Day 309

  • Principle: The Book of Mormon is key in the Gathering of Israel

  • Book of Mormon Reading: 3 Nephi 21:1 - 21:29

  • As you read these verses look for the signs that would should the gathering of Israel had begun.  (Also note the phrase “these things which I declare unto you” in verse two refers to the Book of Mormon.)

    • How is the Book of Mormon used to help people gather to the Lord, His Gospel, and His Church?

    • A good cross reference for these verses is the title page to the Book of Mormon.  

      • "to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever—And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations"

  • C. Scott Grow said

    • “Jesus Christ gave us the Book of Mormon as the instrument to gather scattered Israel [see 3 Nephi 21:7]. …

      “The Book of Mormon is its own witness to the people of Latin America and of all nations. Its very coming forth in these latter days bears witness that God has once again begun to gather scattered Israel. …

      “… The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is the means whereby people from all nations shall be gathered into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2005, 35–36; or Ensign, Nov. 2005, 35; italics in original).

  • Note, according to Jeffrey R. Holland the servant in verses 9-11 is Joseph Smith.

  • A good cross reference to verse 11 are Deuteronomy 18:18–19 and Acts 3:20–23.  

  • Gordon B. Hinckley taught:

    • “This glorious gospel was ushered in with the appearance of the Father and the Son to the boy Joseph. The dawn of the dispensation of the fulness of times rose upon the world. All of the good, the beautiful, the divine of all previous dispensations was restored in this most remarkable season. …

      “Do we really comprehend, do we understand the tremendous significance of that which we have? …

      “We of this generation are the end harvest of all that has gone before. It is not enough to simply be known as a member of this Church. A solemn obligation rests upon us. Let us face it and work at it.

      “We must live as true followers of the Christ, with charity toward all, returning good for evil, teaching by example the ways of the Lord, and accomplishing the vast service He has outlined for us” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 84–85; or Ensign, May 2004, 83–84).

  • How does the Book of Mormon help you come closer to Jesus Christ and live as a true follower?

  • Additional Study:

    • Robert J. Whetten, “True Followers”, April 1999

    • What Glorious Scene Mine Eyes Behold, Hymns No. 16

    • The Golden Plates, Children’s Songbook No. 86