Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is the core doctrine of the Mormon Church. The Book of Mormon serves to testify of Jesus Christ, through telling of his dealings with people in the ancient Americas. The book contains the teachings, prophecies, missionary labors, and wars of the ancient Americans. Mormons believe the Book of Mormon to be a supplement of the Bible. Mormons believe the Book of Mormon fulfills Old Testament prophesy. Mormons believe the Book of Mormon to be literal word of God, along with the Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, and other Mormon books.

History

Mormon, a military and political leader, was commanded of God to keep and compile records of the people living in the Americas during the fourth century A.D. Mormon’s people had rejected Jesus’ teachings and were suffering due to their unrighteousness. Following the Lord’s command, Mormon compiled the records and engraved them on metal plates. Right before Mormon died, he passed the records onto his son, Moroni, who finished his father’s work of compiling the history and also added his own insight at the end. Moroni testifies of Christ and encourages all men to come unto him. Moroni was then instructed by the lord to bury the sacred records, which were to be dug up when the church would be restored on the earth. It would not be until, 1823, that Joseph Smith would be commanded to find the Book of Mormon buried on a hill, translate the writings, and implement the book as a core teaching of Mormonism.

Joseph Smith’s Role in Recovering the Book of Mormon

In 1823, Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith in the form of an angel, telling him of the record he buried so long ago. Smith received multiple visits from Moroni, who repeatedly told Joseph of his duty to dig up the record and share it with the world. Jospeh told his father of Moroni’s visit and the Holy Ghost confirmed the validity of the message to both Joseph Smith and his father. The Angel Moroni continued to visit Joseph, instructing him on how to translate the record. In 1827, Joseph was able to obtain the record from the hill, as he was commanded to do. When those in his community heard of his visions, he faced great persecution. He hid the book from others for safety reasons. Initially, Joseph enlisted his wife, Emma, in helping him translate the book. Sacred instruments given to Joseph from God, meant to aid in translation, include Urim and Thummin, which ancient Old Testament prophets had also used. Joseph Smith’s translation of the Book of Mormon is a literal miracle. Smith was an uneducated farm boy who was able to translate the entire book of Mormon through God’s inspiration. Soon after, Olivery Cowdery grew interested in the Mormon Church, was baptized, and took over as Joseph’s scribe.

The pressure for Joseph during these times was tremendous. Rumors and gossip circulated about the sacred book and attacks on Joseph Smith himself were made. Joseph asked God for help in bearing the pressure of translating the book. An angel appeared to three men who were to aid Joseph in his labors. These three men are now referred to as the Three Witnesses. The three witnesses are Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, and David Whitmer. Their testimony of the truthfulness of the book is included in the front cover of the Book of Mormon. When the translation was complete, Joseph Smith took the manuscript to Martin Harris who mortgaged his entire farm to pay for the publication. He believed so strongly in the Joseph’s mission and the truthfulness of the church. The first Book of Mormon was published in Palmayra, New York, in 1830.

In modern day, Mormonism has spread to all countries of the world. Since 1830, the Book of Mormon has been translated into nearly 110 languages, either completely or in part, including Spanish, German, Turkish, Japanese, Russian, Hindi, Arabic, Hmong, Zulu, Tagalog, Mongolian, Braille, and many others. Missionaries use the Book of Mormon to teach those investigating the church.

Main Teachings in the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon testifies that God lives and that Jesus Christ is the Savior and redeemer of the world. The Book of Mormon testifies that it is not through grace or good works of our own doing are we saved, but through a combination of the two, made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Throughout the book, the importance of repentance is emphasized over and over again. Numerous times throughout the book, we are told that the path to God is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Book of Mormon testifies of the truthfulness of a modern day prophet to guide and lead the people in latter-days. The book emphasizes that men are free to choose good from evil, the church of God or the church of the devil. The Book of Mormon also reassures us that Israel, God’s people, will be gathered again and the scattered tribes will be reunited.

The Intent of the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon was written for our generation, the people living in the latter-days. By reading and studying the Book of Mormon, we can feel closer to our heavenly father and receive a testimony that these things which it teaches are true. Throughout their lifetime, a member of the Mormon Church will read the Book of Mormon a number of times. Everyone is encouraged to read the Book of Mormon and decide for himself whether or not the book is true. Moroni writes in the last section 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. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” By studying and pondering the Book of Mormon, and then kneeling down to ask sincerely if it is true, one will receive an answer from the Lord.

When we receive revelation that the book is true, we also accept that Joseph Smith was a true and inspired prophet of God. We accept Christ, strive to follow his example in our everyday lives, and prepare ourselves for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

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