Topical Study of the "Gentiles" Part 9

3 Nephi 22:2-3- The Lord declares that when these events happen they will be the fulfillment of Isaiah 54. The Lord tells Israel to expand their tent to receive the Gentiles who are vanquished and will not join with Israel to rebuild the Gentile cities that were made desolate.

3 Nephi 23:1-14 The Lord exhorts the Nephites (and us) to search the words of Isaiah diligently. (vs.1) Isaiah spoke of all things pertaining to Israel and Isaiah also spoke of the Gentiles, (making it relevant to us). (vs.2) And all the things Isaiah spoke of “have been” and “shall be” suggesting that history repeats itself. (vs.3) The Lord commands the Nephites to write the things He has told them in preparation for the time when the Father will send their writings to the Gentiles. (vs.4) Who ever will “hearken unto my words”, repent, be baptized, the same are saved. The Lord admonishes the Nephites (and us) to search the other prophets because many of them testified of these things. (vs.5) After the Savior finishes expounding on “all the scriptures” (the record of which we will have when the sealed portions are given to us), the Lord turns to other scriptures they have yet to receive. (vs.6) The Lord is following a logical progression and the subject matter is directed to events the Lord expounded to the Nephites. The new scripture must have relevance to these events as well. The Lord asks Nephi to bring forth his record. When Nephi complies the Savior asks where the account of Samuel the Lamanite is and the account of the saints who were resurrected at the time of the Lord’s coming? This record was relevant to the Nephites but must also be relevant to the Gentiles as well. (vs.9-14)

3 Nephi 26:8-10- The things which the Lord has caused to be written and given to the Gentiles are a “lesser part” of the things that were taught the Nephites by the Savior. (Our current record) The Lord causes them to be given to the Gentiles with the intent the Gentiles become the conduit by which these words are disseminated to the Nephite descendants. (vs.9) When “they” (is it the Gentiles or the descendants of Nephi? Likely the Gentiles) receive the record with the lesser portion as a trial of their faith. If “they” believe (Gentiles, Nephite descendants or both) “then” shall the greater things be manifest to them. (vs.9) If they do not believe the lesser things the greater are with held to the Gentiles condemnation. (vs.10) It appears the Gentiles, (or at least a majority of the Gentiles) will not believe what has been given and the greater things will be brought forward to Israel when the descendants of Nephi (as well as other scattered tribes) begin to “know” these things. That is key.

3 Nephi 28:24-34 Mormon is discussing the three Nephite Apostles who desired to continue a “greater work” among men. The three disciples are translated beings and continue their ministry. Mormon was about to write their names but the Lord forbade him to do so. They will not taste of death and their names are hidden from the world. (vs.25) Mormon has seen them and they ministered to him. (vs.26) The three disciples will be among the Gentiles but the Gentiles will not know them. (vs.27) They will also be among the “Jews” and the Jews will not know them. (vs.28) When the Lord “seeth fit” they will minister to the scattered tribes of Israel and all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, leading “many” of Israel “out of them” (a gathering) so the desires of the Nephite Apostles will be fulfilled. The success of the three disciples is due to the “convincing power of God which is in them.” (vs.29) The three Nephites are ministering angels of God and have the ability to show themselves to anyone they believe is beneficial to the work. (vs.30) “Great and marvelous” works are wrought by them “before the great and coming day” when all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (vs.31) If we had all the scriptures, (which we do not) which give all the “marvelous” works of Christ we would know these things “must surely come”. Wo (condition of deep suffering) to those who will not hearken unto the words of Jesus and the words of those whom he hath sent because they will not receive the Savior. He will not receive them at the last day. (vs.34)

3 Nephi 29:1-2- When these sayings are among the Gentiles the descendants of Nephi will know the covenant the Father has made with Israel concerning their restoration to the lands of their inheritance is already beginning to be fulfilled. (vs.1) Descendants of Nephi can also know the prophecies foretold by the prophets are about to be fulfilled. They know the Lord is no longer delaying His coming to the children of Israel. (vs.2)

3 Nephi 30:1-2 “Hearken, O ye Gentiles, and hear the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, which he hath commanded me that I should speak concerning you, for, behold he commandeth me that I should write, saying: Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.