Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
3 Nephi Chapter 12
"That as I have been lifted up by men, even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand
before me, to be judged of their works" (27). The drawing power of Christ is based on the love
which caused him to give his own life (John 12:32,33).
Paul puts this beautifully: "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure for a
good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5: 7, 8).
"I shall stand to judge the world" (III N. 13:29). The manner in which the judgment is to take
place is not made clear in the scriptures, Since the sea, death ( the grave), and even hell shall give
up their dead to be judged (Rev. 20:13), there shall be an immense throng to be "judged.
..according to their works." There likely will be many involved in the judging process. Jesus said
that the twelve apostles shall "sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt.
19:28), It is not at all surprising that Jesus should also have part in determining rewards and
punishments. Alma suggests that the individual will be able to do some judging of his own, for we
shall "have a bright recollection of all our guilt" (A. 8: 101; Mn. 4:64). Jesus is also "to make
intercession" for those who "come unto God by him" (Heb. 7:24).
3 Ne 12:30 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into
the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father: and this is the word
which he hath given unto the children of men.
At some point in history men will have to abide by the record they have made. If they have
procrastinated the day of their salvation, they "can no more return." Justice will take precedence
over mercy. Their final estate will be "that which they are willing to receive, because they were
not willing to enjoy that which they might have received." "They must remain filthy still" (D. and
C. 85:6 g, 8 b). "No unclean thing can enter into his kingdom" (III N. 12:31). "Now this is the
commandment, Repent, ...be baptized ...that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy
Ghost" (33). "The works which ye have seen me do, that shall ye also do" (34).