Why was the Book of Mormon written?
The Book of Mormon stands as a testament to the divine purpose and intricate design of God’s dealings with His children. As we look into the question of why the Book of Mormon was written, we uncover some insights into God’s love, His eternal plan of salvation, and His desire to guide and bless all who seek Him.
First, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we already understand that the Book of Mormon is not only a historical record of ancient peoples in the Americas, but more importantly, it is a sacred testament of Jesus Christ, revealed as part of the Restoration of the Gospel in these latter days. In the very introduction of the Book of Mormon, we find its primary purpose: “The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel.” (Introduction to the Book of Mormon*)
The Centrality of the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon opens with a family, Lehi and his descendants, who are led from Jerusalem to the ancient Americas by the hand of God. This migration sets the stage for the unfolding account of a people who seek to serve God amidst great trials and blessings. Right from the beginning, Lehi prophesies of the coming of the Messiah, foreshadowing the ultimate purpose of their journey and their existence as a new civilization
Let’s read 1 Nephi 10:4-6 together:
Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Saviour of the world. And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had testified of these things, concerning this Messiah, of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the world. Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer. 1
Throughout its pages, the prophets in the Book of Mormon consistently pointed those hearing their words to Jesus Christ. They taught His doctrine, prophesied of His coming, and testified of His divinity. For instance, Alma the Younger, a significant figure in the book, preached repentance and the redemption found through Christ’s Atonement (cf. Alma 12:33-34).
One of the distinctive aspects of the Book of Mormon is that it serves as “another testament of Jesus Christ,” complementing the Bible. This is articulated in the Book of Mormon’s subtitle. The text does not seek to replace or supersede the Bible but to add to the witness of Christ’s life and teachings. This means that the Book of Mormon provides a comprehensive account of Christ’s post-resurrection ministry to the ancient Americas. After His resurrection and ascension in Jerusalem, Jesus visits the people in the Americas, teaching them similar doctrines found in the Bible. This visitation is a pivotal event in the Book of Mormon and demonstrates the universality of Christ’s Atonement (Read 3 Nephi 11:10-11).
Central to the Book of Mormon’s teachings is Christ’s Atonement—the ultimate act of love and sacrifice that makes salvation possible for all. The prophets in the Book of Mormon emphasize that it is only through Jesus Christ that mankind can be saved from sin and death. This message is a theme throughout the Book, reinforcing the deep impact of Christ’s sacrifice on individuals and societies.
While the Book of Mormon is an ancient text, its teachings and testimonies are applicable to modern readers. Just as Nephi wrote for his children, the Book of Mormon serves as a guide for all people to find the “remission of their sins”2 through Jesus Christ. Its messages of faith, repentance, and following the Saviour are timeless and is able to connect with readers of all backgrounds.
Restoration of Lost Truths
Moroni’s words in Moroni 10:27 provides an insight into the purpose and significance of the Book of Mormon as a restoration of lost truths. Let’s take a moment to explore this a bit more in depth.
First, let’s read Moroni 10:27
And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust?3
Throughout history, there have been periods when essential truths about God, His teachings, and His plan for humanity became obscured or corrupted. The Book of Mormon, as Moroni explains, was brought forth to restore these precious truths. This restoration was necessary due to the apostasy and the loss or alteration of important doctrines and principles over time. Moroni, the last prophet in the Book of Mormon, was keenly aware of the importance of preserving and transmitting these truths. His role in compiling and abridging the plates was crucial in preserving the teachings of his people for future generations. In his closing words, Moroni implores readers to remember the things he has written, knowing that a time would come when the truthfulness of his words would be vindicated.
Moroni’s analogy of speaking “out of the dust” is powerful. It evokes the idea of ancient records emerging from the earth, bringing with them the voices and teachings of those who lived long ago. The Book of Mormon, buried for centuries before Joseph Smith received the divine commission to translate it, truly fits this description. Its restoration was a miraculous event, signalling a new era of spiritual enlightenment. How fortunate we are to be living in a time when this sacred book is available to us.
Moroni’s prophecy also points to the Book of Mormon’s role in preparing a people for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The teachings and principles found within its pages serve as a guide for individuals and societies to bring themselves in line with the will of God. Through its restoration, the Book provides a clear path for those seeking to understand and follow Christ. Not only are Moroni’s words a prophecy; they also serve as a validation of the Book of Mormon’s authenticity. He foresaw a time when people would question the origins and veracity of these ancient records. Yet, he assures readers that a day would come when they would stand before God and be asked if they received the words declared by Moroni.
For readers today, Moroni’s words offer a life changing invitation to seek the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon for themselves. Just as Moroni knew that the time would come for his words to be vindicated, people today can find validation of the Book’s teachings through personal study, prayer, and seeking revelation from God.
Promised Blessings
Moroni’s invitation in Moroni 10:4 is a promise of personal revelation and testimony-building through the Book of Mormon. Let us take a moment to explore the significance of this invitation and the blessings promised to those who earnestly seek to know the truth of its teachings.
Moroni’s words are a direct call to action for all readers of the Book of Mormon. He encourages them, and by extension us, to engage with the text not just as an intellectual exercise but as a spiritual journey. The invitation is to receive the teachings contained within the Book of Mormon and then to take the next step: to ask God for confirmation of their truthfulness. The method Moroni outlines for seeking truth is simple yet quite profound. He directs us to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ. This reflects the pattern of prayer taught by Jesus Christ Himself, demonstrating the importance of approaching God through the mediation of His Son. Let’s turn to John 14:13-14.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Moroni also provides specific conditions for seeking this confirmation:
1) A sincere heart
This speaks to the authenticity of our desire to know the truth. It requires honesty and openness in our approach to God.
2) Real intent
We are to approach this request with a genuine desire to act upon the truth we receive. It is not merely an intellectual exercise but a commitment to follow where God leads.
3) Faith in Christ
This condition shows the central role of Jesus Christ in our spiritual lives. Faith in Him is the bedrock upon which this seeking and revelation are built.
The promise that follows is one of the most comforting and reassuring in the entire Book of Mormon:
“…he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”
This promise is not contingent upon one’s background, education, or status in society. It is a universal offer to all who sincerely seek to know the truth. God, through the power of the Holy Ghost, will confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon to individuals who fulfil the conditions outlined by Moroni. This promise helps us see the principle of personal revelation within our faith. It teaches that God continues to speak to His children individually and personally. Through the Holy Ghost, we can receive confirmation, guidance, comfort, and direction in our lives.
The invitation to seek confirmation of the Book of Mormon’s truthfulness is significant for several reasons:
1) It encourages personal testimony: Rather than relying solely on the testimony of others, individuals are encouraged to seek and receive their own witness.
2) It deepens faith: When individuals receive confirmation through the Holy Ghost, their faith is strengthened and their relationship with God is deepened.
3) It fosters a personal relationship with God: Seeking personal revelation is an intimate interaction with the Divine, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of God’s will.
For those who have read or are considering reading the Book of Mormon, Moroni’s invitation serves as a guide. It encourages readers to approach this sacred text with an open heart and mind, to ponder its teachings, and to then take the crucial step of seeking divine confirmation. Countless individuals can attest to the power of this promise. Many have received profound spiritual experiences confirming the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. These testimonies serve as witnesses to the reality of God’s willingness to reveal truth to those who genuinely seek it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Book of Mormon was written for our day, to provide a powerful witness of Jesus Christ, to restore lost truths, and to bless the lives of all who diligently seek its teachings. It stands as a testament to God’s love for His children, His desire to guide them, and His eternal plan of salvation. May each and everyone of us heed its teachings and study its words.
I testify that the Book of Mormon is true, that it was brought forth by the power of God, and that it stands as another testament of Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
References
* Introduction to the Book of Mormon
1 1 Nephi 10:4-6
2 Mosiah 4:3
3 Moroni 10:27
