EPILOGUE

          The Nephite civilization was blessed with a notable history of prophets prior to the birth of Christ.  Those prophets made a generational link, father to son.  Alma was the first.  After Alma, the first, came his son known as Alma, the younger.  The descendants of Alma, the younger, included a son named Helaman.  Helaman had a son he also named Helaman.  That Helaman had two sons, Nephi and Lehi.  The two brothers would have been born shortly before the birth of Jesus Christ, perhaps sometime around or after the year 45 BC.

          And it came to pass that he had two sons.  He gave unto the eldest the name of Nephi, and unto the youngest, the name of Lehi.  And they began to grow up unto the Lord.

(Book of Mormon | Helaman 3:21)

          This imaginary story is based on the lives of these two brothers.  By giving these brothers the names Nephi and Lehi, their father wanted them to remember their ancestors who had come from Jerusalem.

Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words.  Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.

Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them.

(Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:6-7)

          Helaman wrote that he wanted his sons to do good.  He desired that the things said and written about his sons would be in favorable comparison to their first parents.  So what was actually written about them?

With only Mormon’s hundredth part abridgment of the full record to go by, they were exceptionally righteous men.  Mormon wrote more about Nephi than he did Lehi.  But he said this of Lehi:

And behold, Lehi, his brother, was not a whit behind him as to things pertaining to righteousness.

(Book of Mormon | Helaman 11:19)

Mormon’s abridged account of Nephi’s true story needs no embellishment to be epically heroic.  His life compares admirably to his namesake forefather.  The record written about his life contains some of the most remarkable heroism a person can imagine.

          From the scriptural index, the following list is created:

Nephi – son of Helaman, great Nephite missionary [c. 45 BC]

Hel. 3:21 elder son of Helaman, brother of Lehi

Hel. 3:37 is appointed chief judge

Hel. 4:14 (5:14; 7:2) preaches and prophesies with Lehi

Hel. 5:1 resigns position as chief judge

Hel. 5:4 is weary over people’s iniquity

Hel. 5:18-19 preaches to Lamanites, converts 8,000

Hel. 5:20 goes to land of Nephi

Hel. 5:21 is imprisoned with Lehi

Hel. 5:22-25, 43-44 is encircled with fire, protected from those who would slay them

Hel. 5:27-31 prison is shaken, overshadowed with a cloud

Hel. 5:36-39 converses with angels

Hel. 5:50 converts more part of Lamanites

Hel. 6:6 goes to land northward with Lehi

Hel. 7:1 returns to Zarahemla

Hel. 7:4-6 sorrows over rise of Gadianton band

Hel. 7:7 laments that he did not live in days of Lehi

Hel. 7:10 prays on garden tower

Hel. 7:12 teaches multitude from tower

Hel. 7:19 predicts calamity unless people repent

Hel. 8:5 arouses opposition

Hel. 8:27 reveals secret murder of chief judge

Hel. 9:16 is accused of the murder

Hel. 9:26-36 identifies murderer

Hel. 9:37-38 innocence is established

Hel. 10:3-5 is praised by voice from heaven

Hel. 10:6-7 is given great power

Hel. 10:16 is conveyed away from persecutors by Spirit

Hel. 11:4 invokes famine in land

Hel. 11:10-16 prays for rain

Hel. 11:17 the Lord answers Nephi’s prayer

Hel. 11:18 is esteemed as great prophet

Hel. 11:23 receives revelations, preaches, puts end to strife

Hel. 16:1 Samuel’s converts ask that Nephi baptize them

Hel. 16:3-4 continues baptizing, prophesying, preaching repentance, working miracles

3 Ne. 1:2 (2:9) disappears

          This list alone is enough to bring awe and admiration and inspiration to the mind and heart.  But could there be even more?  We have less than a hundredth part.  What was that about a secret murder of the chief judge?  He is imprisoned!?  He is encircled by fire!?  He converses with angels!?  He converts the more part of the Lamanites!?  He is conveyed away from persecutors by the Spirit!?  He continues working miracles!?  What else could there possibly be!?  What additional stories and what additional details could be told about his life that we know nothing about?

          The last entry in the scriptural index is rather intriguing.  A mysterious and unexplained event is written as a single word --- “disappears.”

Most people probably assume that Nephi disappeared because he was translated, or taken directly into heaven without experiencing a natural death.  Due to his power and righteousness, Nephi certainly merits sanctified companionship with others who were translated.  Translated individuals include Moses, Elijah, Enoch, and the three Nephite disciples who had their desire granted and they were allowed to tarry, and they were sanctified, never to taste death, and their bodies were changed into a state of immortality.  The scriptural record references Nephi’s own great-grandfather Alma as one who became a translated being. 

And when Alma had done this he departed out of the land of Zarahemla, as if to go into the land of Melek.  And it came to pass that he was never heard of more; as to his death or burial we know not of.

Behold, this we know, that he was a righteous man; and the saying went abroad in the church that he was taken up by the Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses.  But behold, the scriptures saith the Lord took Moses unto himself; and we suppose that he has also received Alma in the spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause we know nothing concerning his death and burial.

(Book of Mormon | Alma 45:18 - 19)

            Likewise, we know nothing concerning this Nephi’s death and burial.  After Nephi disappears, however, one more scriptural comment is made about him.

And six hundred and nine years had passed away since Lehi left Jerusalem.

And nine years had passed away from the time when the sign was given, which was spoken of by the prophets, that Christ should come into the world.

Now the Nephites began to reckon their time from this period when the sign was given, or from the coming of Christ; therefore, nine years had passed away.

And Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, who had the charge of the records, did not return to the land of Zarahemla, and could nowhere be found in all the land.

(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 2:6 - 9)

            Why this later reference, nine years after the sign was given for the coming of Christ, that Nephi could nowhere be found in all the land?  Could it be that someone, perhaps a trusted family member who had something to do with making the record, was still looking for him?  Was a faithful son perhaps praying and hoping for his eventual return, even if it might take years and years before it could happen?  And a return from where?

This story dreamed up an alternate reason for Nephi’s disappearance.

          In the end, there is only one way back.

And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ.  Behold, he is the life and the light of the world.  Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.

(Book of Mormon | Alma 38:9)

O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.

(Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:9)

44. Eternal Glory

CHAPTER 44

ETERNAL GLORY

Hadn’t this been the specific request of his father!?  How could he have been so negligent?  This was something he had promised his father that he would surely do!  He felt ill.  This failure was his fault.

Now he had simultaneously disappointed both his father and Jesus!

But Jesus did not reprimand, nor did He chastise.  Instead, He commanded simply and compassionately that it should be written.

Nephi left immediately with his records to complete this overlooked commandment.

Jesus looked with compassion on Nephi as he departed for the temple.  He saw in the son Nephi the reflection of his father Nephi.  The son was now the father, and the father was the son.  He smiled in loving recognition of their sacrifices --- the father at the time of His birth, and the son at the time of His resurrection.

Jesus smiled to know that, although in different lands and at different times, they had been united with Him.  They were one.  Both Nephis had His image in their countenances.

Nephi races to the temple in the land Bountiful with his records.   He will keep the commandment given him in the temple.  The temple is located at the top of a small hill not far away.  As he approaches the wall surrounding the temple, he ponders how and what he should write in his record.

Wasn’t it marvelous how all the prophecies of Samuel had been fulfilled?  Especially the prophecy that many saints would arise from the dead and be seen by many.  How should he write about that?  Should he write about who the loved ones were who had died?  Mothers had been reunited with daughters, sisters with sisters, brothers with brothers, and fathers with sons.

How specific and detailed should his record be?  Yes, angels had appeared.  But should he identify who some of the angels were who had come to minister?  The list was impressive.  King Benjamin, King Mosiah, Abinadi, Ammon, Abish, Omner, Himni, Enos, Captain Moroni, and so many others had come to minister.

Nephi arrives at the wall of the temple, his mind full of thoughts about how his record might convey the true emotion of such sacred events.  He wants his record to be no more and no less than what both his father and Jesus desire.

He hurries through the gate carrying his records and enters the beautiful garden surrounding the temple.  In the garden are trees of every kind.

A young couple sitting and holding hands under a large fruit tree in the garden awaits Nephi’s arrival.  The man looks to be about twenty and two years old, with a remarkable resemblance to Nephi when he was of similar age.  The woman also looks to be around twenty years old.  She wears a long, white dress.  Her long, straight hair flows over her shoulders to mid-way down her back. 

The couple sees Nephi and stands up excitedly to see him coming.

Nephi notices the couple stand up and thinks it is curious that such a lovely couple is not among the rest of multitude listening to Jesus.  Especially since the woman looks at him with such shiny, bright eyes that radiate joy.  However, his mind quickly returns to his mission to write in his record about the saints who were seen as ministering angels.  Until ---

The young woman standing in the flowing white dress raises her hands high over her head; her back arches slightly backward.  She gives Nephi the brightest and biggest smile imaginable.

“Mother!!??”  Nephi bursts out.  He drops his records and runs like a little boy into his mother’s outstretched arms.  With tears and hugs, they hold each other tightly.

“And father!?”  He reaches out to embrace his father.

“Neffy!”

Father, mother, and son all throw their arms around each other!  They fall on each other’s necks and cry with joy!  They hold each other tightly for a long time next to the fruit tree.  It is a joyous reunion!  Never have they felt such exceeding happiness.

A pure white light containing all the colors of the sun surrounds the reunited trio.  It is as if all the beautiful sunsets that ever were are combined in this single moment.

“Jesus thought it best we meet you here,” explains Nephi’s mother.  “This way, we’re away from the rest of the multitude.”

“Jesus knew you were here, didn’t He?” realizes Nephi.

“That’s right,” says Nephi’s mother.  “He knew you would come here to write about the fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecy in your records.”

“And sure enough, obedient as always!” adds Nephi’s father.

The trio sit and talk together for a long time in the garden.  It feels like time itself no longer exists.  The years of separation simply vanish and evaporate.  Every so often, one of them laughs at a story that is told.  They share story after story and tell each other about their experiences.  Everything is the way it was always meant to be.

Father Nephi tells his son about crossing the many waters.  He glosses over the pirate attack when they finally reached land.  He tells his son how exciting it was to recognize the Samaritan merchant’s map as the same map in the plates of Lehi.  He tries to express the emotion he felt when he first saw the city of Jerusalem.  He tells his son about preaching the same sermon at the temple in Jerusalem that he needed to preach from his tower in Zarahemla.  He explains about joining up with Zenos, and Zenoch, and the others who were also following the star in search of God’s Only Begotten Son.  He mentions meeting king Herod in his palace.

“Those were all remarkable adventures, son.   But nothing could compare with the experience of being with The Holy Child.  We had a Passover meal with Mary and Joseph that night in the upper room.”

Father Nephi says nothing about what happened the next night.

Nephi asks his father, “What happened to Zenos, and Lumech, and Cleopas, and the others after you brought your gifts and worshipped the Son of God?”

“They returned to their own countries.  They never went back to Jerusalem or saw Herod again.  They were able to bear testimony as personal witnesses and taught their people about Christ.  Although their people may be referred to as the lost tribes of Israel, they are not lost to the Father.  Jesus will visit the people in their lands just like He is doing now in ours.  Eventually all shall hear His voice and be numbered among His sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd.”

“Speaking of our land, father, I did my best.  I tried.  I cried repentance to them every day.  But there was so much wickedness.  Most did not listen to me.”

“I know, I know.  You did everything right.  You make me so proud that you have always been faithful.”

“Oh father, do you know about Moriancom and his people?”

“Yes.  The testimony and example of one righteous individual can influence others for many generations.”

“Father, did I do the right thing in blessing He'·Lives with a new name?”

“Yes, of course.  His name is a testimony of our resurrected Lord and Savior.”

“Why did you speak to He'·Lives before coming to me?  I waited so long for you to return.  I could understand how Timothy saw you when he was dead.  But it seems so unfair for me to be the last one to see you again.”

“Everything happens according to the will of the Father, Neffy.  Don’t question the Lord’s will or the Lord’s time.  There is a purpose for everything happening when it does.  I made it to Jerusalem just in time to assist Mary and Joseph flee into Egypt with the young Child.  He could have been killed.”

“Oh, Father!  Jesus told me that Mary talked a lot about you when He was growing up.  Mary told Him stories about you that He used during His ministry.  And Mary told Him that you saved Him!”

“Actually, He saved me!  At certain times, I wondered if I was really going to make it.”

“But you did make it!  Your mission was a success!  You found your way to Jerusalem --- and, through the grace of God --- THE WAY BACK!  Maybe I would like to go to Jerusalem too.  Maybe I’ll ask Jesus if he’ll let me linger here on earth to minister longer, maybe even until He comes again.”

Nephi’s mother then remarks, “Timothy and his son are thinking about asking Jesus the same thing.”  And she explains, “Anyone can go to Jerusalem, no matter where or when they live.  Going to Jerusalem means coming unto Christ, and being perfected in Him.”

Hasai enters the garden, apparently searching for Nephi because he has been away from the multitude longer than she expected.  She hesitates when she sees that Nephi is still talking to a young couple under the tree.

Nephi sees Hasai approaching and bids her forward by waving his arms.  Hasai joins them at the tree.

Nephi takes his wife by the hand and says, “Hasai, may I introduce you for the very first time to my extraordinary mother and father.”

The sacred record eventually written by Nephi contained an account of the fulfillment of the prophecy given by Samuel, the Lamanite.  The record did not, however, personally identify any angel who appeared to minister to his people at that time.  Neither did it record the purpose or the result of his father’s last mission.

And there are also many other things which Jesus, and Nephi the father, and Nephi the son, and others did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.  Amen.

END OF PART 3

43. Resurrection

CHAPTER 43

RESURRECTION

Their hearts began to burn.

Again they heard the voice and didn’t understand it.  But the third time they heard the voice, they opened their ears to it.  They looked steadfastly towards heaven where the voice was heard.  This time they understood the voice.

“Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name --- hear ye Him.”

Nephi again looked upwards into heaven.  He saw a Man clothed in a white robe descending out of heaven.  The man came down and stood next to Nephi and the others around him.  The Man stretched forth His hand and introduced Himself.

“Behold, I am Jesus Christ whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.  And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.”

Nephi fell to the earth.  He remembered how Samuel and other prophets had testified of Jesus Christ, and that He would show Himself to his people after His ascension into heaven.  Everyone around Nephi was fallen before the Lord.

Jesus spoke again.  “Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of world.”

Nephi and others went forward, one by one, and did as directed.  Nephi saw with his own eyes, and felt with his own hands, and knew for himself that it was the Savior.

After everyone had gone forward to witness for themselves, Nephi shouted with the others, “Hosanna!  Blessed be the name of the Most High God!”

Then Jesus spoke directly to Nephi alone and commanded him to come forward.  Nephi went forward again and bowed himself before the Lord and kissed His feet.  The Lord commanded Nephi to arise.  He arose and stood before Him.  The Lord said, “I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.”

Jesus called eleven others forward.  They were Timothy, Nephi’s brother whom he had raised from the dead, and also his son, whose name was Jonas, and also Mathoni, and Mathonihah, his brother, and Kumen, and Kumenonhi, and Jeremiah, and Shemnon, and Jonas, and Zedekiah, and Isaiah.  Jesus also gave them power to baptize. 

Jesus gave all the people additional instructions and specific teachings about His doctrine.  He told them to have no disputations or contentions among them concerning His doctrine.

Jesus stretched forth His hand to the multitude and said, “Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am.”

Jesus taught the multitude many more things.  He taught them that they were among His other sheep.  He taught them to pray; and He prayed for them.  He instituted the sacrament among them.  Jesus directed the people to ponder His words and to pray for understanding. 

         

The people looked and saw the heavens opened and angels descended out of heaven as if in the midst of fire.  The angels encircled their little ones and ministered unto them.

Jesus gave Nephi and his chosen disciples other commandments before telling them, “And now I go unto the Father, because it is expedient that I should go unto the Father for your sakes.”

When he said this, Jesus touched Nephi with His hand.  He spoke to Nephi as He touched him.  Others could not hear the words that Jesus said to Nephi.  Nephi fell to his knees before the Lord and sobbed.

A cloud came and overshadowed the multitude so that they could not see Jesus.  While they were overshadowed, He departed from them and ascended into heaven.

The next day, an even larger multitude than before was gathered together because the news about the appearance of Jesus had been told during the night to many others.  The multitude was so great that they separated into twelve different groups.

Nephi taught the group over which he ministered.  Nephi had them kneel down upon the face of the earth, and told them to pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus.  He told them the words which Jesus had spoken --- nothing varying from the day before.  Then they knelt and again prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus.  They prayed for what they desired most.  They prayed that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them.

Nephi went down to the water’s edge and the multitude followed him.  Nephi began to baptize all who desired baptism.

He'·Lives was the first person to join Nephi in the water for baptism.

When all were baptized with water, the Holy Ghost fell upon them.  They were filled with the Holy Ghost and encircled about as if it were by fire.

And angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them.  Many of the angels were people who had risen from the dead.  Mothers and fathers, once dead, had joyous reunions with their sons and daughters who remained on earth.

While the angels ministered to them, Jesus came and stood again with Nephi and His chosen disciples.

Nephi and the other disciples knelt down upon the earth and prayed without ceasing.  And Jesus also prayed for them and blessed His disciples as they prayed unto Him.  And the countenance of Jesus did smile upon them, and the light of His countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus.

Jesus again ministered to Nephi and His chosen disciples.  He taught them from the scriptures and expounded all things unto them, both great and small.  He said unto them, “Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should write, that ye have not.”  And Jesus said to Nephi, “Bring forth the record which ye have kept.”

Nephi brought his records, and laid them before Jesus.  Jesus cast His eyes upon them and said, “Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel, the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that the Father should glorify His name in me that there were many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them: Was it not so?”

The disciples, including Nephi, answered Jesus.  “Yea, Lord, Samuel did prophesy according to Thy words, and they were all fulfilled.”

Jesus then said, “How be it that ye have not written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister unto them?”

Nephi was horrified!  But it was true.  He had not yet written that Samuel’s prophecy had been fulfilled.

42. Death

CHAPTER 42

DEATH

“No, He'·Lives, not at all!” Nephi shouted to be heard above the roar of the thunder and the cracking of the lightning.  “This actually means that you shall live!”

“How can that be?” cried He'·Lives.  “The end of the world has come!  Listen to the destruction of it!  The highways are being broken up!  The whirlwinds are carrying everything away!  The whole land is becoming deformed because of the tempests and the quaking of the earth!  Nothing can survive this!”

“The reason we can be spared from destruction, He'·Lives, is because Christ sacrificed Himself for us!  He has died!  And the very earth is mourning His death.”

“Why, Nephi, why!?  This is so awful!  Why did Christ have to die?”

“He died that all might live!  His death was essential from the very beginning, even before the world was.  Adam fell that men might be; and the Messiah came in the fullness of time to redeem the children of men from the fall.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

“Is this what Samuel, the Lamanite, prophesied would take place at His death?” asked He'·Lives.

“Yea, this is verily the sign given by Samuel,” answered Nephi.

“What happens now?”  He'·Lives wanted to know.

Nephi could give all the details about the prophecy of Samuel.

“According to the prophecy of Samuel, the sun shall be darkened and refuse to give its light unto us.  Also the moon and the stars.  There shall be no light upon the face of this land, from this time of Christ’s death, for the space of three days.  And after these three days, He shall rise again from the dead.  Yea, verily did Samuel say that at the time that Christ shall yield up the ghost there would be thundering and lightnings for the space of many hours.  The earth would shake and tremble.  The rocks upon the face of this earth, both above the earth and beneath it, which we know are solid, shall be broken up.  Yea, the rocks shall be rent in twain, and shall ever after be found in seams and in cracks, and in broken fragments upon the face of the whole earth.

“And Samuel said that there would be great tempests.  There would be many mountains laid low, like unto a valley. There would be many places which are now valleys which shall become mountains whose height is great.  Many highways shall be broken up.  Many cities shall become desolate.  And many graves shall be opened, and shall yield up many of their dead.  Many saints shall appear unto many.”

Hasai added in amazement, “Wow!  Samuel surely knew what he was talking about, didn’t he, Nephi?  I had heard all of this before, but just hadn’t considered how literally true it would all be.”

“So, this terrible tempest will eventually stop?” He'·Lives hoped.

“In a few hours,” said Nephi.

“But then we won’t have any light?” questioned He'·Lives.

“Not for three days,” Nephi replied.

Nephi, Hasai, and He'·Lives were together in the same one-room hut.  But they had to yell at one another to be heard above the cracking of the lightnings, and the thundering, and the roaring of the whirlwinds, and the shaking and the trembling of the earth.  Hasai exclaimed aloud, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

No light was seen for three days.  No candles, no torches, and no fire of any kind could be kindled because the mists of darkness were so great upon the face of the land.  Thick darkness was upon the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants who had not fallen could feel the vapor of darkness.

Nephi, Hasai, and He'·Lives were among those who had not fallen.

There was great mourning and howling and weeping continually among the people.  Word came to Nephi that great were the groanings of the people because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them.  Nephi was told that the city of Moroni had sunk into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof had drowned.  He received a report that the great city of Moronihah had been covered with earth, and the inhabitants thereof were buried.  Also the city of Gilgal had been buried.  Other calamities were being reported for the cities of Onihah, Mocum, Gadiandi, Gadiomnah, Gimgimno, and Jacobugath.

The report about the city of Zarahemla was especially significant to Nephi.  The report was that the city had been burned with fire with the inhabitants thereof.  For Nephi, that was a fitting comparison to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Nephi heard a report that in one place they were heard to cry, saying: “O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared, and they would not have been burned in that great city Zarahemla.”

After the three days passed away, the darkness dispersed from off the face of the land.  The earth also finally ceased to tremble, and the rocks ceased to rend, and the dreadful groaning ceased, and all the tumultuous noises passed away.  The earth cleaved together again, so the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive ceased.  Mourning was turned into joy, and lamentations were turned into praises and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer.

Nephi noted that the scriptures were fulfilled which had been spoken by the prophets before him.  He noted that it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved.  Saved were those who received the prophets and didn’t stone them.  Those who had not shed the blood of the saints were spared.

But many people had been sunk and buried up in the earth, or drowned in the depths of the sea.  Several, including king Jacob and those belonging to his secret combinations had been burned by fire.  Others had fallen and been crushed to death, or had been carried away in the whirlwind, or had been overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness.

Everything had occurred according to the word of the prophets who had so testified.

After many days, Nephi joined a great multitude gathered about the temple in the land Bountiful.  They marveled and wondered one with another. They showed each other the great and marvelous changes which had taken place.

Nephi taught the multitude about Jesus Christ.  This was the unmistakable sign given by Samuel concerning His death.  Nephi explained that Christ would now be risen from the dead, becoming the firstfruits of them that slept.  And by His power over death, all would enjoy the blessing of a resurrection.  This was comforting to those who had recently lost loved ones in the great destruction.

As Nephi conversed with them, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven.  They cast their eyes about, for they didn’t understand the voice.  It was not a harsh voice, or a loud voice.

Although it was a small voice, it pierced them to the center so that they began to shake.

41. Forgiveness

CHAPTER 41

FORGIVENESS

Nephi and Hasai completed their move to the land Bountiful in the thirty and second year.

At the end of the thirty and third year, the people began to look for the sign that had been prophesied by Samuel.  A time of darkness for the space of three days would signal Christ’s death.

But, notwithstanding other prophecies coming true, including the one Samuel had given for the time of Christ’s birth, many doubted.  The people disputed among themselves whether or not the sign of death would come.  Some argued that it was already passed the time given for the fulfillment of this prophecy.  The arguments created many contentions among the people.

In the first month of the thirty and fourth year, and the third day of the month, Nephi prayed to the Lord to know if the time had come for the sign to appear.

He stayed at home to pray with Hasai in their new hut in the land Bountiful instead of going out to preach or to teach on this day.  Nephi wished to have a day by himself to meditate and to pray.  So, when a stranger appeared at the doorway to their hut, he was annoyed.

“Go and see who this stranger is and what he wants,” Nephi instructed Hasai.  “Then, see if you can’t send him on his way.”

Hasai met the stranger at the doorway.

“Oh, I can see why Nephi married you,” said the stranger.  “You remind me a lot of his mother.  She was such a lovely woman.  Did you know that you resemble her?”

“So I’ve been told,” Hasai answered.  “I never had the chance to meet her myself.  I wish I had.  May I ask who you are?  What can I do for you?”

“I am Heli'·ves.  I need to see Nephi, your husband.  It’s extremely urgent.”

Nephi jumped to his feet when he heard the stranger announce who he was.  What is Heli'·ves doing here?  What does he want?

Nephi moved beside Hasai and stared closely at the stranger in the doorway.  He could hardly recognize him.   But, to his great surprise, it was indeed Heli'·ves who was standing in his doorway.

Heli'·ves looked tired and weak.  He did not resemble at all the proud and haughty man that Nephi remembered seeing last.  The last time he had seen Heli'·ves was shortly before Timothy’s death.  This was definitely not the same person, even though it was the same person.

Nephi detected a faint glimmer of hope in the eyes of Heli'·ves.  But the hope was hidden by a cloud of desperation.  Several moments passed before anyone said another word.

“Hello, Nephi,” said Heli'·ves, breaking the awkward silence.  “Please excuse my intrusion to your hut.  You must shocked to see me here, but …but would you mind if I could talk to you?  I’d be grateful if you’d just … well, please give me a chance to explain.”

Nephi simply continued to stare open mouthed at the presence of his former friend, now turned enemy, a non-believer, a member of the band of Gadianton; the person who had led, or at least consented to his brother’s stoning.

Hasai was more courteous and polite.  “Please join us inside,” she invited.  “I’m sure you and Nephi have some important matters to discuss.”

Hasai helped Heli'·ves and Nephi seat themselves in the center of the room, then she removed herself to a corner of the hut to be out of the way.

“Thank you, Nephi, for allowing me to sit with you in your hut.”  Heli'·ves shook with emotion, but he did not hold back his words.  “Because of what I‘ve done in the past, you might have me arrested and tried.  I wouldn’t blame you if you did.  You might want to tear me to pieces.  So be it.  But I beg of you to hear me out; accept my confession.

“Oh, this is hard.  But…but will you please forgive me!”

Nephi remained silent.  He nodded, however, to indicate to Heli'·ves that he was listening.  Recognizing that he at least had Nephi’s ear, if not his forgiveness, he continued to tell his story.  He didn’t want to stop until he could get it all out. 

“Oh, I’m so sorry for my horrible sins!  I always knew better.  Especially since I was brought up in Zarahemla along with you, right at the feet of your father.  I was taught by you and by your father to do according to the law.  I should have remained more zealous toward God, as you have done all your life.  I should have listened to you.  I could have followed your example.  But I did not!  I let the sophistry and the cares of the world influence me.  And in time, I was lost.

“Not only did I go astray myself, but I began to persecute others and caused them to fall.  I bound and delivered believers into prisons, both men and women.  Once imprisoned, I beat them.  And as you already know, when your brother’s blood was shed, I also was standing by.  I consented to his death by keeping the raiment of them that slew him.

“I witnessed Timothy’s death, Nephi.  I knew he was dead!  So when Timothy was seen alive again after that, I was troubled.  I asked myself, could it be true that you had power to raise him from the dead?

“Jacob and my other friends told me that you and Timothy must have staged the event.  It was merely a trick so people would believe your religion.  But I knew better.  Timothy was dead!  And there could be no denying that he was alive again.”

Heli'·ves stopped his narration.  He had lost control of his emotions and needed a moment or two before he could speak again.  Nephi waited patiently until Heli'·ves could again find his voice.  With tears now openly streaming down his face, Heli'·ves confessed more.

“Later, I came to myself.  And I was struck with such great fear and amazement that I should be destroyed because of my guilt.  I fell to the earth.  I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.  Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities.  I was tormented with the pains of hell.  Yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept His holy commandments.

“For almost three years was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.  Then, as I was racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I decided to go to Damas.  There I could hurl myself off the highest cliff.  Yea, in fine, so great was my torment, that the thought of no longer living became appealing.  But, at the same time, the very thought of coming into the presence of God racked my soul with inexpressible horror.  Oh, thought I, that I could be banished entirely.  That I could become extinct in both body and soul.  That I might be dead, and that I not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be condemned for my deeds.

“While I stood near the uppermost edge of the highest cliff in Damas, behold, I remembered to have heard your father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

“Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of hell.

“Suddenly there shone from heaven a great light around about me.  And I heard a voice saying unto me, Heli'·ves, Heli'·ves, why persecutest thou the believers?  And I answered, Who art thou, Lord?  And the man’s voice said unto me, I am Nephi who testified unto you of Jesus who would be born in the land of Jerusalem.”

When Heli'·ves said this, Nephi bolted from the floor where he was sitting.  Had he heard correctly?  Had Heli'·ves really heard his father’s voice?  Why?  Why would his father’s spirit speak to Heli'·ves?

Heli'·ves was either too focused on trying to finish his story to notice Nephi’s reaction to his last statement, or else he did notice and chose to ignore it.  Either way, Heli'·ves hurried to finish his story.

“And I said, What shall I do, Nephi?  And your father’s voice said unto me, Arise, and go to my son, Nephi, in the land Bountiful.  There he shall tell thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

“And so I come to see you, Nephi.  This is now the third day since I stood on the cliff ready to jump.  I need to know.  What am I supposed to do now?  I’ll do whatever you say.  No matter how hard or how difficult.”

Nephi stared at Heli'·ves in silence.  He didn’t know how to respond to his former friend’s, and current enemy’s story.  And he certainly didn’t know what to tell him to do.

Heli'·ves sat quietly sobbing and had nothing more to add.

Thoughts raced through Nephi’s head, yet his mind was blank.  What was he supposed to say?  Especially since his father’s voice seemed to expect him to know what to say.  What should he tell Heli'·ves to do?  How would he know?  Nephi hadn’t even heard that Heli'·ves was troubled by his sins and suicidal until just now.  What did his father want him to tell Heli'·ves?

Then it came to Nephi.  It came while he thought about his father.  Like the feeling of pure intelligence flowing into him, Nephi felt a sudden stroke of inspiration.  Noting the inspiration, he knew that it was right.  Nephi knew that Heli'·ves lived after nearly killing himself because of hope in Jesus who can atone for sins.  He knew that his father, though dead, would live again because of the Savior.  And he knew that although wicked men would crucify and kill the Lord, Jesus also would live again.  In fact, all live because of the power of the atonement and the resurrection.

Nephi stood up.  Heli'·ves also arose.  Putting his arms around Heli'·ves, Nephi gave him a hug of acceptance.  Nephi looked Heli'·ves in the eyes and said, “Brother Heli'·ves, receive this blessing.  You shall no longer be known as Heli'·ves.

“He'·Lives is now your name.  The God of our fathers has chosen you, and you shall know His will and shall witness unto all men what you have seen and heard.  By saying your name, He'·Lives, all men shall know the truth that you have learned yourself.

“In time, you shall become a great instrument in the hands of the Lord.  You will be a missionary and a leader for righteousness, even from the land Nephi in the south to the land Romo in the north.  Your testimony will inspire men for years to come.

“Come with me now, He'·Lives.  I see that you must be hungry.  Let us give you some of our meat.  I see that you must be thirsty.  Let us give you something to drink.  I see that you feel like a stranger coming here.  Come, let us take you in.”

Hasai arose and offered He'·Lives food and drink which he gratefully accepted.  He said he had not eaten much but a few bitter herbs recently.

He'·Lives was invited to stay the rest of that day with Nephi and Hasai.  He'·Lives said that wouldn’t be necessary, he didn’t intend to stay very long, but Hasai insisted. 

They shared an evening meal of fish, yams, and fruit together.  Nephi blessed their meal, including the bread and the water of which they gratefully partook.  Nephi didn’t say much during the meal because he found himself edgy, and anxious.  He marveled at the sudden change in He'·Lives.

When the night came, they erected an extra hammock for He'·Lives to sleep in.

Before retiring, Hasai pulled her husband aside and confronted him.  “You hardly said a word this evening, to me or to He'·Lives.  I know you.  You’re jealous again, aren’t you?  Admit it.”

“Jealous?  What are you talking about?”  Nephi knew exactly what she was talking about.

“He'·Lives heard the voice of your father, and you didn’t.”  Hasai’s accusation was right on target.  “You pray about it tonight.  I think you’ll see I’m right.  I’ll pray too.  I know the Lord will answer our prayers.”

“So do I,” was all that Nephi managed to mutter.

Nephi lay awake in his hammock that night for a long time and could not fall asleep.  He prayed silently in his mind.   

He prayed that He'·Lives would be blessed because of his sincere repentance and rediscovered faith in Christ.  He thanked God for the inspiration he received at the moment he needed it to bless He'·Lives.

Nephi prayed about the sign to be given at Christ’s death.  When would it come?  The prophecy given by Samuel, the Lamanite, regarding the birth of Christ had come true.  The night without darkness was unmistakable evidence.  Would the three days without light be as obvious?  Would the people then believe?

Nephi prayed for himself.  He'·Lives had heard the voice of his father.  His father had said he might be a personal witness for Heli'·ves upon his return from the land of Jerusalem.  And it turned out he was!  He'·Lives was a new man, with a new name.

So why do feelings of jealousy and resentment fill my heart?  Timothy is a righteous person, my brother, our father’s son.  I can understand that Timothy would see father in the world of spirits.  But He'·Lives?  He is not even related to us.  And father spoke to him as Heli'·ves, while he remained in his wickedness.

Why couldn’t father be allowed to speak to me, his own son?  Aren’t I good enough?  Was the only purpose of father’s last mission to say to He'·Lives that He lives?  Why couldn’t father deliver that same witness to me as well?  I could add father’s personal testimony to the records that he entrusted with me.

What would father tell me about his last mission, if he could?  Father told Timothy in the world of spirits that it ended well.  But what does that mean?  Does that mean he wasn’t taken prisoner in the land northward when Moriancom escaped?  Does it mean he made it to Jerusalem after all?  How long did it take?  Did he really see the Son of God in the flesh?  How was he able to find Him?  What happened to father after that?  Did he ever try to make it back to Zarahemla?

Nephi fell asleep at some point pondering question after question.  There wasn’t a precise moment of transition from conscious thought to unconscious dreams.

He awoke suddenly to the crash of exceedingly sharp lightnings and terrible thunder!  Such a great and terrible tempest had never been known in all the land!  He and Hasai rose from their hammocks and huddled together in the doorway of their hut.

The whole earth shook as if it was about to divide asunder.  The loud cracking of the sharp lightning and the terrible thundering never ceased.  The sounds of a great and terrible destruction all around Nephi caused him to marvel exceedingly.

He'·Lives also rose from his hammock.  He knelt down beside Nephi and Hasai and cried out, “What’s happening!?  This is frightening!  Am I doomed for destruction after all!?”