As a Latter-Day Saint and an avid student of the Bible, I firmly believe that if they knew what was in it, what it could do for their lives, every Jew and Christian - every person of any persuasion - would want to read the Book of Mormon.
Here's why.
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
All too often, when we invite someone to read the Book of Mormon, their reason for not wanting to is that they're "Christian". It's something that causes us Mormons to scratch our heads a little bit. We feel this way because know that the Book of Mormon is bursting with doctrines familiar to all who profess belief in Christ - I'll show you here shortly. We know that if only others knew what the Book of Mormon is, they'd realize that being Christian - or even a Jew - is a powerful reason to want to read the Book of Mormon, rather than to dismiss it.
Its introductory pages plainly tell the reader of its design and purpose as an instrument to the convincing of Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, of its role in opening the last "dispensation [of the gospel of Christ] in the fullness of times." (see Ephesians 1:10) Like the Bible, it was written by messianic Jews - prophets who lived in America anciently. I personally have experienced its great power in teaching me to come unto Christ and to know of His great love and the power and wisdom to help all who come unto Him live more meaningfully and more joyfully.
Right on its cover, the Book of Mormon tells the world what it is in a nutshell: another testament of Jesus Christ!
The Bible Foretells the Coming Forth of More Scripture in the Latter-Days
One of the hurdles the Book of Mormon faces when it comes to mainstream Christians and Jews is that it isn't the Bible.
Mainstream Christians have been taught the Bible is the word of God - period. The Jews believe in only the Old Testament and related books from that time period. But the Bible, while it says man may not add or detract from it, gives no indication whatsoever that God may not give us more of His word. (see Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:19)
The Bible tells us that the word of God comes through His servants, the prophets. It has no end, not with the Old Testament as the Jews believe, and not with the New Testament as mainstream Christians believe. The Book of Mormon is God's witness to the world that He is not dead, nor doth He sleep, and He has begun again His work on the earth among men, just as ancient prophets in both the Old and New Testaments foretold. The "famine of hearing the words of the Lord" has come to an end. (Amos 8:11-12) He is the same God yesterday, today and forever - the same God of revelation, prophets, apostles, miracles, and the Giver of scripture that keeps on coming so long as there are prophets on the earth. (see Hebrews 13:8, Amos 3:7, 2 Nephi 29)
The Bible foretells the coming of more scripture in the latter-days - our days!
Ezekiel's Stick of Ephraim and Joseph
Specifically, the Bible anticipates having a companion volume that reinforces her. Ezekiel prophesied that this would be the case, saying that this new volume of scripture would come forth in a time when Israel would be gathered as one nation, and her people would return to their homeland. Just as the Bible we now have was largely written by the descendants of Judah, this new scripture would be written by the descendants of Joseph and entrusted to Gentiles adopted into the houses of Ephraim and Joseph (Israel's companions):
Isaiah's Sealed Book Read by the Unlearned
In chapter 29, Isaiah speaks extensively of a great apostasy that he knew was coming. So great was this apostasy that it would end the continuation of the long line of apostles and prophets whose words became the Bible. But he also speaks of an isolated people, likening them to the city of Ariel in his own time and land. This is a people that would be known for being destroyed by fire and earthquake and tempest, a people that would build extensive fortifications and have mighty wars among themselves - a people whose words would one day speak as from the dust, having a familiar spirit. Any reader of the Bible can see that this applies generally to all of Israel. But readers of the Book of Mormon recognize the whole of chapter 29 as a specific reference to the contents of what Isaiah called a "sealed book" that would aid the Lord in bringing forth his marvelous work and wonder in the latter days - a work that would end this great apostasy and restore the operation of prophets and apostles in our time. (see Isaiah 29)
Latter-Day Saints believe Isaiah's sealed book is the Book of Mormon, and we have proof. Let's look a little more closely at Isaiah 29:11-12:
Compare this with an event from Latter-Day Saint history:
Joseph's Descendants "Run Over the Wall"
So where did the Book of Mormon come from exactly?
In the book of Genesis, we see Israel give his son Joseph - the same who was sold into Egypt - this blessing:
"Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall..." (Genesis 49:22, see also Deuteronomy 33:13-17 about Joseph's seed being "separated from his brethren")
This blessing makes use of symbols that are commonly used in scripture to denote the grace of the Lord and a connection to His wisdom and power. Water typically symbolizes grace; we see the Lord use this symbol in His own teaching:
"Jesus ...said unto [the woman at the well in Samaria], If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." (John 4:10)
The prophets frequently use vines or trees to symbolize the faithfulness of God's people and their resulting connection to His power and wisdom:
"Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?" (Jeremiah 2:21)
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:)
In other words, among Joseph's descendants would be found a fruitful bough - a faithful people who would "run over the wall". They carried with them their connection to the Lord's power and wisdom - the spirit of prophecy - which gave the the authority to write scripture, just as their ancestors had been doing for hundreds of years. If these people had been able to stay in the Old World, their writings would have appeared in the Old Testament. But because Jerusalem was about to be carried captive into Babylon, the Lord removed these righteous people and guided them to a promised land - the New World.
"And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, (Nephi's father Lehi) even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness.... " (1 Nephi 2:2)
The descendants of Joseph ran over the wall, just as Jacob had prophesied in his blessing to Joseph.
"We Are Descendants of Joseph"
The Book of Mormon was written by prophets who were descendants of Joseph:
"And it came to pass that my father, Lehi, also found upon the plates of brass a genealogy of his fathers; wherefore he knew that he was a descendant of Joseph; yea, even that Joseph who was the son of Jacob, who was sold into Egypt..." (1 Nephi 5:14)
"...we are descendants of Joseph..." (1 Nephi 6:2)
"Yea, let us preserve our liberty as a remnant of Joseph; yea, let us remember the words of Jacob, before his death, for behold, he saw that a part of the remnant of the coat of Joseph was preserved and had not decayed. And he said—Even as this remnant of garment of my son hath been preserved, so shall a remnant of the seed of my son be preserved by the hand of God..." (Alma 46:24)
"Behold, our father Jacob also testified concerning a remnant of the seed of Joseph. And behold, are not we a remnant of the seed of Joseph? And these things which testify of us, are they not written upon the plates of brass which our father Lehi brought out of Jerusalem?" (3 Nephi 10:17)
The Lord Sent a Word Into Jacob
Isaiah also prophesied that the Lord would send scriptures through the descendants of Jacob to help Ephraim and the Gentiles restore the Lord's church and repair a great apostasy that began when the Jews rejected their Messiah:
The Book of Mormon was written by prophets who descended from Joseph who was sold into Egypt - a son of Jacob. It was written "for a wise purpose in Him" - to aid in the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter-days! (1 Nephi 9:5-6)
LDS Lower Light: General Apostasy & Restoration Foretold
LDS Lower Light: General Apostasy & Restoration Fulfilled
If The World Could Know What's In the Book of Mormon
We Talk of Christ... That Our Children May Know
Those unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon need to know the main reason why it was written. That reason is best given by its first prophet, Nephi:
"...we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins ...And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness." (2 Nephi 25:26, 33:10-11)
Follow these links and compare a small sample of the basic doctrines of Christ and His salvation that can be found in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon:
Saved by grace, laboring "more than they all": 2 Nephi 25:23 | Ephesians 2:5-8 | 1 Corinthians 15:10
Build upon the rock: Jacob 4:15-18 | Helaman 5:12 | Matthew 7:24-27
Come unto me: 3 Nephi 9:13-22 | 3 Nephi 18:25 | Matthew 11:28-30
Watch and pray always 3 Nephi 18:15-18 | Alma 13:28 | Alma 34:39 | Luke 22:31-32
The Lord commands and provides a way: 1 Nephi 3:7 | 1 Corinthians 10:13
The power of God: Moroni 7:33 | Moroni 10:32-33 | Jeremiah 32:17 | Isaiah 40:4-18 | Matthew 19:26
The love of God: 1 Nephi 11:7-23 | Moroni 7:43-48 | Romans 8:35-39 | 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
I am the Light, the Life, and the Resurrection: 3 Nephi 11:8-17 | 2 Nephi 7:9-11 | Isaiah 50:9-11 | John 11:26-27
Search the scriptures: 2 Nephi 32:3-4 | John 5:39
He will succor His people: Alma 7:7-12 | Isaiah 53:4-6
Follow the strait and narrow way: 2 Nephi 9:41, 2 Nephi 31:17-21 | Matthew 7:13-14 |
Put on the armor of God: 2 Nephi 4:34 | Ephesians 6:10-18
In the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses
The Bible and Book of Mormon prove each other true, and they reinforce each other in their doctrine. To see for yourself how thoroughly and completely they fit together, see my Church page. This will show you the doctrines of Christ's church both at the time of Moses and in His time as described in the Bible. It will also show you where to find the same doctrines in the Book of Mormon.
Jews the world over have for millennia treasured the Old Testament containing hundreds of prophecies concerning their Messiah. From Zechariah's prophecy concerning the coming of the Lord in the latter-days to save Israel from her enemies and of His triumphal arrival in Jerusalem atop the "colt of an ass" amidst the waving of the palms, to king David's prophecies about His suffering and resurrection, to Isaiah's prophecies concerning His ministry, the Old Testament points repeatedly to Jesus Christ of Nazareth who said, "[the scriptures] testify of me" and "Before Abraham was, I am" and "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (John 5:39, 8:58, Luke 4:21, Isaiah 61:1-3)
Christians have read and loved the gospels, containing the Savior's many miracles and teachings. We have studied and savored Peter's and Pauls powerful sermons on grace and salvation, the role of good works, the importance of sacrifice unto righteousness, and many of the functions of Christ's church.
And now, the Lord has seen fit to reveal the Book of Mormon - a record of the prophets of ancient America who also foretold extensively the coming of Jesus Christ "many hundred years before His coming". The Book of Mormon also tells of the miracles He performed and the doctrines He taught while among the Nephites, following His resurrection. (These links point to articles on my blog.) In reading those, you'll notice the Book of Mormon contains His Beattitudes, His Sermon on the Mount, and His parables. This should not surprise or offend anyone, for He is the same God today, yesterday and tomorrow. He teaches the same gospel to all His people, all over the world - the Book of Mormon is proof of it. To put it in His words, "...in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." (Matthew 18:16)
America in the Scriptures
People often wonder why it is that the Bible seems to contain no prophecy concerning America in the latter days. As I have already shown, it does contain references to The Book of Mormon, which is loaded with prophecies about latter-day America:
Search Diligently in the Light of Christ
Those not familiar with the Book of Mormon worry and warn about being "deceived by the Mormons". But the Book of Mormon contains this counsel, which if followed, will assure us the ability to identify the works of God with His help, and not be led astray:
"...the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil ...see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged. Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ." (Moroni 7:14-19)
To the ears of any believer in the Bible, does this sound like the words of someone who is trying to deceive the world? I think not. Did not the Savior tell us how to know a true prophet from a false one, saying, "by their fruits shall ye know them?" (see Matthew 7:20)
Biblical Prophecy is Being Fulfilled
Believers who follow the news at all know that we are living in the last days. We are living in a
time when much of the fantastic prophecy contained in the Bible is due
to be fulfilled, or is already being fulfilled. Are we prepared to believe that the ones about the Lord's kingdom being
re-established in the latter days just preceding His second coming have already begun to be fulfilled?
If Ezekiel's stick of Joseph and Ephraim really is available for reading in our day, don't you want to know what's in it? If Isaiah's sealed book really has been read by the unlearned through the power of God and revealed to the world, wouldn't every Bible-loving Christian under heaven want to read it too? If John the Revelator's angel has indeed come flying through the midst of heaven, if there really is revelation given once again to prophets and apostles, if the Lord really has begun His marvelous work and wonder again, don't you want to be a part of it? Don't you want to know what that will mean for you in your life?
What volume, other than the Book of Mormon, claims to be just such scripture? What other volume claims to be written by the descendants of Joseph, as Ezekiel prophesied? What other volume so completely matches Isaiah's description of a sealed book? What other religion on earth has claimed to be visited by angels in the latter days, as John the Revelator prophesied?
There is no other such volume beside the Book of Mormon, and no other religion beside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has the audacity to make such claims. Even we would not make such claims if we had not been commanded of God so to do. To the first apostles to be called in the latter days the Lord said:
"Go ye into all the world, preach the gospel to every creature, acting in the authority which I have given you, baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost... behold, you are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers; to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men; And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it. These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words." (Doctrine and Covenants 18:32-36, 68:8)
If we truly believe the Bible, that its prophecies must all be fulfilled, and if, against this biblical backdrop, we understand what the Book of Mormon claims to be, then the arrival of this self-proclaimed volume of scripture demands further investigation. The Book of Mormon presents us an opportunity to act on our faith in the Bible. (see James 1:22) The Jews at the time of Christ rejected both Him and the testimony of His prophets and apostles concerning Him - a testimony that went on to become the New Testament. In light of the fact that the Bible foretells the coming of more revelation and more scripture, let not mainstream Christians make the same mistake regarding His latter-day prophets and apostles, and the Book of Mormon.
The Lord has said, concerning His latter-day revelations:
"Search
these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies
and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What
I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and
though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away,
but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine & Covenants 1:37-38)
I challenge all who profess belief in the Bible to read the Book of Mormon and prayerfully learn for themselves, directly from the Lord by the power of His promised Comforter - a "familiar spirit" to those who recognize its whisperings - concerning its divine origin. (see Moroni 10:3-5, James 1:5-6, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16, John 14:26)
Also of Interest
www.mormon.org: Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon
www.lds.org: Read the Book of Mormon online
LDS Lowerlight: The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
LDS Lower Light: How to Obtain a Spiritual Witness
LDS Lower LIght: How to Pray
Mormon Scholarship and Evangelical Neglect - Losing the Battle and Not Even Knowing It?
Maxwell Institute of Religion: The Prophetic Book of Mormon - A Critical Textual Examination
www.mormon.org: Meet with LDS Missionaries | Come to Church with Us!
Here's why.
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
All too often, when we invite someone to read the Book of Mormon, their reason for not wanting to is that they're "Christian". It's something that causes us Mormons to scratch our heads a little bit. We feel this way because know that the Book of Mormon is bursting with doctrines familiar to all who profess belief in Christ - I'll show you here shortly. We know that if only others knew what the Book of Mormon is, they'd realize that being Christian - or even a Jew - is a powerful reason to want to read the Book of Mormon, rather than to dismiss it.
Its introductory pages plainly tell the reader of its design and purpose as an instrument to the convincing of Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, of its role in opening the last "dispensation [of the gospel of Christ] in the fullness of times." (see Ephesians 1:10) Like the Bible, it was written by messianic Jews - prophets who lived in America anciently. I personally have experienced its great power in teaching me to come unto Christ and to know of His great love and the power and wisdom to help all who come unto Him live more meaningfully and more joyfully.
Right on its cover, the Book of Mormon tells the world what it is in a nutshell: another testament of Jesus Christ!
The Bible Foretells the Coming Forth of More Scripture in the Latter-Days
One of the hurdles the Book of Mormon faces when it comes to mainstream Christians and Jews is that it isn't the Bible.
Mainstream Christians have been taught the Bible is the word of God - period. The Jews believe in only the Old Testament and related books from that time period. But the Bible, while it says man may not add or detract from it, gives no indication whatsoever that God may not give us more of His word. (see Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:19)
The Bible tells us that the word of God comes through His servants, the prophets. It has no end, not with the Old Testament as the Jews believe, and not with the New Testament as mainstream Christians believe. The Book of Mormon is God's witness to the world that He is not dead, nor doth He sleep, and He has begun again His work on the earth among men, just as ancient prophets in both the Old and New Testaments foretold. The "famine of hearing the words of the Lord" has come to an end. (Amos 8:11-12) He is the same God yesterday, today and forever - the same God of revelation, prophets, apostles, miracles, and the Giver of scripture that keeps on coming so long as there are prophets on the earth. (see Hebrews 13:8, Amos 3:7, 2 Nephi 29)
The Bible foretells the coming of more scripture in the latter-days - our days!
Ezekiel's Stick of Ephraim and Joseph
Specifically, the Bible anticipates having a companion volume that reinforces her. Ezekiel prophesied that this would be the case, saying that this new volume of scripture would come forth in a time when Israel would be gathered as one nation, and her people would return to their homeland. Just as the Bible we now have was largely written by the descendants of Judah, this new scripture would be written by the descendants of Joseph and entrusted to Gentiles adopted into the houses of Ephraim and Joseph (Israel's companions):
"The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes. And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land..." (Ezekiel 37:15-21)
In a time when the nation of Israel once again exists upon the earth, Latter-Day Saints consider the publication of what we call the quadruple combination to be literal fulfillment of this prophecy. It contains and combines all these "sticks" and more as "one in thine hand". It should be noted that the Book of Mormon, written over a period spanning 600 B.C to 421 A.D. and published in 1830, also prophesied of the restoration of the nation of Israel, which began in 1947 and continues to this day.
In a time when the nation of Israel once again exists upon the earth, Latter-Day Saints consider the publication of what we call the quadruple combination to be literal fulfillment of this prophecy. It contains and combines all these "sticks" and more as "one in thine hand". It should be noted that the Book of Mormon, written over a period spanning 600 B.C to 421 A.D. and published in 1830, also prophesied of the restoration of the nation of Israel, which began in 1947 and continues to this day.
John the Revelator's Angel Bringing the Fullness of the Gospel
John the Revelator prophesied that the fullness of the gospel would be restored to the earth in the latter days:
Now, there are those who guffaw and mock us for claiming the Book of Mormon is the fulfillment of this prophecy. But the Lord Himself has confirmed it through revelation given to a prophet in our day:
John the Revelator prophesied that the fullness of the gospel would be restored to the earth in the latter days:
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven,
having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the
earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people..."
(Revelation 14:6)
Now, there are those who guffaw and mock us for claiming the Book of Mormon is the fulfillment of this prophecy. But the Lord Himself has confirmed it through revelation given to a prophet in our day:
"...marvel
not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine
with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to
reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting
gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of
Ephraim..." (Doctrine & Covenants 27:5)
See Joseph Smith History 1:27-34 for the account of the angel Moroni bringing the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith in the form of gold plates.
When
John wrote those words, he, an apostle, was already on the earth, and
the word of God was already on the earth as evidenced by the fact that
it was compiled into what we now know as the Bible. So why would God
need to send an angel to bring the fullness of the gospel back to the earth in a future
day? We have to realize that this prophecy foretells not only the coming
of more scripture containing the fullness of the gospel, but also the
very revelation which is the source of all scripture - not just
"an angel" but an array of heavenly messengers each assigned to bring
scripture, or doctrines, or ordinances, or keys to organize the Church
of Jesus Christ again in the latter days. In other words, John prophesied that the church of Jesus Christ with its prophets and apostles would be lost from the earth, but that the Lord would see fit to restore it in the latter days.
He is not the only Biblical figure to do so.
LDS Lowerlight: priesthood offices as described in the Bible
LDS Lowerlight: priesthood offices as described in latter-day scripture
General Conference October 1979, Apostle Gordon B. Hinckley: "An Angel From on High The Long, Long Silence Broke"
He is not the only Biblical figure to do so.
LDS Lowerlight: priesthood offices as described in the Bible
LDS Lowerlight: priesthood offices as described in latter-day scripture
General Conference October 1979, Apostle Gordon B. Hinckley: "An Angel From on High The Long, Long Silence Broke"
Isaiah's Sealed Book Read by the Unlearned
In chapter 29, Isaiah speaks extensively of a great apostasy that he knew was coming. So great was this apostasy that it would end the continuation of the long line of apostles and prophets whose words became the Bible. But he also speaks of an isolated people, likening them to the city of Ariel in his own time and land. This is a people that would be known for being destroyed by fire and earthquake and tempest, a people that would build extensive fortifications and have mighty wars among themselves - a people whose words would one day speak as from the dust, having a familiar spirit. Any reader of the Bible can see that this applies generally to all of Israel. But readers of the Book of Mormon recognize the whole of chapter 29 as a specific reference to the contents of what Isaiah called a "sealed book" that would aid the Lord in bringing forth his marvelous work and wonder in the latter days - a work that would end this great apostasy and restore the operation of prophets and apostles in our time. (see Isaiah 29)
Latter-Day Saints believe Isaiah's sealed book is the Book of Mormon, and we have proof. Let's look a little more closely at Isaiah 29:11-12:
"And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned."
Compare this with an event from Latter-Day Saint history:
"Sometime
in this month of February, the aforementioned Mr. Martin Harris came to
our place, got the characters which I [Joseph Smith] had drawn off the plates, and
started with them to the city of New York. For what took place relative
to him and the characters, I refer to his own account of the
circumstances, as he related them to me after his return, which was as
follows: "I
went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had
been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles
Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor
Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had
before seen translated from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which
were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic,
Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters. He gave me a
certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true
characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been
translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my
pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back,
and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in
the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had
revealed it unto him. “He
then said to me, ‘Let me see that certificate.’ I accordingly took it
out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to
pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed,
and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, ‘I cannot read a
sealed book.’ I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what
Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the
translation.” (Joseph Smith History 1:63-65, emphasis added)
Very evidently, Isaiah had foretold this encounter with Professor Anthon. When you look at the whole of Isaiah 29, there's no getting around it: the Book of Mormon is Isaiah's sealed book! It was given to Joseph Smith by an angel seen flying in the midst of heaven! Joseph Smith, an unlearned nineteenth century farmer, translated it into English by the power of God in under sixty days, all while dealing with constant persecution and trying to provide for a family. No one can dictate a book that quickly, without stopping to review the manuscript and without going back to edit, which Joseph Smith's wife and others who helped him repeatedly attested he did. The translation process is filled with dozens of small miracles showing forth God's power, that He is able to do His work among the weak and simple people of the earth!
It should be noted that upon his return to
Pennsylvania, Mr. Harris, a former enemy of Joseph Smith who had
originally come after him to chastise him for talking about visions and
gold plates, took out a second mortgage on his farm to pay for the
publication of the Book of Mormon. Mr. Harris tells an incredible story,
but he also puts his money where his mouth is.
For more information about the history of the Book of Mormon, see this video on www.lds.org: "A New Day for the Book of Mormon"
Joseph's Descendants "Run Over the Wall"
So where did the Book of Mormon come from exactly?
In the book of Genesis, we see Israel give his son Joseph - the same who was sold into Egypt - this blessing:
"Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall..." (Genesis 49:22, see also Deuteronomy 33:13-17 about Joseph's seed being "separated from his brethren")
This blessing makes use of symbols that are commonly used in scripture to denote the grace of the Lord and a connection to His wisdom and power. Water typically symbolizes grace; we see the Lord use this symbol in His own teaching:
"Jesus ...said unto [the woman at the well in Samaria], If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." (John 4:10)
The prophets frequently use vines or trees to symbolize the faithfulness of God's people and their resulting connection to His power and wisdom:
"...the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." (Isaiah 61:1-3)
"Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?" (Jeremiah 2:21)
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:)
In other words, among Joseph's descendants would be found a fruitful bough - a faithful people who would "run over the wall". They carried with them their connection to the Lord's power and wisdom - the spirit of prophecy - which gave the the authority to write scripture, just as their ancestors had been doing for hundreds of years. If these people had been able to stay in the Old World, their writings would have appeared in the Old Testament. But because Jerusalem was about to be carried captive into Babylon, the Lord removed these righteous people and guided them to a promised land - the New World.
"And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, (Nephi's father Lehi) even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness.... " (1 Nephi 2:2)
The descendants of Joseph ran over the wall, just as Jacob had prophesied in his blessing to Joseph.
"We Are Descendants of Joseph"
The Book of Mormon was written by prophets who were descendants of Joseph:
"And it came to pass that my father, Lehi, also found upon the plates of brass a genealogy of his fathers; wherefore he knew that he was a descendant of Joseph; yea, even that Joseph who was the son of Jacob, who was sold into Egypt..." (1 Nephi 5:14)
"...we are descendants of Joseph..." (1 Nephi 6:2)
"Yea, let us preserve our liberty as a remnant of Joseph; yea, let us remember the words of Jacob, before his death, for behold, he saw that a part of the remnant of the coat of Joseph was preserved and had not decayed. And he said—Even as this remnant of garment of my son hath been preserved, so shall a remnant of the seed of my son be preserved by the hand of God..." (Alma 46:24)
"Behold, our father Jacob also testified concerning a remnant of the seed of Joseph. And behold, are not we a remnant of the seed of Joseph? And these things which testify of us, are they not written upon the plates of brass which our father Lehi brought out of Jerusalem?" (3 Nephi 10:17)
The Lord Sent a Word Into Jacob
"The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel. And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart, The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars... For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of hosts... For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed." (Isaiah 9:8-16)
The Book of Mormon was written by prophets who descended from Joseph who was sold into Egypt - a son of Jacob. It was written "for a wise purpose in Him" - to aid in the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter-days! (1 Nephi 9:5-6)
LDS Lower Light: General Apostasy & Restoration Foretold
LDS Lower Light: General Apostasy & Restoration Fulfilled
If The World Could Know What's In the Book of Mormon
We Talk of Christ... That Our Children May Know
Those unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon need to know the main reason why it was written. That reason is best given by its first prophet, Nephi:
"...we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins ...And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness." (2 Nephi 25:26, 33:10-11)
Follow these links and compare a small sample of the basic doctrines of Christ and His salvation that can be found in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon:
Saved by grace, laboring "more than they all": 2 Nephi 25:23 | Ephesians 2:5-8 | 1 Corinthians 15:10
Build upon the rock: Jacob 4:15-18 | Helaman 5:12 | Matthew 7:24-27
Come unto me: 3 Nephi 9:13-22 | 3 Nephi 18:25 | Matthew 11:28-30
Watch and pray always 3 Nephi 18:15-18 | Alma 13:28 | Alma 34:39 | Luke 22:31-32
The Lord commands and provides a way: 1 Nephi 3:7 | 1 Corinthians 10:13
The power of God: Moroni 7:33 | Moroni 10:32-33 | Jeremiah 32:17 | Isaiah 40:4-18 | Matthew 19:26
The love of God: 1 Nephi 11:7-23 | Moroni 7:43-48 | Romans 8:35-39 | 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
I am the Light, the Life, and the Resurrection: 3 Nephi 11:8-17 | 2 Nephi 7:9-11 | Isaiah 50:9-11 | John 11:26-27
Search the scriptures: 2 Nephi 32:3-4 | John 5:39
He will succor His people: Alma 7:7-12 | Isaiah 53:4-6
Follow the strait and narrow way: 2 Nephi 9:41, 2 Nephi 31:17-21 | Matthew 7:13-14 |
Put on the armor of God: 2 Nephi 4:34 | Ephesians 6:10-18
In the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses
The Bible and Book of Mormon prove each other true, and they reinforce each other in their doctrine. To see for yourself how thoroughly and completely they fit together, see my Church page. This will show you the doctrines of Christ's church both at the time of Moses and in His time as described in the Bible. It will also show you where to find the same doctrines in the Book of Mormon.
Jews the world over have for millennia treasured the Old Testament containing hundreds of prophecies concerning their Messiah. From Zechariah's prophecy concerning the coming of the Lord in the latter-days to save Israel from her enemies and of His triumphal arrival in Jerusalem atop the "colt of an ass" amidst the waving of the palms, to king David's prophecies about His suffering and resurrection, to Isaiah's prophecies concerning His ministry, the Old Testament points repeatedly to Jesus Christ of Nazareth who said, "[the scriptures] testify of me" and "Before Abraham was, I am" and "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (John 5:39, 8:58, Luke 4:21, Isaiah 61:1-3)
Christians have read and loved the gospels, containing the Savior's many miracles and teachings. We have studied and savored Peter's and Pauls powerful sermons on grace and salvation, the role of good works, the importance of sacrifice unto righteousness, and many of the functions of Christ's church.
And now, the Lord has seen fit to reveal the Book of Mormon - a record of the prophets of ancient America who also foretold extensively the coming of Jesus Christ "many hundred years before His coming". The Book of Mormon also tells of the miracles He performed and the doctrines He taught while among the Nephites, following His resurrection. (These links point to articles on my blog.) In reading those, you'll notice the Book of Mormon contains His Beattitudes, His Sermon on the Mount, and His parables. This should not surprise or offend anyone, for He is the same God today, yesterday and tomorrow. He teaches the same gospel to all His people, all over the world - the Book of Mormon is proof of it. To put it in His words, "...in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." (Matthew 18:16)
America in the Scriptures
People often wonder why it is that the Bible seems to contain no prophecy concerning America in the latter days. As I have already shown, it does contain references to The Book of Mormon, which is loaded with prophecies about latter-day America:
- the discovery of America/establishment of the United States foretold in 570 B.C. (1 Nephi 19:8, 2 Nephi 5:28-31)
- the exploration of Christopher Columbus (1 Nephi 13:12)
- the Revolutionary War (1 Nephi 13:16-19)
- The resurrected Savior's prophecies concerning the restoration of the gospel in America and warnings about what will happen if we reject it (3 Nephi 16)
- a promise that the words of ancient American Jewish prophets (descendants of Joseph who was sold into Egypt) would be published in the latter-days at a time when Israel would begin to be gathered with America's help. This is the sign that the Lord's work has begun again (3 Nephi 21), compare Ezekiel 37 as described above
- warnings that the formation of "secret combinations" (i.e. "political establishment", "lobbyists" etc...) would bring about political turmoil and destruction in latter-day America, exactly as they had done in ancient America (3 Nephi 7:6-8, Alma 37:30-31, Ether 8)
Search Diligently in the Light of Christ
Those not familiar with the Book of Mormon worry and warn about being "deceived by the Mormons". But the Book of Mormon contains this counsel, which if followed, will assure us the ability to identify the works of God with His help, and not be led astray:
"...the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil ...see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged. Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ." (Moroni 7:14-19)
To the ears of any believer in the Bible, does this sound like the words of someone who is trying to deceive the world? I think not. Did not the Savior tell us how to know a true prophet from a false one, saying, "by their fruits shall ye know them?" (see Matthew 7:20)
Biblical Prophecy is Being Fulfilled
If Ezekiel's stick of Joseph and Ephraim really is available for reading in our day, don't you want to know what's in it? If Isaiah's sealed book really has been read by the unlearned through the power of God and revealed to the world, wouldn't every Bible-loving Christian under heaven want to read it too? If John the Revelator's angel has indeed come flying through the midst of heaven, if there really is revelation given once again to prophets and apostles, if the Lord really has begun His marvelous work and wonder again, don't you want to be a part of it? Don't you want to know what that will mean for you in your life?
What volume, other than the Book of Mormon, claims to be just such scripture? What other volume claims to be written by the descendants of Joseph, as Ezekiel prophesied? What other volume so completely matches Isaiah's description of a sealed book? What other religion on earth has claimed to be visited by angels in the latter days, as John the Revelator prophesied?
There is no other such volume beside the Book of Mormon, and no other religion beside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has the audacity to make such claims. Even we would not make such claims if we had not been commanded of God so to do. To the first apostles to be called in the latter days the Lord said:
"Go ye into all the world, preach the gospel to every creature, acting in the authority which I have given you, baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost... behold, you are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers; to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men; And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it. These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words." (Doctrine and Covenants 18:32-36, 68:8)
If we truly believe the Bible, that its prophecies must all be fulfilled, and if, against this biblical backdrop, we understand what the Book of Mormon claims to be, then the arrival of this self-proclaimed volume of scripture demands further investigation. The Book of Mormon presents us an opportunity to act on our faith in the Bible. (see James 1:22) The Jews at the time of Christ rejected both Him and the testimony of His prophets and apostles concerning Him - a testimony that went on to become the New Testament. In light of the fact that the Bible foretells the coming of more revelation and more scripture, let not mainstream Christians make the same mistake regarding His latter-day prophets and apostles, and the Book of Mormon.
The Lord has said, concerning His latter-day revelations:
I challenge all who profess belief in the Bible to read the Book of Mormon and prayerfully learn for themselves, directly from the Lord by the power of His promised Comforter - a "familiar spirit" to those who recognize its whisperings - concerning its divine origin. (see Moroni 10:3-5, James 1:5-6, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16, John 14:26)
Also of Interest
www.mormon.org: Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon
www.lds.org: Read the Book of Mormon online
LDS Lowerlight: The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
LDS Lower Light: How to Obtain a Spiritual Witness
LDS Lower LIght: How to Pray
Mormon Scholarship and Evangelical Neglect - Losing the Battle and Not Even Knowing It?
Maxwell Institute of Religion: The Prophetic Book of Mormon - A Critical Textual Examination
www.mormon.org: Meet with LDS Missionaries | Come to Church with Us!
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