Using the Beatitudes to Understand Christ鈥檚 Atonement and Grace

In 3 Nephi 12:1鈥12 the resurrected Savior delivers an address to the Nephites similar to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5; Luke 6) and presents the Beatitudes. Like the Matthew 5 account, the Book of Mormon record details how we might enter and build a covenantal relationship with God through the 鈥渋nterrelated and progressive鈥 arrangement of the Beatitudes (Bible Dictionary). But what additional insight does the 3 Nephi account detail? In this episode Dr. Brad Wilcox, professor of ancient scripture, discusses his book Blessed Are Ye: Using the Beatitudes to Understand Christ鈥檚 Atonement and Grace, co-authored with his brother Roger Wilcox. He details varied interpretations of the Beatitudes, connects them to the first principles and ordinances of the gospel, and examines their relationship to temple covenants. As we study the Beatitudes, they become more than a code of conduct. Rather, they can be a holy invitation from Christ Himself to enter a covenant relationship with Him, receive His grace, and become like Him.
Publications:
- (Covenant Communications, 2023)
- 鈥 (BYU Speeches, 2011)
- (, 2017)
- (, 2009)
- (Deseret Book, 2021)
- 鈥淏e Not Faithless, but Believing鈥 (Religious Educator, 25.2, 2024)
- 鈥淎pplying the Atonement of Jesus Christ鈥 (Religious Educator, 12.2, 2011)
- 鈥淣ames in the Book of Mormon鈥 (Y Religion, episode 83, 2023)
- 鈥淎nswers About Patriarchal Blessings鈥 (Y Religion, episode 46, 2021)
Click to learn more about Brad Wilcox