# 3 Nephi 12

*Paraphrase*

### Jesus Blesses His Disciples

After Jesus finished speaking to Nephi and the others he’d called—twelve in all, given the authority to baptize—he stretched out his hand toward the large crowd and called out: “You’ll be blessed if you listen to these twelve I’ve chosen to serve you and minister to you. I’ve given them authority to baptize you with water. And after you’re baptized with water, I’ll baptize you with fire and the Holy Spirit. So you’re blessed if you believe in me and are baptized, now that you’ve seen me with your own eyes and know who I am.”

“And even more blessed are those who will believe your testimony—when you tell them you’ve seen me and know I’m real. They’ll be blessed when they trust your words, humble themselves completely, and are baptized. They’ll be filled with fire and the Holy Spirit, and their sins will be washed away.”

### The Beatitudes

“Blessed are the humble, the ones who come to me empty-handed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who grieve, for they’ll be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they’ll inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what’s right, for they’ll be filled with the Holy Spirit. Blessed are the merciful, for they’ll receive mercy. Blessed are those with pure hearts, for they’ll see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they’ll be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for following me, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. And you’re blessed when people mock you, attack you, and spread lies about you because of me. When that happens, be filled with joy! Celebrate! Your reward in heaven will be great. Remember, the prophets who came before you were attacked the same way.”

### Salt and Light

“Listen closely: I’m making you the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can you make it salty again? It’s worthless. All you can do is throw it out and let people walk on it.”

“I tell you truly: I’m making you the light for these people. A city built on a hill can’t be hidden. No one lights a candle just to hide it under a basket. You put it on a stand so it lights up the whole house. So let your light shine before these people. Let them see the good you do and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

### The Law Fulfilled

“Don’t think I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy them but to fulfill them. I tell you truly: every detail of the law has been fulfilled in me. And look—I’ve given you my Father’s law and commandments: believe in me, turn from your sins, and come to me with a broken heart and humble spirit. You have the commandments before you. The law has been fulfilled. So come to me and be saved. I tell you truly: unless you keep the commandments I’m giving you right now, you won’t enter the kingdom of heaven.”

### A New Standard: Anger and Reconciliation

“You’ve heard the old command—it’s written before you: ‘Don’t murder.’ Anyone who murders will face God’s judgment. But I tell you: anyone who’s angry with his brother will face judgment. Anyone who calls his brother worthless will face the council. Anyone who calls him a fool is in danger of hell itself. So if you’re coming to me—or you want to come to me—and you remember your brother has something against you, go to him first. Make things right between you. Then come to me with your whole heart, and I’ll receive you. Make peace with your opponent quickly, while you’re still on the road together, before he drags you to court and you’re thrown in prison. I tell you truly: you won’t get out of prison until you’ve paid the last senine. And while you’re locked up, can you pay even one senine? Truly, no.”

### A New Standard: Purity of Heart

“The old law says: ‘Don’t commit adultery.’ But I tell you: anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart. I’m giving you a command: don’t let any of these things into your heart. It’s better to deny yourself these things—to take up your cross—than to be thrown into hell.”

### On Marriage and Divorce

“It’s been written: ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you truly: anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual unfaithfulness, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

### On Oaths and Honesty

“And it’s also written: ‘Don’t break your oaths. Keep the promises you make to the Lord.’ But truly, I tell you: don’t make oaths at all. Don’t swear by heaven—it’s God’s throne. Don’t swear by the earth—it’s his footstool. And don’t swear by your own head, because you can’t turn even one hair black or white. Just say yes or no. Anything more than that comes from evil.”

### A New Way: Love Your Enemies

“It’s written: ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you: don’t fight back against evil. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn and offer the other one too. If someone sues you for your coat, give him your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two. Give to anyone who asks. Don’t turn away from those who want to borrow from you. It’s also written: ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who mistreat you and attack you. Then you’ll truly be children of your Father in heaven. He makes his sun rise on evil people and good people alike.”

“So the old ways—everything under the old law—have all been fulfilled in me. The old has passed away. Everything has become new. So I want you to be perfect, just as I am perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

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*Source: [The Book of Mormon](https://bookofmormon.com/paraphrase/3-nephi/12)*
