Question

Dear Gramps,

Can you tell me how long Christ was with the Nephites in Americas?

Susan

Answer

Dear Susan,

The Book of Mormon, a sacred text of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provides an account of Jesus Christ’s visit to the Nephites in the Americas following His resurrection. This pivotal event, recorded primarily in the book of 3 Nephi, offers profound insights into the Savior’s teachings and the establishment of His Church among a people unfamiliar with His gospel. However, the specific duration of Christ’s visit is a topic that invites exploration, not only to satisfy curiosity but to deepen understanding of His mission and the significance of His teachings.

The first recorded visit of Jesus Christ to the Nephites occurred after His resurrection. As detailed in 3 Nephi 11:8-10, He announced Himself to the people gathered around the temple in Bountiful. This moment marked the beginning of a transformative ministry among the Nephites. The scriptures indicate that Christ taught the Nephites for three consecutive days during this initial visit. In 3 Nephi 26:13, it is written,

And now, there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people; but behold, the plates of Nephi do carry only a small part of the things which He taught unto the people.

This highlights not only the duration of His visit but also the depth of His teachings.

During these three days, Christ engaged with the Nephites in a manner reminiscent of His ministry in Jerusalem. He taught them principles of faith, repentance, and the need for baptism, establishing a foundation for their spiritual growth. Importantly, He introduced the ordinance of the sacrament, as recorded in 3 Nephi 18:1-10, emphasizing the importance of partaking of the sacrament as a reminder of His atoning sacrifice.

Following His initial three-day ministry, Christ continued to appear to the Nephites on multiple occasions. The scriptures affirm that He “showed himself unto them oft” (3 Nephi 26:12), indicating a sustained presence among the people. While the exact number of these subsequent visits is not detailed in the Book of Mormon, the significance of His continued guidance cannot be overstated. Each visit served to reinforce the teachings He had imparted and provided opportunities for the Nephites to deepen their understanding of His gospel.

Christ visiting the people of the Americas

The Nephites were given the privilege of witnessing Christ’s miracles and receiving His personal instruction. This ongoing interaction was crucial for establishing a strong foundation of faith among the Nephite people. Christ’s presence helped to solidify their understanding of His divine nature and the truth of His teachings, fostering a community centered on faith and obedience to His commandments.

A significant aspect of Christ’s ministry among the Nephites was the appointment of twelve disciples, mirroring the twelve apostles chosen during His mortal ministry in Jerusalem. In 3 Nephi 12:1-2, Christ explicitly calls these disciples, giving them authority to teach and baptize. This act not only formalized the establishment of His Church among the Nephites but also ensured that His teachings would be preserved and disseminated in the years to come.

The disciples were tasked with preaching the gospel, administering ordinances, and providing support to the Nephite community. Their role was critical in maintaining the faith of the people and continuing the work of the Savior long after His visit. By establishing a leadership structure, Christ ensured that the Nephites would have spiritual guidance and support, reinforcing the importance of community and fellowship in their worship.

The visit of Jesus Christ to the Nephites in the Americas is a profound testament to His love and concern for all of humanity. While the specific duration of His presence among them was primarily marked by an initial three-day ministry, His continued appearances and teachings played a crucial role in shaping the faith of the Nephite people. Through His teachings, the establishment of His Church, and the appointment of disciples, Christ laid a foundation that would resonate through generations.

The account of His visit serves as a reminder of the Savior’s commitment to His covenant people and the universal nature of His gospel. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflect on this sacred history, they are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Christ’s teachings and apply them in their own lives. The message of hope, redemption, and the importance of community continues to inspire and guide believers today.

Gramps