W. Cleon Skousen Insights

Mormon 7-9 Mormon's Last Words: A Message for the Ages

Mormon confronts the collapse of the Nephite civilization and speaks to the future Lamanites of the latter days, telling them who they really are and their need to repent and lay down their weapons of war. In his final writing he pleads that they will read this record of the Book of Mormon, along with the Bible, and accept Jesus Christ by baptism and receive the Holy Ghost.

Moroni finishes the record as commanded by his father Mormon. He laments the destruction of the Nephites and his solitude, but commits his determination to preserve the sacred writings amidst the destruction. Moroni offers a poignant reflection on the condition of the world in the latter days, foreseeing widespread disbelief, pride, moral decay and the works of darkness. He urges future generations who receive this record, to seek God with unshaken firmness, and to work out one's own exaltaion through Jesus Christ.

Mormon 1 - 6 The Final Stand of the Nephites

We learn the brief, yet remarkable biography of prophet Mormon. As he recounts his life experiences, we witness the early signs of his greatness when he was just a boy. Chosen by the Nephite historian Ammaron, Mormon is given charge of the sacred records.

Amidst a backdrop of wars, political upheaval, and spiritual corruption, we follow Mormon's journey from a young observer to the commander of the Nephite armies. As the Nephites face relentless battles against the Lamanites, Mormon continues to plead with the Nephites to repent and look to God for their hope and for their success. Despite moments of victory, the pervasive wickedness among the Nephites leads to devastating consequences as the entire Nephite nation is destroyed.

3 Nephi 27- 4 Nephi The Savior's Final Appearance to the Disciples and a Gospel-Centered Society is Born

The Savior appears in America once again, this time to His disciples. He commands them to call the newly organized church in His name. The 12 disciples are granted their desires and 3 of them are given power over death. Christ bears His testimony of the Father and the Plan of Salvation and then departs, ascending into heaven.

The people repent and become a righteous nation, living the law of consecration and rejoicing in the fullness of the Gospel, which lasts for nearly 200 years before contention and evil creep back into society. Eventually wickedness grows to the point that it prevails and evil abounds, making it necessary for the sacred records to be buried and hidden for preservation.

3 Nephi 20 - 26 The Second Day: Christ’s Ministry and the Gathering of Israel

As the second day of Christ’s ministry among the Nephites begins, the scene opens with a multitude engaged in solemn prayer. Jesus, with tender feelings for the survivors of the great destruction, commands them to cease their active prayers but continue praying in their hearts. He then miraculously provides bread and wine for a sacramental service, explaining the significance of these elements to the people.

Jesus speaks of the gathering of Israel in the latter days, reminding the people of Isaiah's prophecies. He outlines two scenarios for the Gentiles: one of destruction if they abandon the Lord, and another of blessings if they repent. Jesus emphasizes the importance of repentance, declaring that the Gentiles can be numbered among the house of Israel and receive blessings if they turn to Him.

Jesus quotes Isaiah and Malachi, prophesying the eventual triumph and gathering of Israel. He describes the establishment of a new Jerusalem and the blessings awaiting the righteous. The Nephites are commanded to write down His teachings, and Jesus expounds all scriptures to them, ensuring they understand the gospel and the future events leading to His second coming.

3 Nephi 17 - 19 A Divine Encounter: Jesus Ministers to the Nephites

Jesus acknowledges the multitude's lingering questions and instructs them to ponder and pray until his return. Despite his urgency to minister to the lost tribes, Jesus lengthens his stay to heal the sick and bless the children, displaying profound compassion. The Nephites witness miraculous healings and angelic visitations. Jesus introduces the sacrament, emphasizing its significance. He concludes by empowering his disciples with the Holy Ghost and ascends into heaven, leaving the Nephites in awe of the divine manifestations they witnessed.

3 Nephi 12 - 16 The Sermon on the Mount Given to the Nephites

We begin this episode with a popular speech by W. Cleon Skousen on the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee, as he discusses to the group the deep, beautiful insights of the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus on or near that very location.

Following Dr. Skousen's remarks, we continue with 3 Nephi chapter 12 as Jesus Christ delivers the Sermon on the Mount to the Nephites. This sermon, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, holds unique significance and clarity in the Book of Mormon as Jesus addresses both his disciples and the great multitude gathered at the temple in Bountiful.

3 Nephi 8 - 11 The Great Destruction and Divine Encounter

Catastrophic events cause terrible destruction in the Western Hemisphere, attesting to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Chapter 8 details the overwhelming natural disasters that swept across the land, transforming the landscape and causing widespread devastation.

As the people of Nephi grapple with the aftermath, they hear the voice of Christ proclaiming the destruction of their cities because of their wickedness. After some time, the remaining righteous of the people gather together at the temple and witness a profound event: the appearance of Jesus Christ. Amidst their astonishment and sorrow, the Savior speaks to them, offering a message of repentance and redemption. This divine encounter marks a pivotal moment, transforming mourning into joy and leading to the establishment of an increased spiritual foundation for the survivors.

3 Nephi Chapters 1 - 7 The Night Without Darkness: Signs and Miracles Fulfilled

The prophecies of Christ's birth from Samuel the Lamanite begin to unfold. Nephi, son of Helaman, disappears, leaving his son, also named Nephi, in charge of the sacred records. The non-believers, in their fervor to discredit the prophecies, set a deadly ultimatum for the believers.

Nephi prays fervently for his people, and the sign is miraculously fulfilled, astonishing everyone as the night remains bright as day. The non-believers are struck with fear, leading to widespread conversion and peace. However, the peace is short-lived as pride, greed, and the influence of the Gadianton robbers cause turmoil once again. This episode highlights the cyclical nature of faith and wickedness among the Nephites and sets the stage for the upcoming arrival of the resurrected Christ.

Helaman 13 - 16 Samuel the Lamanite Calls for Repentance

A Lamanite prophet named Samuel appears among the Nephites around 6 BC. His mission is to call the Nephites to repentance amidst their deepening wickedness. Despite being thrown out of the city of Zarahemla, Samuel returns, climbing the city wall and delivers God's warnings and predictions.

Samuel boldly prophesies of the coming of Jesus Christ and the devastating consequences for the Nephites if they do not repent. His bold declarations included the appearance of a new star, other miraculous signs in the heavens, and a period of three days of darkness at the time of Christ's death. Samuel's words were met with a mix of belief and violent rejection, leading to a miraculous escape from Zarahemla.

The episode concludes with Samuel's powerful message of repentance and the eventual fulfillment of his prophecies, setting the stage for the coming of Christ and the subsequent transformation of the Nephite and Lamanite societies.

Helaman 7 - 12 Nephi's Tower: A Cry for Repentance

In this episode, we recount the poignant journey of Nephi, the son of Helaman, as he returns to Zarahemla after six years of missionary work in the north. Shocked by the rampant wickedness and corruption of the Nephites, Nephi laments the state of his people.

Witness Nephi's heartfelt prayer from his garden tower, which draws a curious crowd. Seizing the moment, Nephi passionately calls for repentance, condemning the influence of the Gadianton robbers who have seized power. His plea is a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

The episode captures Nephi's sorrow and determination as he confronts the corrupt judges and delivers a powerful sermon, urging the Nephites to return to righteousness. Join us for an intense exploration of faith, prophecy, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of overwhelming adversity.