In verse 12 Nephi uses the phrase “wars, and rumors of wars.” That phrase is seen in Matthew 24:6 and Mark 13:7. In the New Testament it is a precursor to the last days. Nephi himself used those terms before, in Nephi’s great vision of the future of the world. In 1 Nephi 12:2 and 21 they preceded the Nephites dwindling in unbelief. In 1 Nephi 14:15–16 they appear in the more familiar end-of-days scenario, that time in connection with the war with the great and abominable church. Although the English phrase depends upon the King James Version of the New Testament, Nephi uses wars as a precursor to the advent of the Messiah, the first coming when the Messiah will appear to the Nephites, and the second at the end of days.
In verse 13, Nephi relies upon his previous vision to describe what happens when Jehovah, as the Messiah, becomes mortal. He will be crucified. Nevertheless, he will rise from the dead and become the salvation of humanity.
Nephi declares that he delights in prophesying about this Messiah, and indeed the message of this atoning Messiah will be one of the most consistent themes in his writing, and a dominant theme throughout the Book of Mormon.