By David A. Edwards | Church Magazines
My testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown significantly when I put my time in to study its words more closely than I have ever before. I can definitely see how this book was written for our day, and I can also feel the blessings that come from applying the teachings within this precious book. I know it is divinely sent to us and I am filled with gratitude for having it and learning from it. How can we tell that this ancient book was meant for us in our modern life? Here are some ways we can find out.
You’ve probably heard people say that the Book of Mormon was written for our day. It’s a true statement. Prophets have declared it.1 The book itself says it.2 But what makes this book so well suited for this particular time in history?
1. It teaches the gospel of Jesus Christ plainly and simply.
There’s always been confusion in the world, but it’s a little different today. Not only are there lots of ideas floating around, but there are also many more ways to communicate them to more people. When bloggers and trolls talk religion, finding the truth can feel like listening for a melody while an orchestra’s instruments are all tuning up.
Fortunately for us, the Book of Mormon rings true. It teaches us in plain terms about our Heavenly Father’s plan and Jesus Christ’s role in that plan (see, for instance, 2 Nephi 2; 9; Mosiah 2–5; Alma 11–12; 34; 42). It teaches us very simply what the steps are on the path to eternal life (see, for instance, 2 Nephi 31). And it contains Jesus Christ’s teachings, in person, following His Resurrection(see 3 Nephi 11–28).
2. It shows how to follow the living prophet and face ridicule and persecution.
Prophets have never been all that popular, and that hasn’t really changed. People still question and criticize them and their teachings—they just have a multitude of communication platforms to do it on. There’s never been a time when it’s been more important to follow the prophet.
In one sense, the Book of Mormon is the story of what happens when people choose to be humble and follow the Lord’s prophets—or not—in good times or in bad.
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Following prophets |
Not following prophets |
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Led to safety |
Examples:Lehi’s family; Jared’s people; Alma the Elder’s people |
Led astray |
Examples:People following false teachers such as Nehor and Korihor (see Alma 1; Alma 30), dissenting groups such as the Amlicites and Zoramites (see Alma 2–3; 31; 35) |
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Supported in trials |
Example:Alma the Elder’s people strengthened and comforted (see Mosiah 24:10–15) |
Left to suffer for a time |
Example:People of King Noah (see Mosiah 11:24) |
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Given knowledge from God |
Example:People of Gideon given new teachings about Jesus Christ’s Atonement (see Alma 7) |
Left to dwindle in unbelief |
Example:Lamanites (see 2 Nephi 5:20) |
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Warned of coming dangers |
Example:Nephi’s people (see 2 Nephi 5:5); Nephites in their wars against Lamanites (see Alma 48:15) |
Vulnerable to captivity or destruction |
Examples:People of Noah (see Mosiah 11:23; 19); people of Ammonihah (see Alma 16:2–3, 9–11); Jaredites (see Ether 15); Nephites (see Mormon; Moroni) |
In addition, the Book of Mormon has many examples of how to react when people are making fun of or questioning your beliefs. For instance:
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Don’t let ridicule get to you—“heed them not” (see1 Nephi 8:33–34).
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Bear testimony (see Jacob 7:12).
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Answer questions with the word of God you have studied (see Jacob 7:10–11; Alma 1:7).
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Counter false claims with the truth (see Alma 30:31–34).
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Show that all kinds of evidence can support faith (seeAlma 30:44).
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Be steadfast and patient in heeding the prophets’ words (see 3 Nephi 1:8).
To read more about how the Book of Mormon was written for our day, please visit LDS.org
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