Faith in God: We Believe the Bible

“We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God” (Articles of Faith 1:8). These words were written by Joseph Smith, the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Mormon Church. Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to clearly delineate what Mormons believed so as to dispel any misconceptions that people of other faiths might have.

“We believe the Bible to be the word of God.” As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, I, and other Mormons, believe in, follow, and love the Bible just as followers of other Christian faiths. “We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” The Book of Mormon is a book of ancient scripture written by prophets on the American continent and translated by Joseph Smith.  Since it contains revelation to prophets who were commanded to write scripture, the Book of Mormon is similar to and complimentary to the Bible.  The Book of Mormon is not intended to replace the Bible; rather, it supports the Bible. Reading the Book of Mormon has strengthened my testimony of the Bible; there are many passages in the Book of Mormon that speak of the Bible, its prophets, its prophecies, and its truthfulness. The Book of Mormon turns the reader to the Bible, and vice versa.

Another Testament of Christ

The title page of the Book of Mormon, written by Moroni, one of the Book of Mormon writers, explains the book’s purpose: “To the convincing the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.” As I read and study the Book of Mormon, my testimony of the Savior grows. Book of Mormon writers all testified of Christ; their words to the people then about the Savior and His Atonement are applicable to me, and to all of us, still today. The words “Christ,” “Jesus,” “Lord,” and other titles for the Savior appear on nearly every page of the book.

The Book of Mormon is evidence to me that God still cares about His people today. We still have the Bible, which is God’s word; however, with many translations through the centuries, some doctrines are confusing, as we can see by looking at the many different Christian churches on earth today. Heavenly Father has given us this sacred scripture, the Book of Mormon, to clarify the doctrine so we can plainly understand His words and commandments. He does not want us to be lost and confused, and wondering what our purpose is on earth. Heavenly Father loves us, and wants us to return to Him, and has given us the Book of Mormon to help us learn and understand what’s really important in life.

My Faith in God Because of the Book of Mormon

Reading the Book of Mormon has done more to increase my faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ than almost anything else I can do or have done. Combined with prayer, reading the Book of Mormon brings me closer to Christ and strengthens my testimony of Him. The Book of Mormon teaches me what to do to feel the Savior’s love and forgiveness. It testifies that Jesus Christ lives, and that He loves all of Heavenly Father’s children.

The Book of Mormon also clearly teaches the doctrines and principles that Christ taught to his disciples while He was on the earth. These doctrines and principles of faith, repentance, forgiveness, baptism, and the Holy Ghost are taught throughout the Book of Mormon by many prophets. As I read about these important doctrines and principles, I can feel Heavenly Father’s love for His children, and my faith in Him grows.

“Nearer to God”

Joseph Smith, the man who translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, stated in the book’s introduction: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” Reading the Book of Mormon is great. I feel the Spirit, and I learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. But reading the Book of Mormon doesn’t do me, or anyone, any good unless we apply what it says. When we “abide by its precepts,” doing what the writers instruct and applying the lessons taught, we truly come closer to God. One of the best ways for us to come to know our Savior is by reading and praying about the Book of Mormon.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church—believe in following the Savior, Jesus Christ, in all things. When Christ walked on the earth, He was mocked, scorned, reviled, belittled, beaten, and yet answered His accusers and tormentors with silence or the words of His Father. He taught His followers to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) and to “love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). When you engage another person contentiously, you lose the power of the Holy Spirit and, in effect, can have little influence toward a positive outcome.

The Church of Jesus Christ has been faced in recent years with mocking, disrespectful and offensive attention from some Hollywood producers and their productions. Church leaders did not retaliate, boycott or make a fuss. Instead, they responded as the Savior did, and encouraged members to do the same—by not engaging in contentious conversations and conducting themselves with dignity and thoughtfulness when in the public arena [1].

Certainly Church members are offended when their most sacred practices are misrepresented or presented without context or understanding…. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution does not call for boycotts. Such a step would simply generate the kind of controversy that the media loves. … If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. [1]

Responding with Christian Courage

Elder Robert D. Hales, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (a governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ), answered this question from a young member: “Why doesn’t the Church defend itself more actively when accusations are made against it?” He responded:

I would say that one of mortality’s great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized. In such moments, we may want to respond aggressively—to ‘put up our dukes.’ But these are important opportunities to step back, pray, and follow the Savior’s example.  …When we respond to our accusers as the Savior did, we not only become more Christlike, we invite others to feel His love and follow Him as well.

To respond in a Christlike way cannot be scripted or based on a formula. The Savior responded differently in every situation. When He was confronted by wicked King Herod, He remained silent. When He stood before Pilate, He bore a simple and powerful testimony of His divinity and purpose. Facing the moneychangers who were defiling the temple, He exercised His divine responsibility to preserve and protect that which was sacred. Lifted up upon a cross, He uttered the incomparable Christian response: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34).

Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to ‘love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]’ (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage. [2]

Opposition Brings Opportunities

The Church has determined that staying focused on what is important—that is, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world—will gain far greater ground. Elder Hales said:

Through the years we learn that challenges to our faith are not new, and they aren’t likely to disappear soon. But true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition. …Experience shows that seasons of negative publicity about the Church can help accomplish the Lord’s purposes. In 1983 the First Presidency wrote to Church leaders, ‘Opposition may be in itself an opportunity. Among the continuing challenges faced by our missionaries is a lack of interest in religious matters and in our message. These criticisms create … interest in the Church. … This provides an opportunity [for members] to present the truth to those whose attention is thus directed toward us.’ [2]

An example of this has occurred with the “Book of Mormon” musical, which was written by the creators of “SouthPark” and mocks much of what The Church of Jesus Christ holds sacred. Boston resident Liza Morong’s parents took her to see the musical in New York City in September of 2011. The 21-year-old musical theater major said she laughed during the entire show and thought, “These people are crazy. They must be brainwashed.” But she was also curious about the religion, and found herself on Mormon.org—intending to “continue her amusement.” She found a live chat with missionaries and starting chatting with Elder Trevor Boardman, a missionary in the referral center at the MissionaryTrainingCenter in Provo, Utah. [3]

“I thought, ‘These clowns are in for a treat with me,’” Morong said. “But (Elder Boardman) was so incredibly nice. I could not be mean to him.” His genuine kindness caught Morong off guard. So instead of harassing him, she asked sincere questions she had after seeing the musical. Eventually, Morong was taught the gospel of Jesus Christ, read the Book of Mormon and decided to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [3]

Richard Marcus, a California resident and former mayor of Culver City, California, had been doing research and asking questions about The Church of Jesus Christ when a friend invited him to see the “Book of Mormon” musical. “I was looking for anything I could. I knew it was a goof, a spoof, a satire, but I thought, ‘I don’t have anything. Maybe I should check that out,’” he said. After seeing the show, Marcus said, “I wanted even more to find out what this was all about.” He tried to buy a copy of the Book of Mormon at the theater’s souvenir counter but was disappointed to find out it was a copy of the musical’s script. He eventually met with the missionaries, received a copy of the real Book of Mormon and decided to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ. [4]

When members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints respond to their accusers and mockers as the Savior did, miracles can happen—just as they did when Jesus Christ walked on the earth.

Elder Hales said:

When we do not retaliate—when we turn the other cheek and resist feelings of anger—we … stand with the Savior. We show forth His love, which is the only power that can subdue the adversary and answer our accusers without accusing them in return. That is not weakness. That is Christian courage. [2]

Read the Book of Mormon from your browser.

Jesus’ Words on Life

The Book of Mormon contains restored doctrine concerning life, adding to what the Bible says. As the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ, one of the most important things it says about life is that Jesus Christ “is the light and life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which if endless, that there can be no more death” (Mosiah 16:9). Without Jesus Christ, there would be no hope for “life which is endless,” or eternal life. There would also be no life after death, another important doctrine about life that the Book of Mormon teaches.

Amulek, one of the Book of Mormon prophets, taught about life after death, explaining that all men will be raised from physical death, that the grave will surrender the dead and our bodies and spirits will be reunited. He says that “this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more” (Alma 11:43-45).

Amulek also discusses another important doctrine about life. He taught that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God,” and that all people need to repent and become worthy now. He continued: “Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life . . . if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed” (Alma 34:32-33). Living on earth is a chance for us to come closer to Christ, to learn and grow, and repent of our sins and transgressions.

The Book of Mormon teaches us that our lives on earth are a precious time for us to learn and grow, and prepare to return to our Heavenly Father. We learn that our lives on earth are not random, but purposeful, and that we will live again after death.

Jesus’ Words on Deliverance

Deliverance is a closely related topic to life, especially life after death. In the Book of Mormon, we learn that it is through Christ we are delivered from physical death; resurrection is a deliverance from the grave, and is offered as a free gift to all mankind because of the Atonement. The Book of Mormon says that the people looked “forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their sins; being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead, according to the will and power of deliverance of Jesus Christ from the bands of death” (Alma 4:14). We can be delivered from physical death, through resurrection, and from our sins, through repentance, because of the atonement of Christ.

Much of what is taught in the Book of Mormon about deliverance is through stories, rather than discourse. One example is the story of Alma and Amulek, two missionaries who left their homes to preach the gospel. They ventured into an unfriendly city, and were taken captive, not unlike missionaries in Biblical times. The leader of the city mocked them: “If ye have the power of God deliver yourselves from these bands, and then we will believe that the Lord will destroy this people.” Alma prayed, “O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance.”  Then, the record states that “they broke the cords with which they were bound; . . . and Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord  had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ” (Alma 14:24-28).

From this example, we can see that deliverance, whether it is from physical or spiritual bondage, comes through faith in Jesus Christ. There are countless other examples of deliverance from physical or spiritual bondage in the Book of Mormon, always through faith in Jesus Christ. However, when the people stopped having faith, they could not be delivered. Thus, through the example of others in the Book of Mormon, we can learn how and why we can be delivered from physical or spiritual bondage.

Jesus’ Words to the Book of Mormon Peoples

The crowning event in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ takes place in the Book of 3 Nephi, when the resurrected Savior visited the Book of Mormon peoples, as was promised and prophesied. When Jesus was crucified, there were terrible storms and destruction in the Americas. Many people were killed and cities were destroyed. After the storms ceased, darkness covered the land for three days while the Savior was dead. In the darkness, the people who had lived through the destruction heard Jesus’ voice, reciting the fate of the cities that had been destroyed because of their wickedness. The next words that Jesus spoke summarize what the Book of Mormon says about life and deliverance:

“Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me. . . . And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh.”

(3 Nephi 9:14, 17).

From these verses, we learn that Jesus Christ is the way to eternal life. He will deliver us from sin and death, and is the only way to salvation. This is the message of the Book of Mormon: that Jesus Christ is the only way for us to be saved from sin, and return to live with Heavenly Father again.

Read the Book of Mormon Online.

I believe every book has a spirit to it. Not a literal spirit, but a feeling you get when you read it. When I read the Book of Mormon—which is another testament of Jesus Christ, a companion scripture to the Bible and a record of God’s dealings with the people who lived in the ancient Americas—I get a warm, peaceful feeling, like no matter what happens to me that day, I’ll be fine. As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church because of the Book of Mormon—I have been reading this scripture my entire life. And the feelings of peace I get from reading the Book of Mormon increase the more I delve into these scriptures.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Nephi, a prophet in the ancient Americas whose history and revelations are found in the Book of Mormon, says in 2 Nephi 32:3, “Feast upon the words of Christ; … behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” The warm and peaceful spirit I feel when I read the scriptures is the Holy Spirit, confirming to me the truthfulness of the words. How do I know this? Ether, another ancient American prophet whose writings are found in the Book of Mormon, says in Ether 4:11-12:

“He that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good. And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me.”

The Book of Mormon is a ‘Safe Harbor’

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said:

“Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair. That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him’ (Moroni 10:32).” [1] 

The Book of Mormon is a comforting friend and a safe harbor. Often when I read the verses inside, it is like they are speaking directly to me. I know the Book of Mormon is true, but not from a single, powerful spiritual witness. Of gaining a testimony—or a witness that the Book of Mormon is true—Elder Boyd K. Packer, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (a governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ), said:

 “My experience has been that a testimony does not burst upon us suddenly. Rather it grows, as Alma said, from a seed of faith. ‘It will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow’ (Alma 32:30). If you nourish it, it will grow; and if you do not nourish it, it will wither (see Alma 32:37–41). Do not be disappointed if you have read and reread and yet have not received a powerful witness. You may be somewhat like the disciples spoken of in the Book of Mormon who were filled with the power of God in great glory ‘and they knew it not’ (3 Ne. 9:20).

“Do the best you can. Think of this verse: ‘See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order’ (Mosiah 4:27).” [2]

This reminds me of a best friend. You don’t meet and become best friends in a day. You can become friends in a day, but true and lasting friendships develop over time. You share experiences, laughter, sorrow, confidences. Over time, the bonds deepen and you become best friends. The Book of Mormon is like a best friend for me. I can open the book in times of need and turn to verses that offer me comfort, insight and guidance. I have heard people say that they opened the scriptures to a random page and found answers to their prayers. While that has happened to me on occasion, more often I have found the answers I seek in the place where I am reading. It is a “safe harbor” where I can find answers, peace and guidance in the words of God.

Life is Hard, Handle with Prayer—and Reading the Book of Mormon

I can’t remember the exact phrase, but I love it: Life is hard, so handle with prayer. I added reading the Book of Mormon because prayer and reading this book of scripture has and continues to sustain me in good times and trials.

Elder Packer said:

“Life moves all too fast. When you feel weak, discouraged, depressed, or afraid, open the Book of Mormon and read. Do not let too much time pass before reading a verse, a thought, or a chapter.” [2]

I can always tell when I have slacked off my reading and praying. I am less able to handle the stress of kids, finances, housework and all of the other aspects of life. But when I delve into the scriptures, “feasting upon the words of Christ,” all things seem to fall into place. I have the patience I need with my kids. I am able to accomplish so much more and feel good about what I’ve done—and not stressed that I didn’t do enough.

As Elder Packer said, my testimony of the Book of Mormon didn’t come suddenly with a miraculous event. It has come slowly over time. Each time I read, I feel the spirit of the book and the Holy Spirit in the book. Like a best friend, I can always turn to the Book of Mormon to find the words my Heavenly Father wants me to hear—the answers to my questions, the peace I am seeking, the comfort that I need. And in doing so, my faith in my Heavenly Father increases, and I know that He knows me and loves me.

Read the Book of Mormon Online.

When my children grow up and are out on their own, I want them to have the words and teachings of the Savior, Jesus Christ, written on their hearts. That is why, as a family, we read The Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ, a companion scripture to the Bible and a record of God’s dealings with the people who lived in the ancient Americas. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ours is sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church because of our belief in this book of scripture.

The primary purpose of the Book of Mormon is to testify of Christ. Joseph Smith, the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days, said:

“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” [1]

 Feast upon the Words of Christ

 Nephi, an ancient American prophet whose writings are found in the Book of Mormon, said bringing people to Christ was the purpose of the book. The scripture 2 Nephi 25:26 reads:

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

Nephi also said, in 2 Nephi 33:10:

“And if ye believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.”

If I want my children to have the words of Christ written on their hearts, they have to read them. Well, not just read them, but “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3). What is feasting upon the words of Christ? It is studying the scriptures, in faith, with the purpose of gaining knowledge of the Savior and His teachings—not just to say that you read that day.

Elder Boyd K. Packer, president of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (a governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ), said:

“The central purpose of the Book of Mormon is its testament of Jesus Christ. Of more than 6,000 verses in the Book of Mormon, far more than half refer directly to Him.” [2]

Plain and Precious Truths of Christ in the Book of Mormon

The teachings of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon are plain and precious—by divine design. Alma, another ancient American prophet, said: “I have spoken unto you plainly that ye cannot err” (Alma 5:43).

Elder David A. Bednar, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said:

“The convincing and converting powers of the Book of Mormon come from both a central focus upon the Lord Jesus Christ and the inspired plainness and clarity of its teachings. Nephi declared, ‘My soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn’ (2 Nephi 25:4). The root word plain in this verse does not refer to things that are ordinary or simple; rather, it denotes instruction that is clear and easily understood.

“The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth because it centers upon the Truth (see John 14:6; 1 Nephi 13:40), even Jesus Christ, and restores the plain and precious things that have been taken away from the true gospel (see 1 Nephi 13:26, 28–29, 32, 34–35, 40). The unique combination of these two factors—a focus on the Savior and the plainness of the teachings—powerfully invites the confirming witness of the third member of the Godhead, even the Holy Ghost. Consequently, the Book of Mormon speaks to the spirit and to the heart of the reader like no other volume of scripture.” [3]

I vividly remember the first time my husband read the scriptures to our oldest child. He took our infant son—who was only weeks old—in his arms and read the Book of Mormon to him. He wanted our son to know the words of the Savior from his infancy. Elder Bednar said:

“Youth of all ages, even infants, can and do respond to the distinctive spirit of the Book of Mormon. Children may not understand all of the words and stories, but they certainly can feel the ‘familiar spirit’ described by Isaiah (Isaiah 29:4; see also 2 Nephi 26:16).” [3]

We wanted our children to feel the “familiar spirit” of the Book of Mormon so that as they grew up, they would find comfort in the familiar words. As we read the Book of Mormon as a family, my children learn of the Savior and His teachings. My husband and I also encourage our children to read the Book of Mormon on their own. Both family and personal scripture study help our children gain their own testimony of the truths of the Savior. It is not enough for my children to know that I know—they have to know. And the only way they can truly know for themselves is to read it.

Meet Mormons

As an English major, I am often asked, “What’s your favorite book?” I’ve come up with a few “go-to” favorites: “Oh, I really liked The Kite Runner.” Or, “The Great Gatsby—I really enjoyed that one, too.” In reality, I’ve read so many books, and loved so many of them, that it’s almost impossible for me to narrow it down to just one. However, I have read the Book of Mormon more times than I can count—more than ten, at least. Why? Because the Book of Mormon has a more profound effect on my decisions, my feelings, and my faith than any other great work of literature I’ve ever read.

Why the Book of Mormon Increases My Faith

One of the main reasons the Book of Mormon has such a powerful influence on me is that I believe it is inspired. The Book of Mormon is similar to the Bible: both books were written by inspired prophets of God, and then translated into many languages. This is not to say that other great works of literature are not inspiring, and do not influence me, because they do. However, the Book of Mormon is different. It testifies of Jesus Christ, and was written by His prophets. As I read this inspired book, the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, brings peace to my heart and testifies to me that the doctrines are true and that the people are real.

Another reason the Book of Mormon increases my faith is its close connection to the Bible. The Book of Mormon explains many of the doctrines of the gospel in clearer terms than we see in the Bible. For example, the Book of Mormon clearly explains that little children are innocent, and do not need to be baptized. (See Moroni 8:11). The Book of Mormon does not contradict the Bible, but rather illuminates it, making doctrines and principles that are present but unclear in the Bible clear for me to easily understand. If the Book of Mormon were to contradict the Bible, my faith would be shaken. But because the two books support each other, my faith in God and His knowledge and omnipotence is strengthened.

How Daily Reading Increases My Faith

The Book of Mormon can only have such a powerful effect and increase my faith if and when I read it every day. I have noticed that when I make an effort to read the Book of Mormon every day, things in my life are smoother. The challenges I face seem less insurmountable, and I feel more at peace with the world and my life. At times, life has become hectic, and I have slowly stopped reading every day. The negative changes in how I felt and viewed the world were so small I didn’t notice them. However, when I went back to reading every day, I was amazed at the positive difference that it made in my day, especially in the small aspects of life. I wondered why I had ever stopped reading in the first place, because everything goes so much better when I do.

Daily reading reminds me of what I believe; of the true doctrines of the gospel. It reminds me of the covenants I made when I was baptized, and gives me strength and encouragement to continue working hard to keep them. It reminds me of the meaning and purpose of life, and helps me keep everything that happens on a daily basis in its proper perspective. Most importantly, it testifies of Jesus Christ, and His role in Heavenly Father’s plan for each of us.

However, it’s not enough for me to just read the Book of Mormon. I have to act on what it says. Joseph Smith, the translator of the Book of Mormon, stated: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth,  . . . and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book” (Introduction to the Book of Mormon). So it’s great for me to read about faith in Alma chapter 32, but I gain nothing if I don’t do as Alma directed the people and work to increase my faith. (See Alma 32:28).

A Promise from a Prophet

President Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15^th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church, made the following promise:

Those who have read [the Book of Mormon] prayerfully, be they rich or poor, learned or unlearned, have grown under its power. . . . Without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you have previously read it, there will come into your hearts . . . the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God. (“The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, June 1988, 6).

This promise has had a profound influence on me. President Hinckley is a man whom I respect very much, and believe he was a prophet of the Lord. When he speaks, and makes a promise like this, it will happen if I do what I am supposed do to, just like any other promise a person or group of people receive from the Lord.

I have many favorite books, and many works of great literature have had a profound effect on my opinions and worldview. Many books are inspirational, and motivate me to change and do better. But none is as powerful as the Book of Mormon, my all-time favorite. When I read the Book of Mormon, I have the Spirit in my heart more often and more strongly, I am more committed to following the commandments with exactness, and my testimony of Jesus Christ is strengthened.

Read the Book of Mormon online.

by Austin Cook

We live in a very interesting time in the history of the world. All of the previous generations of the world
have looked to our time with great anticipation and excitement. They know that there would be amazing
miracles occurring and that the opportunities to share and teach the Gospel would be a lot greater than
what they currently faced. They also knew that while there would be great advances in the Kingdom,
the opposition from the adversary would also increase. A prophet-historian that lived in the American
continent named Mormon wrote for the future generations. He shared with us the way that we need to live
our life so that we would be able to overcome the trials and temptations that the adversary would use to
detour us from the path leading to eternal life.

The first lesson that Mormon shares with us is the importance of loving our Heavenly father and keeping the commandments that He has given us. He teaches us about the people who lived just after the Savior visited the American continent. They were a very righteous people and lived for nearly 300 years in peace. The reason that they were able to be so righteous is because they first loved God and as a result they treated each other with respect and dignity. They were more concerned with serving and helping others that they didn’t focus on themselves. We can improve our lives the majority of the time by starting to forget about ourselves and starting to serve our Heavenly Father and our fellow man.

The second lesson that Mormon teaches us is the importance of praying with real intent. He shares a
personal experience of when his prayers start to lose their meaning because he is starting to pray without
faith. He had been fighting in wars for a majority of his life and had spent a lot of time teaching the people
that they needed to repent or they would be destroyed. As a result he also spent a lot of time praying for
the people and hoping that they would change. He says that over time his prayers changed to where he
was praying without faith. I think that we also have the same thing happen to us today when we spend a
lot of time praying for things that we want to happen, but often we don’t expect them to be answered.
My hope and prayer is that we can start to show that we love God by serving others and that we also
have faith that our prayers will be answered. By doing these things we will be able to be the people our
Heavenly Father wants us to be.

by Luke Newmeyer

Hi Andrea,

Our selection in the Book of Mormon for this last week has been from 4 Nephi though Mormon 6. It
has been very interesting reading especially from the perspective of having returned recently from my
mission. I am very grateful for missions because of how they bring one’s focus to the basic principles
of the Gospel and their role in daily life. While reading in Mormon this week I found it very interesting to
compare the faith of Mormon and Moroni with the fear and despair of the fallen Nephites. This section of
the Book of Mormon is of course the section where Mormon witnesses the total destruction of his people
in the final battle at Cumorah. Over these final chapters of the Book of Mormon the people are given
many chances to call on God and ask him to help them but reject this opportunity. I can only imagine
just how dark it must have been to be so uncertain as to the future of their civilization and their individual
lives. The final battle at Cumorah is of course the climax and ultimate fall. In this darkest moment I found
verse 7 of Mormon 6 to be especially descriptive of the people’s lack of faith. It says: “And it came to pass
that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching
towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to
receive them.” Without Christ and faith in God there is nothing left but to fear. We don’t know the end and
what will happen to us at any given moment.

Moroni, just as his father Mormon, had a different point of view with regard to his purpose and future. Interestingly, Moroni was also unsure of his future. He had people hunting him that wanted him dead. His attitude, however, was completely different from that of the fallen Nephites. Repeatedly throughout Mormon chapter 8 he says “it mattereth not” speaking of his life and future. I think we can learn a lot from this example because in the end it really doesn’t matter as long as we have faith in Christ. If we live by his law and by his commandments what happens will always what he wants to have happen and we do not need to concern ourselves with the details. We can place ourselves in his hands with complete certainty that there is nothing more to be done. I know that I have felt many times a feeling of complete peace and tranquility while in the midst of some of my biggest challenges. It is a wonderful feeling and
truly overcomes the sadness and despair of any external events. If we are here on earth and want to be happy then we can do what the Lord has asked and be certain that we will have happiness. I know this is true and am very grateful that I have felt many times in my life certainty and faith in God’s plan. My goal is to strive everyday to live with an attitude of faith and complete trust, seeking to complete the tasks that the Lord has planned for me. He wants the best for me and wants to guide me to find happiness.

I love you bunches and am glad for the wonderful life you live and the great example you are of service
and love. I hope the best for you every day and that you can have the inward peace the spirit brings.

Love,
Luke

by Andrew Bellomy

This last week in Book of Mormon class we entered a new book within the Book of Mormon. Its name
is Ether. To help you to understand and to give my words some context I will tell a little about where
the book of Ether comes from and what it is about. Although there is a lot to say about it, I will keep the
explanation brief, because I have much to say about a particular passage from it today. Ether is a record
of an ancient group of people who were lead to the Americas, then referred to as the promised land, by
the hand of the Lord around the time of the tower of Babel. They are called the Jaredites. Their story,
within the book of Mormon, comes from a set of plates whose discovery is recorded of earlier in the Book
of Mormon. Portions of the record are translated and included in the Book of Mormon by a prophet named
Moroni.

Now with a little background established, I will now get into my subject. The portion of the Jaredite history
included by Moroni details the journey of these people from the Dead Sea area to the Americas.

“5 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded them that they should go forth into the wilderness, yea,
into that quarter where there never had man been…”

We discussed this verse in class and as I looked closer and listened to the words of my teacher, I realized how significant this verse is in a scriptural history context, but also in a personal context.Throughout scriptures there is this recurring moment when the Lord sends His prophets or people into the wilderness as they begin a journey. Adam and Eve were cast out the garden and into the wilderness. Moses and the children of Israel journeyed in the wilderness for 40 years. Nephi (in the beginning of the Book of Mormon) were brought through the wilderness and now, here, the story includes an exodus to the unknown and untamed wilderness.

First, this journey IS the plan of Salvation. Before we came here to earth, we dwelled in the presence of our Father. In order for us to grow and to become more like Him, the earth was created and we were brought here—a wilderness. As we live this life and strive to rely on the Lord, we will be led to the Promised Land—to salvation and exaltation.

Second, within this mortal life we too experience times of struggle. When I think about what a wilderness is, I picture a time when comfort and resources are not readily available. A place where I must struggle to exist. Like the stories of the scriptures, provisioning of our necessities (whether temporal, emotional or spiritual) seems uncertain. It can be easy to feel alone, but we are not. The verse above continues,

“5…And it came to pass that the Lord did go before them…and gave directions whither they should
travel.”

As in other stories in the scriptures, our needs can be taken care of by our Lord as we have faith in Him
and seek Him and to keep His commandments. Like manna from heaven or direction from His lips, we will
be taken care of. Certainly, the reality of these mortal experiences that seem as wildernesses to us show
us that the Lord is not seeking to make our lives easy, but that we must go through hard times to learn to
rely on Him and to grow.

I witness that the Lord has been there for me in my times of struggle and that I have found help in
Him. Whether by the Spirit or by someone else, I am always sent help. The story of Ether is a powerful
reminder to me that I am never alone as I travel on this earth or through its wildernesses (both literally
and figuratively!).

by Kandace Bahrt

In my Book of Mormon class this week, we discussed the book of Ether and how it provides a second witness of the Book of Mormon; showing us another nation and its destruction through pride and wickedness. I always feel sad at the end of this book, thinking about the literally millions who died because of their failure to repent and accept God.

Once Jared and Akish start their secret combinations in chapter 8, it’s the signal that things are about to officially go downhill with few righteous generations in between. I’ve always thought it was depressing, reading about the destruction of these people. However, I really saw the purpose of this in chapter 8, verses 25 and 26. Moroni says about secret combinations;

“whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries;and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil [...] wherefore, I, Moroni,am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men”.

The Book of Mormon teaches principles that bring blessings and happiness.

We talked in class about how Moroni and Mormon included all of these things for our benefit and for our day so that we may learn and help bring to pass the time where evil is nonexistent and Satan has no power. Unfortunately our world is full of secret combinations and evil people who seek to take away our liberty. This is a continuation of the war in heaven where Satan tried desperately to remove our agency.

Now that we are here on earth, he has many more opportunities to tempt us and the things that take away our freedom and happiness are paramount in his plan of destruction. Luckily we have the examples of the Nephites, Jaredites and many others in history. It is up to us to remember the past and learn from it; doing all we can to protect liberty. Satan will tempt us with short term pleasures that seem appealing but in the long run take away our freedom and agency.

We must fight every day to remember that although we go through trials and difficulties, our eternal reward is waiting for us as long as we remain faithful and repent when we fall. Take advantage of the Atonement and let its healing power change your life for the better. Protect your agency with all your might and reject things that take away your freedom and peace of mind.