As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often misnamed as a “Mormon” after the Book of Mormon), I have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know that it was by God’s hand that it was kept and then preserved from destruction to be brought forth in our day. Through many sacrifices, Joseph Smith translated the book through the power which God had granted him.

Personal Scripture Study

I believe that all books of scripture are sacred and important. The Latter-day Saint canon includes the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. While I make an effort to read all of these books of scripture and to be familiar with each of them, I feel a unique spirit when reading the Book of Mormon.

It is kind of difficult to explain, but my mind begins to be enlightened whenever I read from its pages. I feel spiritually fed and nourished, though when I fail to read it regularly, I also miss this strength. I believe that the Holy Spirit teaches pure truth. All eternal truths are related to each other. Thus, when we work to bring ourselves to be in tune with the Holy Spirit, we can learn truths that we may not immediately identify as spiritual.

When I read and ponder the scriptures, especially in the Book of Mormon, I find my mind making connections and understanding deeper spiritual truths than I had previously comprehended. This renewing of the mind is also a renewal of my spirit. I think those things are intertwined.

Meaningful Passages of the Book of Mormon

One of my favorite chapters of scripture in the Book of Mormon is the fifth chapter in the book of Alma. Alma is speaking here to some of the people in a city he is visiting. He is a prophet and reminds the people of their ancestors’ history and dealings with Jesus Christ. He points out how many times their ancestors (and they themselves) have been delivered from destruction or persecution by the hand of God. He then says to the people:

Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them? And moreover, have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell? Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them (Alma 5:6-7).

Alma goes on to ask the people if they have been spiritually born of God as their fathers were, if they have received His image in their countenances and if they have had a mighty change in their heart because of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. This is always a good point for me to personally reflect on how God has blessed my ancestors’ lives and then to look at how He has blessed my life personally. To remember all He has done for me in this life alone, let alone paying the price to redeem my soul from hell, is humbling.

My Mighty Change of Heart Through the Book of Mormon

I do feel that I have experienced a mighty change of heart by learning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more I learn, the more determined I am to continue this mighty change and to have His image in my countenance. What a wonderful description.

Then Alma asks this question: “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?” (Alma 5:26).  This is the truly important question. If we have allowed the miracle of Christ’s Atonement to work in our lives, are we still allowing that miracle to take place in our lives right now? Because if we are not, then our efforts are in vain.

This is one reason why it is important to read the Book of Mormon continually. The renewal of the mind it brings me each time I read it helps me to evaluate how I am doing now—not how I was doing a week ago or a year ago. The Book of Mormon helps me to remember that I need Jesus Christ in my life every day, not just once a week or when I am going through a particular trial. I need Him all the time. The Book of Mormon is a reminder that He is there for me all the time.

Find Your Personal Renewal Through the Book of Mormon

It says in 1 John 3:2 that “when he [Christ] shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” To me, this means that we will recognize Him because we have grown to be like Him by following His example. We have literally received His image in our countenances, and we radiate His light to the world. When I read the Book of Mormon, I am renewed by the light of Christ that is in the book.

I invite you to read the Book of Mormon for yourself and to test it. See if it does contain the Word of Jesus Christ. If you feel renewed by its words, you will know for yourself that it contains the true Word of God. Ask God in sincere faith if its words are true, and the Holy Ghost will testify to you that it is true.

Additional Resources:

Request a Free Copy of the Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration

Believe it or not, at one time the very notion of government had less to do with politics than with virtue. … [James] Madison, [George] Washington, and [Abraham] Lincoln all understood that democracy cannot possibly flourish in a moral vacuum and that organized religion plays an important role in preserving and maintaining public morality. Indeed, John Adams, another of America’s Founding Fathers, insisted: “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.” (John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Charles F. Adams, 1854.)

Yet that is precisely the position we find ourselves in today. Our government is succumbing to pressure to distance itself from God and religion. Consequently, the government is discovering that it is incapable of contending with people who are increasingly “unbridled by morality and religion.” [1] 

But no book shows the connection between politics and religion with as much depth and clarity as The Book of Mormon—another testament of Jesus Christ, a companion scripture to the Bible and a record of God’s dealings with the peoples who lived in the ancient Americas.

The Book of Mormon—A Witness and a Warning

Modern prophets and apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ have called the Book of Mormon “a witness and a warning” for our day. The ancient prophets are witnesses who testify of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and teach the truths of His gospel. And they warn of the consequences of those who choose to disobey the commandments of God—consequences to individuals and entire nations. The late President Gordon B. Hinckley, a past president of The Church of Jesus Christ, said:

I know of no other writing which sets forth with such clarity the tragic consequences to societies that follow courses contrary to the commandments of God. Its pages trace the stories of two distinct civilizations that flourished on this Western Hemisphere. Each began as a small nation, its people walking in the fear of the Lord. But with prosperity came growing evils. The people succumbed to the wiles of ambitious and scheming leaders who oppressed them with burdensome taxes, who lulled them with hollow promises, who countenanced and even encouraged loose and lascivious living, who led them into terrible wars that resulted in the death of millions and the final and total extinction of two great civilizations in two different eras.

No other written testament so clearly illustrates the fact that when men and nations walk in the fear of God and in obedience to his commandments, they prosper and grow, but when they disregard him and his word, there comes a decay that, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death. [2] 

The Book of Mormon is a warning for those who live in the modern Americas. The Lord tells us that this land—called the Land of Promise—is a land of liberty, and those who are here were led by the hand of God. People who live in the Land of Promise must obey God’s commandments or they will “be brought into captivity” (2 Nephi 1:7). Mormon, the ancient prophet who compiled the records that became the Book of Mormon, witnessed the destruction of his people. He also saw our day. With the unique insight of his people’s demise and the divine guidance of the Lord, he carefully and painstakingly chose the information that would be most helpful to those who would read this book—us, the people who live in the modern days.

It is often said that hindsight is 20/20. Through the hindsight of these ancient Book of Mormon peoples, we are given the foresight to prevent and correct the same problems in our day. The hindsight of the Book of Mormon shows us that government and the righteousness of its people are inseparably intertwined. If the government becomes corrupt, the people must enact a change. If the people become corrupt, the government must rely on the prophets to preach repentance. When corruption goes unchecked, calamities and destruction follow.

Democracy: The Power of the People to Remain Righteous

 Throughout the thousand-year history of the book of Mormon, the balance of power and the systems of government changed many times. But through the lens of history, Book of Mormon prophets show us that democracy is the preferable choice of governments. Righteous kings work well, but wicked kings pervert the ways of God and lead their people astray. A democracy is ruled by the voice of the people. It’s common for the majority of people to choose righteousness and only a small part to choose wickedness. When the majority of the people choose wickedness, problems arise. (See Mosiah 29:21-27.)

In a democracy, people are responsible for their own actions. If they turn away from God, they can’t blame a wicked king. Thus, a democratic government reflects the level of righteousness of its people. Government leaders are chosen by and beholden to the people. The voice of the people voted them in, and the voice of the people can vote them out. When the majority of the people choose to ignore the corruption of their leaders and the perversion of just laws, they are held accountable to God. Righteousness is a foundational tenet of any democratic society. James Madison, often called the father of the Constitution, said:

We have staked the whole future of American civilization not upon the power of the government—far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God. (Russ Walton, Biblical Principles of Importance to Godly Christians, New Hampshire: Plymouth Foundation, 1984, p. 361.)

The Book of Mormon has severe warnings for those who live in a democracy. A free people are obligated to defend and protect their freedoms—from enemies within and without their government and country. In times of prosperity, people are quick to forget the Lord and are often lulled into a false sense of security. But in all times and in all ages, people must elect “wise, honest and upstanding leaders.” If they don’t, their situation can deteriorate rapidly. The late Ezra Taft Benson, a past president of The Church of Jesus Christ, said:

Too many Americans have lost sight of the truth that God is our source of freedom—the Lawgiver—and that personal righteousness is the most important essential to preserving our freedom. So, I say with all the energy of my soul that unless we as citizens of this nation forsake our sins, political and otherwise, and return to the fundamental principles of Christianity and of constitutional government, we will lose our political liberties, our free institutions, and will stand in jeopardy before God. No nation which has kept the commandments of God has ever perished, but I say to you that once freedom is lost, only blood—human blood—will win it back. [3]

That sentence is a warning to all free nations: Once freedom is lost, only human blood will win it back. America’s Founding Fathers and those who fought with them sacrificed their blood to establish the Land of the Free. American blood was spilt in the fight to free black people from slavery and again to reaffirm their right to equal treatment under the law during the Civil Rights Movement. Freedom is never easy to obtain and should never be taken for granted. If the modern examples aren’t enough proof, the Book of Mormon offers many more.

Freedom of Religion is the Foundation of Democracy

If the Book of Mormon offers us any examples, it’s this: Freedom of religion is the foundation upon which a democracy is built. A democracy is government for the people, by the people. This in and of itself implies that the people within the system are trustworthy and willing to be accountable to each other and a higher power for their actions. Each person—or at least the majority of the people—must be willing to put the needs of others and the country ahead of their own selfish desires. In a democracy, everyone has to work together to get anything done. Where does one learn to be honest, charitable, trustworthy, work well with others and to uphold the good and the decent? They learn these concepts at home, at church, and in the scriptures.

Churches and the religious conscience not only provide a moral compass for the people, they are also a safeguard against government corruption. Elder Ballard said:

The framers of the Constitution probably assumed that religious freedom would establish religion as a watchdog over government, and believed that free churches would inevitably stand and speak against immoral and corrupt legislation. All churches not only have the right to speak out on public moral issues, but they have the solemn obligation to do so. Religion represents society’s conscience, and churches must speak out when government chooses a course that is contrary to the laws of God. To remove the influence of religion from public policy simply because some are uncomfortable with any degree of moral restraint is like the passenger on a sinking ship who removes his life jacket because it is restrictive and uncomfortable. [1] 

A recurring theme in the Book of Mormon is this: If you want to enact change among a people, teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. This change doesn’t happen overnight, but over a period of time. Alma, the high priest and chief judge, relinquished his government position to preach the gospel to the people. The people were beginning to forget the Lord, and problems were arising. “As the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5).

Rooting Out Government Corruption & Secret Combinations

The Book of Mormon spells out in no uncertain terms the dangers to peoples, governments, and society as a whole posed by secret combinations—which are groups of people who meet in secret and plot to lie, cheat, murder, steal and eventually take over governments. How bad are secret combinations? “The regulations of the government were destroyed, because of the secret combination of the friends and kindreds of those who murdered the prophets” (3 Nephi 7:6). For those who feel that these threats don’t plague the modern times, the ancient prophets have specifically told us otherwise.

And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes … and have put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain. … And there are also secret combinations, … according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of … murder, and works of darkness” (2 Nephi 26:20, 22).

Conspiracy theories make great movie plots, but they are often disregarded by the public—until it’s too late. Ancient and modern prophets have warned against being blinded by the wiles of corrupt government leaders. President Benson said:

[The Book of Mormon] … states that the downfall of two great American civilizations came as a result of secret conspiracies whose desire was to overthrow the freedom of the people. … (See Ether 8:21.) Now undoubtedly [the ancient prophet] Moroni could have pointed out many factors that led to the destruction of the people, but notice how he singled out the secret combinations, just as the Church today could point out many threats to peace, prosperity, and the spread of God’s work, but it has singled out the greatest threat as the godless conspiracy. There is no conspiracy theory in the Book of Mormon —it is a conspiracy fact.

Then Moroni speaks to us in this day and says, “Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you” (Ether 8:14). [4] 

President Benson spoke more than 30 years ago, and yet the “godless conspiracy” is alive, well and thriving today. It’s time to awake to a sense of our awful situation. Secret combinations are rampant—they are in many places and come from all walks of life. They are not just in criminal organizations. They enact unjust laws and they tear down righteous laws enacted by the voice of the people. They mock the laws of God and the people who would follow them. But the foresight extended to us through the Book of Mormon includes the solution to this growing problem—preaching the word of God. This is the only way to root out evil from among a people. The Book of Mormon clearly shows that bad governments are more than dictators and tyrants—they are all systems of government that pervert the laws of God and limit freedom of religion.

The Power of the Word of God and the Pain of Ignoring the Threat to Freedom

Two groups of people—the Lamanites and the Nephites—gave us powerful examples of what a righteous, faithful people can do, and the awful consequences that follow a righteous people who are seduced by the wiles of secret combinations. A secret band called the Gadianton Robbers was overrunning the Nephite and Lamanite nations and threatening their utter destruction. Their responses to the threat led to the safety of one nation and the destruction of the other. The Lamanites hunted down all the Gadianton robbers and “they did preach the word of God among the more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites” (Helaman 6:37). The Nephites, however, “did build them up and support them… until they had overspread all the land of the Nephites, and had seduced the more righteous” to believe in their works and eventually joined in their wickedness (Helaman 6:38). The Gadianton Robbers took over the Nephite government, destroyed their laws and persecuted the humble followers of God (Helaman 6:39).

There is no more powerful witness and warning for our day than this—the Lamanites who hunted down and preached the word of God to the wicked in their midst were spared. Their government and freedoms were saved from destruction at that time. The Nephites who rationalized, justified and finally joined the wicked ways of the robbers lost their freedoms and their government was overtaken. How will we react when the secret combinations of our day overturn our just laws, threaten our freedoms and work to tear down the protections of our God-given Constitution? The threat is real, and the time to act is now. Will the righteous among us—regardless of religious affiliation—stand up for the morals, values and freedoms we hold dear? Or will we, too, succumb to the wiles of the wicked, lose our freedoms and have to wrest them back through the shedding of human blood?

The Father and the Son

I remember reading the whole chapter many times in order to understand it. I also prepared questions for the missionaries about what I had read. As I was wondering about the story, my eyes were drawn to verse 7, where God the Father introduced His son, Jesus Christ saying: “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him.” While pondering about the Father’s declaration, I thought about how proud He must have been of His son. For sure He was so proud of the Savior Jesus Christ for what He had done to glorify Him. Any father would have been as proud to have a son like Him.

While thus thinking, I thought about what I had done for which God might be proud of me. I asked myself, “If Heavenly Father were to introduce me to other people, would He do it the way He introduced the Savior? Would He say the same things He said of His Only Begotten Son? Would He be proud of me despite my many imperfections?”

Following Christ’s Example in Baptism

When the missionaries extended the commitment for me to be baptized, I had so much doubt about leaving the religion which I and my whole family had embraced and cherished for a long time. I was only 16 years old and had a lot of questions about life, especially life after death. Death was the most dreadful thing to me and I often thought about how miserable and helpless life would be if I got consigned to that sea of fire and brimstone forever. I always thought that that place existed and that all sinners would go and stay there forever. With those thoughts, I always prayed to know what God wanted me to do to be saved.

I read in 2Nephi 31 how the Lord Jesus Christ showed His obedience to the Father by being baptized. I realized that if I wanted Heavenly Father to be proud of me, I had to be baptized. Holding the Book of Mormon in my hands, I prayed for courage to obey the Father’s will for me. My prayer was answered and it gave me the courage to follow the Savior’s example by being baptized.  I know that God spoke to me through the Book of Mormon because I exercised my faith in genuine desire to know the truth. I have learned for myself that if a person will read the Book of Mormon, ponder its message in their hearts, and pray to know the truth, God will reveal the truth to him by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Additional Resources:

Read the Book of Mormon Online

Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration

What Pride Means in the Book of Mormon

We hear the word pride often in society, and it’s not often meant negatively. In the Book of Mormon, though, pride is not a virtue and can actually lead to apostatizing from The Church of Jesus Christ. What pride means within the doctrine of Christ is an enmity toward God, a love of self over love of God. Timothy describes pride this way: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, . . . Despisers of those that are good, . . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (3:2 – 4).

The Book of Mormon is replete with examples of those who choose pride over obedience to God’s commandments. Over and over again individuals and groups of people think they they know better than Heavenly Father and choose to follow their own wills rather than hearken to the will of God. These are the same people who cast out prophets and persecute believers in Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon shows the fate of the prideful: they suffer from spiritual death and often destruction.

The Book of Mormon also shows us what happens to those who are humble and repent before God. Alma the Younger is a man in the Book of Mormon who was very prideful and who actively sought to destroy the church of God. An angel visited him and made him aware of the severity of his sins, and Alma chose to repent. Once Alma repented he became a great leader and missionary. He and his people prospered as long as they kept the commandments of God. One of the central patterns visible in the Book of Mormon is that the pride leads to destruction and humility leads to prosperity.

Pride Leads to Other Sins

Pride is more than its own sin. In a spiritual sense, pride is a gateway drug. Once you become addicted to your own will and desires, you care less and less about what God thinks, and the enmity between you and God grows stronger. This will lead you to make more choices contrary to the commandments of God, and you may become more enthralled and less inspired. When you accept a state wherein your desires are more important than God’s, you will be on a slippery slope leading to more sin and more unhappiness.

Sins come in varying degrees. Lying, for example, is a sin, and in many instances, one that can be remedied in a simple and straightforward way. Sexual sins, on the other hand, are more serious because they often involve another person, can lead to irreversible consequences, and deal in more serious matters of the soul. Repenting from these sins is difficult and painful, but still possible. The root of all sin is pride, and if you can head off pride when you first see it taking root, you will avoid a whole slew of pain and heartache. President Ezra Taft Benson, a late prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ said, “The antidote to pride is humility. . . . We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives.”

We Can Apply Lessons on Pride in Our Own Lives

The lessons found in the Book of Mormon can directly aid us in our own lives. Everywhere you look you see people caught up in the selfishness of their desires and worldviews. Opinions on everything from politics to family life are subject to the snare of pride. Especially where spiritual morality is concerned, I’ve seen men, women, and even children blatantly mock commandments and doctrines that I value. One of Satan’s greatest tools is pride.

The consequences of pride are real and severe. Those who become caught up in their own pride may often seem happy and prosperous, but their spiritual state is not one to envy. Ultimately those who embrace their pride will have to answer for their choices. The blessings of humility and obedience are also real. Adherence to God’s commandments results in peace, spiritual safety, prosperity, and an increased testimony of Jesus Christ.

We can find strength and courage from reading in the Book of Mormon about men and women who choose to follow the Savior and value God’s will more than their own. In fact, continued obedience and faithfulness will result in your will becoming more and more like Heavenly Father’s, so there’s not such a disparity between the two.

If you find yourself wrapped up tightly in your own pride and wish to be free, all you have to do is look to Jesus Christ. The man I told you about earlier, Alma the Younger, hit rock bottom when the angel visited: for the first time Alma saw the reality of the damage he was inflicting on the church and on himself. What freed him from his sins was remembering what his father taught him about Jesus Christ, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and will redeem us from our sins. This gift is not just for those who severely sin–it’s for all of us and for all of our sins, big or small. Pride starts out small and can become very big and very serious, but it’s never too much for the Lord to handle. If you want to change your life and discover God’s will, Jesus Christ and His gospel can pave the way for your recovery.

The Book of Mormon Provides Answers

This approach to pride may be new to you, and you may not understand what this all means. I encourage to seek your answers in the Book of Mormon. This book contains perfect truths and has real answers to real problems. If you think you are struggling with pride (which I think that we all are to some degree) look to Jesus Christ and seek to become more like Him. In reading the Book of Mormon, not only will you better understand pride and its devastating effects, but you will also come to know the Lord, Jesus Christ, in a more personal and intimate way. I know that I have found peace, answers, and forgiveness for my own pride through the doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon. I know it can offer you the same.

What’s in the Book of Mormon, Anyway?

The Book of Mormon contains the history of the people living in the American continents, beginning at about 600 B.C. and concluding at 400 A.D. These records coincide with the time period of many books in the Bible. The Book of Mormon recounts stories of family strife, missionary work, wars, conversions, and most importantly, the visit of Jesus Christ to the Americas.

Christ’s visit to the Book of Mormon peoples is central to the message of the Book of Mormon. I personally have found great inspiration, comfort, and direction when reading these passages. The doctrine of Jesus Christ transcends all race, creed, and time, and that becomes evident through reading the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon also contains accounts of several wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites, the two most prominent groups of people in the Book of Mormon. Through reading about these wars, we can see the impact that faith and obedience have on a group of people, and we can see the devastating and widespread effects of pride and wickedness. Is there any part of this that we can’t relate to today? Our world right now is full of war, greed, and destruction. The Book of Mormon provides the answers we need to bring ourselves back into the light.

The World Needs Another Witness of Christ

The world today seems to be continually moving further and further away from the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Values that used to be common and accepted are now seen as stodgy, out of date, and even intolerant. So many people operate under the delusion that they can be happy and enlightened through solely their own efforts; they think that they don’t need the redemption offered by Christ.

The Bible isn’t strong enough anymore to stand alone as a witness of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is there to add strength to the testament of the Savior. Mormons also have living prophets and apostles who are set apart as special witnesses of Christ. Our world needs many witnesses of Jesus Christ to effectively spread His message.

The Book of Mormon Is for Individuals

This book is not intended just to stand as a witness against the world–it is here for you individually, to help, guide, and comfort you through your journeys and trials. I have read the Book of Mormon through several times, and each time I learn something new. Different chapters and verses shine to me, and the Holy Ghost teaches me and helps me through the adversity I face.

I remember one time in particular when I was facing a situation that greatly affected me, but one over which I had little control. I was distraught; I didn’t know what to do or how to move forward. So I opened my scriptures and started reading in the book of 3 Nephi when Jesus Christ is ministering among the American peoples after His resurrection. I came across this verse: “And Jesus said unto them: Pray on; Nevertheless they did not cease to pray” (19:26). In that moment I knew that God knew me and that He knew my pain. All I could do in that situation was to keep praying, and I felt peace.

You too can find the peace you seek by reading the Book of Mormon. The testimonies of the Savior are powerful and beautiful, and you are invited to develop your own witness of Jesus Christ. (See Moroni 10:3 – 5). The Book of Mormon is meant for our times and for those individuals living in our times; it is meant for you.

The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon

Concerning the translation, importance, and significance of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ, stated,

This messenger [Moroni] proclaimed himself to be an angel of God, sent to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled, that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for the Gospel in all its fullness to be preached in power, unto all nations that a people might be prepared for the Millennial reign. I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring about some of His purposes in this glorious dispensation (History of the Church, 4:536-537).

Joseph Smith later stated,

I translated the Book of Mormon from hieroglyphics, the knowledge of which was lost to the world, in which wonderful event I stood alone, an unlearned youth, to combat the worldly wisdom and multiplied ignorance of eighteen centuries, with new revelation, which (if they would receive the everlasting Gospel,) would open the eyes of more than eight hundred millions of people, and make “plain the old paths,” wherein if a man walk in all the ordinances of God blameless, he shall inherit eternal life (History of the Church, 6:74).

The First Publication of the Book of Mormon

Having completed the work of translation, Joseph Smith stated, “we went to Palmyra, Wayne County, New York, secured the copyright, and agreed with Mr. Egbert B. Grandin to print five thousand copies for the sum of three thousand dollars (History of the Church, 1:71).

Yet, initially, Mr. Grandin rejected the offer to print the surprisingly large order of 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon, as he believed “this gold Bible business” to be a hoax and a gross imposition. In a brief time, however, he reconsidered, being assured that he would be linked to the printing of the book only in a business way. Before committing to a contract though, he asked his friend John H. Gilbert, an experienced printer who was “good at figures,” to help him determine what it would cost to produce the enormous number of books—an edition size rarely considered by large-city publishers let alone by country printers (Two Significant Sites of the Restoration, Ensign, Sept. 1998, 35–36.)

The Book of Mormon was subsequently printed in the Grandin Building located in downtown Palmyra, New York, starting in mid-August 1829, and the first copies were offered for sale in Grandin’s bookstore on 26 March 1830, as another witness of the divinity and mission of Jesus Christ. The total printing cost was in the amount of $3,000 which was financed by Martin Harris, a family friend, who mortgaged part of his farm. Joseph Smith was 23 years of age at the time.

Testimonies of the Book of Mormon

Since its publication, millions of people worldwide have read the Book of Mormon. After reading it, they have gained their own personal witness and testimony that the book is indeed the Word of God, They have also discovered that by reading, studying, and pondering the words of scripture contained therein, a person can draw closer to Jesus Christ.

The testimonies of two past Church leaders concerning the power of the Book of Mormon are cited below.

Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15^th President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stated,

Believe in the Book of Mormon as another witness of the Son of God. This book has come forth as an added testimony to the world of the great truths concerning the Master as set forth in the Bible. The Bible is the testament of the Old World. The Book of Mormon is the testament of the New World, and they go hand in hand in testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I can’t understand why those of other faiths cannot accept the Book of Mormon. One would think that they would be looking for additional witnesses to the great and solemn truths of the Bible. We have that witness, my brothers and sisters, this marvelous book of inspiration which affirms the validity and the truth of the divine nature of the Son of God. God be thanked for this precious and wonderful testimony. Let us read it. Let us dwell upon its truths. Let us learn its message and be blessed accordingly (meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, 15 Nov. 1998; quoted in “Recurring Themes of President Hinckley,” Ensign, June 2000, 18–19).

James E. Faust, the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1995 until his death in 2007, stated:

A keystone keeps an arch in place; without a keystone the whole arch will collapse. Why is the Book of Mormon the keystone of our religion? Because it is central to our history and theology. It is the text for this dispensation. Nothing took priority over getting the Book of Mormon translated and published. Everything was held until that was accomplished. There were no Apostles until it came into being. Ten days after the book’s publication the Church was organized. Publication of the Book of Mormon preceded missionary work because Samuel Smith needed to have it in hand before he could go forward as the first missionary of the Church. Sections 17 and 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants indicate that the Brethren could not fully know the divinity of the latter-day work until the Book of Mormon was translated. …

… May our testimonies ring forth with power and authority and conviction concerning Joseph Smith, the greatest prophet who has ever lived, and concerning the Book of Mormon, which he brought forth (“Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, January 1996, 7).

My Personal Witness of the Book of Mormon

After meeting with missionaries on a regular basis for about a year, and learning about the teachings and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ, I finally made the decision that I would not be baptized until I had read the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants (a collection of modern revelations), and the Pearl of Great Price (which contains the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, and Joseph Smith’s Story), each in their entirety. I was inspired to develop a 40-day reading calendar to accomplish the reading of all three volumes.

As I read the Book of Mormon, the Holy Spirit bore witness to me that what I was reading was indeed true – what I was reading was indeed the Word of God. I soon gained a personal testimony of the truthfulness of the book and came to the full realization that the book was exactly as Latter-day Saints testify of it being – Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Before being baptized, I was studying to be a Baptist minister and I had already read the Bible in its entirety some nine times, but somehow I always felt that there should be more to the story. I testify that I discovered the rest of the story through the pages of the Book of Mormon. I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ since March of 1998, and in that time, I have read the Book of Mormon nine more times in its entirety. Each time I read the Book of Mormon I discover truths that have always been there, but perhaps I missed in previous readings.

I have found that, like the Bible, the Book of Mormon never grows old. Depending on my station in life at any particular moment, the truths contained within its pages take on new meaning, and as I learn more, I indeed draw closer to the Savior, and learn to love Him even more. I invite everyone to read the Book of Mormon and discover for themselves the power of the gospel that it contains, and as a person does so, I testify that he will draw closer to the Lord Jesus Christ.

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The Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ

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.

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.

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.

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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.