Post by Abinadi
My beloved brethren, both you Nephites in the land of Nephi and all who shall read these words in distant days, I, Abinadi, stand before you as a witness of the Lord’s truth. In my heart burns the fire of His Spirit, and I am constrained to declare unto you the meaning of the words I have spoken. These words, inspired by the prophet Isaiah, speak of feet that are beautiful upon the mountains, of those who publish peace and bring good tidings of salvation. Let us ponder together the weight and glory of this message, that we may learn and live by its truth.
The Words of Isaiah and the Mission of the Lord’s Servants
The prophet Isaiah, whose words were carried across the great waters by our fathers, declared, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” These words are not mere poetry but a divine proclamation of the Lord’s plan to redeem His people. The “feet” spoken of here are not beautiful for their own sake but for the journey they undertake—to climb the rugged mountains, to traverse the wilderness, to carry the message of hope to those who dwell in darkness.
Who are these messengers? They are the prophets, the servants of God, called to declare His word. They are those who, like Isaiah, like Lehi, and like myself, are sent to testify of Christ, to proclaim His coming, and to call all men to repentance. Their feet are beautiful because they bear the weight of God’s truth, bringing tidings of peace to a world torn by sin and strife. To you, my Nephite brethren, I say: Heed the words of these messengers, for they speak not of themselves but of Him who sent them.
And to you who read these words thousands of years hence, know this: the Lord’s work continues. The feet of His servants—whether prophets, apostles, or humble disciples—still tread the mountains, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their message is the same: that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
Publishing Peace in a World of Conflict
What does it mean to “publish peace”? Peace is not merely the absence of war or contention, though these are desirable. True peace is the presence of God’s Spirit, the assurance of His love, and the knowledge of His plan for our salvation. To publish peace is to declare the gospel, to testify of Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. It is to teach that through His sacrifice, we may find rest from the burdens of sin and reconciliation with our Heavenly Father.
In the land of Nephi, I see your struggles. I see the pride of King Noah and his priests, who lead you astray with flattering words and false doctrines. Yet I say unto you, turn to the Lord! The peace I speak of is not found in riches or power but in submitting your will to God. As Isaiah wrote, “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” Repent, therefore, and seek the Lord, that His peace may abide in your hearts.
To those in future generations, I testify that this same peace is available to you. The world may rage with confusion and division, but the gospel of Christ remains a beacon of hope. Seek out those who publish peace—whether through their words, their writings, or their actions—and follow their example. Be not deceived by the voices of the world, which promise peace but deliver only temporary comfort. True peace comes only through Christ.
The Good Tidings of Salvation
The “good tidings” I speak of are the glad tidings of the gospel—the news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, shall come to redeem His people. These tidings are good because they offer hope to all, whether bond or free, Nephite or Lamanite, Jew or Gentile. No soul is beyond the reach of His mercy.
In my day, I call upon you to believe in Christ, though He has not yet come. Trust in the words of the prophets, for they testify of Him. To those in later times, I say: You have the record of His coming, His life, His death, and His resurrection. Cling to this truth! Share it with others, that they too may know the joy of salvation. Let your voices join the chorus of those who proclaim these good tidings.
The Call to Become Messengers of Peace
The beauty of the feet upon the mountains is not reserved for prophets alone. Each of you, my brethren, can take up this work. To the Nephites, I plead: Turn from your wickedness and become messengers of righteousness. Teach your children, your neighbors, and even your enemies of the love of God. To those in the latter days, I say: You are part of the Lord’s great work to gather Israel. Share the gospel with boldness and love, whether by word or deed, that others may come unto Christ.
The prophet Nahum echoed Isaiah’s words, saying, “Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace!” This is your calling as disciples of Christ—to publish peace, to bring good tidings, to declare that God reigns. Your feet, too, can be beautiful upon the mountains as you carry His message to the world.
A Testimony and a Warning
I bear my solemn witness that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. His gospel is the path to peace, and His Atonement is the means of our salvation. I speak these things not of myself but by the power of God, that you may know the truth and be free. To the Nephites, I warn: If you reject these words, you reject the Lord who sent me. To those in future days, I testify: The Lord’s work rolls forward, and you are invited to join it.
May you heed the call to publish peace, to bring good tidings, and to walk as disciples with beautiful feet upon the mountains. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Book of Mormon – Book of Mosiah 15:14-18
About 148 B.C.
