The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

So...I thought I'd actually write something of substance for once.  I was reading the Book of Mormon today (more about what that is later) and realized again how much that book blesses my life.  Then I thought it would be a real shame if one of my friends or even someone I don't even know could benefit from it and I didn't tell them about it.  So I wanted to write this to take a stab at explaining what the Book of Mormon is and why I feel the way I do.

First of all, let me start by saying how much I love the Bible.  I am so glad God commanded his ancient prophets to keep records so that today we could come to know and understand his gospel and especially learn of his son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.  How amazing is it that we have multiple accounts of his life, miracles, and ministry.  I love reading about the tender story of his birth and I am so amazed by his perfect example, the love he showed to everyone, and most importantly his Atonement (suffering and death) for us.  The Bible also teaches us of the good news of his resurrection.  Because he was resurrected and lives today, we all will too.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I also love the Bible and believe it to be the word of God.  I'm so grateful for those who preserved it and translated it so that we could have it today.

But as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I also believe in another volume of holy scripture called the Book of Mormon.  Just like the Bible, it's purpose is to testify that Christ is our Savior.  The difference is the Book of Mormon was written by prophets on the American continent.  It starts about 600 years before Christ and ends about 400 years after.  (You can read the actual introduction to the book that explains way more including how we got the book here.)  I know that God loves all his children and so it makes sense to me that he would call prophets in the old world (where the Bible was written) and on the American continent as well.  And just as he wanted the prophets we learn about in the Bible to keep records, he also commanded those in the Americas to do the same.  And that's what the Book of Mormon is.  Not only does it testify of Christ, it helps to clarify the doctrines taught in the Bible and was written specifically for our day.

I could write all sorts of great things about the Book of Mormon and tell you that I know it's true.  But a few verses (Moroni 10:3-5) in the last chapter instruct those who read the Book of Mormon to pray and ask God if it's true.  It promises that you will receive an answer.  It's pretty simple and I love that it asks us to ask God, the source of all truth, for an answer.  (Because I get it...we shouldn't just go around accepting any book someone says is God's word as scripture.)

There's plenty more I could tell you.  So many reasons why I love this book.  And if you have questions, please let me know.  The whole thing is online here.  Or you can request a free copy on this website.  That same website explains a lot more about it and answers questions you may have.  But being the Christmas season and the time we think more about our Savior, I just thought I would share a few of my thoughts about the book that (along with the Bible) has helped me to come to better know my Savior and understand his teachings.

Anyway, Merry Christmas!