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.

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

One lesson found early in the book is a lesson on agency and entitlement, taught by both the words and deeds of a prophet named Nephi (nee-fie).

The Book of Mormon is made up of many books written by the prophets who inhabited the ancient American continent. The first was written by Nephi. In 1 Nephi 15, Nephi is trying to explain to his older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, the revelations he and his father have been given. However, his brothers aren’t receptive and think they are without fault, like many people might feel in their situation.

In 1 Nephi 15:8, Nephi records, “And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?” His older brothers’ response, “We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.”

Laman and Lemuel’s response represents many of us when faced with a challenge.They are sort of willing enough to listen to what is told to them; however, they have no desire to actually go and find out something for themselves.

We should be actively engaged in our learning, both temporal and spiritual.

Too often, especially as a student, I’ve noticed this mentality with those who attend classes. Students look to be entertained, to have the answers simply given to them. They would like to learn, however they lack the desire to seek and be taught. A critical part of learning is action. On campuses nationwide, not just BYU, students know that the fastest way to failure is to just show up at class, and the fastest way to success is to engage oneself in their own education by actively pursuing knowledge.

Knowledge is ability, and ability precedes success. Instead of feeling entitled to learn and then do nothing about it, go and seek after your own knowledge, both in spiritual and secular endeavors, and you will come to understand the truth of all things. Christ said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9).

This lesson from the Book of Mormon can be applied in other places, not just in circles of education. Have you ever seen how much of our daily news is simply rumors? There is an incredible amount of unsubstantiated claims in the world around us, and the amount of it we take as truth is appalling. It is a great practice to seek after the truth in all situations. Fact check as much as you want.

However, I know one way to know the truth of all things, and that is through prayer. Prayer is direct communication between God and an individual. When you pray in faith, you are lifting your thoughts and words to the heavens to the most powerful being in the universe, the Omnipotent, Omnipresent God of Heaven and Earth.

We can seek answers from the Lord through prayer.

He only speaks truth through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, or the Holy Spirit as some call him. Why, then, would anyone sit around and wait for knowledge to simply be given to them? Or, even worse, why would anyone say there is no way to know the truth for sure, so they give up the pursuit? With an all-knowing God in Heaven who loves us and wants us to know the truth of all things, it is sheer foolishness to think that truth is never an option.

Thus it is perfectly logical that Nephi asks first, “Have you inquired of the Lord?” to his brothers, and follows it up with a great statement about God. He says, “Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said? – If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you” (1 Nephi 15:11).

I echo Nephi’s words with what I know to be true: I know that if you ask God with a sincere heart, truly seeking truth, the Holy Spirit will manifest the truth unto you if you are receptive to its promptings. May we not be like the rest of the world, confused by a lack of truth. Let us be proactive and find the knowledge that will always benefit us.

This article was written by Andrew L., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources

About Mormons

Always having a positive outlook will help us find happiness in our lives.

As a student at Brigham Young University I have the opportunity to take religion classes.  Currently I am taking a Book of Mormon class. While reading from the Book of Mormon, I came across the following scripture in 2 Nephi 10:23  “Therefore cheer up your hears and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves.” I love how this scripture connects our agency, or freedom to choose, with our happiness. I was also really struck by how we are instructed to cheer up our hearts. Then I reflected on the Christ-like people I know, and I noticed they were all cheerful people. I’m not saying they were perfect, or always bubbly and excited about life; in general though, they are happy and choose to see their glass as half full.  One example of the Savior being cheerful is when He blessed the little children.  Jesus and His apostles had been very busy and were extremely tired, but instead of pushing the little children away He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.” He was more than willing to continually help those around him.  Not only was He willing, but I believe He had a smile on His face and love in His heart.

The second half of the scripture in 2 Nephi 10:23 reads, “ye are free to act for yourselves – to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.” I believe this principle to be true. We are in charge of our destiny. Yes, without our Savior and the atonement we would be unable to be resurrected. But because we have the infinite gift of the atonement, we have the freedom to choose. Each day, as we go around making choices, we are choosing our eternal salvation. If we choose to follow Christ’s example we are choosing to be on the Lord’s side. If we choose to push the Savior out of our lives, we are choosing everlasting death. It sounds harsh, but with the atonement we can always repent and come back to the Savior.

None of us is perfect: we all make many mistakes. However, I believe in the power of Christ’s atonement and we can choose our destiny. We are faced with the choices each and everyday. I know that with the guidance of the Holy Ghost and scriptures we can make the rights choices, and return to the presence of God someday.

This article was written by JeriAnn W., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

About Mormons

Meet Mormon Missionaries

The Purpose of Life

The groundwork for this saving sacrifice, the Atonement, was laid before mankind walked the earth in the flesh. In this existence before mortal life, a plan was set in order for humans to reach their ultimate potential. To do this, we needed to gain bodies and be tested in this mortal realm.  Only after we had proven ourselves worthy could we return perfected to our Heavenly Father and gain all He has to offer. There was one problem, however: we are imperfect beings, and even from the beginning, we knew that we could not lead the necessary perfect lives.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to return to live with God.

Though you and I could not accomplish this faultlessness, there was one being who could.  He was Jehovah, Jesus Christ, the literal son of our Heavenly Father. Only He was intrinsically good enough to lead a perfect life. In order to complete the plan, He elected to stand as a Mediator between us and heaven. In Him, “the merciful plan of the great Creator” (2 Nephi 9:6) was complete.

I was present for this great council in heaven, though I do not remember it. Before I was born, I – the same as each son and daughter of God – crossed a veil of forgetfulness, after which point all of my previous knowledge was hidden from me. Nevertheless, I know that these events transpired. I have been taught by scripture and modern revelation, and through prayer and thoughtful study, I have received unshakeable knowledge of the truth of these matters, by the power of the Holy Ghost, who testifies the truth of the gospel unto all who are willing to hear it. Through the Holy Ghost, I know the truth of the history I have given, and of the history I will continue to give.

At the meridian of time, the beginning of the Common Era, Jesus Christ was born on earth.  He lived the sinless life that no other man could live. He dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel to those who would receive it. At the end of His mortal ministry, He atoned for our sins, in Gethsemane and in Golgotha.  He suffered our pains, our fears, and the consequences for all of our sins. He died for us.  After three days in the grave, He rose again, resurrected and perfected. He overcame everything for us.

We must only “come unto Him” to receive the blessings of the Atonement.

Jesus Christ did all these things that he might “save all men if they will hearken unto his voice”.  Because of His sacrifice, we can be saved from death. To satisfy all the requirements to live with Him and Heavenly Father again, the only thing we need to do is to come unto Him. He can bear all our burdens; He already has. I know that I could never withstand all the afflictions that have beset me without His help.  I know that I can come unto Him in my times of need, and He is always there to lift me up, to save me.

I know that my words are entirely inadequate to describe the eternal significance of this event, but I will give them nonetheless. I know that my Savior lives; I know that He sacrificed himself for me, as for everyone else; I know that I can come unto Him for loving guidance and assistance; and I know that I can be saved because I have thrown in my lot with Him. It is forever my earnest intent to come unto Him in mind and in spirit, so that I can reserve for myself all the blessings of heaven, and I readily invite all others to do the same. I guarantee that you will know no greater happiness than what can be found through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

This article was written by Austin A., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

About the Savior

Mormon Beliefs

The Messiah

Remember the words of the Lord by studying the scriptures.

The first, remembering the words of your God—and particularly those found in scripture—is critical to our salvation.  It is only when we remember that we can have the Holy Ghost with us, to remain free from the temptation of pride, and to be able to use the divine and infinite power of the atonement to repent of our sins. We have to be able to remember the Lord in order to be grateful for the blessings He has given us and to humbly kneel in prayer.

Secondly, the more we pray with sincerity of heart, the more we will be able to remember the words of the Lord and have the strength to resist temptation.  Our capacity to see the hand of the Lord guiding and blessing our lives in greater abundance will increase.

Thirdly, gratitude is probably the most simple of these principles to do, and yet so powerful if it is practiced. It is literally one of the few measurable things that can change a person’s life. Remembering to be grateful is an agent to gratitude; forgetfulness is an obstacle to it. Someone I admire once said, “To live with gratitude forever in our hearts is to touch heaven.” I know this is true because I have seen how being grateful not only changes myself, but positively affects another’s life, especially those who we seek for an increase of love towards.

Through prayer we can express our gratitude and come closer to our Savior.

Remembering the words of the Lord, praying continually, and giving thanks keeps us from being tempted by pride, which has been said to be the “universal sin,” and a most unforgiving one. If we can resist being prideful, or hardhearted, we will be able to let the Lord become the captain of our lives. We will be humble and submissive enough to follow His direction and keep His commands. Thus, miracles and blessings will be given to us from our diligence and obedience to observing these three principles. Our hearts literally will rejoice, for we will become more and more like our Savior Jesus Christ as we daily seek to do His will, by remembering Him, praying and counseling with Him, and giving thanks to Him.

This article was written by Karina H., a student at Brigham Young University and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

The Messiah

Mormon Beliefs

Meet Mormon Missionaries

If we didn’t understand right and wrong our choices wouldn’t mean as much.  My professor expanded upon this by stating that, consequently, if we learn more about the difference between right and wrong, through reading the scriptures and words of modern prophets, then our freedom and ability to choose will increase. This doesn’t initially sound like a very attractive idea, because, as I stated earlier, the more we know about right and wrong the more weight our choices have and the more accountable we become. The more we know the greater the potential punishment.

Ever since Adam and Eve, mankind has been free to choose for themselves.

Think of, for example, our justice system. Once you turn 18 it is assumed that you understand morals sufficiently and can make adequate judgments. You can now receive greater penalties for breaking the law. Additionally I will expand on the honesty example I gave earlier. The more we understand about what is honest and what is not, the more honest we have to be. Yet, a greater understanding of good and bad brings not only greater potential for punishment, but also greater potential for reward and happiness. Just as Adam and Eve could not have progressed if left in their innocent state, so also we cannot progress if we do not gain an understanding of right and wrong.

As I mentioned before, the more we know about good and evil the more weight our choices have. In a positive perspective, if we then make good choices they will mean more. Happiness comes as we choose the right and greater happiness can come as we strive to gain a greater understanding of the distinction between good and evil and then choose the good.

This article was written by Zach S., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Zach is interested in math and science and enjoys running, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee.

Additional Resources:

What is the purpose of life?

What do Mormons believe?

History of Mormonism

In this particular metaphor Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, talks to a group of people who have been humbled after being cast out of their churches by prideful people. They come to Alma wanting to know what to do as a result of being kicked out of their synagogues. Alma tells them that they should study the word of God and live by it’s teachings. He gives a discourse on faith, and compares the word of God to a seed that can swell in our hearts as we plant it and nourish it. In this article written by Tom G. Rose, a Latter-day Saint (“Mormon”), he talks about how we plant the word of God in our hearts.

How to Know the Book of Mormon Is True: A Metaphor

This discourse by the prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon gives us a powerful analogy about the development of faith. It compares the growth of a seed to how the word of God will swell within the heart of an honest inquirer. This analogy is beautifully explained in Alma 32:28–43. I strongly suggest that you prayerfully read these verses several times.

How do you plant the word of God in your heart? What is the word? Alma was asked this question and his answer is recorded in Alma 33:22. Planting the word of God means that you

• Believe in the Son of God.

• Believe that He came to redeem all mankind.

• Believe that He suffered and died to atone for your sins.

• Believe that He was resurrected.

• Believe that you will stand before Him at the judgment day to be judged for your works.

After planting this word (seed) in your heart, you must:

• Give this word (seed) time to germinate and begin to grow within your mind and heart.

• Pray and ask God if Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of mankind.

• Study the scriptures about the life and mission of the Savior.

• Do your best to live a Christlike life.

• Keep the Sabbath day holy.

• Continue to nourish the word (seed) with faith, diligence, and patience.

Will you have faith to plant the word of God (seed) in your heart? Only you can answer this vital question. If you have sufficient faith to try this exciting experiment there are two possible results:

1. It will grow if you do not cast it out by your unbelief. It will begin as a tiny seedling. This seedling must be constantly nourished or it will die. If you sincerely pray and study the word of God and live the best you can, you will begin to feel swelling emotions within your breast.

These feelings will be real and exciting. The sprout will grow slowly, but steadily, as long as you nourish it daily. If you continue faithful, it will become a young tree.

With time and constant nourishment and care the young tree will eventually become a mature tree bearing the fruit of everlasting life. You will receive true joy and eternal happiness! (See Alma 32:41–43)

2. Or it will die—if you neglect the word (sprout), it will shrivel up and die, because it cannot continue to live and grow unless it receives daily nourishment through your earnest prayer, study, and obedience (see Alma 32:40).

Even though the word (seed) is true (good), it will not get root in you and begin to grow unless you do your part. Heavenly Father and the Savior have done all they can. Now, the rest is up to you!! Pray for help in knowing and understanding the truth, and begin reading the Book of Mormon. An excellent place to begin is 1 Nephi chapter one. If you exercise your faith, an exciting experience with the word of God awaits you: “It will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me” (Alma 32:28).

When this marvelous experience happens to you, you have received revelation from the Holy Ghost. you have received a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true!

Additional Resources:

Learn more about the Book of Mormon at the official site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Book of Mormon is true. Request a free copy today.

Visit a local meetinghouse.

Source:

T. Rose, How to Know the Book of Mormon Is True, (Springville, Utah: Cedar Fort, Inc., 2010), 56-61.

The Book of Mormon, a record of holy scripture that gives an account of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the American continent, has helped me come to know that we lived with God before we were born. It teaches of all these truths, which have brought purpose and meaning to my life. The teachings of the Book of Mormon are the teachings of Jesus Christ. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God because of the Holy Spirit that has testified to me that they are the words of Jesus Christ.

A Book of Mormon prophet named Alma references clearly the Savior’s doctrine of a pre-mortal life where we lived as intelligent spirits and grew in the presence of God, before coming to mortality to further progress. Alma  explains the opportunities presented to the spirit children of God in the premortal existence in these words:

In the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling…on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren. Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren; thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the Atonement of the Only Begotten Son” (Alma 13:3-5; emphasis added ).

The “first place” here refers to one’s first estate or premortal existence. As a major part of our life before life here on earth, God gathered all His children together for a grand council called the council in heaven. During this council, He explained to us the Plan of Happiness. This plan included coming down to the earth to gain a physical body as He has. We came to this earth to learn to choose the good over the evil and to experience joy. Jesus Christ was called as the Savior and redeemer to save us all from sin and its effects. Without Jesus Christ, none of us could return back to Heavenly Father and live in joy and happiness. I know that Jesus Christ is the foundation for our happiness and redemption. Another Book of Mormon prophet rejoices over the Plan of Redemption saying:

O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.

O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it.

And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.

Additional Resources:

Obtain a free copy of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Learn more about God’s plan for us and our life before life on earth.

Learn more about God’s plan of happiness from an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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.