I Believe the Book of Mormon is the Word of God

With all my soul, I know the Book of Mormon is true. The Holy Spirit has revealed this to me, and I would be held accountable by God if I said otherwise.

From the Bible I learned of Jesus Christ and His ministry. But it is through the Book of Mormon that I have gained a conviction of His tender mercy for me individually and have wept at His incomprehensible sacrifice for all mankind because of His love. I understand more fully His nature, His plan for us and His eternal role in our lives. In humility and gratitude I desire to worship Him through service to others and by following His teachings.

The Book of Mormon, which includes an account of Christ’s ministry to the Americas after His death, shows that He is a personal God to all. In the book of 3 Nephi, Christ appears and explains that He has come, as the scriptures foretold. The multitude fell to the earth, for they remembered that it was prophesied that the Messiah would come after His ascension. With compassion He spoke to them:

Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

The Book of Mormon is comprised of sacred records written by ancient prophets. With each reading, I become more familiar with those mighty men whose personalities differ, but whose faith endured and inspired those of their time and ours. I am amazed that the struggles of two thousand years ago are still relevant to the troubles and torments of today. Throughout time, the Word of God has been consistent and his servants have given the same messages.

In my mind, the Bible and Book of Mormon have the perfect marriage. They stand independent of each other, but together are complete, making a perfect whole. This fact reminds me of Radio commentator, Paul Harvey who used to tell “the rest of the story.”

His radio program intrigued young and old alike. Each broadcast started with “You know what the news is; in a minute you’re going to hear the REST of the STORY.” He then recounted the unheard, fascinating details that provided the “big picture.” That additional information made all the difference. It was easy to make incorrect assumptions from the news, but hearing the whole story “put things right,” filling in the gaps and broadening understanding.

To me, the Book of Mormon is “the rest of the story.” It is another witness that Jesus is the Christ and who He proclaimed to be–the Holy Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer. It verifies God’s Word, complementing and clarifying the teachings in the Bible and completing the doctrine.

I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) my entire life. But I have found that conversion to the gospel is ongoing–it is not single-faceted, but a multi-dimensional process that deepens comprehension and commitment as I perceive the true message.

Through study of the Book of Mormon, the Holy Ghost verifies what I learn and my heart swells as I am touched by the truth. It is a gospel that enlightens, provides direction and leads to hope, progress and peace:

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.”

Denver, CO