Mormon’s Final Message to the Survivors
I want to speak to the survivors—whoever is left of this people. I pray God will let my words reach you so you’ll know the story of your ancestors. I’m talking to you, the remnant of the house of Israel. Here’s what I need to say:
You are descendants of Israel. You must turn back to God, or you can’t be saved. You must put down your weapons and stop thirsting for bloodshed. Never pick them up again unless God himself commands it. You must learn who your fathers were, turn away from all your wrongs, and believe in Jesus Christ—that he is the Son of God, that he was killed by the Jewish leaders, and that by the Father’s power he rose from the dead. He conquered the grave. In him, death itself has lost its sting. He makes resurrection possible for everyone. Every person must rise and stand before him to be judged. He has redeemed the world. Whoever is found innocent before him on that judgment day will be given the gift of living in God’s presence forever—singing endless praise with the heavenly choirs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are one God. That joy has no end.
The Call to Believe
So turn back to God. Be baptized in the name of Jesus. Take hold of the gospel of Christ—the good news you’ll find not only in this record, but also in the record that will come to you through the Gentiles from the Jews. This record was written so you would believe that one. And if you believe that one, you’ll believe this one too. And if you believe this, you’ll know about your ancestors and the incredible works God did among them. You’ll also know that you are descendants of Jacob—numbered among the people of the first covenant. If you believe in Christ and are baptized—first with water, then with fire and the Holy Spirit, following the example our Savior gave us according to his command—you’ll be just fine on judgment day. Amen.
Influences
- 7:3 — Matthew 3:11 (KJV)I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
- 7:5 — Matthew 17:9 (KJV)And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
- 7:5 — 1 Corinthians 15:54 (KJV), cf. 15:55So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
- 7:6 — Matthew 22:31 (KJV)But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
- 7:8 — Acts 2:38 (KJV)Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- 7:8 — Acts 2:38 (KJV)Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- 7:9 — John 20:31 (KJV)But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
- 7:10 — Hebrews 9:1 (KJV)Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
- 7:10 — John 6:29 (KJV)Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
- 7:10 — Matthew 10:15 (KJV)Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.