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Third Nephi is one of fifteen books that make up the Book of Mormon. It contains an account of the visit of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of ancient America. The Lord Jesus Christ told his disciples in Jerusalem, "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."[1] Christ declared to those whom he visited in ancient America that they were in fact these "other sheep" of whom he spoke. The account of this visit is recorded beginning in chapter 11 of 3 Nephi. [2]
Before Christ visited these people there was a giant storm, a tremendous earthquake, and darkness. There were cities burned, cities sunk into the sea, mountains brought down and valleys brought up. There was sharp lightning, wind, and thunderings. Many people died. After the great storm came darkness and the voices of mourning for the dead. The darkness lasted for approximately three days during which time a voice was heard. The voice was that of the Lord Jesus pleading with those who had not died to repent and come unto Christ.[3] Then after the voice was silence.
At the end of the three days the darkness cleared. It was the time of the resurrection of Christ. The people in 3 Nephi gathered to a land called Bountiful where stood a temple. While near the temple a voice was heard from heaven. The people did not understand it at first, but it was said that "it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn."[4] The voice was the voice of God Almighty, the very Eternal Father proclaiming His Son Jesus Christ the risen Lord.
A light was seen by the people and in it a man clothed in white descended from the sky. The man was Jesus Christ. He stood before them and called them to come and see the wounds in His hands and side. He healed them and taught them. He first taught the simple truths of the Gospel including baptism unto repentance for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. He taught them to become as little children, and to come unto Him.[4]