“Their Skin Became White Like Unto the Nephites”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Previously, we have mentioned that the Nephites and the Lamanites, Christians of both peoples, united for their common welfare, to protect their families, their freedom, and their Church, which was the Church of God. Unity in evil is conspiracy, the environment in which the Gadiantons were born; unity without permanency of purpose is merely coalition, but unity that is lasting and real must be upheld by righteousness; the inspiration of the heart, not the discipline that bound together the soul-destroying robbers. (Helaman 6:22-30) We shall presently see that this display of Christian unity heralded the beginning of that grand era of peace and prosperity that bound together all the people of the land as one who loved the Lord, who loved truth, and who loved one another.

This unity of the righteous brought them many blessings; the converted Lamanites were numbered among the Nephites, and the curse with which the Lamanites had been visited (II Nephi 30:6) "Their young men and their daughters became exceedingly fair, and they were numbered among the Nephites, and were called Nephites."

They became a white and delightsome people.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 7

References