3 Nephi 27: "This Is My Gospel"

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 174–175

During His first two visits to the Americas, Jesus Christ personally taught His gospel and directed the establishment of His Church among the Nephites. He chose and ordained leaders to carry on His work. They continued to teach His gospel and administer saving priesthood ordinances. As recorded in 3 Nephi 27, after an unspecified period of time the Savior made a third visit to His Nephite disciples. That visit teaches us that Jesus Christ, as the head of His Church, is not far away and gives direction to His Church leaders. The Lord continues to direct His Church through His appointed servants. President Gordon B. Hinckley, then a counselor in the First Presidency, testified: “Let it be understood by all that Jesus Christ stands at the head of this church, which bears His sacred name. He is watching over it. He is guiding it. Standing at the right hand of His Father, He directs this work” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 75; or Ensign, May 1994, 59). As you read, notice what Jesus taught about His gospel in this chapter.

Understanding the Scriptures

3 Nephi 27

Disputations (v. 3)Arguments, disagreements
Hewn (vv. 11–12, 17)Cut
Draw (vv. 14–15)Bring, attract
Sanctified (v. 20)Made clean and holy, purified
Son of perdition (v. 32)One who experiences the second death (spiritual)

3 Nephi 27:3–8—The Name of the Church

Jesus made it clear in 3 Nephi 27 that His Church would be called in His name. As the Lord restored His gospel in our day, He revealed that His Church should again be called by His name (see D&C 115:3–4). With all of the different churches claiming to be Christian at the time of Joseph Smith, few were called after the name of Jesus Christ.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity B and activity A or C as you study 3 Nephi 27.

Activity A icon“In My Name”

  1. 1.

    You may want to highlight in 3 Nephi 27:1–10 any phrase having to do with the name of Christ (such as, “in the name of Jesus,” “the name of Christ,” “by this name,” “in his name,” or “in my name”). Read also Mosiah 3:17; 5:7–13 and write a paragraph that explains why everything we do or say in the Church must be done “in the name of Jesus Christ.”

  2. 2.

    Read the paragraph of the Bible Dictionary entry for “prayer” on page 753 that begins, “There are many passages …” Write a paragraph explaining what it means to pray “in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Activity B iconWhat Is the “Good News”?

The word gospel literally means “good news” or “glad tidings.”

  1. 1.

    Read carefully 3 Nephi 27:9–21 and underline the word gospel each time it appears.

  2. 2.

    What specifically does Jesus say constitutes His gospel?

  3. 3.

    Summarize in a paragraph how these verses about the gospel of Jesus Christ relate to the third and fourth articles of faith.

  4. 4.

    How is the gospel “good news” to you?

  5. 5.

    In your personal life, what does it mean to “live the gospel”?

Activity C Scripture Mastery iconScripture Mastery—3 Nephi 27:27

  1. 1.

    What special assignment did the twelve Nephite disciples receive from the Savior in 3 Nephi 27:24–27?

  2. 2.

    What did Jesus say they would need to do or be in order to succeed in their task?

  3. 3.

    Write a paragraph describing how you are trying to become more like Christ. Include specifically what you have done and what you would like to do better.