“Behold, I Am Jesus Christ - I Am the Light and the Life of the World”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

Christ descends from heaven in full view of the people, identifies Himself as the living Christ, and begins teaching the doctrine of the kingdom. His message is one of covenant blessings. His will is that the people should exercise faith in Him, repent of their sins, and be baptized in water and through the Holy Ghost as a sacred covenant of obedience and righteousness.

Jesus Christ is indeed the light and life of the world (see Mosiah 16:9; Alma 38:9; John 8:12; D&C 11:28). Light shows us the way; it illuminates so we may see clearly; it enlightens the mind; it casts out darkness; it brings hope while extinguishing doubt and fear. Jesus Christ brings light to us because He is the light of the world. The light of this world came from the Creator, the Great Jehovah, under the direction of God the Father, Elohim. He, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Savior and Redeemer, gives us the gift of immortality through the power of the Resurrection and the opportunity for eternal life through the power of the plan of redemption—all on the basis of His infinite Atonement. Thus we see that the Lord is verily the light and life of the world. What an honor He has given us, as his disciples, to be a light unto others so that they might partake of the blessings of everlasting life (see 3 Nephi 5:13; 12:16; 15:12). What a privilege, under our covenant blessings, to become literally saviors of men (see D&C 103:9–10) by holding up the ensign of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel, for He is the light of eternal life (see 3 Nephi 18:24). In all things we should understand and appreciate the willingness and goodness of Christ to do the will of the Father—and we should seek to emulate His life.

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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