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Helaman 8: Prophets Testify of Jesus Christ

“Helaman 8: Prophets Testify of Jesus Christ,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Helaman 8,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Helaman 8

Prophets Testify of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ

In a world where so many voices pull us in so many directions, God has given us prophets to anchor us to Him. When Nephi was questioned by the wicked Nephites about why he had spoken so harshly about them, he testified boldly of the Savior. This lesson can help you understand that prophets testify of Jesus Christ, and it can help you feel the truth of their testimonies.

The testimony of a witness

Think about a time when you heard something that was difficult to believe. For example, maybe you heard about someone achieving a seemingly impossible thing or being miraculously healed through the power of the priesthood. What did it take for you to believe? How would hearing about this from a witness affect your belief?

Most people have not seen Jesus Christ, but many still believe in Him.

  • What are some reasons why people believe in Jesus Christ?

  • What role do prophets play in helping you believe in the Savior?

The testimony of prophets of old

You might remember that the prophet Nephi prophesied to the wicked Nephites that they would be destroyed if they would not repent (see Helaman 7:22–29). Many of the Nephites became angry with Nephi for speaking out against their wickedness (see Helaman 8:1–7). Nephi rebuked these people and told them that they were denying not only his words but the words of past prophets, including Moses, who had testified of Jesus Christ (see Helaman 8:10–13).

Read Helaman 8:13–23, looking for what Nephi shared about Moses and other past prophets. You may want to mark the names of the prophets Nephi identified.

  • What did all of these prophets have in common?

One truth we can learn from these verses is that prophets testify of Jesus Christ.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated:

Elder Neil L. Andersen

The most important role of the Lord’s prophet is to teach us of the Savior and lead us to Him. …

A prophet does not stand between you and the Savior. Rather, he stands beside you and points the way to the Savior. A prophet’s greatest responsibility and most precious gift to us is his sure witness, his certain knowledge, that Jesus is the Christ. (Neil L. Andersen, “The Prophet of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 25, 27)

  • Why do you think a prophet’s greatest gift to us is his witness of Jesus Christ?

Examples of prophets testifying of Jesus Christ

Take time to study some of the prophets’ testimonies of Jesus Christ. As you study their testimonies, the Holy Ghost can testify of the truthfulness of their words to your heart and mind.

  1. Complete one of the following activities:

Option A: Ancient prophets testified of Jesus Christ

Read at least three of the following testimonies from prophets mentioned by Nephi. Make a list of what these testimonies teach you about Jesus Christ.

Review the list you wrote. Consider recording any insights, feelings, or impressions you had about the Savior as you studied. Write a few sentences explaining how your life might be different if prophets had not taught us these things about Jesus Christ.

If you chose this option, submit what you wrote.

Option B: Latter-day prophets testify of Jesus Christ

Find two or more examples of latter-day prophets or apostles testifying of Jesus Christ. They could be from a recent general conference or from Church history. Consider using ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the Gospel Library app in your search. You could also read or listen to “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

If you chose this option, record your examples of prophets testifying of Christ. Write down what you learned about Jesus Christ, and include how you felt as you read or listened to these testimonies.