Book of Mormon

Covenant of Christ

 

 

Paragraph 1

1

10 And now I, Nephi, proceed to give an account upon these plates of my proceedings and my reign and ministry; wherefore, to proceed with mine account, I must speak somewhat of the things of my father and also of my brethren.

Paragraph 1

1

10 On these plates I’ll provide an account of my life, rule, and ministry. So, continuing on, I need to say something about my father’s and my brothers’ concerns.

Paragraph 2

2

2 For behold, it came to pass after my father had made an end of speaking the words of his dream, and also of exhorting them to all diligence, he spake unto them concerning the Jews, 3 that after they should be destroyed — even that great city Jerusalem — and many be carried away captive into Babylon, according to the own due time of the Lord, they should return again, yea, even should be brought back out of captivity. And after that they should be brought back out of captivity, they should possess again their land of inheritance. 4 Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews, even a messiah, or in other words, a savior of the world. 5 And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had testified of these things concerning this Messiah of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the world. 6 Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer.

Paragraph 2

2

After my father had finished recounting his dream and urging them to diligence, he spoke to them about the Jews, that once they’re destroyed, along with that great city of Jerusalem, and after many have been carried away as prisoners into Babylon, then when the Lord decided the time was right, they were to return home, brought back out of slavery. After they’re freed from slavery to occupy their land again, 600 years after my father left Jerusalem, the Lord God would raise up a prophet among the Jews, even the Messiah, that is, a Savior of the world. He also explained that many of the prophets testified about this Messiah, the Redeemer of the world, that he mentioned. Therefore all mankind was and always would be in a lost and fallen state unless they relied on this Redeemer.

Paragraph 3

3

7 And he spake also concerning a prophet who should come before the Messiah to prepare the way of the Lord. 8 Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight! For there standeth one among you whom ye know not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. And much spake my father concerning this thing. 9 And my father said he should baptize in Bethabara beyond Jordan; and he also said he should baptize with water, even that he should baptize the Messiah with water. 10 And after he had baptized the Messiah with water, he should behold and bear record that he had baptized the Lamb of God, who should take away the sins of the world.

Paragraph 3

3

He also spoke about a prophet who was to come before the Messiah to prepare the way for the Lord, who would cry out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord and follow in His straight path. There’s one standing among you whom you don’t acknowledge, who’s far greater than I; whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to even touch. My father spoke at length about this. My father said that prophet would baptize in Bethabara on the other side of the Jordan River. He also said that he would baptize with water, including baptizing the Messiah with water, 10 and after he baptized the Messiah with water, he would testify that he had baptized the Lamb of God, who would redeem all of creation from the Fall.

Paragraph 4

4

11 And it came to pass, after my father had spoken these words, he spake unto my brethren concerning the gospel which should be preached among the Jews, and also concerning the dwindling of the Jews in unbelief. And after they had slain the Messiah who should come, and after he had been slain, he should rise from the dead and should make himself manifest by the holy ghost unto the gentiles. 12 Yea, even my father spake much concerning the gentiles, and also concerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared like unto an olive tree whose branches should be broken off and should be scattered upon all the face of the earth. 13 Wherefore, he said it must needs be that we should be led with one accord into the land of promise, unto the fulfilling of the word of the Lord that we should be scattered upon all the face of the earth. 14 And after the house of Israel should be scattered, they should be gathered together again, or in fine, after the gentiles had received the fullness of the gospel, the natural branches of the olive tree — or the remnants of the house of Israel — should be grafted in, or come to the knowledge of the true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer. 15 And after this manner of language did my father prophesy and speak unto my brethren, and also many more things which I do not write in this book; for I have written as many of them as were expedient for me in mine other book. 16 And all these things of which I have spoken were done as my father dwelt in a tent in the valley of Lemuel.

Paragraph 4

4

11 After my father said these things, he talked to my brothers about the gospel that would be preached among the Jews, and about the Jews falling away in unbelief. And after they kill the coming Messiah, following His death, He would rise from the dead and make Himself known to the Gentiles by the Holy Ghost. 12 Understand, my father spoke extensively about the Gentiles and about the house of Israel, comparing them to an olive tree whose branches would be broken off and scattered throughout the earth. 13 Therefore he said it was part of God’s plan for us to go to our promised land, to fulfill the Lord’s word that we would be scattered across the earth; 14 and after the house of Israel has been scattered, they would be gathered back together; or in other words, in the end, after the Gentiles receive the fullness of the gospel, that the olive tree’s natural branches (meaning the remnants of the house of Israel), would be grafted in or learn to worship the true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer. 15 My father prophesied and taught my brothers this. He said many more things that I’m not writing in this book since I’ve written about it in my other book. 16 All of this happened as my father lived in a tent in the valley of Lemuel.

Paragraph 5

5

17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the holy ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God — and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come — I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things by the power of the holy ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men, 18 for he is the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. And the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him. 19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find, and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded to them by the power of the holy ghost, as well in this time as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round. 20 Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment. 21 Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment seat of God, and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off for ever. 22 And the holy ghost giveth authority that I should speak these things and deny them not.

Paragraph 5

5

17 After I heard all my father’s words about what he saw in a vision, and what he understood by the power of the Holy Ghost which he received by faith in the Son of God about the coming Messiah, I also wanted to see, hear, and know about these things by the power of the Holy Ghost. That is God’s gift to those who diligently seek Him, both long ago as well as when He’ll show Himself to mankind. 18 He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And the way has been prepared for all mankind from the foundation of creation if they repent and come to Him. 19 Because those who diligently seek will find, and God’s mysteries will be unfolded to them by the power of the Holy Ghost. This is true yesterday, today, and tomorrow because the Lord’s pathway is one eternal round. 20 So remember, everyone: You will be judged for all your actions. 21 As a result, if you’ve pursued and done evil during the days of your probation, then you’ll be found unclean before God’s judgment seat. And no unclean thing can live with God; therefore you’ll be rejected forever. 22 The Holy Ghost authorizes me to tell you these things and never deny them.

Paragraph 6

6

11 For it came to pass, after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart, I was caught away in the spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceeding high mountain, a mountain which I never had before seen and upon which I never had before sat my foot. 2 And the spirit said unto me, Behold, what desirest thou? 3 And I said, I desire to behold the things which my father saw. 4 And the spirit said unto me, Believest thou that thy father saw the tree of which he hath spoken? 5 And I said, Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father. 6 And when I had spoken these words, the spirit cried with a loud voice, saying, Hosanna to the Lord, the Most High God, for he is God over all the earth, yea, even above all! And blessed art thou, Nephi, because thou believest in the Son of the Most High God; wherefore, thou shalt behold the things which thou hast desired. 7 And behold, this thing shall be given unto thee for a sign, that after thou hast beheld the tree which bare the fruit of which thy father tasted, thou shalt also behold a man descending out of Heaven, and him shall ye witness. And after ye shall have witnessed him, ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God.

Paragraph 6

6

11 After I had asked to personally experience the things my father had seen, and believing the Lord could reveal them to me, as I sat pondering in my heart, I was carried away in the Spirit of the Lord to a very high mountain, one I had never seen or set foot on before. The Spirit asked me: What do you want? I replied: I want to see what my father saw. The Spirit asked me: Do you believe your father saw the tree he has talked about? I replied: Yes, you know that I believe all my father’s words. When I had said these words, the Spirit shouted: Hallelujah to the Lord, the Most High God! He is God over the whole earth, even above all! And you are blessed, Nephi, because you believe in the son of the Most High God; therefore you’ll see the things you’ve asked to see. And this will be given to you for a sign, that after you’ve seen the tree that bore the fruit your father tasted, you’ll also see a man descending from heaven and you’ll testify of Him. And after you’ve testified of Him, you’ll testify that He is the Son of God.

Paragraph 7

7

8 And it came to pass that the spirit said unto me, Look. And I looked and beheld a tree, and it was like unto the tree which my father had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty, and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow. 9 And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the spirit, I behold thou hast shewn unto me the tree which is most precious above all. 10 And he said unto me, What desireth thou? 11 And I said unto him, To know the interpretation thereof — for I spake unto him as a man speaketh, for I beheld that he was in the form of a man. Yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another.

Paragraph 7

7

Then the Spirit said: Look! And I looked and saw a tree, like the tree that my father had seen. Its beauty surpassed all beauty and its brightness exceeded the whiteness of the newly fallen snow. After I had seen the tree, I said to the Spirit: I see you’ve shown me the tree that’s more precious than anything else. 10 Then He asked me: What do you want? 11 I replied: To know what it means. I spoke to Him as a man speaks, because I saw His form was as a man, yet I still knew it was the Spirit of the Lord, and He talked with me just like talking to another person.

Paragraph 8

8

12 And it came to pass that he said unto me, Look. And I looked as if to look upon him and I saw him not, for he had gone from before my presence. 13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth, and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceeding fair and white. 14 And it came to pass that I saw the Heavens open, and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me, Nephi, what beholdest thou? 15 And I said unto him, A virgin most beautiful and fair above all other virgins. 16 And he said unto me, Knowest thou the condescension of God? 17 And I said unto him, I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. 18 And he said unto me, Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the Mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. 19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the spirit.

Paragraph 8

8

12 Then He told me: Look! And I looked in His direction but didn’t see Him, since He departed. 13 Instead, I looked and I saw the great city of Jerusalem and other cities as well. And I saw the city of Nazareth. And in the city of Nazareth, I saw a virgin, and she was very beautiful and pure. 14 Then I saw the heavens open, and an Angel came down and stood in front of me. He asked me: Nephi, what do you see? 15 I replied: The most beautiful, pure virgin. 16 He asked me: Do you understand God’s condescension? 17 I replied: I know that He loves His children, but I don’t understand everything. 18 Then He said to me: The virgin you see is the Mother of the Son of God when He becomes a mortal. 19 I saw She was carried away in the spirit.

Paragraph 9

9

And after she had been carried away in the spirit for the space of a time, the angel spake unto me, saying, Look. 20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again bearing a child in her arms. 21 And the angel said unto me, Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father. Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? 22 And I answered him, saying, Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. 23 And he spake unto me, saying, Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.

Paragraph 9

9

After She had been carried away in the spirit for some time, the Angel told me: Look! 20 Then I looked and saw the virgin again, now carrying a child in Her arms. 21 The Angel told me: Behold the Lamb of God, even the Son of the Eternal Father. Do you know the meaning of the tree your father saw? 22 I replied: Yes, it’s God’s love, which inspires the souls of mankind; so it’s the most valuable of all things. 23 Then He told me: Yes, and the greatest joy for mankind’s soul.

Paragraph 10

10

24 And after he had said these words, he said unto me, Look. And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God a going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him. 25 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron which my father had seen was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life, which waters are a representation of the love of God. And I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.

Paragraph 10

10

24 After He had said these words, He said: Look! And I looked and saw the Son of God mingling as a mortal with mankind. I saw many fall down at His feet and worship Him. 25 Then I realized the iron railing my father saw was God’s word. It led to the source of living waters or to the tree of life, whose waters represent God’s love. I also concluded the tree of life represented God’s love.

Paragraph 11

11

26 And the angel said unto me again, Look and behold the condescension of God. 27 And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and after he was baptized, I beheld the Heavens open, and the holy ghost came down out of Heaven and abode upon him in the form of a dove. 28 And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people in power and great glory, and the multitudes were gathered together to hear him; and I beheld that they cast him out from among them. 29 And I also beheld twelve others following him. And it came to pass that they were carried away in the spirit from before my face, that I saw them not.

Paragraph 11

11

26 Then the Angel told me again: Look and observe the condescension of God! 27 And I looked and saw the Redeemer of the world, whom my father mentioned, and the prophet who would prepare the way for Him. The Lamb of God went to him and was baptized by him. After baptism, I saw the heavens open and the Holy Ghost came down out of heaven and rested on Him in the form of a dove. 28 I saw that He went out ministering to the people in power and great glory, and large numbers of people gathered to hear Him. But I also saw Him thrown out of meetings. 29 I also saw twelve others following Him who were removed by the Spirit from my view.

Paragraph 12

12

30 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying, Look. And I looked, and I beheld the Heavens open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children of men, and they did minister unto them.

Paragraph 12

12

30 Then the Angel told me: Look! And I looked and saw the heavens open again and angels descending to mankind, and they ministered to them.

Paragraph 13

13

31 And he spake unto me again, saying, Look. And I looked and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and shewed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God, and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out.

Paragraph 13

13

31 And He spoke to me again, saying: Look! And I looked and saw the Lamb of God going out among the people. I saw many people who were sick and afflicted with all kinds of diseases and with demons and unclean spirits — the Angel spoke and showed all these things to me — and the power of the Lamb of God healed them, and the demons and unclean spirits were thrown out.

Paragraph 14

14

32 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people, yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. 33 And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. 34 And after he was slain, I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb, for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord. 35 And the multitude of the earth was gathered together, and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying, Behold, the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold, the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 36 And it came to pass that I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and the fall thereof was exceeding great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying, Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Paragraph 14

14

32 Then the Angel said again: Look! And I looked and saw the Lamb of God, the Son of the Everlasting God, was taken and judged by the world. I was a witness and testify: 33 I saw He was put up on the cross and killed for the world’s sins. 34 After He was killed, I saw that great numbers of people had gathered to fight against the Lamb’s witnesses (which is what the Angel of the Lord called the Twelve). 35 Crowds had assembled, and I saw they were in a large and spacious building, like the one my father saw. The Angel of the Lord said: Look at the world and its wisdom; notice the house of Israel has gathered to fight against the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses. 36 I saw and testify that the large and spacious building was the world’s pride, and its fall was terrible. Then the Angel of the Lord said to me: This is how the destruction will be of all people who fight the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses, from every nation, tribe, and language.

Paragraph 15

15

12 And it came to pass that the angel said unto me, Look and behold thy seed, and also the seed of thy brethren. And I looked and beheld the land of promise; and I beheld multitudes of people, yea, even as it were in number as many as the sand of the sea. 2 And it came to pass that I beheld multitudes gathered together to battle one against the other. And I beheld wars and rumors of wars and great slaughters with the sword among my people. 3 And it came to pass that I beheld many generations pass away after the manner of wars and contentions in the land. And I beheld many cities, yea, even that I did not number them. 4 And it came to pass that I saw a mist of darkness on the face of the land of promise. And I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises. And I saw the earth and the rocks, that they rent, and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces, and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up. And I saw many cities, that they were sunk, and I saw many that they were burnt with fire, and I saw many that did tumble to the earth because of the quaking thereof. 5 And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of darkness, that it passed from off the face of the earth. And behold, I saw the multitudes who had not fallen because of the great and terrible judgments of the Lord. 6 And I saw the Heavens open and the Lamb of God descending out of Heaven, and he came down and he shewed himself unto them.

Paragraph 15

15

12 Then the Angel told me: Look and see your descendants and your brothers’ descendants also. And I looked and saw the promised land and many people — seemingly as many as the sands of the sea. Then I saw many people gathered to fight against each other. I saw wars, reports of wars, and death by the sword among my people. I saw many generations killed in wars and conflicts on the land. And I saw many cities, too many to count. Then I saw a dark cloud upon the promised land. I also saw lightning and heard thunder, earthquakes, and many violent noises, the earth’s solid surface being broken up, mountains falling down in rubble, and the plains of the earth being broken up. I also saw many cities get sunk, many burned, and many collapse because of the earthquakes. After I saw these things, I saw the dark cloud lifted from the surface of the earth. I also saw the survivors who hadn’t died from the Lord’s great and terrible judgments. And I saw the heavens open and the Lamb of God descend from heaven. He came down and showed Himself to them.

Paragraph 16

16

7 And I also saw and bear record that the holy ghost fell upon twelve others, and they were ordained of God and chosen. 8 And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold the twelve disciples of the Lamb, who were chosen to minister unto thy seed. 9 And he said unto me, Thou remembereth the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Behold, they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them, for ye are of the house of Israel; 10 and these twelve ministers whom thou beholdest shall judge thy seed. And behold, they are righteous for ever, for because of their faith in the Lamb of God, their garments are made white in his blood.

Paragraph 16

16

I also saw and testify the Holy Ghost fell on twelve others, and they were ordained by God and chosen. Then the Angel said to me: See the Lamb’s twelve witnesses who were chosen to minister to your descendants. And He told me: You remember the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses. They’re the ones who are to judge the twelve tribes of Israel; therefore the twelve ministers of your descendants will be judged by them because you belong to the house of Israel. 10 The Twelve ministers you now see will judge your descendants. They are righteous forever and because of their faith in the Lamb of God, His blood cleanses their clothes.

Paragraph 17

17

11 And the angel said unto me, Look. And I looked and beheld three generations pass away in righteousness, and their garments were white, even like unto the Lamb of God. And the angel said unto me, These are made white in the blood of the Lamb because of their faith in him. 12 And I, Nephi, also saw many of the fourth generation who passed away in righteousness. 13 And it came to pass that I saw the multitudes of the earth gathered together. 14 And the angel said unto me, Behold thy seed and also the seed of thy brethren. 15 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the people of my seed gathered together in multitudes against the seed of my brethren, and they were gathered together to battle. 16 And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold the fountain of filthy water which thy father saw, yea, even the river of which he spake; and the depths thereof are the depths of hell. 17 And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the Devil which blindeth the eyes and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost. 18 And the large and spacious building which thy father saw is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and a terrible gulf divideth them, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God and Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the holy ghost beareth record from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and for ever.

Paragraph 17

17

11 Then the Angel said: Look! And I looked and saw that three generations of people lived and died in righteousness; their clothes were clean, just like the Lamb of God. The Angel told me: These are made clean through the Lamb’s blood because of their faith in Him. 12 I also saw many of the fourth generation who died in righteousness. 13 And I saw great numbers of people gathered together. 14 Then the Angel said to me: Now notice your descendants and your brothers’ descendants. 15 I looked and saw great numbers of my descendants gathered against my brothers’ descendants — they prepared for war. 16 Then the Angel said to me: See the filthy river your father saw and talked about; its depths are the depths of hell. 17 And the dark mists are the temptations of the accuser, who blinds people’s eyes, hardens their hearts, and leads them away into wide roads, to perish and be lost. 18 The large and spacious building your father saw represents false and foolish thinking and the pride of mankind. A great and terrible gulf divides them — which is the sword of the justice of the Eternal God and Messiah, who is the Lamb of God, whom the Holy Ghost testifies of, from the beginning of the world until now, and from this time forth and forever.

Paragraph 18

18

19 And while the angel spake these words, I beheld and saw that the seed of my brethren did contend against my seed, according to the word of the angel. And because of the pride of my seed and the temptations of the Devil, I beheld that the seed of my brethren did overpower the people of my seed. 20 And it came to pass that I beheld and saw the people of the seed of my brethren, that they had overcome my seed, and they went forth in multitudes upon the face of the land. 21 And I saw them gathered together in multitudes; and I saw wars and rumors of wars among them, and in wars and rumors of wars I saw many generations pass away. 22 And the angel said unto me, Behold, these shall dwindle in unbelief. 23 And it came to pass that I beheld, after they had dwindled in unbelief, they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations.

Paragraph 18

18

19 While the Angel said this, I saw my brothers’ descendants fought against my descendants, just like the Angel said. And because of my descendant’s pride and the accuser’s temptations, I saw my brothers’ descendants overpowered my descendants. 20 Then I watched and saw my brothers’ descendants defeated my descendants. And large numbers of them spread out over the land. 21 I saw them gather in great numbers, and witnessed wars and reports of wars among them; and I saw many generations of people die fighting wars and hearing reports of wars. 22 Then the Angel told me: These will fall away in unbelief. 23 And I saw that after they fell away in unbelief, they became a corrupt, repulsive, and sinful people, following a meaningless religion and full of all kinds of abominations.

Paragraph 19

19

13 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld many nations and kingdoms. 2 And the angel said unto me, What beholdest thou? And I said, I behold many nations and kingdoms. 3 And he said unto me, These are the nations and kingdoms of the gentiles. 4 And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the gentiles the formation of a great church. 5 And the angel said unto me, Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them, and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity. 6 And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church, and I saw the Devil that he was the foundation of it. 7 And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots. 8 And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold, the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots are the desires of this great and abominable church. 9 And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God and bring them down into captivity.

Paragraph 19

19

13 Then the Angel told me: Look! And I looked and saw many nations and kingdoms. Then the Angel asked me: What do you see? I replied: I see many nations and kingdoms. Then He told me: These are Gentile nations and kingdoms. I saw among the Gentile nations a large and powerful church was built up. Then the Angel said to me: Notice the building up of a fully corrupt church, worse than all other churches, which kills God’s holy ones, and tortures them, ties them down, subjugates them, and enslaves them with an iron yoke. I saw this corrupt and utterly wicked church, and I saw that the accuser was the foundation of it. I also saw gold, silver, woven and scarlet clothing, fine knit linen, and all kinds of costly apparel, and I saw all kinds of corruption. Then the Angel said to me: The gold, silver, woven and scarlet clothing, fine knit linen, costly apparel, and corruption are the things this utterly wicked church considers valuable. And it’s to get praise of the world that they destroy the holy ones of God and enslave them.

Paragraph 20

20

10 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters, and they divided the gentiles from the seed of my brethren. 11 And it came to pass that the angel said unto me, Behold, the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren. 12 And I looked and beheld a man among the gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man, and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren who were in the promised land. 13 And it came to pass that I beheld the spirit of God, that it wrought upon other gentiles, and they went forth out of captivity upon the many waters. 14 And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the gentiles and were smitten. 15 And I beheld the spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the gentiles, that they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance. And I beheld that they were white, and exceeding fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain. 16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord, and the power of the Lord was with them. 17 And I beheld that their mother gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them. 18 And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. 19 And I, Nephi, beheld that the gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations. 20 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that they did prosper in the land.

Paragraph 20

20

10 Then I looked and saw a great ocean, and it separated the Gentiles from my brothers’ descendants. 11 The Angel said to me: God’s anger is directed at your brothers’ descendants. 12 And I looked and saw a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from my brothers’ descendants by the great ocean. I also saw that the Spirit of God came down and influenced the man. He went out upon the vast water, going all the way to my brothers’ descendants, who were in the promised land. 13 Then I saw the Spirit of God inspired other Gentiles, who then fled captivity and crossed the vast ocean. 14 Following that I saw large numbers of Gentiles on the promised land. I also saw that God’s anger was upon my brothers’ descendants, and they scattered before the Gentiles and were slaughtered. 15 And I saw that the Spirit of the Lord was upon the Gentiles, and they prospered and obtained the land as their inheritance. I saw they were devout, faithful, and beautiful, like my people before they were killed. 16 Then I saw the Gentiles who fled from captivity humbled themselves before the Lord, and His power was with them. 17 I saw that their foreign government that controlled them gathered on both sea and land to fight them. 18 But I saw God’s power was with them, and His wrath was upon those who came to fight them. 19 I saw the Gentiles who had left captivity were protected by God’s power from all other nations. 20 Then I saw they prospered in the land.

Paragraph 21

21

And I beheld a book, and it was carried forth among them. 21 And the angel said unto me, Knowest thou the meaning of the book? 22 And I said, I know not. 23 And he said, Behold, it proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew — and I, Nephi, beheld it. And he said unto me, The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets. And it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save there are not so many. Nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the gentiles. 24 And the angel of the Lord said unto me, Thou hast beheld that the book proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew. And when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew, it contained the fullness of the gospel of the Lamb, of whom the twelve apostles bare record; and they bare record according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God. 25 Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the gentiles, according to the truth which is in God. 26 And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb from the Jews unto the gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is the most abominable of all other churches. For behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away. 27 And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men. 28 Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and most precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God. 29 And after these plain and precious things were taken away, it goeth forth unto all the nations of the gentiles.

Paragraph 21

21

I also saw they had a book. 21 The Angel asked me: Do you know the book’s purpose? 22 I replied: I don’t know. 23 So He said: It comes from the Jews. And I saw it. And He told me: The book you see is a record of the Jews; it contains the covenants the Lord has made to the house of Israel. It also contains many of the prophecies of the holy prophets. It’s a record like the engravings on the brass plates, except it’s less complete. Still, it contains the covenants the Lord has made to the house of Israel; therefore they’re very valuable to the Gentiles. 24 Then the Angel of the Lord said: You’ve seen that the book came from the Jews. When it came from the Jews, it contained the fullness of the gospel of the Lamb, whom the Twelve witnesses testified about. And they testified truthfully of the Lamb of God. 25 So these things were delivered in purity from the Jews to the Gentiles, relating the truth of God. 26 After they’re delivered by the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses, from the Jews to the Gentiles, you see the establishment of that corrupt and utterly wicked church, which is the most detestable of all other churches. For they removed from the Lamb’s gospel many clear and extremely valuable parts and they’ve also removed many of the Lord’s covenants. 27 They’ve done all this in order to corrupt and pervert the right ways of the Lord, to blind people’s eyes and harden their hearts. 28 Therefore you see that after the book has passed through the hands of that corrupt and utterly wicked church, many clear and extremely valuable things are gone from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God. 29 And after these clear and valuable things are gone, it was passed along to all the Gentile nations.

Paragraph 22

22

And after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the gentiles, yea, even across the many waters (which thou hast seen) with the gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity, thou seest, because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book — which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God — that because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceeding great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them. 30 Nevertheless, thou beholdest that the gentiles who have gone forth out of captivity and have been lifted up by the power of God above all other nations upon the face of the land — which is choice above all other lands, which is the land the Lord God hath covenanted with thy father that his seed should have for the land of their inheritance — will not utterly destroy the mixture of thy seed who are among thy brethren. 31 Neither will he suffer that the gentiles shall destroy the seed of thy brethren; 32 neither will the Lord God suffer that the gentiles shall for ever remain in that awful state of blindness, which thou beholdest they are in because of the plain and most precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, whose formation thou hast seen. 33 Wherefore, saith the Lamb of God, I will be merciful unto the gentiles, unto the visiting of the remnant of the house of Israel in great judgment.

Paragraph 22

22

And after all Gentile nations receive the book, a great number of people make a great number of mistakes that gives Satan power over them. That altered book is what the Gentiles who crossed the sea to escape captivity bring with them. It lacks many clear, understandable things about the Lamb of God. 30 Nevertheless, you see the Gentiles have left captivity and have been liberated by God’s power to independently control the land. The land is better than all other places on earth. The Lord God covenanted with your father to inherit it, and your descendants will mix with your brothers’ descendants and survive. 31 God won’t let the Gentiles destroy all your brothers’ descendants, 32 or leave the Gentiles in the awful blind condition you see that resulted from that utterly wicked church removing the clear and extremely valuable parts of the Lamb’s gospel. 33 Therefore, the Lamb of God says, I’ll have mercy for the Gentiles and will judge and punish the remnant of the house of Israel.

Paragraph 23

23

34 And it came to pass that the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying, Behold, saith the Lamb of God, after I have visited the remnant of the house of Israel (and this remnant of whom I speak is the seed of thy father), wherefore, after I have visited them in judgment and smitten them by the hand of the gentiles, and after that the gentiles do stumble exceedingly because of the most plain and precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which has been kept back by that abominable church, which is the mother of harlots, saith the Lamb, I will be merciful unto the gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring forth unto them in mine own power much of my gospel which shall be plain and precious, saith the Lamb. 35 For behold, saith the Lamb, I will manifest myself unto thy seed, that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious. And after thy seed shall be destroyed and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren, behold, these things shall be hid up to come forth unto the gentiles by the gift and power of the Lamb. 36 And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb, and my rock and my salvation. 37 And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the holy ghost. And if they endure unto the end, they shall be lifted up at the last day and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb. Yea, whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be!

Paragraph 23

23

34 Then the Angel of the Lord told me: The Lamb of God says: After I’ve judged the remnant of the house of Israel (referring to your father’s descendants), after punishing them using the Gentiles, I’ll show mercy to the Gentiles. They’ll make a great many mistakes because of the extremely clear and valuable parts of the Lamb’s gospel that have been removed by that utterly wicked church, which is the mother of harlots. But by My power I’ll bring to light for them more of My gospel, which will be clear and very valuable, says the Lamb. 35 Indeed, says the Lamb, I’ll personally appear to your descendants so they are able to write many things that I’ll provide to them, which will be plain and very valuable. After your descendants are destroyed and fall away in unbelief, along with your brothers’ descendants, these writings will be hidden and protected, to later be delivered to the Gentiles by the gift and power of the Lamb. 36 My gospel will be written in them, says the Lamb — My rock and My salvation. 37 I’ll bless those who then want to bring about My Zion; they’ll have the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. And if they continue faithful to the end, they’ll be raised up on the last day and saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb. Therefore, any who proclaim peace, the joyful news, how beautiful shall be their presence upon the mountains!

Paragraph 24

24

38 And it came to pass that I beheld the remnant of the seed of my brethren and also the book of the Lamb of God which had proceeded forth from the mouth of the Jew, that it came forth from the gentiles unto the remnant of the seed of my brethren. 39 And after it had come forth unto them, I beheld other books which came forth by the power of the Lamb from the gentiles unto them, unto the convincing of the gentiles, and the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true. 40 And the angel spake unto me, saying, These last records which thou hast seen among the gentiles shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them, and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father and the Savior of the world, and that all men must come unto him or they cannot be saved. 41 And they must come according to the words which shall be established by the mouth of the Lamb; and the words of the Lamb shall be made known in the records of thy seed, as well as in the records of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Wherefore, they both shall be established in one, for there is one God and one Shepherd over all the earth. 42 And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all nations, both unto the Jews and also unto the gentiles. And after he has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the gentiles and also unto the Jews; and the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.

Paragraph 24

24

38 Then I saw my brothers’ descendants and the book of the Lamb of God, which had come from the Jews, and that it came from the Gentiles to my brothers’ descendants. 39 After it had come to them, I saw other books that came by the Lamb’s power from the Gentiles to them — these convinced the Gentiles and my brothers’ descendants, and also the Jews who were scattered throughout the earth, that the records of the prophets and the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses are true. 40 Then the Angel told me: The last records that you’ve seen among the Gentiles will confirm the truth of the first ones — which come from the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses — and will reveal the clear and valuable things which have been removed from them and reveal to all people of every tribe and language that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father and Savior of the world and that all people must come to Him or they cannot be saved. 41 And according to the words of the Lamb they must come to Him. And the Lamb’s words will be revealed in the records of your descendants as well as in the records of the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses. So they’ll both be witnesses together, because there’s one God and one Shepherd over the whole earth. 42 At a future time, He’ll reveal Himself to all nations, both to the Jews and to the Gentiles. And after He has revealed Himself to the Jews and to the Gentiles, He’ll then appear to the Gentiles and to the Jews. The last will be first and the first will be last.

Paragraph 25

25

14 And it shall come to pass that if the gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks, 2 and harden not their hearts against the Lamb of God, they shall be numbered among the seed of thy father. Yea, they shall be numbered among the house of Israel; and they shall be a blessed people upon the promised land for ever. They shall be no more brought down into captivity, and the house of Israel shall no more be confounded. 3 And that great pit which hath been digged for them by that great and abominable church — which was founded by the Devil and his children, that he might lead away the souls of men down to hell — yea, that great pit which hath been digged for the destruction of men shall be filled by those who digged it, unto their utter destruction, saith the Lamb of God, not the destruction of the soul, save it be the casting of it into that hell which hath no end. 4 For behold, this is according to the captivity of the Devil, and also according to the justice of God, upon all those who will work wickedness and abomination before him.

Paragraph 25

25

14 If the Gentiles then obey the Lamb of God, He’ll reveal Himself to them in word and power and in person, in order to remove barriers to their belief, and if they don’t harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, they’ll be included with your father’s descendants — indeed, they’ll be included as part of the house of Israel. And they’ll become a blessed family in the promised land forever. They won’t be enslaved anymore, and the house of Israel won’t be embarrassed anymore. And the great pit dug for them by that utterly wicked church, which the accuser and his followers founded so that he could take people’s souls down to hell — that great pit dug for people’s destruction will be filled with those who dug it, to their complete destruction, says the Lamb of God — not the destruction of the soul, but throwing it into that endless hell. This is according to the accuser’s imprisonment, and according to God’s justice as well, upon all those who insist on doing wicked and corrupt things in God’s sight.

Paragraph 26

26

5 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, Nephi, saying, Thou hast beheld that if the gentiles repent, it shall be well with them; and thou also knowest concerning the covenants of the Lord unto the house of Israel. And thou also hast heard that whoso repenteth not must perish. 6 Therefore, woe be unto the gentiles if it so be that they harden their hearts against the Lamb of God. 7 For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work a great and a marvelous work among the children of men, a work which shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other, either to the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds, unto their being brought down into captivity and also unto destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the Devil of which I have spoken.

Paragraph 26

26

Then the Angel told me: You’ve seen that if the Gentiles repent, it will turn out well for them. You also know about the Lord’s covenants with the house of Israel. And you’ve also heard that whoever doesn’t repent must perish. As a result, if the Gentiles harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, I will afflict them. Because the time will come, says the Lamb of God, when I’ll bring about a great and awe-inspiring work among mankind, one that will be everlasting — one way or the other — either to convince them, resulting in peace and life eternal; or to give them up to their hard hearts and blind minds, bringing about their slavery and temporal and spiritual destruction, under the accuser’s enslavement which I’ve spoken about.

Paragraph 27

27

8 And it came to pass that when the angel had spoken these words, he said unto me, Remember thou the covenants of the Father unto the house of Israel? I said unto him, Yea. 9 And it came to pass that he said unto me, Look and behold that great and abominable church, which is the mother of abominations, whose foundation is the Devil. 10 And he said unto me, Behold, there are save two churches only: the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the Devil. Wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church which is the mother of abominations, and she is the whore of all the earth.

Paragraph 27

27

When the Angel had said this, He asked me: Do you remember the Father’s covenants to the house of Israel? I replied: Yes. Then He told me: Look and observe that utterly wicked church, which is the mother of abominations, whose foundation is the accuser. 10 Then He told me: There are only two churches: one is the congregation of the Lamb of God and the other is the church of the accuser. Therefore anyone who doesn’t belong to the congregation of the Lamb of God belongs to the other wealthy and corrupt church that is the mother of abominations, and she is the whore of the whole earth.

Paragraph 28

28

11 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the whore of all the earth, and she sat upon many waters, and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. 12 And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters. Nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. 13 And it came to pass that I beheld that the great mother of abominations did gather together in multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all the nations of the gentiles, to fight against the Lamb of God. 14 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth. And they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.

Paragraph 28

28

11 Then I looked and saw the whore of the whole earth. She was spread everywhere across the seas, ruling over the whole earth, among all people of every nation, tribe, and language. 12 And I saw the congregation of the Lamb of God; its numbers were few because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who was spread everywhere across the seas. Nevertheless, I saw that the congregation of the Lamb, who were God’s holy ones, were also there throughout the earth; but their presence was small because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. 13 And I saw the great mother of abominations assembled in large numbers all over the earth among all Gentile nations to fight against the Lamb of God. 14 Then I saw the power of the Lamb of God descend upon the holy ones of the Lamb’s congregation and upon the Lord’s covenant people, who were scattered across the earth. They were armed with righteousness and God’s power in great glory.

Paragraph 29

29

15 And it came to pass that I beheld that the wrath of God was poured out upon that great and abominable church, insomuch that there were wars and rumors of wars among all the nations and kindreds of the earth. 16 And as there began to be wars and rumors of wars among all the nations which belonged to the mother of abominations, the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold, the wrath of God is upon the mother of harlots, and behold, thou seest all these things. 17 And when the day cometh that the wrath of God is poured out upon the mother of harlots — which is the great and abominable church of all the earth, whose foundation is the Devil — then at that day the work of the Father shall commence in preparing the way for the fulfilling of his covenants which he hath made to his people who are of the house of Israel.

Paragraph 29

29

15 And I saw that God’s wrath was poured out upon that wealthy and utterly wicked church, so that wars and reports of wars arose among the nations and tribes of the earth. 16 As these wars and reports of wars arose among the nations that followed the mother of abominations, the Angel told me: God’s wrath is upon the mother of harlots. You’re a witness to all these things. 17 When the time comes that God’s anger is poured out upon the mother of harlots — the wealthy and utterly wicked church of the whole earth, whose foundation is the accuser — then as that happens it will be part of the Father’s work to vindicate the covenants He has made with His people who belong to the house of Israel.

Paragraph 30

30

18 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying, Look. 19 And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; 20 and the angel said unto me, Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 21 Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things, yea, and also many things which have been; 22 and he shall also write concerning the end of the world. 23 Wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and true; and behold, they are written in the book which thou beheld proceeding out of the mouth of the Jew. And at the time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, or at the time the book proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, the things which were written were plain, and pure, and most precious, and easy to the understanding of all men. 24 And behold, the things which this apostle of the Lamb shall write are many things which thou hast seen; and behold, the remainder shalt thou see. 25 But the things which thou shalt see hereafter thou shalt not write, for the Lord God hath ordained the apostle of the Lamb of God that he should write them. 26 And also others who have been, to them hath he shewn all things, and they have written them. And they are sealed up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto the house of Israel.

Paragraph 30

30

18 Then the Angel told me: Look! 19 And I looked and saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe. 20 The Angel said to me: This is one of the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses. 21 He’s been appointed to see and write about the remainder of these things, and also about many other things that have happened. 22 He’ll also write about the end of the world. 23 Therefore the things he will write are proper and true, and they’re written in the book you saw coming from the Jews. When they came from the Jews, or when the book came from the Jews, what was written was clear and pure and extremely valuable and easy for all to understand. 24 The things this witness of the Lamb is to write are many of the things that you’ve seen, and you’ll see the rest. 25 However, you must not write the things you’ll see after this, since the Lord God has ordered the witness of the Lamb of God to write them. 26 He has shown all things to others who have lived, and they’ve written them as well. They’re sealed up to come forward in their correct form to the house of Israel, when the Lord deems it to be the proper time, according to the truth that’s in the Lamb.

Paragraph 31

31

27 And I, Nephi, heard and bear record that the name of the apostle of the Lamb was John, according to the word of the angel. 28 And behold, I, Nephi, am forbidden that I should write the remainder of the things which I saw. Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, and I have not written but a small part of the things which I saw. 29 And I bear record that I saw the things which my father saw, and the angel of the Lord did make them known unto me. 30 And now I make an end of speaking concerning the things which I saw while I was carried away in the spirit; and if all the things which I saw are not written, the things which I have written are true. And thus it is. Amen.

Paragraph 31

31

27 I heard and testify that according to the Angel’s word, the name of the Lamb’s witness was John. 28 I’m forbidden to write the rest of the things I saw and heard. So, I’m satisfied with what I’ve written, and I’ve only written a small part of what I saw. 29 I testify that I saw the things my father saw, and the Angel of the Lord revealed them to me. 30 Now I finish writing about what I saw while I was in contact with the Spirit. And even though everything I saw isn’t written, the things I have written are true. So be it, Amen.