Near the end of last year, I felt impressed that I needed to start and finish the Book of Mormon before the close of the year. I followed this impression, and again, found many great and wonderful things contained in the pages of that book. I find it fascinating that every time I go through, I literally am finding passages that I didn't even know existed. I have been through it personally at least 9 times, and with my family close to 30. I also see things from a perspective that I hadn't seen before, situations which had different meaning the times before. This may come from experience, but more likely it comes from a combination of experience along with inspiration from God. Every time I go through, I am further convinced that Joseph Smith did not write the book. Joseph Smith was a translator, not an author. This is further confirmed to me when I read some of Joseph Smith's other writings, and see the stark differences between them. Phraseology changes throughout The Book of Mormon, and it is clear when one authors work is finished and another one begins. However, as I went through the Book of Mormon this time, I noticed something particular. I noticed how timely much of the doctrine contained must have been for Joseph Smith. Mosiah in particular struck me, as it contained an account of how to begin a church from scratch. There are almost step by step instructions on what needs to be done, in what order even, to organize a church of God. There are instructions on how to baptize, how to confirm the Holy Ghost, how to share the priesthood, how to proselyte, how and how often to organize, how to preach the gospel in meetings, and even how to deal with a government and people who were hostile towards your cause. Mind you, this was translated prior to the actual organization of The Church, as the Book of Mormon was translated almost entirely between April and June of 1829, and The Church was not formally organized until April 1830. Joseph Smith was not writing this in reaction to events transpiring around him, he was translating a work which would continue to have significance for at least the next one hundred and eighty years. I firmly believe that the significance of The Book of Mormon will continue to be shown and found by those who seek it.
To those who may be reading this and are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I invite you to read or listen to the works I have mentioned. I am confident that as you read it, you will find what I have found; that its words are true, and that your life can be changed by following the precepts therein. I am confident in stating this, as I have had it revealed to me by means which I cannot explain by any earthy means.
To those who are members of The Church, I invite you to consider your Book of Mormon studies. Think of how it has benefited you, and ponder on the significance of what you have read and learned. I invite you to begin anew if it has been a while since you have spent time in those pages. I am confident that you also will find comfort and peace in those pages.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wow I hadn't realized how much you got through it with the family while you were growing up--very impressive! It reminds me of the quote I read today from President Benson: He declared that “the whole Church [was] under condemnation” because Latter-day Saints were not studying the Book of Mormon enough or giving enough heed to its teachings. He said: “The Book of Mormon has not been, nor is it yet, the center of our personal study, family teaching, preaching, and missionary work. Of this we must repent.” He frequently quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith’s declaration that people “would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book,” and he expounded on that promise. “There is a power in the book,” he said, “which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book.” He urged Latter-day Saints to “flood the earth and [their] lives with the Book of Mormon."
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