According to the 29th chapter of 3 Nephi, three of the twelve Nephite disciples desired to remain on Earth to preach the Gospel until Christ’s second coming, and their request was granted so that they should never taste death. Verses such as 3 Nephi 28:26 and Mormon 8:10-11 clearly state that these three disciples remained alive in American for the next 400 years -- long enough to minister onto the Prophet Mormon and his son Moroni -- but that they vanished from the land sometimes thereafter. The Prophet Mormon also tells us in 3 Nephi 28:27-30 that these disciples will appear in all nations around the world preaching the Gospel, but the people of those nations will not recognize them.

So, basically, my question today is of whether modern-day LDS members believe that there really are three 2000-year-old men roaming the Earth preaching the Gospel. If so, have these men ever revealed their identities to those in LDS congregations? Also, did they have any kind of relationship with Joseph Smith or Brigham Young, and did they play any part in the formation of the LDS church? Any other information you can supply about these three men would also be appreciated. Thanks.

Before I sign off now, I would just like to state that, although I’m presently having some doubts regarding Joseph Smith and the B of M, I would honestly derive far more satisfaction from discovering that the B of M is 100% factual then I would from discovering that Mormonism is a complete hoax which Smith had perpetrated. The reason I’m hoping that Mormonism is true is because I’m fascinated by the idea that Jesus Christ actually set foot on North American soil and preached the Gospel in this continent. More importantly, however, the notion that Christ preached to and saved addition souls than just those recorded in the Bible gives me addition reason to praise the Savior. Hence, even if the Nephites had settled in Australia or Africa instead of North America, my interest in Mormonism would most likely be as strong. However, just because I like the story behind the Mormon religion, this is not enough to make me believe it. I feel I need to be critical about the religion and examine it with some healthy skepticism before making any decisions about its truthfulness. Though, I do promise to read your answers with an open mind. Please remember this when reading any future questions that I may ask you.

Thanks so much for the time you’ve devoted to your Q&A section and also for all the great music that you and your family have given the world over the years. (I have some of your albums – they’re awesome).

1 AND it came to pass when Jesus had said these words, he spake unto his disciples, one by one, saying unto them: What is it that ye desire of me, after that I am gone to the Father?

2 And they all spake, save it were three, saying: We desire that after we have lived unto the age of man, that our ministry, wherein thou hast called us, may have an end, that we may speedily come unto thee in thy kingdom.

3 And he said unto them: Blessed are ye because ye desired this thing of me; therefore, after that ye are seventy and two years old ye shall come unto me in my kingdom; and with me ye shall find rest.

4 And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto the three, and said unto them: What will ye that I should do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father?

5 And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired.

6 And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.

7 Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven.

8 And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father.

9 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand.

10 And for this cause ye shall have fulness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fulness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one;

(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 28:1 - 10)

The Prophet Mormon, adds this commentary:

36 And now behold, as I spake concerning those whom the Lord hath chosen, yea, even three who were caught up into the heavens, that I knew not whether they were cleansed from mortality to immortality—

37 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;

38 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.

39 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.

40 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 with God eternally in the heavens.

(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 28:36 - 40)

Are you aware that “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (New Testament | Hebrews 11:5)

John the Beloved was given the same special dispensation by Jesus at his request? “Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved [John] following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man [John] do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple [John] should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? (John 21:20 - 23)

Clarification of this passage was given by revelation to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829 as they inquired of the Lord on the subject:

1 AND the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you.

2 And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.

3 And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people.

4 And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom.

5 I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done.

6 Yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth.

7 And I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come.

8 Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 7:1 - 8)

It is my understanding that these individual have worked together and if they have disclosed their identity to those to whom they have ministered, I think they may well have commanded that it be kept to the one to whom it was disclosed. I believe, however, that they move about doing good, bringing about the Lord’s purposes without it being known who they are.

There have been accounts of one and three individuals coming to the aid of pioneers and others in times of great need.

Just remember in your search for truth, the passages that teach us how this truth is to be recognized:

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God…But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (Corinthians 2:9 - 14)

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (James 1:5 - 6)

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

(Matthew 7:7)

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Book of Mormon | Moroni 10:4 - 5)

Even the true understanding of the Bible must be given by the Holy Ghost:

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:20 - 21)

Inspiration of the Holy Ghost comes by thought and feeling “a still small voice” but it can be powerful and can give you a spiritual assurance of what is true. I am sure that if you search these things out the way the Lord recommends, you will come to know the truth.

Have you had a chance to check out the presentations which I narrated in the multimedia on My Beliefs section?

Thanks again for the great question.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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