Lesson 37: “Whosoever Will Come, Him Will I Receive”

Purpose:

To help class members understand the fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecies and the blessings available to those who come unto the Savior.

Reading:

3 Nephi 8-11

Overview:

a. 3 Nephi 8. Great destruction occurs in the Americas at the time of Christ’s death. Many cities are destroyed.

b. 3 Nephi 9–10. Survivors hear the voice of the Lord inviting them to return to Him, repent, and be converted.

c. 3 Nephi 11. The resurrected Savior descends from heaven and teaches the people.

Questions to Ponder:

a. 3 Nephi 8. Great destruction occurs in the Americas at the time of Christ’s death. Many cities are destroyed.

Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied of terrible destructions that would take place when Jesus was crucified (Helaman 14:20–27). About 33 years after the sign of Jesus’ birth, the people “began to look with great earnestness” for the fulfillment of Samuel’s words (3 Nephi 8:3).

Samuel’s Prophecies Fulfillment

Helaman 14:21, 23 3 Nephi 8:5–7, 17–18; 9:8

Helaman 14:24 3 Nephi 8:8–10, 14

Helaman 14:20, 27 3 Nephi 8:20–21

Read each passage listed under “Samuel’s Prophecies” and then read the corresponding passage listed under “Fulfillment.”

• When the destruction ceased, the earth was covered with thick darkness (3 Nephi 8:19–23). 
• Why is total darkness an appropriate sign for the death of the Savior? (See 3 Nephi 9:18; see also John 8:12; D&C 11:28.) 
• In what ways has the Savior brought light to your life?
• What was the reaction of those who survived the destruction? (See 3 Nephi 8:23–25.) 
• How can reading about their experience help us prepare for the Second Coming?

b. 3 Nephi 9–10. Survivors hear the voice of the Lord inviting them to return to Him, repent, and be converted.

• After the destruction, the surviving Nephites heard the voice of Christ describing how different cities were destroyed (3 Nephi 9:1–12). 
• What reason did the Lord give for the destruction? (See 3 Nephi 9:12. Pay particular attention to how often He repeated this reason in verses 2–12.) 
• What invitation did He extend to those who had survived? (See 3 Nephi 9:13–14. Note that the word come appears three times in verse 14. 
• What do we need to do today to accept this invitation?
• Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “‘Come,’ [Christ] says lovingly. ‘Come, follow me.’ Wherever you are going, first come and see what I do, see where and how I spend my time. Learn of me, walk with me, talk with me, believe. Listen to me pray. In turn you will find answers to your own prayers. God will bring rest to your souls. Come, follow me” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 88; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 65).
• Jesus declared that the law of Moses was fulfilled in Him and that He would no longer accept burnt offerings and sacrifices (3 Nephi 9:17, 19). 
• What sacrifice did He say we must offer? (See 3 Nephi 9:20.) 
• What does it mean to offer a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”?
• President J. Reuben Clark Jr., who was a member of the First Presidency, said: “Under the new covenant that came in with Christ, the sinner must offer the sacrifice out of his own life, not by offering the blood of some other creature; he must give up his sins, he must repent, he himself must make the sacrifice” (Behold the Lamb of God [1962], 107).
• What did the Savior promise to those who make this offering? (See 3 Nephi 9:20.)
• For whom did Jesus say He had given His life? (See 3 Nephi 9:22.) 
• What childlike qualities do we need in order to come unto the Savior? (See Mosiah 3:19.)
• After Jesus announced the extent of the destruction and promised redemption to those who would believe, many hours of silence passed. When Jesus spoke again, what analogy did He use to describe His yearning to gather His people? (See 3 Nephi 10:4–6. Note that Jesus used this analogy three times but changed it slightly in each verse.) 
• Why does He want to gather us?
• The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “What was the object of gathering … the people of God in any age of the world? … The main object was to build unto the Lord a house whereby He could reveal unto His people the ordinances of His house and the glories of His kingdom, and teach the people the way of salvation. … It is for the same purpose that God gathers together His people in the last days” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 307–8).
• How can we assist in this gathering? (See D&C 4:1–7.)
• After calling the people to repent and come unto Him, Christ ceased speaking to the people. Three days of mourning passed. Then the darkness dispersed, the noise and destruction stopped, and the people’s sadness turned into joy (3 Nephi 10:9–10). 
• Why had the people been spared? (See 3 Nephi 10:12–13.) 
• What blessings did they receive? (See 3 Nephi 10:18–19.)
• What is Mormon’s counsel to us, the readers of this account? (See 3 Nephi 10:14.)

c. 3 Nephi 11. The resurrected Savior descends from heaven and teaches the people.

• While the people were conversing about what had happened, they heard the voice of God the Father. 
• What was the voice like? (See 3 Nephi 11:3.) 
• How many times did the people hear the voice before they understood it? (See 3 Nephi 11:4–6.)
• How were the people finally able to understand the voice? (See 3 Nephi 11:5.) 
• What do you think it means that they “did open their ears to hear it”? (3 Nephi 11:5). 
• What can we do to better hear and understand God’s words to us?
• How did God the Father introduce the Savior? (3 Nephi 11:7).
• How did the Savior introduce Himself? (3 Nephi 11:8–11).
• What invitation did Jesus extend to all the people in the multitude? (See 3 Nephi 11:13–15; see also 3 Nephi 17:25, which says that there were 2,500 people in the multitude).
• What can we learn from this example of the Savior’s love?
• What did the Savior teach the Nephites about baptism? (See 3 Nephi 11:21–27.) 
• Why is it important to be baptized in the correct manner and by someone who has the authority to baptize?
• Jesus taught that there should be “no disputations” among the people concerning baptism or any other points of His doctrine (3 Nephi 11:22, 28). 
• Why is contention about gospel doctrines dangerous? (See 3 Nephi 11:29; D&C 10:62–63.) 
• How can we be unified in true doctrine?
• What did the Savior teach as His doctrine? (See 3 Nephi 11:30–38).
• What promise did He give to those who build their lives on His doctrine? (See 3 Nephi 11:39.)
• How can we more fully obey the Savior’s instructions to declare these words “unto the ends of the earth”? (3 Nephi 11:41).

Lesson 36: On the Morrow Come I into the World

Purpose:

To help class members understand the need to endurefaithfully in times of trial and temptation.

Reading:

3 Nephi 1-7

Additional Reading:

To the Saints in the Utah South Area - Elder M. Russell Ballard (This is a near identical talk to the one given in our recent stake/area conference telecast.)

Flags, Faith and Finishing the Race - Lynnette B. Erickson

 

Questions to Ponder:

1. The signs of the Savior's birth vindicate those who have endured in faith.

• While waiting for Samuel's prophecies to be fulfilled, "the people who believed began to be very sorrowful" (3 Nephi 1:7). What were some of the reasons for their sorrow? (See 3 Nephi 1:5–9.)
   
• In spite of these challenges to their faith, what did the believers do? (See 3 Nephi 1:8.) What can we do to remain steadfast when our faith is challenged?
   
• When Nephi saw the wickedness of the unbelievers, he prayed to the Lord for his people (3 Nephi 1:10–11). What message was revealed to Nephi after he had prayed all day for his people? (See 3 Nephi 1:12–14.) How were Samuel's prophecies fulfilled? (See 3 Nephi 1:15–21.) How does this account help strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ?

2. The Gadianton robbers come to battle against the Nephites.

• How did Satan try to turn people away from their belief in the Savior and His birth? (See 3 Nephi 1:22;2:1–3) Which of these tactics have you seen the adversary use today? What can we do to remember and preserve our spiritual experiences?
   
• As the people began to increase in wickedness, what dangers did they face? (See 3 Nephi 2:11–13, 17–19.) What kinds of behavior and attitudes threaten our safety today?
   
• In the 16th year from the time of Christ's birth, Lachoneus, the governor and chief judge of the Nephites, received a letter from Giddianhi, the leader of the Gadianton robbers (3 Nephi 3:1). What did Giddianhi desire of Lachoneus? (See 3 Nephi 3:6–8.)
   
• When the Gadianton robbers announced their intention to destroy the Nephites, the people began at once to prepare to protect themselves, under the direction of Lachoneus and Gidgiddoni. What can we learn from their actions that can help protect us in times of temptation and fear? (See 3 Nephi 3:12–26)
   
  • "Lachoneus, the governor, was a just man, and could not be frightened" (3 Nephi 3:12). How might fear cause someone to give in to temptation? How can personal righteousness help us remain courageous when we face temptation or affliction?
     
  • Lachoneus told the people to "cry unto the Lord for strength" (3 Nephi 3:12). Why is it important to pray for strength to face temptations or challenges?
     
  • Lachoneus caused the people to "gather themselves together" (3 Nephi 3:13, 22). Why was it important for the Nephites to gather into one place to defend themselves? (See 3 Nephi 4:3–4.) How can our association with other members of the Church increase our ability to withstand the forces of evil? (See Moroni 6:4–6.)
     
  • "He caused that fortifications should be built" and placed "guards round about" (3 Nephi 3:14). How can we fortify ourselves and guard against temptation?
     
  • The Nephites did "exert themselves … to do according to the words of Lachoneus" (3 Nephi 3:16). How are we blessed when we follow inspired leaders?
     
  • "They did repent of all their sins" (3 Nephi 3:25). How does repentance help us receive greater strength from the Lord?
     
  • They were "strong with armor" (3 Nephi 3:26). What armor have we been counseled to put on? (See D&C 27:15–18.) Why are we taught to put on the whole armor of God? How can we wear this armor each day?
     
• In what ways did Elder Ballard suggest we should prepare?
   
• What was the result of these preparations when the Gadianton robbers came against the Nephites? (See 3 Nephi 4:11–13, 16–29.) How did the Nephites rejoice after their victory? (See 3 Nephi 4:30–33.) In what ways can we show our gratitude to the Lord for protecting and blessing us?

3. The Nephites live righteously and prosper, but pride and dissensions arise.

• For several years after the defeat of the Gadianton robbers, the Nephites enjoyed great peace and prosperity (3 Nephi 5:1–26; 6:1–9). What happened to disrupt their peace? (See 3 Nephi 6:10–15)
   
• As the people continued in their wickedness, prophets came to call them to repentance, but the people rejected and killed them (3 Nephi 6:17–23). Secret combinations increased, and the people were soon divided into tribes (3 Nephi 6:27–30; 7:1–5). What did Nephi do in response to this wickedness? (See 3 Nephi 7:15–19.) What was the result of his work? (See 3 Nephi 7:21–26.)
   
• What blessings could all the people have enjoyed if they had remained faithful? (See 3 Nephi 10:18–19)

Lesson 35: Repent and Return unto the Lord

Purpose:

To remind class members of the importance of repenting, turning to the Lord, and following the prophets.

Reading:

Helaman 13-16

Additional Reading:

Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change - Dale G. Renlund - October 2009

Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins - David A. Bednar - April 2016

Overview:

a. Helaman 13. A Lamanite prophet named Samuel prophesies that the Nephites will be destroyed unless they repent.

b. Helaman 14. Samuel prophesies of the signs that will precede the birth and death of the Savior. He continues to call the people to repentance.

c. Helaman 15–16. Samuel tells the Nephites of the conversion of the Lamanites. Some Nephites believe Samuel and are baptized. Others harden their hearts and try to kill Samuel, but he is spared by the power of God.

Questions to Ponder:

a. Samuel warns the Nephites that they will be destroyed unless they repent.  Helaman 13. 

A Lamanite prophet named Samuel went to preach in Zarahemla, but the Nephites cast him out of the land. The Lord commanded Samuel to return to Zarahemla and prophesy. When the Nephites did not allow Samuel to enter the city, he stood on the city wall and prophesied to them (Helaman 13:1–4).

• Samuel warned the people that because of the hardness of their hearts, the Lord would take His word from them and withdraw His Spirit from them (Helaman 13:8). 
• ]Why do these consequences come to people who harden their hearts? (See Mosiah 2:36–37.) 
• What can we do to soften our hearts?
• Through the prophet Samuel, the Lord said, “Blessed are they who will repent and turn unto me” (Helaman 13:11). 
• How might some people attempt to repent without turning to the Lord? 
• Why is turning to the Lord an essential part of repentance?
• President Ezra Taft Benson taught:
• “Repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior. Many men and women in the world demonstrate great will-power and self-discipline in overcoming bad habits and the weaknesses of the flesh. Yet at the same time they give no thought to the Master, sometimes even openly rejecting Him. Such changes of behavior, even if in a positive direction, do not constitute true repentance. …
• “… True repentance is based on and flows from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way. True repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change of behavior (see Alma 5:13)” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 71).
• The Nephites had “set their hearts upon riches” (Helaman 13:20–21). 
• In addition, they had not hearkened to the words of the Lord, who had given them their riches (Helaman 13:21). 
• Because of this, the Nephites and their riches were cursed (Helaman 13:17–22). 
• In what ways do people give more time and attention to worldly concerns than to spiritual concerns? 
• How can we assess whether we are giving enough attention to our spiritual welfare?
• Samuel said that the Nephites always remembered their riches but did not remember to thank the Lord for them (Helaman 13:22). 
• Why is it difficult for some people to remain grateful when they are blessed with abundance? 
• How does gratitude counteract pride? 
• In what ways can we show gratitude to the Lord?
• The Nephites persecuted and killed the prophets of their day, but they said, “If our days had been in the days of our fathers of old, we would not have slain the prophets” (Helaman 13:24–25; compare with Matthew 23:29–39). 
• Why do people sometimes praise past prophets and reject living prophets? (See Helaman 13:26.) 
• How do some people allow themselves to “be led by foolish and blind guides”? (See Helaman 13:27–29.)
• According to Samuel, the Nephites had “sought for happiness in doing iniquity” (Helaman 13:38). 
• Why is it impossible to find true happiness in sin? (See Helaman 13:38; see also Alma 41:10–11.) 
• How can we find true happiness? 
• How can we help others find true happiness?
• The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 255–56).

b. Samuel prophesies of the signs that will precede the birth and death of the Savior. He continues to call the people to repentance.  Helaman 14.

• Samuel prophesied of the Savior’s birth and death (Helaman 14:2, 15). 
• What signs did Samuel say would attend the Savior’s birth and death? (See Helaman 14:3–7, 20–28.)
• Samuel said that if the people would repent, they would receive a remission of their sins through the merits of Christ (Helaman 14:13). 
• Merits are qualities or actions that entitle a person to claim rewards. 
• Why is it only through the Savior’s merits that we can be forgiven of our sins? (See 2 Nephi 2:7–9; Alma 22:14.)
• President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Even the most just and upright man cannot save himself solely on his own merits” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 71).
• According to Samuel, why did Jesus have to die? (See Helaman 14:15–18.) 
• How does knowing of the Savior’s sacrifice affect you?
• Samuel said, “If [people] are condemned they bring upon themselves their own condemnation” (Helaman 14:29). 
• Why is this so? (See Helaman 14:30–31.) 
• Why is it essential that we be “permitted to act for [our]selves”?

3. Some believe Samuel and are baptized. Others harden their hearts and try to kill Samuel.  Helaman 15–16

• Why did the Lord chasten the Nephites? (See Helaman 15:3; see also Hebrews 12:6.) 
• How does the Lord’s chastening show His love for us? 
• What can we learn from the Lord’s chastening?
• The Lamanites who experienced a change of heart remained “firm and steadfast in the faith” (Helaman 15:8). 
• When we experience a change of heart, what must we do to ensure that the change is lasting? (See 2 Nephi 31:19–20.)
• How did the Nephites respond to Samuel’s prophecies and warning? (See Helaman 16:1–7.) 
• Why do you think many of the people did not believe Samuel even when they saw that he was miraculously protected?
• Although they saw that the words of the prophets were being fulfilled, the majority of the Nephites began to harden their hearts and depend on their own strength and wisdom (Helaman 16:13–15). 
• How did these unbelieving Nephites explain away the signs that they had seen? (See Helaman 16:16–23.) 
• What are the dangers of trying to understand the gospel with only our intellect?