HELAMAN TO THIRD NEPHI – THE RISE AND FALL OF NATIONS
SYNOPSIS AND KEY EVENTS
The books of Helaman and Third Nephi in the Book of Mormon cover an era marked by turbulent changes in the Nephite and Lamanite societies. They provide detailed accounts of the shifting moral compass and the corresponding societal transformations.
In the book of Helaman, we find the Nephite society wavering between periods of righteousness and wickedness, much like a pendulum. The rise of the Gadianton robbers, a secret group of criminals causing chaos and fear, is a central event that contributes to the society’s instability. This notorious group grows in strength, exploiting the Nephite government’s weakness and their people’s tendency towards pride and materialism.
Simultaneously, this period is also marked by the dedicated ministry of the righteous prophet Nephi, who, despite the societal tumult, tirelessly calls his people back to the path of righteousness. His words often fall on deaf ears, but his efforts aren’t entirely in vain.
In contrast to the Nephites’ deteriorating society, we see the Lamanites progressing spiritually. They heed the words of Nephi and Samuel, another prophet from among their own, and make significant strides in their faith journey.
The book of Helaman concludes with the prophetic utterances of Samuel the Lamanite. He prophesizes the coming of Christ, outlining specific signs that would precede this divine event – five years hence, there would be a day and a night and a day as if it were one day, and a new star would appear.
As we move into Third Nephi, these prophecies become a reality. Despite the naysayers and the attempts to silence the believers, the prophesied signs occur, proving Samuel’s words true. However, the joyous acknowledgment of the Savior’s birth is short-lived as society plunges back into wickedness.
Third Nephi presents a stark picture of a society in decay, leading up to the cataclysmic natural disasters that coincide with Christ’s crucifixion. Post these catastrophic events, Christ makes his profound appearance in the Americas, marking a new era of peace and righteousness.
The rise and fall of nations, the cycles of peace and conflict, and the continual struggle between good and evil in these books provide us with a mirror to our own societies and personal lives.
KEY TEACHINGS AND INTERPRETATIONS
In the book of Helaman, one key teaching revolves around the cyclic pattern of pride and humility, righteousness and wickedness, peace and war. This recurring cycle demonstrates the consequences of forgetting God and the blessings of remembering Him. We see that pride leads to social and moral decay, while humility and faith bring peace and prosperity.
Another central teaching is the effectiveness of prophetic warnings and calls to repentance. Despite his words often falling on deaf ears, the prophet Nephi’s relentless efforts to bring his people back to righteousness bear fruit among some. His example teaches us about the importance of persisting in doing what’s right, even when our efforts seem fruitless.
In Third Nephi, the narrative’s emphasis shifts to the transformative power of Christ’s teachings and His atonement. The people witness the signs of Christ’s birth, live through the cataclysms accompanying His crucifixion, and then experience His visitation. Through these experiences, they learn about God’s justice and mercy, and the power of the Atonement to bring about a change of heart and peace.
One of the most profound teachings in Third Nephi is Christ’s sermon, akin to the Sermon on the Mount in the New Testament. Here, Christ expounds the principles of love, forgiveness, and humility, offering a higher law of conduct. This sermon serves as a guide for personal behavior, emphasizing the inner transformation required to become true followers of Christ.
The accounts in Helaman and Third Nephi remind us that societal and personal transformation is possible through faith in Christ, repentance, and adherence to His teachings. They underscore the necessity of moral and spiritual integrity, both individually and collectively.
These teachings resonate with us today, urging us to examine our own patterns of pride and humility, our response to prophetic counsel, and our personal commitment to living Christ’s teachings.
FREQUENTLY CITED SCRIPTURES
Several passages in these chapters of Helaman and Third Nephi are frequently cited for their doctrinal depth and spiritual wisdom.
In Helaman 5:12, Helaman instructs his sons Nephi and Lehi, “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.” This scripture emphasizes the importance of building our lives on the solid foundation of Christ and His teachings.
Third Nephi 11:29 is also frequently cited for its profound teaching about contention, “For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.” This scripture teaches us to avoid contention, emphasizing that it’s not of God but of the devil.
Finally, in Third Nephi 27:27, Jesus Himself instructs us, “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” This powerful invitation calls us to strive to become like Christ in all our actions, thoughts, and feelings.
These passages provide key insights into the teachings of the Book of Mormon and are often referenced in talks, lessons, and personal study for their timeless wisdom and guidance.
APPLYING TEACHINGS TO MODERN DAY LIFE
The teachings and scriptures from the books of Helaman and Third Nephi have significant applications in our modern-day lives.
For instance, Helaman’s counsel to his sons in Helaman 5:12 – to build our lives upon the foundation of Christ – is especially relevant in today’s world. In an era where uncertainty and change seem to be the only constants, grounding our lives on the teachings of Christ provides us with a sure foundation. When we encounter personal trials, societal upheavals, or global crises, this ‘rock’ can provide us with strength, stability, and peace. This might mean daily scripture study, prayer, service to others, or simply trying to emulate Christ’s love and kindness in our interactions with others.
Third Nephi 11:29, which teaches us to avoid contention, is also profoundly applicable today. In a time where social media debates, political divisiveness, and interpersonal conflicts abound, seeking to avoid contention can bring more peace into our lives and into our communities. This might look like practicing active listening, being slow to anger, or choosing to disengage from heated arguments.
Lastly, the invitation in Third Nephi 27:27 to strive to be like Christ can guide every decision we make and every action we take. Whether in our personal relationships, our work, or our service to others, we can continually ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do in my place?” Striving to emulate His love, His service, His humility, and His integrity can transform our lives and help us become better individuals.
The teachings in these chapters, like all of the scriptures in the Book of Mormon, are not just for the people of ancient times. They are God’s words for us in our day, meant to guide us, uplift us, and help us come closer to Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.
REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS FOR READERS
How does the counsel from Helaman 5:12 to build your life on the foundation of Christ resonate with you? In what ways are you doing this, and how could you improve?
Consider Third Nephi 11:29, which admonishes us to avoid contention. Reflect on recent instances when you faced contention. What could you have done differently to reduce strife?
Third Nephi 27:27 invites us to strive to be like Christ. Reflect on what this means in your life. Are there specific attributes of Christ that you feel prompted to work on?
The books of Helaman and Third Nephi include both periods of righteousness and periods of wickedness among the Nephites. What can we learn from these patterns about societal and personal cycles of faith?
The visit of Christ to the Nephites as recorded in Third Nephi is a central event in the Book of Mormon. How does Christ’s ministry among the Nephites deepen your understanding of His love and teachings?
Reflecting on these questions can help you better understand the teachings in these books and apply them to your life. As you ponder, pray for insights and make goals to implement the teachings you’ve learned.
If you want to read the actual Book of Mormon, here is the link to it: Book of Mormon (churchofjesuschrist.org)