The Book of Mormon

The keystone of our religion, an instruction manual for happiness, another Testament of Jesus Christ, the stick of Joseph (Ezekiel 37:16-17), written for our day, containing the fullness of the everlasting gospel.

Many may wonder why we place such a strong emphasis on the Book of Mormon. It may seem we put the Bible on the back burners at times. But the Book of Mormon was never placed here to replace, diminish, or disprove the Bible but to stand as a second witness to its truths, to clarify and back up the fullness of Christ's Gospel contained in the words of the Bible. It was specifically written for our day so that we may "liken" and apply its teachings more easily into our lives. It is a record that shows us God's mercy and love for all people. It is a record translated only once-keeping its words pure and intact. It is a Book, that when read, can bring real tangible power and peace into our lives. And most importantly it is a Book that carries with it a promise in which we base our faith.

At the end of the record, the last Book of Mormon prophet Moroni, leaves us with this promise:

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, 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." (Moroni 10:3-5)

As Latter-Day Saints we believe that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel has been restored on the Earth today exactly as it was established by Christ Himself during His earthly ministry. We do not hold this to be a new church or set of doctrine but true doctrine restored. We believe that Joseph Smith was called as a latter-day prophet to guide and lead us as prophets did of old. We believe that this authority has been passed down along with the Priesthood Keys to do so through a succession of prophets and that Thomas S. Monson currently holds those keys. We recognize that this is a bold declaration and that coming to know if it is true or not would be of utmost importance. And that is where the Book of Mormon comes into play because God would not leave us without evidence to consider a claim such as Joseph Smith's claim to be a prophet of God. The Introduction declares:

" We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

 Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah."

That is why it is the keystone and foundation for all of our testimonies. Coming to the knowledge that the Book of Mormon is of God is like a domino effect; it lets us know that Joseph was called of God, this is Christ's Church, and that Thomas S. Monson leads it under His direction today. We are able to know the "truth of ALL things" just by reading and praying about this Book. Whether the Book of Mormon is your first or last stop in your search for truth, if you read, ponder, and pray about its message in faith, sincerity, and real intent, you can know for yourself that this really is Christ's Church once again on the earth. This is a promise and an invitation that we leave with all who will listen-for this knowledge is what defines and builds our testimonies, conviction, and direction. It is this knowledge that allows us to boldly declare "This is Christ's Church".