Day 34 - 3 Nephi 25-30; D&C 133-136

[Seanette]

3 Nephi 24 – Compare Malachi 3. The Father will send a messenger to prepare the way for Christ, who will be the refiner and the Judge. Tithing and offerings are commanded. The Lord keeps a book of remembrance.
3 Nephi 25 – Compare Malachi 4. The proud and wicked will be burned as stubble at the Second Coming. Elijah will return before the Second Coming (he did appear at the Kirtland Temple, but will apparently return again before Christ’s return).
3 Nephi 26 – Jesus expounds all things from the beginning of the world to the end. Mormon was prohibited from including all that Nephi recorded. Christ ministered to the Nephites for three days, giving the Sacrament, ministering to children, healing, and teaching. Small children declare things that cannot be written. The disciples teach and baptize. The Church members have all in common.
3 Nephi 27 – Jesus commands that the Church be called by His name. The Gospel is His earthly mission and His Atonement. Those who repent, are baptized in the name of Christ, and endure to the end will be held guiltless at Judgment. Those who do not endure are to be cast down. We are to be as Christ.
3 Nephi 28 – Nine of the Twelve desire and are promised an inheritance in Christ’s kingdom when they reach “the age of man” (72). The remaining three desire to remain on earth until the Second Coming. They are transfigured and see things that are not lawful to write. Those Three have ministered to Mormon. They cannot be imprisoned or physically harmed.
3 Nephi 29 – The coming forth of the Book of Mormon signals the beginning of the gathering of Israel and the fulfillment of the Lord’s covenants. Those who reject latter-day revelation and gifts will be cursed.
Section 133 – This was originally an appendix to the D&C. The Saints are to prepare for the Second Coming by fleeing from Babylon and gathering to Zion. Christ shall stand on Mt. Zion. The continents will become one land and the lost tribes will return. The Gospel that was restored via Joseph Smith will be preached to the whole world. The Lord will come down in vengeance upon the wicked.
Section 134 – This describes relations between the government and the Church. The government should preserve freedom of conscience and worship. Citizens should uphold government and respect and defer to law. Religious groups should not have authority to impose civil penalties. Defense of self and property is justified.
Section 135 – John Taylor’s account of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage Jail.
Section 136 – This revelation was received by Brigham Young at Winter Quarters. He is told how to arrange the Camp of Israel for the journey west. Gospel standards for living are set forth. The Saints should sing, dance, pray, and learn wisdom. Prophets are allowed to be killed so they may be honored and the wicked condemned.