Doctrinal Mastery: 3 Nephi 12:48

“Be Perfect Even as I, or Your Father Who Is in Heaven Is Perfect”

young woman pondering

In your study of 3 Nephi 12, you learned about becoming perfect like Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. This lesson will help you memorize the reference and key scripture phrase for 3 Nephi 12:48, explain the doctrine taught in this passage, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in real-life situations.

Explain and memorize

During the previous lesson, you learned the following truth: Jesus Christ wants us to become perfect like Him and our Father in Heaven.

Imagine you have a friend who believes that God does not have expectations of us beyond being nice and respecting others.

• How would you explain 3 Nephi 12:48 in a way that could add to your friend’s understanding?

The key scripture phrase for 3 Nephi 12:48 is “Be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” Use the following method, or another of your choosing, to help you memorize the reference and key scripture phrase.

Write “3 Nephi 12:48” in the center of a piece of paper. In one corner of the page, write the words “Be perfect.” In another corner, write “even as I.” In another corner, write “or your Father who is in heaven.” In the last corner, write “is perfect.” Try to memorize the scripture reference and key scripture phrase by touching with your pencil or your finger each phrase in order, starting with the reference in the middle. It could help to say the words aloud as you touch them. After doing this a few times, try repeating the reference and entire phrase from memory.

Practice application

Take a few minutes to review the principles in paragraphs 5–12 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023). Choose one of the principles to study more closely.

• How would you explain the principle you selected to someone who may be unfamiliar with it?

Use the following scenario to help you apply the Savior’s teachings in 3 Nephi 12:48 and the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge.

John is a young man who believes in God. However, there are some aspects of the gospel that he doesn’t like thinking about. One of those is the Savior’s admonition to become perfect. He has tried to make changes and become more Christlike but keeps falling short. He feels like he has already failed, so perfection for him is impossible.

Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective

The Doctrinal Mastery Core Document teaches that when dealing with a challenging issue, we can “reframe the question (to see the question differently) and view ideas based on the Lord’s standard of truth rather than accepting the world’s premises or assumptions” (page 3). The following questions could help with this process.

icon, record

icon, record

1. Answer the following questions:

   • How do you think the Lord views perfection differently than many in the world do?

   • How does our knowledge of the plan of salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ help us better understand what the Savior teaches in 3 Nephi 12:48?

Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources

• How could you use what you have learned in 3 Nephi 12:48 about being perfect to respond to John’s concern?

Read at least three of the following scriptures, looking for additional insights about becoming perfect in the manner taught by Jesus.

• Ether 12:27

• Moroni 10:32

• Doctrine and Covenants 67:13

• Doctrine and Covenants 76:69

• Ephesians 4:11–13

icon, record

2. Answer the following question:

   • How could the insights you found help John with his concern?

Act in faith

Read paragraphs 5–7 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document, looking for what John could do to act in faith.

3. Answer three of the following questions:

   • Which of these teachings do you think could help John? Why?

   • What could John pray about that would help his situation?

   • What would you suggest that John do to “live by faith” until he receives more understanding about his potential to become perfect?

   • How can what you have learned in 3 Nephi 12:48 about perfection influence your own feelings and actions?