3 Nephi 27:18-22

Brant Gardner

The conclusion to the nature of the gospel that they were to teach was repentance and baptism so that humankind could stand clean before their God at the final judgment. The phrase “no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom” is a unique Book of Mormon reading probably based on Isaiah 52:11: “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” The verse in Isaiah referred to the temple, which was symbolically the presence of the Lord. Therefore, the concept that uncleanness should not enter God’s presence is the message of Isaiah 52:11, which is stated differently in the Book of Mormon.

This verse ended the chapter in the 1830 Book of Mormon.

Book of Mormon Minute

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