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Jesus Christ Visits the Americas

Doctrinal Study

Book of Mormon

Overview

What Is the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and confirms the truths found in the Holy Bible. Far from undermining the Bible, the Book of Mormon supports its testimony of Jesus Christ. One passage says that the Book of Mormon “shall establish the truth” of the Bible “and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved” (1 Nephi 13:40).

In its more than 6,000 verses, the Book of Mormon refers to Jesus Christ almost 4,000 times and by 100 different names: “Jehovah,” “Immanuel,” “Holy Messiah,” “Lamb of God,” “Redeemer of Israel,” and so on.

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 ancient Americas.

The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. “Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon.

“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 puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

“In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved.

“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” (from the Introduction of the Book of Mormon).

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Related Topics

Scriptures

Scripture References

Scripture Study Resources

Messages from Church Leaders

Additional Messages

Videos

“A Book with a Promise”

Learning Resources

Church Magazines

“Golden Plates to Book of Mormon,” Friend, February 2017

Michael T. Ringwood, “You Can Know for Yourself,” Ensign, February 2017

Joshua Oram, “Converted for Life,” Ensign, October 2016

“The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” Ensign October 2011

Chiao-yi Lin, “From Believing to Knowing,” Ensign January 2011

Grigor A. Tadevosyan, “An Exceptional Book, an Exceptional Answer,” Liahona, October 2007

Fábio Henrique N. da Silva, “Now I Understand,” Liahona, September 2004

Adam C. Olson, “Standing the Test of Time,” Liahona, February 2004

“Book of Mormon Times at a Glance: Chart 1—Ether and 1 Nephi through Mosiah,” Ensign January 2004

“Book of Mormon Times at a Glance: Chart 2—Alma through Mormon and Moroni,” Ensign July 2004

“Ye May Know the Truth,” Liahona, October 2000

“Latter-day Saint Voices: A Voice from the Dust,” Liahona, February 2000

Study Manuals

Teachings of Presidents of the Church

Stories

Teaching Resources

Teaching Outlines

Stories and Activities for Teaching Children

“Book of Mormon,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children

Media

Audio

“The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon,” The Joseph Smith Papers, episode 7

“The Translation of the Book of Mormon,” The Joseph Smith Papers, episode 12

“Printing the Book of Mormon,” The Joseph Smith Papers, episode 13

Music