Mormon Abridges the Nephite Records

Mormon’s Comments About the Three Disciples

3 Nephi 28:36–37

Mormon explains that the disciples who were granted immortality had a physical change take place in their bodies.

And now behold, as I spake concerning those whom the Lord hathchosen, yea, even three who were caught up into the heavens, that I knew not whether they were cleansed from mortality to immortality— But behold, since I wrote, I have inquired of the Lord, and he hath made it manifest unto me that there must needs be a change wrought upon their bodies, or else it needs be that they must taste of death;

3 Nephi 28:38

This change prevented the death process, and made them incapable of feeling pain, except for sorrow for the sins of the world.

Therefore, that they might not taste of death there was a change wrought upon their bodies, that they might not suffer pain nor sorrow save it were for the sins of the world.

3 Nephi 28:39–40

This change is not the same as the physical change which will take place at the resurrection, it is only a temporary state.

Now this change was not equal to that which shall take place at the last day; but there was a change wrought upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over them, that he could not tempt them; and they were sanctified in the flesh, that they were holy, and that the powers of the earth could not hold them. And in this state they were to remain until the judgment day of Christ; and at that day they were to receive a greater change, and to be received into the kingdom of the Father to go no more out, but to dwell eternally in the heavens.