4 Nephi

“Converted unto the Lord”

group of happy young women in church clothes

For millennia, individuals, families, and societies have been seeking ideals such as harmony, peace, and unity. These might seem out of reach, but they do exist. The account in 4 Nephi is an example of that. One key to experiencing these blessings is to deepen our conversion to the Lord and have the love of God in our hearts. This lesson can help you feel greater love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ so you can become more deeply converted to Them.

Prepare by studying the word of God. We are charged with teaching truths found in the scriptures and teachings of latter-day prophets and apostles. By prayerfully studying the word of God, we can be in tune with the Holy Ghost and receive insights and direction.

Student preparation: Consider inviting students to study the meaning of the word conversion in available Church resources. Alternatively, you could invite students to ask someone they know what conversion to Christ means to them.

Possible Learning Activities

A heavenly possibility

Imagine what it would be like if you and the people around you all loved and were trying to follow Jesus Christ.

Consider placing students in small groups and having them briefly discuss the following questions.

• How would your community be different?

• How would your school or church be different?

• How would your home be different?

The book of 4 Nephi contains the account of the people who lived after the Savior’s visit to the Americas. As you study their experiences, look for the impact that Jesus Christ and His gospel had on these people. Think about how these teachings could impact the way you choose to live your life.

The effect of the Savior’s gospel

Read 4 Nephi 1:1–2, looking for the effect the Savior and His teachings had on the people.

• What did you notice?

You may want to mark the phrase “the people were all converted unto the Lord” in verse 2.

Consider inviting students who completed the preparation activity to share what they learned about what it means to be converted unto the Lord. You could also share the following definition.

To be converted unto the Lord means “changing one’s beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God … [and] become a disciple of Christ” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Conversion, Convert,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

The blessings of conversion

The Nephites and Lamanites experienced incredible blessings because of their conversion to Jesus Christ. In your study journal, write “Blessings from Conversion” in the middle of a page.

In addition to students writing the heading in their study journal, you could write it on the board. Students could write their responses on the board after studying the following verses.

Read 4 Nephi 1:2–18 and mark words or phrases that illustrate the blessings they received. On your paper, write these words or phrases around the “Blessings from Conversion” title. (It may be helpful to know the meaning of some of the words in verse 16. Tumults refer to public commotions or uproars, whoredoms refer to sexual sins, and lasciviousness refers to lustfulness and unchastity.)

Think about which of these blessings you desire to experience more of in your own life. Consider circling them on the page in your study journal.

Invite students to share what they learned or felt from their study of verses 2–18. You could invite various students to share a phrase that is especially significant to them and explain its significance.

• What stood out to you from these verses? Why?

• Based on what you learned from these verses, how could you finish the following sentence: “When we are converted unto the Lord …”?

One truth we can identify from these verses is when we are converted unto the Lord, we are blessed with happiness and unity as the children of Christ.

• Why do you think being converted to Jesus Christ and living His gospel can produce such blessings?

• How can understanding this truth impact our daily actions?

The love of God

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared the following observation about why these people were able to live in such a state of happiness and unity.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

What is the key to this breakthrough in contented, happy living? It is embedded there in the text in one sentence: “The love of God … did dwell in the hearts of the people” [4 Nephi 1:15]. When the love of God sets the tone for our own lives, for our relationships to each other and ultimately our feeling for all humankind, then old distinctions, limiting labels, and artificial divisions begin to pass away, and peace increases. That is precisely what happened in our Book of Mormon example. No longer were there Lamanites, or Jacobites, or Josephites, or Zoramites. There were no “-ites” at all. The people had taken on just one transcendent identity. They were all, it says, to be known as “the children of Christ” [4 Nephi 1:17]. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Greatest Possession,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 9)

Consider marking the phrase in verse 15 about the love of God dwelling in the hearts of the people. To have the love of God in our hearts can mean to feel of the love God has for us and for others. It can also mean to feel love toward Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

• What are some actions we could take that would help us feel greater love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Seek multiple responses to the previous question. As part of this discussion, it may be beneficial to ask students to explain what has helped them feel greater love for God. You may also want to share examples from your own life.

One way we can feel greater love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is by learning about and coming to know Them in the scriptures.

Students could complete the following activity individually or with a small group.

Take time to study scripture passages about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that can help you feel greater love for Them. Pay attention to what you learn about Their attributes, desires, and roles. You could search terms such as “Father in Heaven” or “Jesus Christ” using study tools such as the Guide to the Scriptures, the Topical Guide, or the Gospel Library search function.

Invite students to share verses they found that were especially meaningful to them. Ask them to explain how the truths taught could help us feel greater love for Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ.

• When students have finished sharing, consider inviting them to answer the following question in their study journals. Then testify of the truths you have discussed today.

• What is something you will strive to do in the coming days that could help you become more converted to Jesus Christ?

Commentary and Background Information

What can help me deepen my conversion to the Lord?

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, former Young Women General President, taught:

President Bonnie L. Oscarson

Conversion takes place as we are diligent about saying our prayers, studying our scriptures, attending church, and being worthy to participate in temple ordinances. Conversion comes as we act upon the righteous principles we learn in our homes and in the classroom. Conversion comes as we live pure and virtuous lives and enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Conversion comes as we understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ, acknowledge Him as our Savior and Redeemer, and allow the Atonement to take effect in our lives. (Bonnie L. Oscarson, “Be Ye Converted,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 77–78)

What if I feel that conversion is not happening for me?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Elder David A. Bednar

For many of us, conversion is an ongoing process and not a onetime event that results from a powerful or dramatic experience. Line upon line and precept upon precept, gradually and almost imperceptibly, our motives, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds become aligned with the will of God. Conversion unto the Lord requires both persistence and patience. (David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 107–108)

How can having the love of God in my heart help me experience greater unity with others?

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Unity requires effort. It develops when we cultivate the love of God in our hearts and we focus on our eternal destiny. We are united by our common, primary identity as children of God and our commitment to the truths of the restored gospel. In turn, our love of God and our discipleship of Jesus Christ generate genuine concern for others. (Dale G. Renlund, “The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 84)

Supplemental Learning Activities

An example of a conversion journey

Consider showing the video “A Mighty Change: Conversion,” (2:47) looking for what Alejandra did to become converted to the Lord and the blessings she experienced.

4 Nephi 1:1–18. Establishing Zion

Remind students of the city of Enoch and why the Lord called them “Zion” (see Moses 7:18). Ask them how they noticed the characteristics described in Moses 7:18 among the people in 4 Nephi. You might also invite students to read 3 Nephi 26:19 to see another description of these people that can be compared with the people of Enoch.

4 Nephi 1:19–49. The destructive nature of sin

In 4 Nephi 1:19–49, we read about the spiritual decline of the people. To illustrate this, consider displaying the following statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so watch your step” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 45).

Have students search 4 Nephi 1:20–35, 38–45, looking for different steps or actions the people took that led them away from Jesus Christ and toward wickedness and sorrow.