites that after they had gathered, they should build very strong fortifications around themselves, which were to be guarded day and night by their Nephite and Lamanite armies.

In his proclamation, Lachoneus said, "As the Lord lives, unless you repent of all your sins and pray to the Lord, you will not be delivered from the Gadianton robbers."

Lachoneus' prophecies were so great and marvelous that fear came over all the people. They exerted themselves with all their might to do what Lachoneus told them.

Lachoneus appointed chief captains to command the Nephite armies during the robbers' coming attack. Gidgiddoni was appointed to be the chief commander of the entire Nephite army.

Except for when they were completely wicked, it was the Nephite custom to appoint someone with the spirit of revelation and prophecy as the leader over all their chief captains. This is why Gidgiddoni, who was a great prophet, was appointed commander. Their chief judge, Lachoneus, was also a prophet.

Then the people said to Gidgiddoni, "Pray to the Lord, and ask Him to let us go into the mountains and wilderness to destroy the robbers in their own lands."

But Gidgiddoni replied, "The Lord forbids this, for if we went out against the robbers, He would deliver us into their hands. We will gather and prepare in the center of our lands, and gather our armies. Then we'll wait for them to come out against us. If we do this, as the Lord lives, He will deliver the robbers into our hands."

Toward the end of 17 AD, the proclamation of Lachoneus had gone throughout all the land. Tens of thousands of Nephites gathered their horses, chariots, flocks, herds, grain and all their belongings to the gathering place where they would defend themselves against their enemies.

The land of Zarahemla, the land between Zarahemla and Bountiful, up to the land of Desolation, was to be the gathering place.

Several thousand Lamanites, who were now called Nephites, also gathered to this land. Lachoneus had them gather in the southern land because the northern land had a great curse upon it.

They fortified themselves against their enemies, and lived together in this one large area.

They feared Lachoneus' words enough to repent of all their sins. They prayed to the Lord their God to deliver them when their enemies would attack. And the Nephites were very sorrowful because of their Gadianton enemies.

Toward the end of 18 AD, the Gadianton armies began to come down from the hills and mountains and out of their secret places and wilderness strongholds, taking possession of the lands in the north and south that had been deserted by the Nephites.

The Gadiantons found that there were no more wild animals to be hunted in these deserted lands. They could only find game in the wilderness, so they could not survive in the abandoned Nephite cities.

The Nephites had left their lands desolate by gathering their flocks, herds and all their belongings into one area. By doing this, the Nephites kept the robbers from stealing their food.

The only way the robbers could get food from the Nephites was to fight them out in the open. The Nephites' plan was to destroy the robbers by holding out against them in one large group, for they had gathered a seven year's supply of food and provisions.

Within the next year, 19 AD, Giddianhi and his people were in great need of food. They could only survive by stealing and killing, so they had to attack the Nephites.

The robbers did not dare spread out over the land to raise their own grain, for fear of being attacked by the Nephites.

During the sixth month of 19 AD, the robbers made their attack. They looked terrifying, for they had shaved their heads and had painted themselves with blood. They also wore armor, helmets, and lamb-skin loin cloths.

When the Nephite armies saw Giddianhi's army, they fell to the earth and prayed to the Lord to deliver them from their enemies. When Giddianhi's army saw this, they began to shout with joy, thinking that the Nephites had fallen in fear of them.

But they were soon disappointed, for the Nephites were not afraid of them. They feared their God instead, asking for His protection.

As Giddianhi's army rushed upon them, the Nephites were prepared to meet them in the strength of the Lord.

This battle resulted in the greatest slaughter ever known since the time of Lehi. In spite of Giddianhi's oaths and threats, the Nephites beat the robbers.

Gidgiddoni commanded his armies to chase the robbers as far as the borders of the wilderness, and that they should not spare any that fell into their hands by the way. This is what the Nephites did.

Giddianhi, who had stood and fought with boldness, was pursued as he fled. Because he was so tired from fighting, he was overtaken and killed.

Then the Nephite army returned to their place of security, and the robbers did not attack them again for over a year.

In 21 AD, the robbers surrounded the Nephites, thinking they could cut them off from their lands and force them to surrender.

The robbers had appointed a new leader, Zemnarihah, who had ordered this siege. The Nephites had the advantage, because it was impossible for the robbers to lay siege long enough to have any effect on their food supply.

Meanwhile, the robbers had no grain, but only the meat they could hunt in the wilderness. Soon wild game became scarce, and the robbers were about to die of starvation.

The Nephites continually went out against the weak robbers day and night, killing tens of thousands of them.

Because of this, Zemnarihah's people wanted to end their siege. So Zemnarihah withdrew and marched his armies to the most northern part of the land.

Gidgiddoni was aware of Zemnarihah's plan, and knowing that the robbers had been weakened, he sent out his army at night to cut off their retreat.

In the morning, the robbers were met by Nephite armies ahead of them and behind them, leaving them no retreat.

When Zemnarihah was dead, the Nephites cut down the tree and shouted, "May the Lord preserve His people in righteousness and holiness of heart. And as this man has fallen to the earth, may the Lord cut down all who seek to kill the righteous with their power and secret combinations."

The Nephites rejoiced and cried again with one voice, "May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob protect this people in righteousness, as long as they call upon Him for protection."

Together they sang praises to their God for the great thing He had done for them in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies.

They cried, "Hosanna to the Most High God! Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God!"

Their hearts were swollen, and they cried with joy because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies. They knew they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction because of their repentance and humility.

Not a single Nephite doubted the words of all the holy prophets, but they knew that they would all be fulfilled. They knew that Christ must have come because of the many signs they had seen, and they gave up all their sins and served God diligently both day and night.

For the next three years, the Nephites preached God's word to all the robbers they had taken as prisoners. The robbers who repented and made a covenant not to murder anymore were set free.

Those who would not repent, who continued to desire secret murders and threaten their brethren, were condemned and punished according to the law.

This is how the Nephites put an end to all those wicked, secret combinations.

Many things happened that were great and marvelous, but they cannot all be written in this book.

Not even one percent of what took place during this twenty-five year period (from 1 AD to 26 AD) was written by Nephi in his book.

But there are other records which contain the history of everything the people did. From these records, Nephi made a shorter version, which is true.

And I have made this record of these things by referring to Nephi's shorter record.

I, Mormon, make this record on plates that I made with my own hands. Like my father, I was named after the land of Mormon, the land where Alma first established the church among the Nephites after transgressing under King Noah.

I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called by Him to declare His word among His people, that they might have everlasting life.

Because the prayers of the holy ones who have gone before me must be fulfilled according to their faith, it has become necessary for me, according to God's will, to make a record of the Nephites.

This is a small record of what has taken place from the time Lehi left Jerusalem in 600 BC until the present time (about 380 AD).

I have begun making my record from the accounts of those who have lived before, and I will finish it with an account of what I have seen myself.

I know this record is just and true, but there are many things we cannot write because of the nature of our language.

I, Mormon, am a pure descendant of Lehi. I have reason to bless my God and Savior Jesus Christ, who brought our forefathers out of the land of Jerusalem. He has given me and my people great knowledge unto the salvation of our souls.

Surely He has blessed the house of Jacob (Israel) and has been merciful to the descendants of Joseph of old.

When Lehi's descendants have kept His commandments, He has blessed and prospered them according to His word. As surely as the Lord lives, He will bring many of Joseph's descendants to a knowledge of the Lord their God and gather them together from all over the earth.

In His own due time, His covenant with all of Israel's descendants will be fulfilled, as they come to understand the covenant itself.

When they understand this covenant, they will know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

And after they come to know Christ they will be gathered in from all over the earth to their own lands, from where they have been dispersed. And as the Lord lives, so will it be. Amen.

All the Nephite families took their flocks, horses, cattle and all their possessions, and returned to their own lands in 26 AD. They had not eaten all their grain, so they took it back with them.

They also took their gold, silver and precious things to their own lands and homes in the northern and southern lands.

They gave lands to the robbers who had repented, who still wanted to be called Lamanites. By doing this, all the people were able to work the land and feed themselves, and peace was established.

By 27 AD, the Nephites prospered greatly. There was great order in the land, and they made fair and just laws.

As long as the people did not become sinful, there was nothing in all the land to keep them from continual prosperity.

This great peace was established by Gidgiddoni, by Lachoneus the judge, and by appointed leaders.

Many new cities were built and many old cities repaired. Many highways and roads were built to connect the cities and lands, and peace continued throughout 28 AD.

But in 29 AD some disputes started among the more proud people, who boasted because of their riches and greatly persecuted those who had less.

There were many merchants, lawyers and officers in the land. The people began to be distinguished into upper and lower classes according to their wealth and education.

The rich received more opportunities for learning, while the poor were denied an education.

Yet, while some people were lifted up in pride, others were very humble. Some fought, while others refused to fight, even while being persecuted and afflicted.

As this great inequality spread throughout the land, the church began to break up.

In just one year the church was broken up, except among a few converted Lamanites, who would not depart from the true faith and diligently kept the Lord's commandments.

This sinful condition was caused by Satan's great power, which increased as the people yielded to his temptations, seeking power, authority, riches and the vain things of the world.

Satan led them away to commit all types of sins, so their peace lasted only a few years.

By 30 AD, the people were being completely controlled by the devil's desires, for they were in a state of awful wickedness.

These people did not sin ignorantly, for they had been taught God's will. They chose to willfully rebel against God.

In 30 AD, Lachoneus, son of Lachoneus, filled his father's position as governor of the people.

That year, men began to be inspired from heaven and were sent forth to stand among the people all over the land, preaching and testifying boldly of the people's sins. They testified about the redemption and resurrection, which the Lord would bring to pass for His people after His death and suffering.

Many people (mostly the chief judges, those who had been high priests and lawyers, and those who were lawyers) became very angry with those who testified, but the wicked men could not condemn anyone to death without the governor's signature.

However, many of those who boldly testified of Christ were secretly put to death by the judges. The governor didn't know of these murders until a complaint came to him against the corrupt judges.

Then the corrupt judges were brought before the governor to be judged for their crimes, according to the law that had been given by the people.

But the corrupt judges' friends and relatives conspired with nearly every lawyer and high priest. Together, they made a covenant--even that same covenant given by them of old, administered by the devil, to combine against all righteousness.

They secretly combined against the Lord's people, entering into a covenant to destroy them and to assist those guilty of murder to escape the grasp of justice.

They defied the laws of their country, covenanting with one another to kill the governor, to destroy liberty, and to establish a king over the land, so that instead of being free, the people would be subject to kings.

Wicked tribes prevail, and Nephi is hated...
(compare 3 Nephi, chapter 7)

The conspirators were not successful in establishing a king over the land, but in that same year, 30 AD, they murdered the chief judge of the land as he sat on the judgment seat.

The rest of the people divided into tribes according to families, relatives and friends, but these tribes were not unified. This is how the government was destroyed.

Each tribe appointed a chief, and every man in each tribe had a large family, many relatives and friends. This is how many large tribes were established.

There were no wars as yet among the tribes, but all this degeneration was the result of the people yielding to Satan's power.

The government regulations had been destroyed because of the secret combinations of the friends and relatives of those who had murdered the prophets.

Because there was so much contention in the land, nearly all the righteous people had become wicked and only a few remained righteous. All this happened in less than six years.

Then this secret combination, which had brought on such great iniquity, assembled and selected a man named Jacob to be their king. Jacob had been one of the main voices against the prophets who testified of Jesus. This secret combination of wicked people was not as numerous as the people of the tribes.

Although each tribal leader established his own laws, and the tribes were enemies with one another, they were united in their hatred of Jacob's secret band.

Knowing this, Jacob commanded his people to go to the most northern parts of the land to build a kingdom. Jacob promised his people that soon many more dissenters would join them and make them strong enough to conquer the tribes.

By the end of 30 AD, Jacob's people had gone north. They had gone so quickly that the tribes were not able to cut off their escape.

In 31 AD, the various tribes agreed not to go to war with one another. However, they continued to keep their own separate laws. They all established very strict laws to not trespass against one another. By doing this, they had some peace in the land. Still, their hearts were turned away from the Lord, and they stoned the prophets and ran them out of their lands.

Nephi had been visited by angels. He had heard the Lord's voice and had been given the power to know of Christ's ministry. He had also seen the people's quick return from righteousness to wickedness.

Being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, Nephi went among the people in 31 AD, boldly testifying of repentance and of the remission of sins through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He said and did many things among them, ministering with power and great authority. All of what Nephi did cannot be written in this book. To write only part of them would not be enough, so they are not written at all.

The people hated Nephi because his powerful witness was too great for them to deny. Nephi had such great faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that angels visited him daily.

He cast out devils in the name of Jesus, and even raised his brother Timothy after he had been stoned to death by the people.

As the people saw Nephi do this and many other miracles in the name of Jesus, they became more angry with him for being so powerful.

By the end of 31 AD, there were few converts to the Lord, but those who were converted testified to the people that they had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they believed.

Those who had devils cast out of them and those healed from sickness also testified to the people that the Spirit of God had come upon them, and they showed signs and performed miracles among the people.

In the beginning of 33 AD, Nephi continued to preach repentance and remission of sins to the people.

Nephi ordained men to baptize, and all those who repented were baptized by them. (Now, I want to remind you that those who were baptized were immersed in water.) Their baptisms were a witness and a testimony before God that they had repented and had received a remission of their sins.

We know Nephi's record is true, for he was a just man. He performed many miracles in the name of Jesus, and no man could perform a miracle in the name of Jesus unless he was completely cleansed from sin.

According to Nephi, if he has made no mistake in the reckoning of our time, the year was 33 AD when the people began to earnestly look for the sign that Samuel had given--that there would be three days of complete darkness.

But the people started to doubt, and they argued with one another in spite of the many signs that had been given.

On the fourth day of the first month in 34 AD, a terrible tempest arose like no other that had ever been known. There was thunder and intense lightening, and the whole earth shook as if it were about to break apart.

The city of Zarahemla caught fire, and the city of Moroni sank into the ocean and its inhabitants drowned. A great mountain rose up and covered the city of Moronihah.

There was great and terrible destruction in the southern land, but even greater and more terrible destruction in the northern land.

The whole face of the land was changed by tempests, tornadoes, thunder, lightning and great earthquakes. Highways were broken up, level roads were ruined, and many smooth places were made rough.

Many great and notable cities were either sunk, burned or leveled by earthquakes, and all the inhabitants thereof were killed. The cities that remained were heavily damaged, and many people in them died.

All the land became deformed because of the tempests, thunder, lightning and earthquakes, and rocks were broken up all over the land. This terrible destruction lasted for three hours, after which the earth became calm, yet covered in darkness.

The darkness was so thick, people could feel it. No light could be made by candles, torches or fires, even when the people tried to light very fine, dry wood. There was no light from the sun, moon or stars because the mist of darkness over the land was so great. This darkness lasted for three days.

During this time, there was great and continual mourning, howling and weeping among all the people because of the darkness and great destruction that had come upon them. In one place they cried, "If only we had repented before this great and terrible day. Then our brethren would have been spared instead of being burned in the great city of Zarahemla."

In another place the people mourned and cried, "If only we had repented before this great and terrible day, and our people had not killed and stoned the prophets or exiled them. Then our mothers, fair daughters and children would have been spared instead of being buried in the great city of Moronihah."

"All people on earth are greatly cursed if they will not repent. The devil now laughs and his angels rejoice over the fair sons and daughters of my people who have been killed, and who have fallen because of their sinfulness.

I have caused many great destructions to come upon this land, and upon this people because of their wickedness.

Oh, all of you who are spared because you were more righteous than they, will you not return to me now, repent of your sins and be converted, that I may heal you?

If you will come to me, you will have eternal life, for my arms of mercy are extended toward you. Whoever will come, I will receive, and blessed are those who come to me.

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I created the heavens and earth, and all things in them. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and by me the Father has glorified His name.

I came to my own people and was rejected by them. And now the scriptures of my coming are fulfilled.

All those who receive me will become God's sons and daughters, for redemption comes by me, and I have fulfilled the law of Moses.

I am the light and life of the world.
I am Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end).

You will no longer make blood sacrifices or burnt offerings to me, for I will no longer accept them.

You will offer as a sacrifice to me a broken heart and contrite spirit, after which I will baptize you with fire and the Holy Ghost, even as I baptized the Lamanites. Because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, they were baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost, although they did not know it.

I have come to the world to redeem it from sin. Therefore, I will receive those who repent and come to me as little children, for of such is the kingdom of God. For such I have laid down my life and have taken it up again. Therefore, repent; come to me from the ends of the earth and be saved."

After all the people in the land heard this voice, they were so astonished that they stopped mourning the loss of their family members who had died in the destruction, and it was quiet for many hours.

After the people heard this, they began again to weep and cry aloud over the loss of their family members and friends. But after three days of this despair, the morning sun finally broke the darkness, and the earth stopped trembling and breaking up with dreadful groaning and loud noises.

As the earth settled and became still again, the mourning, weeping and wailing of the people turned to joy! They praised and gave thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer.

The scriptures, or words of the prophets, had been fulfilled. And the more righteous part of the people had been saved--those who had received the prophets and saints instead of killing them. The more righteous were not sunk and buried in the earth. They were not drowned in the sea or burned. They were not crushed by falling buildings, carried away in tornadoes, nor suffocated by thick, dark smoke.

Christ appears soon after the destruction...
(compare 3 Nephi, chapter 11)

A great multitude had gathered around the temple in Bountiful. They were marveling and wondering, showing each other the great and marvelous changes that had been made over the entire landscape. They were also talking about Jesus Christ, of whose death these signs had been given.

As they were speaking, they heard a voice from heaven. They looked around, not understanding the voice. It was not harsh or loud, but calm. Even though it was a calm voice, it made their entire bodies quake as it penetrated them to the very center of their souls.

They all heard the voice a second time, but they still did not understand it. A third time they heard the voice, and they looked intently toward heaven from where it came. Finally, they understood the voice, which said,

As they understood, they looked up again
and saw a Man dressed in a white robe,
descending out of heaven.

He came down and stood among them. All eyes were upon Him, and no one dared speak, for they thought He was an angel. He held out His hands and said,

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified would come into the world. I am the light and life of the world. I have drunk out of that bitter cup that the Father has given me. I have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning."

After Jesus said this, the whole multitude fell to the earth, remembering that it had been prophesied that Christ would show Himself to them after going up into heaven from Jerusalem. Then the Lord said,

"Arise and come to me, that you may put your hands into my side, and feel the prints of the nails in my hands and feet, that you may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world."

One by one, the multitude put their hands into His side and felt the prints of the nails in His hands and feet. They all knew and witnessed that it was He, of whom the prophets had written, who would come. After they had all witnessed for themselves, they cried out with one voice, "Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God!" And they fell down at Jesus' feet and worshipped Him.

Then Jesus asked Nephi to come forward.
Nephi came forward, bowed himself
before the Lord and kissed His feet.

The Lord commanded Nephi to rise, and then said to him, "I give you power to baptize this people after I ascend into heaven again."

The Lord called eleven others and also gave them power to baptize. He said to them, "This is how you will baptize, and there will be no disputes among you

Then immerse them in water and bring them out again. This is how you will baptize in my name, without disputes, for you must be unified, as the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost are unified.

There must be no more disputes about how to baptize as there have been in the past. There also must not be arguments about points of my doctrine.

For whoever has the spirit of contention is not of me, but of the devil, the father of contention. He stirs up people to become angry and fight with one another. My doctrine, which the Father has given me, is that such things should be done away.

I bear record of the Father, the Father bears record of me, and the Holy Ghost bears record of us both. I bear record that the Father commands all people everywhere to repent and believe in me.

Those who believe in me and are baptized will be saved to inherit God's kingdom. Those who do not believe in me and are not baptized will be damned (their progress stopped). This is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father.

The Father will bear record of me to those who believe in Him and me by visiting them with fire and the Holy Ghost. Just as the Father bears record of me, the Holy Ghost will bear record of the Father and me. This is because the Father and I and the Holy Ghost are one (in purpose).

I repeat, you must repent, become like a little child (humble) and be baptized in my name. Otherwise you cannot receive these things (fire and the Holy Ghost) and inherit God's kingdom.

This is my doctrine. Those who build upon my doctrine build upon my rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against them. Those who declare more or less than this and call it my doctrine are inspired by the devil. They are not built upon my rock, but upon sand. When trials and temptations come, they will fall, and the gates of hell will be opened to receive them."

After Jesus said these words to Nephi and twelve others He held out His hand to the multitude and cried, "You are blessed if you follow these twelve whom I have chosen to minister to as your servants. I have given them power to baptize you with water, after which I will baptize you with fire and the Holy Ghost. You are blessed if you believe in me and are baptized after you have seen me and know that I am.

Those who believe your testimony--that you have seen me and know that I am, who humble themselves and are baptized, will be more blessed, for they will be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost and will receive a remission of their sins.

But remember, if the salt of the earth loses its flavor, then it is only good to be thrown out and trampled under foot.

Be a light to the people. A city built on a hill is seen by all. You do not hide a lit candle. You put it on a candlestick to light your house. Likewise, let your light shine before all people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Heavenly Father.

Do not think I have come to destroy the law or words of the prophets. I have not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it, and I have fulfilled it in every detail.

I gave you the law and my Father's commandments, that you would believe in me, repent of your sins, and come to me with a broken heart and contrite spirit.

You have the commandments before you now, and the law is fulfilled. Therefore, come to me and be saved, for unless you keep my commandments I have now given, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

You have heard that it was said by them of old, and it is also written in your scriptures, that you shall not kill, that those who kill will be in danger of God's judgment. But I say that those who are angry with their brother or sister are in danger of God's judgment.

Those who feel contempt for another by saying such things as 'You are worthless' will be in danger of God's council. Those who demean another by saying such things as 'You fool' will be in danger of spiritual torment.

If you come to me or desire to come to me, and you remember someone who has bad feelings toward you, go to that person and make amends first. Then sincerely come to me and I will receive you.

Quickly agree with your enemy while in his way, or he may catch you anytime and put you in prison, and you will not be released until you have paid all his fines. And how can you pay even a penny while in prison?

It has been written by them of old, 'A man can divorce his wife by simply giving her written notice.'

It is also written, 'Do not forswear yourself, but perform your oaths to the Lord.'

It is written, 'Others must pay for harming you by being harmed in the same manner.'

If someone asks you for your coat, give it to him, and a blanket as well. If someone asks you to go a mile with him, go two.

Give to those who ask of you, and do not turn away those who would borrow from you.

By fulfilling all the old laws (through the atonement)--by making all things new, I have made it possible for you to become perfect, even as I, and your Heavenly Father, are perfect."

"Give to the poor because you want to give, for if you give to appear good to others, then your Heavenly Father will not reward you. When you give to the poor, do not call attention to yourself as the hypocrites to be praised, for they have their reward.

When you give to others, do it secretly. If you give secretly, then your Heavenly Father, who sees you in secret, will reward you openly.

When you pray, do not pray like the hypocrites who love to pray in front of others, for they have their reward. Go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Heavenly Father in secret and He will reward you openly.

When you pray, do not repeat insincere phrases, for this is how the heathens pray, thinking God will hear them better if they use many words. You do not need many words, for your Heavenly Father already knows your needs before you ask Him.

If you forgive others who have hurt you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you of your sins. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Heavenly Father will refuse to forgive you.

When you fast, do not fast like the hypocrites, who make long, sad faces to look humble to others. They have their reward. When you fast, hold your head up and be cheerful. Do not let others know you are fasting by acting weak and tired. Instead, present your fast only to your Heavenly Father, and He who sees you in secret will reward you openly.

Do not collect earthly treasures. They are easily lost or stolen, and all things rust and decay. Instead, save up treasures in heaven, where things do not decay and are not lost or stolen, for where your treasure is found, there is your heart as well.

The light of the body is the eye. If your eye is upon God and you are dedicated to serving Him, then your whole soul will be full of light. If your eye is focused on evil and you are not dedicated to serving God, then your whole soul will be full of great darkness!

You cannot serve two opposing masters, for you will hate one and love the other. For example, if you love God, you hate worldliness, and if you love worldliness, you hate God, for no one can serve God and the world at the same time."

When Jesus finished speaking to the Nephites, He turned to His twelve disciples and said,

"Remember my words, for you will be teaching them again to the people. Do not worry about your life--your food, drink and clothing, for your life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.

Look at the birds. They do not worry about having enough food, and your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable to God than they? And by worrying about your food, can you extend your life one day?

And why worry about having adequate clothing? Consider how the lilies of the field grow. They do not concern themselves with their appearance, yet even King Solomon in his glorious attire was never as beautiful as they. If God clothes the short-lived flowers, He will also clothe you, if you have faith in Him.

Knowing this, do not worry about your needs. Your Heavenly Father knows you have need of food, clothing and many other things. If you show your faith by seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else, then He will provide you with all these things.

Do not worry about what will happen tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Be more concerned about the temptations you must overcome today."

"Do not judge others, for God will judge you as you judge others. Why notice your brother's or sister's little faults while ignoring your own, larger ones? Why try and solve their problems before solving your own? Do not be a hypocrite. Correct your own faults first, then you will be better able to help others correct theirs.

Do not give holy things to wicked people, for they will mock and reject them and try to destroy you.

What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if his son asks for a fish, will he give him a snake? If you, in a natural, evil state, are able to give good things to your children, then how much more will your Heavenly Father give good things to those who ask of Him?

All the good things you want others to do for you are the very things you should do for them. This is the law given to the prophets.

Many people travel the wide road and go through the wide gate to destruction. But you should go through the narrow gate. Because the road and gate to eternal life are narrow, few will find it.

Beware of false prophets who seem righteous, but seek to destroy good. You can detect them if their works do not lead you to me.

A righteous person brings to pass good works, but a wicked person only does evil. All who do evil (leading away from Christ) will be cut down and burned at my coming. By their works you will know them.

Only those who do the will of their Heavenly Father will enter His kingdom. On judgment day, many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, we have prophesied, cast out devils, and have done many wonderful works in Thy name.'

Those who hear my words and obey them are like the wise man who built his house on solid rock. When it rained and floods came, and when strong winds blew, his house stood because it was built on rock.

And those who hear my words and do not obey them are like the foolish man who built his house on sand. When it rained and the floods came, and when strong winds blew, his house fell with a great crash."

"Now you have heard what I told the people in Jerusalem before ascending to my Father. At the last day, I will raise up those who have remembered my teachings and have done what I have commanded them."

Jesus then perceived that some of the people were wondering what was going to happen to the law of Moses, for they did not understand what He had meant when He said,

"Here is how old things have passed away and how all things have become new. The law that was given to Moses is fulfilled. I gave the law to Moses after covenanting with Israel and his descendants. I came to fulfill the law, and I have fulfilled it. This is why the law of Moses now comes to an end.

I have not done away with the prophets, for all the prophets' words that are not yet fulfilled soon will be. Because I said that old things have passed away, I do not mean that the prophecies of things to come will not be fulfilled.

The covenant I made with Israel and his descendants is not completely fulfilled yet, but the law that I gave to Moses is fulfilled and has come to an end in me.

Behold, I am the law and the light. Look to me, continue in righteousness throughout your life, and you will live, for unto such I will give eternal life.

Keep my commandments that I have given you. This is the law given to the prophets, who truly testified of me."

"You are my disciples, a light to this people who are descendants of Joseph, who was sold into Egypt.

The Father has given this land to you as an inheritance. The Father did not command me to tell the descendants of Judah (the Jews) in Jerusalem about this land, inherited by you, the descendants of Joseph.

I also was never commanded to tell the Jews about the other tribes, descended from Israel's other sons, who were led away from Judah's rule. I was only commanded to say to the Jews,

Because the Jews were so stubborn and unbelieving, they could not understand my words. This is why the Father commanded me not to tell them more about you.

But the Father has commanded me to tell you that you were separated from Judah's descendants, who know nothing of you because of their wickedness.

The Father has also separated the other tribes from Judah's descendants, and the Jews also know nothing of them.

You are the other sheep of whom I spoke, but the Jews thought I was telling them about the Gentiles, not knowing they would convert the Gentiles through their preaching. The Jews did not understand that the Gentiles will not at any time hear my voice directly, but only through the Holy Ghost.

But you hear my voice directly and see me, and you are my sheep, numbered among those given to me by the Father."

The Jews to gather after accepting Christ...
(compare 3 Nephi, chapter 16)

"I have other sheep, other tribes and nations who neither live here nor in Jerusalem. They have not yet heard my voice nor have seen me, but I will show myself to them because the Father has commanded me to go to them. They will hear me and be numbered among my sheep, and there will be one fold and one shepherd.

I command you to write down what I am saying, for if my people in Jerusalem (The Jews) do not ask the Father in my name, and receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, and also a knowledge of the other tribes, then your record of me (the complete Book of Mormon) will come forth through the Gentiles (the Latter-day Saints) to their descendants, scattered all over the earth.

And through the fullness of the Gentiles in the last days, these records will bring the knowledge of me, their Redeemer, to many of them (the Jews). After they receive this knowledge, then I will gather them from all over the earth and fulfill the Father's covenant (the fulfillment of all of Isaiah's prophecies) that He made to all of Israel's descendants.

"The Gentiles are blessed because of their testimony of me through the Holy Ghost, who witnesses to them of me and the Father. The Father said,

But cursed are the unbelieving Gentiles, for even though the Father will show mercy on the Gentiles, allowing them to conquer, afflict and kill Israel's descendants because of His judgments upon the house of Israel (Native Americans), He commanded me to tell you this:

Note: The Savior warns the LDS Gentiles (for none other can "sin against" the gospel) in this manner three times. See 3 Nephi 16:10-15, 20:27-28, and 21:11-14.

Note: A great Lamanite conversion described in 1 Ne 15:14-16, 2 Ne 30:4-5, and 3 Ne 26:8-9.

I have been commanded by the Father to give this land to the house of Israel and their descendants as an inheritance. When this land is given back to Israel's descendants, then these words, spoken by Isaiah, will be fulfilled:

Christ heals, prays and blesses children...
(compare 3 Nephi, chapter 17)

After speaking these words, Jesus looked over the multitude, and said,

"I must go now. I sense that you do not understand all my words.

Go to your homes and ponder these things. Ask the Father, in my name, to give you understanding, to prepare your minds for tomorrow, when I will come to you again.

Now I will go to the Father, and also show myself to the lost tribes of Israel. They are not lost to the Father, for He knows where He has taken them."

After Jesus said this, He looked over the multitude, who were in tears, looking at Him as if they would ask Him to stay a little longer. Then Jesus said to them,

"I am filled with compassion toward you. Have you any who are sick, lame, blind, deaf, or who suffer in any way? Bring them here and I will heal them, for I have compassion and mercy upon you.

I sense that you want me to show you the same things I showed your brethren in Jerusalem, and I see that you have enough faith for me to heal you."

Then the multitude brought their sick and afflicted to Jesus and He healed them one by one.

Those who were healed, and those who were well, bowed at His feet and worshipped Him.

As many others who were able to get through the crowd came and kissed His feet, bathing them with their tears of joy.

Then Jesus asked them to bring their children to Him.

The people set their children down around Jesus, and then stepped back until all the children had been brought to Him.

Then Jesus told the multitude to kneel upon the ground.

Jesus groaned and said,

"Father, I am troubled because of the wickedness of the people of the house of Israel."

Then He knelt on the earth and prayed to the Father. The things He prayed cannot be written, but the multitude heard His words and this much was written:

"Never before has anyone seen or heard such great and marvelous things as we saw and heard when Jesus spoke to the Father. For human language cannot describe, and human hearts cannot conceive of the joy that filled our souls when we heard Him pray to the Father for us."

When Jesus finished praying, He stood up, but the multitude was too overcome with joy to stand. Jesus invited them to stand, and after they stood, He said,

"You are blessed because of your faith. And now my joy is full."

Then Jesus wept, and He took their children, one by one, blessed them, and prayed to the Father for them. Then He wept again and said to the multitude,

"Behold your little ones!"