I have always thought that chapter 12 of 3 Nephi is remarkable for its teachings on discipleship, humility, and spiritual transformation. Spoken by the Saviour himself during His visit to the people in the Americas, this chapter correlates closely with the Sermon on the Mount recorded in the New Testament but carries deep implications for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here, Christ articulates a path of discipleship through both action and inner transformation, one that calls not only for obedience but for embodying His divine attributes.
A Foundation of Humility and Faith
The chapter opens with Christ’s call to listen to the twelve whom He has called and empowered to baptise. He declares that those who believe and humble themselves enough to follow His ordinances will receive a “baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost,” resulting in a remission of sins (3 Nephi 12:1-2). This sequence of events—faith, repentance, baptism, and sanctification by the Spirit—offers a pattern that resonates throughout scripture. The call to come unto Christ with a broken heart and contrite spirit is not merely an invitation to outward obedience but a call to inner humility and deep faith.
True discipleship is marked by a willingness to relinquish pride and self-sufficiency, to lean entirely upon the Saviour’s grace. The “depths of humility” (v. 2) that Christ speaks of here reminds me that I must not only believe in Him but fully embrace the Gospel path, marked by repentance, baptism, and a continual striving to fully embrace God’s will.
Defining Traits of a Disciple
Christ introduces the Beatitudes, a series of blessings that delineate the qualities of a true disciple. Each beatitude offers insight into the character that we, as followers, should seek to develop:
Poor in Spirit (v. 3) — Humility and recognition of our dependence upon God bring us closer to Him and prepare us for His kingdom.
Those Who Mourn (v. 4) — Mourning here can mean sorrow for sin, suffering, or the injustices of the world. Such sorrow prepares us to seek divine comfort and compassion.
The Meek (v. 5) — Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, yet it is the strength of restraint and gentleness. The meek trust in God’s timing and wisdom.
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness (v. 6) — This desire to make sure our lives are lived in accordance with God’s laws promises a filling by the Holy Spirit and increased spiritual insight.
The Merciful (v. 7) — Those who extend forgiveness and kindness to others receive the same from God.
The Pure in Heart (v. 8) — A heart purified of envy, pride, and unholy desires allows us to see God’s hand more clearly in our lives.
The Peacemakers (v. 9) — Those who actively work for harmony and reconciliation reflect God’s own desire for unity and peace.
Those Persecuted for Righteousness (v. 10-12) — Standing up for truth may bring scorn, yet the reward is divine approval and heavenly joy.
Each of these traits presents a different facet of a life consecrated to the Lord. They guide us in our journey to emulate Christ, whose life exemplifies each beatitude in its fullness.
Salt of the Earth and Light to the World
In verses 13 to 16, Christ uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe His disciples’ roles. Salt, when pure, brings flavour and preserves; likewise, disciples are meant to “preserve” society through integrity and virtue. However, if salt loses its savour, it becomes useless. Similarly, if we lose our commitment or our spiritual strength, our influence for good diminishes.
Likewise, we are “the light of this people,” tasked with illuminating truth and leading by example. Just as a city on a hill is visible to all, our lives should reflect Christ’s teachings openly, that others may be inspired and seek Him. Our good works glorify God when they come from a sincere heart, devoted not to self-praise but to furthering His purposes.
Fulfilment of the Law
Jesus’ teachings here resonate with the Old Testament laws, yet He offers a significant fulfilment of these laws through His life and sacrifice. Far from abolishing the law, Christ embodies it fully, making possible a new covenant through His Atonement. His teachings on anger, adultery, divorce, and honesty (vv. 21-37) direct us beyond mere avoidance of sin towards an inward purification. He instructs us to forsake not only sinful actions but even thoughts that may lead to sin. This refinement of the heart represents a higher standard, requiring self-discipline and, above all, reliance upon His redeeming grace.
The Higher Law of Love
Perhaps the most challenging teaching in this chapter is Christ’s commandment to love our enemies (v. 44). Love, often associated only with those we already hold dear, is here extended to all—even to those who despise or harm us. This divine love, or charity, requires a softened heart, a willingness to forgive, and a commitment to seeking the good in others. In loving our enemies, we emulate Heavenly Father’s love, “for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good” (v. 45).
The culmination of this chapter is Christ’s invitation to “be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect” (v. 48). Perfection here does not imply flawlessness but completeness—a wholeness in heart and mind towards God and others. This is a journey of a lifetime, yet by consistently striving to follow His teachings and relying on His grace, we can grow closer to this ideal.
Application for Today
The teachings of 3 Nephi 12 offer us a comprehensive model for Christian discipleship. They encourage us to turn away from mere compliance and toward a heartfelt commitment to Christ’s path. By cultivating humility, charity, and obedience to His higher law, we shape our lives into offerings of faith, love, and peace. As we strive to let our “light shine before this people” (v. 16), we can be vessels of God’s love and truth in a world much in need of both.
Through living as “salt” and “light” and embodying the beatitudes, we bless others and, ultimately, find the kingdom of God within ourselves. May we walk this path in humility, love, and unwavering faith in the Redeemer, for it is only through Him that perfection, in its true sense, is made possible. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
