Three quarters of the way through the Book of Mormon, the principal author introduces himself. 3 Nephi 5:12 is verse number 5,067 out of 6,604. We’ve seen his name before, in Words of Mormon and in the story of Alma establishing the church at the waters of Mormon. (See Mosiah 18, Mosiah 25:18, Mosiah 26:15, Alma 5:3, Alma 21:1.) But it is only in 3 Nephi, during that volatile period between the birth of Jesus Christ and His death, that Mormon finally explains to us who he is and why he is writing this book.
What does he tell us in his self-introduction?
- The origin and significance of his name: “I am called Mormon, being called after the land of Mormon, the land in which Alma did establish the church among the people, yea, the first church which was established among them after their transgression” (v. 12). It’s not hard to imagine Mormon being fascinated with the spiritual history of his people from a very early age, since he was named after a pivotal event in that history.
- His calling and purpose: “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life” (v. 13). The term disciple is strongly associated with the twelve whom Jesus called, three of whom Mormon had met personally. By invoking this title, Mormon proclaims that he is a representative of Christ, with authority to speak on His behalf.
- His multigenerational perspective: “I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi. I have reason to bless my God and my Savior Jesus Christ, that he brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem. … And as surely as the Lord liveth, will he gather in from the four quarters of the earth all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth” (v. 20, 24). Mormon was grateful for blessings his ancestors had experienced 1,000 years earlier, and for the impact of those blessings on his life. Additionally, he looked to the future with hope and confidence in spite of the violent world he lived in.
Today, I will strive to present myself with the clarity and confidence of Mormon. I will remember with gratitude my own upbringing and heritage. I will be conscientious about my callings and responsibilities. And I will maintain a long view, recognizing the intergenerational impact of my words and actions.
Thank you for your example and dedication, Paul. I would not find it ironic that Mormon was a “Mormonsson,” so to speak. Or that his name referenced fame, significance, or a specific place of importance. Certainly his name is had for all those reasons and more.
As you are aware, Mormon was guided by divine inspiration, revelation, and visitation to organize and compile the plates in accordance with God’s will. His introduction resembles the creation of our magnificent world, where the narrative’s authorship emerge toward the conclusion, ensuring that its purpose remains uninterrupted. I envision Mormon stating, “It’s not about me.” The “75” percent can serve as an individual’s ideal spiritual fuel to maintain momentum. The Gospel lacks finality because it is eternal, especially when thinking celestially.
That’s a great perspective. Perhaps he saved his self-introduction until late in the book so as not to detract from the book’s central message. Thanks for sharing!