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Book of Mormon Commentary
3 Nephi Chapter 5
This Nephi was the grandson of Helaman (see comments III N. 1: 2) .He came forward and kissed
Jesus' feet ( 19) .This was a Hebrew custom and symbolized complete bodily submission. The
Lord commanded him to arise, and said, “I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people,
when I am again ascended into heaven" (21). Then he called others "and he gave unto them power
to baptize" (22).
Not only did the Lord give them authority to baptize, but he gave them instructions on the manner
in which that sacrament was to be administered. "Whoso repenteth of his sins. ..and desireth to be
baptized in my name. ..ye shall go down and stand in the water. ...These are the words which ye
shall say, calling them [the candidates) by name, saying: Having authority given me of Jesus
Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen (25).
And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water" (26).
In latter-day revelation the wording of the ordinance is slightly different, but has the same
meaning: "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen" (D. and C. 17:21 c). Since this is the wording given
specifically to the Restoration church, the General Conference by Resolution 48 says these
"precise words" (in Doctrine and Covenants) are to be used.
TEACHES DOCTRINE AND GIVES BEATITUDES, VER. 28-43
3 Ne 5:30 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;
Christ was concerned that "there shall be no disputations among you" about the "points of my
doctrine" (29). Therefore, he was making it clear: "This is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which
the Father hath given unto me" (32).
Jesus told the Pharisees, "1 have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a
commandment, what I should say" (John 12:49).
The Lord then spoke of the doctrines in this order:
Repent and believe on me (III N. 5:33).
Whoso believeth in me and is baptized shall be saved and inherit the kingdom of God (34).
He that believeth not shall be damned (35; Mark 16:15).
The Father will visit him with fire and the Holy Ghost (III N. 5:37).
The Father will bear record of me (38).
Repent and become as a little child (39, 40); that is, trustful of a father's counsel; teachable.
Whoso buildeth upon this doctrine, buildeth upon my rock (41).
PRIESTHOOD OFFICERS CALLED, VER. 44-59
3 Ne 5:44 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who
had been called, (now the number of them who had been called and received power and authority to
baptize, were twelve,)