12 And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God;
13 And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith.
(2 Nephi 26:12-13)
Nearly 1,000 years after Nephi wrote this passage, Mormon concisely paraphrased it and identified it on the Title Page of the Book of Mormon as one of the three purposes of the book:
And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.
Think about some of the implications of this doctrine:
- The Bible doesn’t contain all of God’s dealings with His children. It is the record of some of His dealings with one nation.
- The gospel of Jesus Christ has universal applicability and will bless the lives of all of God’s children.
- Every one of us can receive inspiration from God.
- All of us can experience miracles if we will exercise faith.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks quoted part of this passage after sharing a story of a five-year old girl in Texas who was miraculously healed when her Protestant congregation prayed for her. (“Healing the Sick,” General Conference, April 2010). Miracles happen when people exercise faith in Jesus Christ.
Today, I will remember this core doctrine taught throughout the Book of Mormon: that Jesus is the Christ, and that He manifests Himself to everyone who believes in Him, no matter where they live, no matter what language they speak, and no matter what their cultural heritage may be. He loves all of His children, and His gospel will bless them all.