3 Nephi 17 to 19 – “Behold, My Joy Is Full”

September 28, 2020 to October 11, 2020

In 3 Nephi 17-19, Jesus ministers to his people through personal experiences, ordinances, and covenants.

“One by One: The Fifth Gospel’s Model of Service,” Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, in A Book of Mormon Treasury: Gospel Insights from General Authorities and Religious Educators
Third Nephi emphasizes the individual experiences of the Nephites with the resurrected Messiah. Through ordinances, performed individually, the power of godliness is manifest.

“The Symbolic Unity of Christ’s Ministry in 3 Nephi,” Neal E. Lambert, in The Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 9-30, This Is My Gospel
In 3 Nephi we find patterns of words and events that are intentional and purposeful. Feeling and seeing are essential elements of the Christian experience. The ordinance of the sacrament is a confirming experience that can bring the true worshipper into an intimate relationship with the Savior.

Chart 58: “Book of Mormon Covenant Language,” from Charting the Book of Mormon
This chart compares covenant phrases used in Mosiah 5, Mosiah 18, 3 Nephi 18, and Moroni 4-5, showing the unity of salvation throughout the Book of Mormon.

“Jesus the Savior in 3 Nephi,” by Robert J. Matthews, in The Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 9-30, This Is My Gospel
The doctrines that Jesus taught the Nephites is plainer and clearer than anything found in the New Testament on these topics. Jesus teaches that he would make himself manifest only to the house of Israel. He declares his authority and godhood. He teaches covenants that are familiar to his people.

“The Doctrine of a Covenant People,” Joseph Fielding McConkie, in The Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 9-30, This Is My Gospel
The idea of sacred covenant making with a chosen people is found throughout the Bible. The covenants made in 3 Nephi fit perfectly with how it is taught in the Bible. This article highlights the covenant meal of the sacrament found in 3 Nephi 18.