Third Nephi: An Incomparable Scripture

The Book of Mormon is considered the keystone of our religion. Perhaps 3 Nephi could be considered the pinnacle of the Book of Mormon, or, as Latter-day Saint Scholar John W. Welch asserts, the "Holy of Holies" of that book, the moment when the long-prophesied arrival of Jesus Christ occurred. What Christ's visit to the Americas meant for its inhabitants and what his message to them can mean to us is the subject of 3 Nephi.
This record provides a glimpse into those glorious moments when the Savior ministered to those who had trusted in his prophesied appearance. Third An Incomparable Scripture was assembled by Andrew C. Skinner and Gaye Strathearn from lectures given during a two-day symposium on the book of 3 Nephi sponsored by the Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies and held at Brigham Young University in 2008. The essays investigate a variety of topics from both academic and doctrinal perspectives, including discussions on what Jesus taught and did as well as how 3 Nephi fits into the larger purposes that are outlined in the Book of Mormon's title to show Israel what great things the Lord has done for their fathers, that they may know the covenants of the Lord, and to convince both Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. writings have been described as the “Brussels sprouts of the scriptures.” We know they’re good for us — the Savior commanded us to “search” them “diligently” — but some of us read them reluctantly, hurriedly . . . or not at all. Perhaps we’re overwhelmed by the complexity of the writing, frightened by its style, or confused by its ancient context and language. More than any other book, this simple volume makes Isaiah understandable, applicable, and teachable. It provides a brief overview of each chapter to help readers understand the context and content of the writings, then presents an example of one latter-day application or fulfillment for each chapter. This approachable book will enable readers to actually enjoy studying this remarkable prophet’s writings and help them to ponder other applications and fulfillments in our day.