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

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

Unique History of the Book of Mormon

I have always been taught the importance of the Book of Mormon, which is a companion book of scripture to the Bible and is a second witness that Jesus is the Christ. While Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) believe firmly that the Bible is the word of God, they—we—also believe that through the transmission of the ancient text, many truths were lost from the Bible. The Book of Mormon is a separate record of Jesus Christ’s dealings with some of the people of the ancient Americas. The record was preserved untouched for nearly 1500 years before it was given to Joseph Smith to translate, which he did through the power of God. Because of the Book of Mormon’s unique history and preservation by the hand of God, it is “the most correct of any book on earth” and its readers can “get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Introduction to the Book of Mormon).

Mormons are encouraged to read from the Book of Mormon daily. No one who has read the book with a heart earnestly seeking truth, open to the witness of the Holy Ghost, can deny the power of its words. I often fail to read from the Book of Mormon daily, but I do read from it and the other scriptures frequently. I always find words of wisdom and sources of comfort in its pages.

Answers from the Holy Spirit

As with any book of scripture, when you read the Book of Mormon with an honest heart, opening yourself to the teachings of the Holy Spirit, it is through the Spirit that you can be taught, not solely through the words on the page. This allows a person to read the same words several times throughout his or her life and to draw different lessons from the same words uniquely suited to a current situation. I have found this to be true many times, which has strengthened my conviction that the counsel to read the Book of Mormon daily is prophetic guidance.

Some of the most stirring questions of this life apply to our understanding of what lies beyond this life. The doctrine that is contained in the Book of Mormon teaches me of my inherent, eternal worth as a child of God. I never need to doubt that I am of infinite value, both now and in the eternities. The words of the Book of Mormon remind me that I am loved beyond my own comprehension and that to become like God, I need to learn how to love others, and to show that love, in the same way.

This world is very cynical about religion and about there even being an existence after this life. And if there is no existence, why should any of us bother with selflessness here? Shouldn’t we each do all we can to make the most of this existence? Earn money by any means necessary, because money rules this life; selflessness is simply weakness, allowing other, strong people to exploit you; don’t waste time cultivating meaningful relationships, just satisfy the desires of the flesh, because ultimately, that’s all there is. How do I know these things are false? Because I have read the words of the Book of Mormon and other holy scripture, and when I do my best to live by the teachings in them, I feel peace, joy, and happiness. These are feelings which carry much more weight than temporary satisfaction of mortal desires.

Drawing Nearer to Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon helps me to draw nearer to my Savior, Jesus Christ. It helps me to better understand both His sacrifice and His love for me as an individual and for mankind as a whole. When I read and study the Book of Mormon, I am reminded that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God” (Alma 34:32). This means much more than just doing our best to follow God’s commandments. This means realizing that this life is an opportunity to learn to become more like God. Mormon doctrine teaches that we are children of God with the potential to become like Him. We are all imperfect, but we must learn to keep God’s laws if we want to live in His presence, because He cannot “look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (Alma 45:16).

Not only has the Book of Mormon answered questions of the soul for me about the purpose of this life, who I am, and what I can become, but it also helps me in my day-to-day struggles and trials. It gives me strength and encouragement to repent when I mess up, to call upon my Savior for His healing power, and to recommit to try to be more like Him.

I invite you to read the words of the Book of Mormon for yourself. Come to it with your own questions of the soul. If you approach it with an open heart, seeking the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost will speak to your heart. He will give you your own undeniable witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and He will speak peace to your soul, giving you the answers you need and seek.

In front of about two hundred young single adults gathered for worship service on a Sunday afternoon I suppressed the shyness I experience in front of crowds and shared the thought that “reading the Book of Mormon will bring a light and greater happiness into your life.” I was sharing some of the impressions I had distinctly felt after recently reading the book cover to cover in a short period of time.  The Book of Mormon is a volume of scripture and companion to the Bible for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called The Mormon Church).

About a year ago, I had read The Book of Mormon with greater urgency and focus than I ever had before, and I had noticed a number of significant changes while I read. I picked up the book and just dove in, reading as much as 30 pages a day, and as I read and turned from page to page, I noticed a change within myself. I had been feeling very stagnant in life, at work and in personal relationships things did not seem to be moving forward at all, and I felt very weighed down by this. The burdens I was carrying were being lifted layer by layer, almost as I turned the pages.

At 19, I served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in  Northeastern Brazil. I remember telling people often that the Book of Mormon was special and unique in how it “changes the lives of people.” I knew this was true, as I had read it prior to my mission and had experienced this change in my life from reading it. When I read it at 17 I felt more positive about what I could accomplish with my life and I felt more forgiving towards other people and people noticed this. But I had sort of assumed this was kind of a one-time event, during the first time you read it. Reading it with a renewed sense of urgency, at this very difficult time about 10 years after the first time I read it, opened my understanding to how the book can be useful at any period in life.

How does it change lives?

Some people may wonder why reading the book causes such significant changes. The full title of the book is “The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe the Bible to be a Testament or witness of Jesus Christ and The Book of Mormon to accompany The Bible as an additional or another Testament of Jesus Christ. Through reading the Book of Mormon you come to a better understanding of who Jesus Christ is, why He is all-important and the purpose of His atoning sacrifice. It is through coming to a greater understanding and belief in Jesus Christ whose “burden is light” that problems dissipate and lives are changed.

The core of my belief

Shortly after the publication of Book of Mormon in 1830, early church members were often asked what distinguished them from other churches, and it always boiled down to the unique nature of the Book of Mormon. Similarly, as I think about my faith in God or try to explain my belief to friends and why I choose to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it always returns to The Book of Mormon. This understanding stems mostly from my own quiet study of the book accompanied with prayer, which gives me confidence that other sincere readers can have a similar experience.

Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon, stated that it is “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.” I know that statement is true, from reading the book and feeling the improved understanding about God and his love for each person. I cannot understate what this book has meant to me as an individual and member of The Church of Jesus Christ. Reading it has lifted burdens and added valuable dimensions and insights to life, for which I am thankful.

Lehi and his family examine the Liahona

Lately I’ve been appreciating the Holy Ghost in my life more than I have before.  Starting college has been a huge change, and there’s been a lot to get used to.  But having the Spirit guiding me even just a little has made the transition so much easier.  I’ve been guided a lot lately, in seemingly small ways, but they’ve helped me feel the Lord’s love for me.  For example, I have a beautiful turquoise water bottle that I bought a couple of months ago.  Somehow, I always end up bringing it places and then not bringing it back home with me.  So, on one of these occasions, I noticed that I had misplaced my precious water bottle and went to check the lost and found.  It wasn’t there, so I gave up hope and started using one of those useless clear ones.

Nearly two weeks later, I was walking home from class when I had the feeling that I should go into the Wilkinson Center (the student center at BYU). Just inside the door, there was a club offering free cotton candy, and I got to have their last serving.  Enjoying my cotton candy immensely, I kept walking, and had a feeling that I should go downstairs. So I did. And if you can believe it, there was another club, this one giving out free snickerdoodles!  Munching on my cookie, I got one last prompting, this time to go to the Lost and Found. I walked in the room and, lo and behold, my water bottle had been found just earlier that day! My heart felt like it was literally swelling within me with joy.Don’t get me wrong, I was overjoyed to have my water bottle back and to have gotten delicious treats on top of that, but it was more than that. God seemed to be saying to me, “Just wanted to remind you that I love you.  Even in the silly little things, I love you.”

Nephi is one of the strongest, best examples of faith. He never questions God, not one single time.  And having experienced the happiness that comes from the guidance of the Spirit, how can I ever act in ways that take me away from that?  Nephi chooses to trust and obey the Lord, even at hard times like when all his family is complaining, or when his brothers want to murder him.  My trials are very different from Nephi’s, but the Lord’s promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 still holds: “…God…will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”  So how can I ever complain? The Mormon belief is that we have the full ability to choose the right in every situation. I have experienced the joy of having the Holy Spirit with me to guide me. I know how wonderful and satisfying as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known to others as the “Mormon” religion) living the gospel of Jesus Christ completely is. I know God wants me to succeed and to always have the ability to hear the Spirit telling me things like where my water bottle is, or whom I need to show a little extra love to, or an idea for a paper I have to write, etc.  God lives and loves me.

By Lydia T.

Lydia is a freshman at BYU.  She loves music, reading, hiking, and cooking.

Additional Resources:

Find a local meetinghouse

Learn more about the Holy Ghost on an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Holy Ghost will answer our prayers if we have faith.

In order to be a perfect student, we must act as Nephi did. Whenever he was taught something new by his father, he went off, on his own, and asked God for more information. Every time he asked, he received an answer. Even though we can’t expect answers like he got, with visions of angels or conversations with the Lord, we can know that we will be helped. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in. Because we don’t receive visions as often, the Holy Ghost can help us by giving us a feeling of warmth and love or even a bad feeling. The former feeling will be one of confirmation to let us know that what we are doing is correct or that the question we asked is true. Sometimes, we don’t receive this feeling of confirmation, so we have to take that step forward in faith. The latter feeling is one of deep-rooted discomfort. Most people tend to feel it on the deepest levels of feeling. This usually is for when we are headed towards a dangerous situation of any kind. This could be something that can hurt us physically, emotionally or spiritually.

I’d like to bear my witness that I have been helped by the Holy Ghost in many situations. More often than not, I have felt the love of that God that created me. Sometimes it’s been during critical moments in my personal development or just when something small goes wrong during my day. I am so grateful that I have that constant companion to be with me always. I know that my Father lives and I love him too.

By Anna R.

Additional Resources:

Request a free Book of Mormon

Learn more about the Holy Ghost on an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Book of Mormon Changes Lives

I witnessed a miracle this last March as I saw a boy (whom we will call Eric), age 15, change from a depressed, low self-esteemed, bitter teenager into a happy, confident, grateful, and testimony-filled young man. What could cause such a miraculous change in Eric you might ask? The change came from March Madness–and an amazing volume of scripture known as The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

March Madness is an intense competition for college basketball. Fans can watch a basketball game on any given night and see audacious behavior steaming from these young adult players who have been looking forward to this moment since they could dribble a ball. Though basketball is a great form of entertainment, is this the March Madness that changed Eric’s life? No.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members (“Mormons”) have a seminary program wherein young men and young women of our faith and all invited friends of other faiths can participate in learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is tradition in some seminaries to have “March Madness” but in a much different way than the college basketball program has; the competition is simply to read the entire Book of Mormon (531 pages) within the month of March.

Having been Eric’s seminary teacher, I witnessed him begin our seminary’s March Madness with doubt and skepticism, but about one week into March he testified for the first time in class. He bore witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and how he could relate the words from those pages into his own life in order to find happiness and improvement. He also testified that the Book of Mormon had brought peace into his family; in just that short week he had recognized THEY STOPPED FIGHTING! With each consecutive day he walked into the classroom having his countenance become brighter and brighter as he continued to read the Book of Mormon. He was starting to embrace the principles of the Book of Mormon into his very way of being.

Eric is not alone in the miraculous healing of the Book of Mormon, millions others have been affected. When I was in high school, I committed to never miss a day of reading from the Book of Mormon for the rest of my life. Now I am 22 years of age, and I have kept my commitment. I am ever so grateful for that goal I made years ago. I am happier. My perspective has been broadened. I am more receptive to the whisperings of the Spirit of the Lord. And most importantly, I have gained a deep and abiding relationship with my Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ.

What is the Book of Mormon Anyway?

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. The Prophet Joseph Smith translated the work from ancient records through the power of God. From the Introduction of the Book of Mormon we read:

The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It [1] puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, [2] outlines the plan of salvation, and [3] tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

Also quoted from the introduction Joseph Smith said: “… a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” I know this is true, because I have experienced it!

How Does the Book of Mormon Compare with the Bible?

“Both volumes of scripture are a compilation of teachings as recorded by ancient prophets. While the Bible details events in the eastern hemisphere, the Book of Mormon documents the lives of the inhabitants of the Americas, primarily from approximately 600 B.C. through A.D. 421”. “Together with the Bible, the Book of Mormon is an indispensable witness of the doctrines of Christ and His divinity”  (Tad R. Callister, “The Book of Mormon—a Book From God” Conference Report, October 2011)

The words within the book’s treasured pages are the words of God. Unless we invite those words to be placed into our hearts by the Holy Ghost, the pursuit of reading it would be fruitless. Before I start my daily study of the Book of Mormon I begin in prayer, pleading with the Lord that I might have the Spirit to be with me as I read. I also go into the scriptures with a specific question in mind and astoundingly find that the scripture holds true in 2 Nephi 32:3 which reads, “…feastupon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” If I go into my study with a prayer to find an answer concerning my finances, I find an answer about my finances. If I go in asking God about how to improve my relationship with an individual, I find a specific answer about how to strengthen that relationship. It is an unfailing equation. Ask Heavenly Father a specific question + seek an answer from His word = finding an answer!

I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It does draw us near to Him as we drink deeply from the messages. I know that each of us can learn of its truthfulness by prayerfully reading it and then acting on the Prophet Moroni’s promise found in the last chapter of the book “…I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. Any by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4-5). I invite you to please read it, and feel the power of God rest on your soul as it has miraculously on mine.

1 And now I, Nephi, make an end of my prophesying unto you, my beloved brethren. And I cannot write but a few things, which I know must surely come to pass; neither can I write but a few of the words of my brother Jacob.

2 Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which  must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying.

3 For my soul delighteth in plainnes; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.

As members of Christ’s living and true Church on the earth, we know we can hear His voice. This is lost among many of the Milennials, and if you are one, we want to re-assure you. God speaks, and He does so in a manner that is according to our own language, our own spiritual language. He can communicate a message with you in an intimate, indelible, unmistakable perfect way. Though the world tells you it’s all emotion or that there’s no basis for truth, or that there’s no point to hearing it, trying to receive it, don’t believe it. Don’t buy it. God is real and a conception of who He is is critical. The Holy Ghost will speak to us in plainness, as indicated in The Book of Mormon passage above.

Remember, as modern Mormon prophets, seers, and revelators have said: “An intelligent being, in the image of God, possesses every organ, attribute, sense, sympathy, affection that is possessed by God himself.”  That gives us hope, and assurance that we have a built-in mechanism for understanding God’s messages tailored for us.

Even though these attributes are in embryo, they can certainly be gradually developed.  Learning to hear the Holy Ghost–God’s voice to us–is like learning a new language, and when we are still, we sense impressions, act on them, and find we do hear that inner whispering after all.

The power of that gift, when developed over time, is amazing. I love this quote about its pervasive influence:

The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form, and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being (Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, p. 61).

That great gift comes to us only through humility and faith and obedience. Sometimes, cunning, crafty individuals will come along teaching that which is not true, and without guidance which is promised to us through our faithfulness, and individuals don’t pay the price to ask God and listen for truth, and are thereby led astray. But if we are honestly striving, however imperfectly on the path, we can enjoy the enlightening instruction, that comes from the Holy Ghost. The gift of the Holy Ghost is only conferrable by one with real authority from God. Mormons claim humbly but boldly that that very authority has been restored to the earth in our day and is held within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and only therein.