The Book of Mormon is an ancient record of holy scripture that gives an account of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the American continent. In Alma chapter 36 of the Book of Mormon, Alma, an ancient prophet, talks to his son about his conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Alma was younger, he was not a part of the Church of Jesus Christ in the land. In fact, he actively went about “seeking to destroy the church of God” and he led many people astray from the gospel. One day while he was out with some of the king’s sons, who were also disturbers of the church of God, an angel appeared to them. The angel told Alma and the king’s sons to stop persecuting the church. The angel said to Alma, “If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God” (Alma 36:9).

When the angel said this to him, he fell to the earth unconscious and unable to move for three days. This is what Alma said happened to him after he was struck down:

Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.

We might not necessarily go through a situation as extreme as Alma’s experience was, but we all have our own weaknesses, sins, or challenges to work through in our lives that require the help of the Savior. This next part tells us how Alma was freed from these awful pains, and it teaches us how we can all receive help through Jesus Christ.

And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.

And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

This chapter helps me because it helps me see that the true source of healing, comfort, and cleansing from our sins, comes from Jesus Christ. When I put my trust and faith in His power to redeem, and seek to follow His gospel, then I can feel my burdens lightened and lifted. A belief in Him leads to greater happiness in our lives. It allows an opportunity for us to feel His grace. It allows us to be freed from our sins as well as to receive grace and comfort during hard times. Alma continued by talking about the blessings he received through his belief and faith in Jesus Christ:

Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.

The Book of Mormon helps us come to know Christ better. It helps us better understand the things that He did for us. This understanding gives us a greater opportunity to exercise faith and believe in Him. I know that as we come to know Jesus Christ and follow His teachings, we can feel His love and be healed of sins and problems. When we believe in Christ and come to gain a greater understanding of what He did for us, it also leads us to care more about other people, and our desire to serve them increases.

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of The Book of Mormon.

Learn more about the blessings of having faith in Jesus Christ at the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”).

Have Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ

The Book of Mormon is a record of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It gives an account of the ancient inhabitants of the American continent and God’s dealings with them. There are many passages in The Book of Mormon that testify of the reality of God. In the book of Alma chapter 22, Alma was an ancient prophet of Jesus Christ, in The Book of Mormon, we read of an experience where a missionary named Aaron taught a king about God. We see a pattern for how we can come to know if God is real in this chapter. First we must have a desire to know if He is real.  We must desire to learn more about Him. In this scripture account, the king had recently come across a missionary who had converted his son to the gospel. The king was curious and wanted to learn more. This is what he said:

What is this that ye have said concerning the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, this is the thing which doth trouble me. And also, what is this that Ammon said—If ye will repent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast off at the last day? (Alma 22:5-6).

Coming to Know God Exists

This scripture then helps us see that we should seek to learn all that we can about God, what his words are, and what He asks us to do–then we can come to know Him more. This should be from a good source, such as the scriptures, an authorized minister of Jesus Christ, and through prayer. Aaron then expounds and teaches the king all about God and His plan of happiness for each of us. He teaches the king question by question, a little at a time. The king showed a desire and determination to believe in his words, and follow Jesus Christ:

And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe his words, he began from the creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto the king—how God created man after his own image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen.

And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.

And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king (Book of Mormon: Alma 22:12-14).

After Aaron taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to the king, the king felt a desire in his heart to be forgiven of his sins and to become clean through Jesus Christ. The king showed a willingness to do the Lord’s will. He had a humble heart, which I’ve learned is important when I want to come to know God and feel His love and guidance in our lives. He said:

What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy (Book of Mormon: Alma 22:15).

Knowing About God vs. Knowing God

Aaron then asked the king to pray and ask God for the hope that He desired. In order to know if God is real, I’ve found that it is so vital that we pray. We can study all the books about God in the whole world if we want to, but if we don’t pray, we will never really know if God is real. When we pray, God’s Holy Spirit witnesses to our spirit that He is real (Holy Bible: Romans 8:16). He communicates knowledge to our souls with a divine impression that helps us know He is real. This is what happened with the king in The Book of Mormon. He knelt down and prayed and asked to know if God was real, and he said that he would “give up all my sins” to know God (Alma 22:18). When the king said this, he had a glorious experience of being overwhelmed with the power and love of God.

This scriptural example helps us see how we can know God is real. It helps me see that we must seek after Him. God has told us:

Ask, and it shall be ^bgiven you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened (Matthew 7:7-8).

Personal Witness that God Exists

I know that as we seek out God and the Lord Jesus Christ, they will make themselves manifest to us. Through the power of prayer, and through studying and living the words of Jesus Christ, I’ve come to feel the power of the God’s love within me. He has told my spirit that He lives and loves me. All of us can have this experience. God is waiting for us to seek after Him, and He will answer.

Additional Resources:

Is there a God? For more information visit the official site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

Request your free copy of the Book of Mormon today.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. Why is this second witness so crucial? The following illustration may help: How many straight lines can you draw through a single point on a piece of paper? The answer is infinite. For a moment, suppose that single point represents the Bible and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible and that each of those interpretations represents a different church.

What happens, however, if on that piece of paper there is a second point representing the Book of Mormon? How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference points: the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Only one. Only one interpretation of Christ’s doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QuiloZIbI0

Additional Resources:

Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, “The Mormon Church”).

Get a free copy of The Book of Mormon

How to find the word of God.

Here is a personal testimony of The Book of Mormon by Maria Mash, Guatemala

My husband was coming home when he found a bag in the street. To his surprise, inside was a copy of the Book of Mormon. He brought it home and showed it to me. He read it for a while, found it interesting, but eventually put it away.

A short time later, he died. I went to one church after another looking for comfort and wanting to know if life would go on after death. I was engulfed in doubt, with many unanswered questions.

Then on my way to work, I saw a book that I recognized on the sidewalk– the Book of Mormon. I took it with me because finding it brought back memories of my dear husband. I mentioned my discovery to someone who suggested that I read it.

The days went by, and one night I visited my sister, who was a Latter-day Saint. The full-time missionaries were there, and they sang the hymn “I Am a Child of God.” I knew right then that the missionaries could answer my questions.

After receiving the discussions and gaining a testimony, I was baptized. Today I can testify with total certainty that Joseph Smith saw the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I believe it was no coincidence that my husband and I both found the Book of Mormon. Even though my husband was not able to be baptized during his life, I am happy that, because of temple ordinances, he and I and our two precious children can be together as a family for all eternity. The Book of Mormon brought us together and brought peace to our souls.

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon

How the Book of Mormon Testifies of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Inadvertantly called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”)

Here is a personal witness of the Book of Mormon by Eun Jung, Korea.

I can always find answers in the Book of Mormon. I’m learning many things from studying it, and I feel I’m changing in good ways.

Recently I was considering what to do now that my six children are raised. I wondered what Heavenly Father desired me to do.

In my regular scripture study, I came across one of the stories of war in the Book of Mormon. I was struck by Moroni’s call to action in defending, among other things, families (see Alma 46:12). The Nephites were determined to protect their families. As I read that story, I decided that no matter what, I wanted to have that same purpose in my life, to fight for family. It was a personal, tender experience.

I know that the Book of Mormon was written for our day. I am grateful that I can go to this book for direction in my life; it truly is an iron rod (see 1 Nephi 8).

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon

How the Book of Mormon Testifies of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Inadvertantly called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”)

 

Here is a personal witness of the Book of Mormon by Ary Sala, British Columbia, Canada.

Almost since birth I have been in possession of the Bible, yet until I received a copy of the Book of Mormon, I was not acquainted with all the principles of the gospel. I discovered that the full gospel of Jesus Christ is accessible only with knowledge of this second “stick” (see Ezekiel 37:15-17). When the two came together for me, they provided a life-changing experience–and increased understanding of who I am and my potential to become part of the eternal family of God. This prophesied combining– “they shall become one in thine hand’ (verse 17)–became possible because two faithful missionary sisters cared and left me a copy of the second stick.

Before, I walked by candlelight; now every niche and cranny is highlighted by the fulness of gospel blessings. I feel I’ve been given a new lease on life.

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon

How the Book of Mormon Testifies of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints(Inadvertantly called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”)

Here is a personal witness by Elena Gomez de Santurion, Uruguay

In chapter 2 of Ether we read that the brother of Jared was worried because there would be no light in their boats. When he asked the Lord about this, the Lord answered with a question: “What will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light?” (verse 25).

I have thought a lot about how the brother of Jared responded to the Lord’s question. First he climbed a mountain, where he “did molten out of a rock 16 small stones” (Ether 3:1). He carried the stones to the top of the mountain, where he prayed. He began by humbling himself before the Lord. He asked for mercy, and he acknowledged the power the Lord had to answer his prayer. Then he demonstrated his faith by saying, “We know that thou art able to show forth great power” (Ether 3:5). The brother of Jared asked the Lord to touch the stones so they could illuminate the boats.

This passage has changed the way I pray. Before, I often asked “Father, what would Thou have me do?” In reality many situations require that I put in some thought, analyze my resources, come up with a plan, then go to the Father and ask Him if the plan is OK–afterward praying for the miracles that I can’t make happen by myself.

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon

How the Book of Mormon Testifies of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Inadvertantly called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”)

Here is a personal witness of the Book of Mormon by Adilson Lucero dos Santos, Parana, Brazil.

It was six months since I had been baptized, and I did not have a firm testimony of the Book of Mormon. One day when I had no desire to read the scriptures, I recalled my Gospel Principles teacher saying, “When you do not feel the desire to read, it is because Satan does not want you to read the scriptures.” Because of that warning, I opened the Book of Mormon. I read, “Who could have supposed that our God would have been so merciful as to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted state?” (Alma 26:17). Those words filled my soul with joy because I remembered my state before becoming a member of the true Church of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of the Lord testified in my heart of the truth of the Book of Mormon.

I had not wanted to be a full-time missionary, but after that day everything changed. I felt very strongly that the world needed to know the truth, and I began to prepare myself. I went to my leaders and told them of my desire to serve. I explained to my parents, who lived in another city and were not members of the Church. Then I sold everything I had bought clothes for my mission. The end result was that I served a mission from 2003 to 2005.

Today, my family–including my wife and our daughter–is sealed eternally. This blessing is also due to my testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know the Book of Mormon is true, for it bears testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I draw close to God when I read this sacred record.

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon

How the Book of Mormon Testifies of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Inadvertantly called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”)

 

 

by Eric Kotter, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon”), Eric is a student at BYU-Idaho studying communications.

The Book of Mormon is a volume of ancient scripture which testifies of Jesus Christ’s teachings. It is an account of Christ’s words as given to ancient prophets who lived on the American continent. The Lord spoke to these prophets just as He did to Moses, Abraham, or other Biblical prophets.