The Book of Mormon is an ancient record that was written by prophets living in the Americas before, during and after the time of Christ (approximately 600 B.C. to 400 A.D.). Just as prophets in Jerusalem were teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people in that part of the world during that time, prophets in the Americas were teaching the gospel to the people there. Their words are recorded in the Book of Mormon.
The most important event which takes place in the Book of Mormon is when Christ appears to the people of the Americas after his death and resurrection. He teaches them His gospel and heals and blesses them.
The prophets who wrote in the Book of Mormon recorded their words on plates of gold. The last prophet to write, Moroni, hid these plates in the ground in a place called the Hill Cumorah. Hundreds of years later, a man named Joseph Smith would be called to be a prophet and would be directed by God to find the plates and translate them into the Book of Mormon which we now have. The Book of Mormon was first published in 1830. It has now been translated in over 100 languages.
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It can be used in companionship with the Holy Bible. Just as we are able to see better with two eyes than we are with one, the Book of Mormon helps us see and understand more clearly the gospel of Jesus Christ as it is taught in the Bible. Together, the Book of Mormon and the Bible testify of Christ and give us a powerful witness of Him and His teachings. The Book of Mormon also provides answers to many of life’s great questions as well as answers to our personal questions
Each of us can know for ourselves that the Book of Mormon is true if we will read it, ponder it, and then ask God with real intent if it is true. We will receive an answer of its truthfulness through the Spirit which helps us receive answers to our prayers through feelings of peace, happiness, and joy.
As I have read the Book of Mormon and prayed to know if it is a true book, if it is the word of God, I have come to know that it is true through the power of the Spirit. It has answered many of my personal questions and helped me to know and do many things in my life. As I read the Book of Mormon in Spanish, it helped me to learn Spanish. It helped me decide to keep attending a church class called seminary that I found difficult and frustrating. It has helped me know who to date, how to be a better family member, and has continuously helped me feel peace, hope and gratitude. I have learned from the pages of the Book of Mormon what happens to us after this life, how to have strength to endure trials and that after this life my handicapped sister will have a perfect body and mind. Most importantly, the Book of Mormon has taught me of Jesus Christ-His suffering, His mercy, His perfect empathy and that with Him I can do ALL things. What a glorious book!
I testify that the Book of Mormon is true and that it will help us grow closer to God than any other book. I know that it will bring us peace, hope and understanding as we study it sincerely.
Will you read the Book of Mormon to know if it is true? If you already know that it is true, will you read it with a question you may have and pray to find the answer as you study the Book of Mormon? I know that if we study the Book of Mormon sincerely, ponder it, and ask God if it is true, we will receive a testimony that it is true and we will receive answers to the questions that we have through the Spirit. I know that we will also grow closer to God and Christ as we read and study this marvelous book. Happy reading.
