Christ Teaches His New Law

After Jesus said these words to Nephi and the twelve others, He held out His hand to the multitude and cried, “You are blessed if you follow these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister to you and be your servants. I have given them the power to baptize you with water, after which I will baptize you with fire and the Holy Ghost. You are blessed if you believe in me and are baptized after you have seen me, and know that I am.

“Those who will believe your testimony—that you have seen me and know that I am—who humble themselves and are baptized, will be more blessed, for they will be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they will receive a remission of their sins.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit who come to me, for they will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are all who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are all who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled with the Holy Ghost. Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

“Blessed are all who are persecuted for my name’s sake, for they will inherit the kingdom of heaven. You are blessed when others revile, persecute, and lie about you because of your devotion to me. You will have great joy in your heavenly reward, which will be great. Remember that the prophets who lived before you were persecuted in the same way. I give you the responsibility to become the salt of the earth. I tell you to be a light to the people. A city built on a hill is seen by all. You do not hide a lit candle; you put it on a candlestick, so that it may light your house. In this same manner, let your light shine before all people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Heavenly Father. Do not think that I have come to destroy the law or the words of the prophets. I have not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it, and I have fulfilled it in every detail. I gave you the law and my Father’s commandments, that you would believe in me, repent of your sins, and come to me with a broken heart and contrite spirit. You have the commandments before you now, and the law is fulfilled. Therefore, come to me and be saved, for unless you keep my commandments that I have now given, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said by them of old, and it is also written in your scriptures, that you shall not kill, and that those who kill will be in danger of God’s judgment. But I say that those who are angry with their brother or sister are in danger of God’s judgment. Those who feel contempt for another by saying such things as ‘You are worthless’ will be in danger of God’s council. Those who demean another by saying such things as ‘You fool’ will be in danger of spiritual torment. If you come to me, or even want to come to me, and you remember that someone has bad feelings toward you, go to that person and make amends first. Then sincerely come to me, and I will receive you. Quickly agree with your enemy while you are in his way, or else he may catch you at any time and put you into prison, and you will not be released until you have paid all his fines. And how can you pay even a penny while in prison?

“It is written by them of old, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say that those who lust have already committed adultery in their hearts. I give you a commandment not to allow any lustful thoughts to enter your heart. It is better for you to deny yourselves these things, taking up your cross, than to forfeit living in God’s presence forever. It has been written by them of old, ‘A man can divorce his wife by simply giving her written notice.’ But I say, if a man divorces his wife without good cause, then God will not honor that divorce. It is also written, ‘Do not forswear yourself, but perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say, swear not at all, not by heaven—His throne— nor by the earth—His footstool. Do not swear by your head, for you yourself cannot control what must be. Let your communication be as simple as the words ‘Yes’ and ‘No,’ for too many words often result in evil.

“It is written, ‘Others must pay for harming you by being harmed in the same manner.’ But I say, do not contend with evil people. If they offend you, do not respond by offending them. If someone sues you for your coat, give it to him, and give him a blanket as well. If someone forces you to go a mile with him, go two miles. Give to those who ask of you, and do not turn away those who would borrow from you.

“It is also written, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say, love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who use and persecute you. By doing this, you will become the children of your Heavenly Father, for He makes His sun rise upon both the evil and the good. By fulfilling all the old laws (through the Atonement)— by making all things new— I have made it possible for you to become perfect, even as I, and your Heavenly Father, are perfect.”