With dramatic and compelling force of action, the Book of Mormon testifies that the Lord’s words, as conveyed through His prophets, will all be fulfilled. The destruction at the time of the Savior’s death has been foretold by Samuel in warning the people to relinquish sin and return to their covenant vows. “And now, whoso readeth, let him understand” counsels Mormon; “he that hath the scriptures, let him search them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by tempests, and by whirlwinds, and by the opening of the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets” (3 Nephi 10:14). The Lord makes clear in His announcement to the survivors: “And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their abominations” (3 Nephi 9:12). At the same time, the longsuffering invitation of the Lord to the people enjoining them to be valiant and faithful is again emphasized: “O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?” (3 Nephi 9:13). He reminds the people: “how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart” (3 Nephi 10:6).
Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ stand waiting to bless us, if we but come unto Christ with all our heart and soul. The prophecies and teachings are clear: It is requisite that we learn to follow and obey else we lose the blessings of the Lord. When we come to understand and appreciate the doctrines of Christ, we will be filled with gratitude for the goodness of God. We will yield our hearts to God. Our attitude and behavior will change.
Jesus Christ did show himself unto the people of Nephi, as the multitude were gathered together in the land Bountiful, and did minister unto them; and on this wise did he show himself unto them. [Note: This preamble, with slight adjustments, was included in the original edition of the Book of Mormon published in 1830.] (Chapters 11 through 26.)