To many in the world, Jesus Christ seems to be only a figure of history, and to others, an obscure figure of worship. For some though, He is a personal Savior and Redeemer, a friend even. Personally, I like to include myself among this latter group, and the Book of Mormon is what got me there.

I grew up in a home where my parents were always active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In our home, I felt like religion was a choice and not forced. So when I came to various crossroads (such as leaving high school, or getting up on a Sunday morning after a late Saturday night), I knew where my parents stood, but I also knew it was up to me if I wanted to stand with them.

I can remember what might have been the first spiritual crossroad. When I was about nine years old, I remember being at church, talking in front of a youth group around my age. While standing at the front of the room I said, “I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, live.” I also vividly remember the end of the phrase trailing off as my voice softened. I was doubting whether or not what I said was actually true.

Over the years, more questions crossed my mind like they had when I was standing in front of the church classroom at age nine. Every time those questions came up, so did the challenge to find the truth for myself through the Book of Mormon. Eventually I figured out the Lord was telling me that this book was meant for helping me find the answers to my questions about Him and His gospel.

The Book of Mormon is called “Another Testament of Jesus Christ;” Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) consider it another book of sacred scripture prophesying of Jesus Christ, telling His story, and unfolding His doctrine. From the single page of the introduction you can find out a lot about what it is, but most importantly I’ve come to realize for myself the truth of the promise that it’s the surest way to get nearer to God.

By reading the Book of Mormon I’ve read about people who lived in a part of the world where I don’t live, and in a period of time I’ve never seen. What we have in common, though, is mortality. They lived in this world, too, with the same commandments and accompanied promise of redemption through a Savior. The more this book is a part of my life, the clearer a reminder I have of things that don’t change no matter who we are, or where and when we are living.

In the most basic way, and like getting to know anyone else, just becoming familiar with someone brings us a little closer to them. Reading what’s in the Book of Mormon accomplishes that because everything within this book is centered on the Savior Jesus Christ. In the earlier chapters of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi says just that: And 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 (2 Nephi 25:26).

I’ve been able to draw nearer to the Savior by knowing He is the source from which I find a remission of my sins; I’ve come to know who He is and what He’s done for me. That knowledge has come through the Book of Mormon in a more complete way than I have been able to find anywhere else. Within its pages I have found comfort when I was terrified to do what the Lord was asking of me. I have found confirmation that I got something right, I have found direction, and I have found understanding.

And all this is just the beginning. Read it yourself to know if it’s true, and then keep reading to discover the truth that is there.

Our Savior Jesus Christ is out there, “steadfast and immovable.” To get closer to Him and to recognize the role He plays in our individual lives, we have to take the steps along the right path. The Book of Mormon tells us where He is, and the steps to take to get us there. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? That’s because it is. Simple, doesn’t necessarily mean easy, but in this case, it is worth it.

Orem, UT