3 Nephi 12

Faith in Christ

And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am. 3 Nephi 12:1–2

Jesus opens His sermon by blessing those who believe in Him and are baptized, and He promises that He Himself will baptize them with fire and the Holy Ghost. Even more blessed are those who believe the testimony of His witnesses without seeing Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 20:29 — blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed
• the same title in 3 Nephi 9:20 — him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost
• the same event in 3 Nephi 11:22 — the twelve who received power to baptize

I AM

I AM — the covenant name Jehovah, "the self-existent one"

And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am. 3 Nephi 12:1–2

Jesus says the people now "know that I am" — they know He lives and is the great I AM who spoke to Moses. The phrase echoes the divine name Jehovah.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Exodus 3:14 — I AM THAT I AM
• the same title in John 8:58 — Before Abraham was, I am

Faith in Christ

Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 3 Nephi 12:3–12

The Beatitudes spoken by the risen Lord. The Nephite version adds "who come unto me" and promises the Holy Ghost, making clear that every blessing comes through coming to Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Matthew 5:3-12 — the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount

Light of the World

Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth; but if the salt shall lose its savor wherewith shall the earth be salted? The salt shall be thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men. 3 Nephi 12:13–16

Jesus, the light of the world, gives His disciples the calling to be salt and light. The Nephite wording "I give unto you to be" shows their light is a gift from Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 5:13-16 — salt of the earth and light of the world
• alludes to 3 Nephi 18:24 — I am the light which ye shall hold up

The law of Moses fulfilled in Christ

Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy but to fulfil; 3 Nephi 12:17–20

Jesus teaches that He did not come to throw away the law but to fulfill it, and that now it has all been fulfilled in Him. What remains is to believe in Him, repent, and come to Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 5:17-20 — the same teaching at Jerusalem, before the law was fulfilled
• the same title in 3 Nephi 9:17-20 — in me is the law of Moses fulfilled; a broken heart and a contrite spirit
• the same title in 3 Nephi 15:4-5 — the law in me is fulfilled

Jesus Christ

Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, and it is also written before you, that thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God; 3 Nephi 12:21–26

Where Matthew speaks of bringing a gift to the altar, here Jesus says to come to Him. With animal sacrifice ended, the offering is coming to Christ with a heart reconciled to others, and He promises to receive us.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 5:21-26 — the Jerusalem version speaks of the gift at the altar
• alludes to 3 Nephi 9:19-20 — sacrifices done away; offer a broken heart instead

Jehovah, the Lawgiver

Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery; 3 Nephi 12:27–45

"It is written ... but I say unto you": Jesus speaks with the authority of the one who gave the law in the first place, raising it to a higher law of the heart. He asks disciples to take up their cross, deny themselves, and love even their enemies.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 5:27-45 — the higher law in the Sermon on the Mount
• the same title in 3 Nephi 15:5 — I am he that gave the law
• alludes to Matthew 16:24 — let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me

The law of Moses fulfilled in Christ

Therefore those things which were of old time, which were under the law, in me are all fulfilled. 3 Nephi 12:46–47

Jesus declares that everything under the old law has been fulfilled in Him; through Him old things are done away and all things are made new.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 2 Corinthians 5:17 — if any man be in Christ ... old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new
• the same title in 3 Nephi 15:2-4 — the people marvel at this saying and He explains it

Resurrection (perfected Christ)

Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect. 3 Nephi 12:48

In Jerusalem Jesus named only the Father as perfect; now, resurrected, He includes Himself: "perfect even as I." He is both the model and the means of becoming perfect.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Matthew 5:48 — the Jerusalem wording names only the Father as perfect
• alludes to 3 Nephi 27:27 — what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am
• alludes to Moroni 10:32 — come unto Christ, and be perfected in him