Helaman 5:17-19 - Another Marvelous Work and a Wonder

17 And it came to pass that they did preach with great power, insomuch that they did confound many of those dissenters who had gone over from the Nephites, insomuch that they came forth and did confess their sins and were baptized unto repentance, and immediately returned to the Nephites to endeavor to repair unto them the wrongs which they had done.

18 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority, for they had power and authority given unto them that they might speak, and they also had what they should speak given unto them—

19 Therefore they did speak unto the great astonishment of the Lamanites, to the convincing them, insomuch that there were eight thousand of the Lamanites who were in the land of Zarahemla and round about baptized unto repentance, and were convinced of the wickedness of the traditions of their fathers.

The Book of Mormon contains many accounts of conversion. Notable examples among these include the people of the Ammon as well as the family of Ishmael. However, as Mormon had written several times, he could not write everything that was contained in the records, but rather only a hundredth part. These verses provide a glimpse of the many other conversions in the Book of Mormon, whose stories are not fully shown.

There is a pattern with which missionaries teach and baptize converts. By understanding their methods, we today can be better representatives of Jesus Christ. In verse 17, we see that Nephi and Lehi, much like the previous companionship of Alma and Amulek, “did preach with great power.” This power comes from God, which is also called the Priesthood. Therefore, this shows that the missionary faucet of the Church also operates under Priesthood authority.

These verses are also interesting because it shows the reactions and baptisms of both the Nephites and Lamanites. While the Nephites, who were privileged to have the gospel already in their lives, were confounded, the Lamanites conversely were only greatly astonished. While people may have different reactions to the gospel, depending on their background, everyone can listen to the spirit if they let it into their lives. Each person needs the gospel and as they soften their hearts and act upon the words of Christ, they will become happier and more like our Heavenly Father.

This passage is brief, but it shows a significant amount of people committing to follow His gospel. The Book of Helaman itself is like our day in that the gap between the righteous and the non-believers widens. We can choose to be like these converted people or remain in wickedness. There is no gray area in this regard. Just as the coming of Christ was imminent for these people, His second coming is near for us too. A decision must be made. We need to commit. As we choose Christ over the world, we can be more assured of peace and love in this life and for eternity.