The 5th Gospel

I love the Gospels as they are traditionally known: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are priceless. But they are not the only first-hand accounts of Jesus’s earthly ministry. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ records Christ’s visit to the New World, His “other sheep“.

At the time of this prophesied visit to the Americas, the Savior made it clear to whom He was referring when speaking to His Old World disciples. In the book of 3 Nephi, Chapter 15, we read:

21 And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: 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.

22 And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching.

23 And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost.

24 But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me.

Christ’s personal ministry in the New World is certainly the highlight of the Book of Mormon. Having just finished John, my personal study now takes me to 3 Nephi, the Fifth Gospel. But even with this addition to the four Gospels of the New Testament, Latter-day Saints believe there are other records detailing the works of God among men.

The Holy Bible is a wonderful, irreplaceable record telling the story of Abraham’s numerous descendants. The Book of Mormon does not and could not replace it. But because God loves all of His children everywhere, He calls prophets to organize His church and point the people to His Beloved Son.

Consider some of the following accounts of Jesus’s American ministry and how they add to the rich testimony of His divinity and love for mankind provided by the Bible.

• Jesus’s appearance at the temple–Thousands feel the prints in His hands and feet.
• Jesus teaches and gives power to baptize.
• Jesus teaches how to live a higher law. He calls 12 Disciples.
• Jesus introduces the sacrament. This helps remind us of His body and blood that were given for us.
• Jesus prays for the people.
• Jesus heals and calls the children to Him.
• Jesus teaches about gathering scattered Israel.
• Jesus gives the name of His church.
• Jesus acknowledges His other sheep. He fulfills the law of Moses and speaks of the latter-days.

In case I missed anything, you can watch the entire dramatization of 3 Nephi here.