Helaman 5:1-12

Chapter 5

Nephi and Lehi devote themselves to preaching—Their names invite them to pattern their lives after their forebears—Christ redeems those who repent—Nephi and Lehi make many converts and are imprisoned, and fire encircles them—A cloud of darkness overshadows three hundred people—The earth shakes and a voice commands men to repent—Nephi and Lehi converse with angels, and the multitude are encircled by fire. About 30 B.C.

Seeing the wickedness of the people, Nephi followed the example of his grandfather, Alma. “And thus in the commencement of the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, Alma delivered up the judgment–seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to the testimony of the word, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy” (Alma 4:20).

Nephi resigned and Cezoram became chief judge.

The voice of the people chose the chief judge. Mosiah foresaw a day like this. “Therefore, choose you by the voice of this people, judges, that ye may be judged according to the laws which have been given you by our fathers, which are correct, and which were given them by the hand of the Lord … And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land” (Mosiah 29:25-27).

Those who chose evil were more numerous than those that chose good. The Nephites had been warned of the consequences. “And thus we see that they were in an awful state, and ripening for an everlasting destruction” (Helaman 6:40). “And now behold, I command you, that ye shall go and declare unto this people, that thus saith the Lord God, who is the Almighty: Except ye repent ye shall be smitten, even unto destruction” (Helaman 10:11).

We have also received this warning in this dispensation. “Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity; and it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house of Israel” (D&C 18:6).

“And in that place they shall lift up their voices unto God against that people, yea, unto him whose anger is kindled against their wickedness, a people who are well–nigh ripened for destruction”

(D&C 61:31).

Not only did they reject a righteous judge, they were beyond being government by Nephite law and justice. Only destruction would change their course.

Nephi stepped down to preach the gospel to the people throughout the remainder of his life. His brother, Lehi, taught with his brother.

Mormon tells us they remembered the words of Helaman, their father.

He began by telling them to always keep God’s commandments. This is the message they should declare to the people.

He gave them the names of “our first parents” (Helaman 5:6). When they remember their names, they will remember their ancestors. They should remember their works. They were good men, serving the Lord.

Helaman also wants them to do these things to lay up treasures in heaven. Avoid boasting. Laying up treasures in heaven will led to eternal life.

“Remember the words of King Benjamin. “And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent” (Mosiah 3:17).

He reminded them of Amulek’s words to Zeezrom. “And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else” (Alma 11:40).

The Savior has been given power from the Father to redeem mankind from their sins.  It is through repentance and the power of the Redemption we will receive salvation.

Helaman admonished them to remember we are to build our foundations upon the rock of our Redeemer.  “Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress” (Psalms 71:3).

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto [GR he will resemble] a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:24-27).

“Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail” (D&C 6:34).

“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste” (Isaiah 28:16).

“But behold, according to the scriptures, this stone shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build” (Jacob 4:16).