Testimony of The Book of Mormon

[Finrock]

I want to be a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I want to be able to say to someone that if I am not a true disciple of Jesus Christ then the Book of Mormon is not true, and I want this statement to actually be true.

Is such a thing possible? Is what I am saying nonsense? Is it boastful? Prideful?

I see the Book of Mormon as a guide to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I believe that we can liken all aspects of the BoM scripture to our individual lives. When I read about Nephi receiving extraordinary power and knowledge like the ability to construct a ship without any knowledge before hand, I think to myself that this is amazing. But I don't just leave it there, I believe I also can experience such things. I believe God is no respector of persons. When I see the trials that Alma and the sons of Mosiah went through, I know that I'm no more or less special to the Lord. If they had to wade through such trials to gain exaltation and to exercise faith even when threatened with death, then why should I think to skate through life only casually living the gospel of Jesus Christ, while never really giving my all, like I promised?

I see the brother of Jared and he saw the Lord Jesus Christ. If the brother of Jared, then why not Finrock? And if I can also see the Lord, then what must I do in order to return back in to the presence of the Lord? The Book of Mormon is this guide. It is the answer and it will lead us back in to the presence of the Father. I love the Book of Mormon. If we carefully read and study the BoM we can learn how to purge out all remnants of the traditions of our fathers and replace them with the traditions of our Heavenly Father. I believe that the BoM will literally draw us closer to the Savior than any other book on this earth.

My final example is from 3 Nephi 7. This is speaking about Nephi:

"18 And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily."

When I read this, I ask myself, "How can I obtain this gift?" I want to be able to preach with such power that it is not possible that one could disbelieve my testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. I believe firmly that God does not want us to just intellectually know about such gifts, I believe He wants us all to obtain all good gifts from Him. He loves all of us and is willing to come as close to us as we are willing and able to stand.

Heber C. Kimbal says something that has struck me and changed my way of thinking. He says, all truth is life, and life is light. As I feast upon the truths within the Book of Mormon I am filling myself with life. This is why the seed of faith begins to grow within us, because now the ground that was barren and had no life, is restored to life. And so we continue to feast upon the words of Christ. We treasure truths when we accept them and then apply them in our lives. So if we fill ourselves with truth, by treasuring truth, then we are filling ourselves with life and light. The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel, therefore by feasting upon truths within the BoM and treasuring them up within us, we will be lead to a fullness of truth, and life, and light.

So, if I follow the guidance of the BoM and learn to actualize the truths that I learn in the BoM in my life, THEN could I say, and it would be true, that if I am not a disciple of Jesus Christ, then the Book of Mormon is not true.

Regards,

Finrock

Edited June 13, 2013 by Finrock

[bytor2112]

“Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life.”- Ezra Taft Benson

“No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon.” -Joseph Fielding Smith

The plain fact is that salvation itself is at stake in this matter. If the Book of Mormon is true—if it is a volume of holy scripture, if it contains the mind and will and voice of the Lord to all men, if it is a divine witness of the prophetic call of Joseph Smith—then to accept it and believe its doctrines is to be saved, and to reject it and walk contrary to its teachings is to be damned.

Let this message be sounded in every ear with an angelic trump; let it roll round the earth in resounding claps of never-ending thunder; let it be whispered in every heart by the still, small voice. Those who believe the Book of Mormon and accept Joseph Smith as a prophet thereby open the door to salvation; those who reject the book outright or who simply fail to learn its message and believe its teachings never so much as begin to travel that course along the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life.-Bruce R McConkie

[classylady]

I want to be a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I want to be able to say to someone that if I am not a true disciple of Jesus Christ then the Book of Mormon is not true, and I want this statement to actually be true.

So, if I follow the guidance of the BoM and learn to actualize the truths that I learn in the BoM in my life, THEN could I say, and it would be true, that if I am not a disciple of Jesus Christ, then the Book of Mormon is not true.

Regards,

Finrock

I agree with you Finrock, that if we have a testimony of the Book of Mormon, that it should reflect in our lives. But, I think that being a true disciple of Jesus Christ would need to be defined. None of us are perfect, and non-lds, along with detractors of the Church may be quick to jump onto anything they see as negative, and say "see?, I told you the LDS Church can't be true, because look at him and see what he did".

I will always remember this story, and I apologize, but I can't remember if I heard this first-hand from a friend, or if I heard this in a church meeting: A woman was attending a Stake Relief Society meeting. As she was sitting in the audience, she watched the Relief Society Presidency come in and take their seats on the stand. She noticed none of them were smiling or seemed happy. To her it looked like they all had permanent frown lines on their faces. The woman decided then and there that the church must not be true, because the Relief Society Stake Presidency weren't smiling.

As I heard this story, and as I have thought about this, I've come to the conclusion that many people are very quick to make judgments. This woman thought the Relief Society Presidency should have been smiling. Perhaps, the Presidency had just heard about the death of a member, or someone they cared about just found out they had cancer. There could have been any number of reasons for the sober faces of the Presidency. Perhaps, they just had a hard calling, and were struggling like everyone else to do the best they can, and found it overwhelming. To me, the woman in the audience was looking for any excuse she could find in order to justify leaving the church.

I think it will be true for any of us that profess the divinity of the Book of Mormon, that our lives will be under a microscope. Every thing we do or say can become fodder for non-believers. Hopefully, they would be able to look at the good in us, and see that we are true disciples of Christ.

Edited June 12, 2013 by classylady

[Traveler]

I want to be a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I want to be able to say to someone that if I am not a true disciple of Jesus Christ then the Book of Mormon is not true, and I want this statement to actually be true.

Is such a thing possible? Is what I am saying nonsense? Is it boastful? Prideful?

I see the Book of Mormon as a guide to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I believe that we can liken all aspects of the BoM scripture to our individual lives. When I read about Nephi receiving extraordinary power and knowledge like the ability to construct a ship without any knowledge before hand, I think to myself that this is amazing. But I don't just leave it there, I believe I also can experience such things. I believe God is no respector of persons. When I see the trials that Alma and the sons of Mosiah went through, I know that I'm no more or less special to the Lord. If they had to wade through such trials to gain exaltation and to exercise faith even when threatened to death, then why should I think to skate through life only casually living the gospel of Jesus Christ, while never really giving my all, like I promised?

I see the brother of Jared and he saw the Lord Jesus Christ. If the brother of Jared, then why not Finrock? And if I can also see the Lord, then what must I do in order to return back in to the presence of the Lord? The Book of Mormon is this guide. It is the answer and it will lead us back in to the presence of the Father. I love the Book of Mormon. If we carefully read and study the BoM we can learn how to purge out all remnants of the traditions of our fathers and replace them with the traditions of our Heavenly Father. I believe that the BoM will literally draw us closer to the Savior than any other book on this earth.

My final example is from 3 Nephi 7. This is speaking about Nephi:

"18 And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily."

When I read this, I ask myself, "How can I obtain this gift?" I want to be able to preach with such power that it is not possible that one could disbelieve my testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. I believe firmly that God does not want us to just intellectually know about such gifts, I believe He wants us all to obtain all good gifts from Him. He loves all of us and is willing to come as close to us as we are willing and able to stand.

Heber C. Kimbal says something that has struck me and changed my way of thinking. He says, all truth is life, and life is light. As I feast upon the truths within the Book of Mormon I am filling myself with life. This is why the seed of faith begins to grow within us, because now the ground that was barren and had no life, is restored to life. And so we continue to feast upon the words of Christ. We treasure truths when we accept them and then apply them in our lives. So if we fill ourselves with truth, by treasuring truth, then we are filling ourselves with life and light. The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel, therefore by feasting upon truths within the BoM and treasuring them up within us, we will be lead to a fullness of truth, and life, and light.

So, if I follow the guidance of the BoM and learn to actualize the truths that I learn in the BoM in my life, THEN could I say, and it would be true, that if I am not a disciple of Jesus Christ, then the Book of Mormon is not true.

Regards,

Finrock

Many years ago I had served in the military as well as a mission. When I returned home and became involved in college, work and life in general I felt out of place. A Native American mission companion suggested what he called a “Dream Quest” to become better connected to my spiritual roots. I thought it a good idea. I did not even finish classes that semester but notified my friends and family that I would be gone for about a month and an half and not to look for me. I walked into the wilderness of South Central Utah not far from Canyon Lands for a 40 day fast of sorts in the wilderness living on only what G-d would provide. I expected this would be a spiritual experience comparable to Nephi with his father in the wilderness.

While so engaged thinking I was making great progress in reaching new heights in spirituality I came across a lost individual that was part of a prison release program. He had a new pair of boots that had worn blisters rendering him unable to walk very well. I shared with him what food (mostly grubs and roots) and water I had and made a fire to keep us for the night. He remained week and I feared if I left him for help that he would parish before I could get help back.

At one point all my resources were gone and our progress was very slow trying to get past the Henry Mountains. As we entered a valley with the mountains behinds us we had gone for two days without water. I have found an abandoned mining camp (which I knew had to have a water source) but we could not find any water. It was mid morning, hot and about 15 miles across a valley to other mountains that showed signs of water but I did not think Enoch (his name) could make it and I feared that my helping him would cost me my life as well. I told Enoch we needed to pray together - he had never prayed before and was hesitant but I convinced him. It was a very spiritual occurrence for both of us. Shortly after our prayer and starting to cross the valley we discovered a hidden spring. I am convinced that spring saved our lives. A few days later we were discovered by a posy looking for Enoch thinking he was trying to escape. They offered to take me back but I had what I thought was unfinished business.

I spent the next few weeks not seeing another human and thinking angles would appear before I went home - but it never happened. I finely left the wilderness thinking I had failed and that Enoch had ruined my chance of a Enos or Nephi experience. During this time I read Book of Mormon twice.

I have a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon that has remained and grown with me since I was 13 - which is another story. But since my days in the wilderness living off the land I have come to realize what a wonderful spiritual gift my wilderness experience was. Many times in my life I have relied on little lesson realized during this quest of my youth. Most important is that conversing with angles is not as great a spiritual achievement as knelling with someone for their first prayer. Enoch was baptized and released from prison then was shortly thereafter killed in a private airplane crash.

The Traveler

[Dravin]

I want to be able to say to someone that if I am not a true disciple of Jesus Christ then the Book of Mormon is not true, and I want this statement to actually be true.

The truthfulness of the Book of Mormon is not predicated on Finrock being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

[Finrock]

Hi Dravin. I hope all is well with you. :)

The truthfulness of the Book of Mormon is not predicated on Finrock being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

I can totally understand why you would think that this is what I am saying, but in fact I am not saying that at all (or at least that is not what I was intending to say). It is absurd to think that the truthfulness of the BoM is contingent upon me being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon professes to be a book that will bring you to Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon professes to contain the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I start with the axiom that the BoM is an instruction manual, so to speak, to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ. If this is true, then a person who desires to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ can expect to be able to attain this desire by following the instruction and applying and making real the principles of truth that are contained within the BoM.

If someone becomes a true disciple of Jesus Christ because they applied the principles of truth the BoM contains, then this is powerful evidence that the BoM is true.

The problem, as classylady pointed out, is how does one know that they are a true disciple? Or, what does it mean to be a true disciple? Well, this is where I believe we can look in the BoM to see what will be the fruits of those that are true discipes. One scripture off the top of my head is where Jesus says that the way you can know a true disciple is that they will have love for all of those around them. My point is that true discipleship will, by natural consequence of righteous living, result in the manifestation of God"s power and glory.

Regards,

Finrock

Edited June 12, 2013 by Finrock
Clarification, spelling, other.

[ElectofGod]

Amen.

When I read about Nephi receiving extraordinary power and knowledge like the ability to construct a ship without any knowledge before hand, I think to myself that this is amazing. But I don't just leave it there, I believe I also can experience such things.

This was a wakeup call for me a little while ago. How many of us state, "our government will fall", "secret combinations are above us", "things are too awful to do anything", than someone said what you just did...God is mightier than the nations of the world combined.

God can do anything. We should seek his will for us to know how we can for ourselves accomplish it, whatever the goal is. He will show US how to overcome that which seems hopeless even if others don't follow.

The book of mormon is absolutely true record that I am attempting to make it a serious study in my life. My attempt will succeed

[skalenfehl]

Beautiful post, Finrock. I love reading posts like this. The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel. First Nephi alone contains the fullness. If Nephi had not written any more and if we only had First Nephi (and not any more of the Book of Mormon), we would still have the fullness of the gospel for Nephi exemplified the path. It is possible, by following his example, for any of us to obtain the same fullness. This is what Nephi was trying to teach so plainly. Thank you, Finrock, for sharing that!

[Maureen]

...I spent the next few weeks not seeing another human and thinking angles would appear before I went home - but it never happened. I finely left the wilderness thinking I had failed and that Enoch had ruined my chance of a Enos or Nephi experience. During this time I read Book of Mormon twice.

I have a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon that has remained and grown with me since I was 13 - which is another story. But since my days in the wilderness living off the land I have come to realize what a wonderful spiritual gift my wilderness experience was. Many times in my life I have relied on little lesson realized during this quest of my youth. Most important is that conversing with angles is not as great a spiritual achievement as knelling with someone for their first prayer. Enoch was baptized and released from prison then was shortly thereafter killed in a private airplane crash.

Traveler, your story reminds me of this scripture:

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2)

M.

[prisonchaplain]

Silly outsider question, but doesn't the Doctrine and Covenants have more of the teachings that are unique to LDS? The BoM reads much like the Old Testament to me. If I want to know what makes your church different, the D&C would seem to be the place to find out quickly. No?

[skalenfehl]

Silly outsider question, but doesn't the Doctrine and Covenants have more of the teachings that are unique to LDS? The BoM reads much like the Old Testament to me. If I want to know what makes your church different, the D&C would seem to be the place to find out quickly. No?

PC, the Book of Mormon, like the Bible, contains the fullness of the Gospel, and yes, while the D&C does also make us unique with further modern revelations, the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion for if this book fails, the church fails for it was given to us through Joseph Smith who restored the church. If the Bible is false, then all of Christianity is false. But if the Book of Mormon is false, then the LDS church is false and the D&C right with it.

[bytor2112]

Silly outsider question, but doesn't the Doctrine and Covenants have more of the teachings that are unique to LDS? The BoM reads much like the Old Testament to me. If I want to know what makes your church different, the D&C would seem to be the place to find out quickly. No?

Ezra Taft Benson referred to the Book of Mormon as the keystone and the Doctrine and Covenants as the cap stone. In the Doctrine and Covenants is found further testimony of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon.

Many Eternal truths that are particular to Latter Day Saints are found in the Book of Mormon. Just to name a few:

1. The doctrine of the Fall..."Adam fell that man might be....."

2. The visitation of the "other sheep" by the Savior around a year after HIS resurrection.

3. Plan of redemption laid out in pre-mortal life.

4. Agency

5. Ordinances such as baptism and the Sacrament

5. Unnecessary to baptize children

6. Foreordination

7. American civilizations that believed in and had a hope of the promised Messiah

8 Prophets in the Americas

All pretty much unique to LDS teaching and found in the BOM.

[Guest]

Silly outsider question, but doesn't the Doctrine and Covenants have more of the teachings that are unique to LDS? The BoM reads much like the Old Testament to me. If I want to know what makes your church different, the D&C would seem to be the place to find out quickly. No?

No. The Book of Mormon is still it. We're talking about what makes us a true disciple of Christ, not a true non-Catholic/non-Protestant/etc...

[Anddenex]

Silly outsider question, but doesn't the Doctrine and Covenants have more of the teachings that are unique to LDS? The BoM reads much like the Old Testament to me. If I want to know what makes your church different, the D&C would seem to be the place to find out quickly. No?

What PC was really trying to find out, is it possible to read only one book instead of 4 books? Nope, I am sorry PC, you will still need to read all 4 books to understand our doctrine.

No shortcuts or easy buttons PC, only the path less trodden...

[prisonchaplain]

I think many Protestants--especially us ministers--like declarative teachings. Paul's writings are an example. "This is true and here's why..." The D&C seems like more of a teaching document, whereas the BoM is mostly stories, with some teachings sprinkled in. Nevertheless, I see the point. Likewise, we couldn't enjoy Paul's writings unless the gospels and the Acts were true.

[sarah331]

What PC was really trying to find out, is it possible to read only one book instead of 4 books? Nope, I am sorry PC, you will still need to read all 4 books to understand our doctrine.

No shortcuts or easy buttons PC, only the path less trodden...

Which is why I read every night in my quest to finish all 4 before deciding to be baptized! I want to understand the doctrine as much as possible.

Finrock this is an interesting premise. From the little I've seen here you are quite faithful and it impresses me that you want to take it those steps further.

[Traveler]

I think many Protestants--especially us ministers--like declarative teachings. Paul's writings are an example. "This is true and here's why..." The D&C seems like more of a teaching document, whereas the BoM is mostly stories, with some teachings sprinkled in. Nevertheless, I see the point. Likewise, we couldn't enjoy Paul's writings unless the gospels and the Acts were true.

The Book of Mormon is rich in symbolism and like the parables of Christ will only be appreciated by those that have eyes that see and ears that hear.

The Traveler

[Just_A_Guy]

Nevertheless, I see the point. Likewise, we couldn't enjoy Paul's writings unless the gospels and the Acts were true.

And that what makes the Doctrine and Covenants so . . . I don't want to say "suspect", but maybe "tricky", in my opinion. The D&C isn't one individual document. It's not even fourteen (or thirteen) separate documents, like the Pauline epistles. It's one hundred and thirty eight separate documents, with no other canonized unifying Gospel narrative tying them all together and contextualizing the documents.

I, personally, have a hard time getting much out of reading the D&C unless I'm simultaneously working through other sources that provide me with historical data about what was going on at the time each individual document was received, biographical data about the people involved in those documents, and so on.

The Book of Mormon, by contrast, does a pretty decent job of independently drawing readers into its universe without needing a lot of external study aids.

Edited June 13, 2013 by Just_A_Guy

[skalenfehl]

I think many Protestants--especially us ministers--like declarative teachings. Paul's writings are an example. "This is true and here's why..."

PC, bear with me and my lengthy reply, please. I think you will like these declarative teachings.

Nephi, the first Book of Mormon prophet delcares regarding his teachings and prophecies:

He begins his record with

1 Nephi 1:3 And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.

He ends his record with:

2 Nephi 33:10 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.

11 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.

15 For what I seal on earth, shall be brought against you at the judgment bar; for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey. Amen.

Many prophets thereafter prophecied and declared revelations all the way to the last prophets, namely Mormon and his son Moroni, the last two writers of the Book of Mormon. Fast forward to the last prophet of the Book of Mormon who makes his own account before hiding up the record:

Mormon 8:1 Behold I, Moroni, do finish the record of my father, Mormon. Behold, I have but few things to write, which things I have been commanded by my father...

12 And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you.

Moroni was forbidden to include all the revelations and prophecies from the foundation of the world to the end of the Millennium (sealed portion).

14 And I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless.

15 For none can have power to bring it to light save it be given him of God; for God wills that it shall be done with an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people of the Lord.

35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

Moroni finishes his father's book by telling us that he has see our day and how corrupt and polluted we have all become. He continues in the next chapter:

8 Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them.

32 And now, behold, we have written this record according to our knowledge, in the characters which are called among us the reformed Egyptian, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of speech.

33 And if our plates had been sufficiently large we should have written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no imperfection in our record.

34 But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also that none other people knoweth our language; and because that none other people knoweth our language, therefore he hath prepared means for the interpretation thereof.

35 And these things are written that we may rid our garments of the blood of our brethren, who have dwindled in unbelief.

Finally, before Moroni finishes his own record, he leaves us his own declaration:

Moroni 10:2 And I seal up these records, after I have spoken a few words by way of exhortation unto you.

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

And finally he concludes:

27 And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust?

28 I declare these things unto the fulfilling of the prophecies. And behold, they shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the everlasting God; and his word shall hiss forth from generation to generation.

29 And God shall show unto you, that that which I have written is true.

34 And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.

Essentially, what we have is additional witnesses from another tribe of Israel that what they have taught, prophecied and declared are in perfect harmony with their brothers in Jerusalem as recorded in the Bible.

PC, I think you will enjoy this one by Lehi who prophecies of Joseph Smith. Before he died, Lehi blessed his children and here's what he told to his youngest son, who he named after his ancestor, Joseph, who was sold into Egypt:

3 And now, Joseph, my last-born, whom I have brought out of the wilderness of mine afflictions, may the Lord bless thee forever, for thy seed shall not utterly be destroyed.

4 For behold, thou art the fruit of my loins; and I am a descendant of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt. And great were the covenants of the Lord which he made unto Joseph.

5 Wherefore, Joseph truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off, nevertheless, to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light—yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto freedom.

6 For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins.

7 Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers.

8 And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work.

9 And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel.

10 And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt.

11 But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins—and not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them.

12 Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.

13 And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.

14 And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I am sure of the fulfilling of this promise;

15 And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation.

16 Yea, thus prophesied Joseph: I am sure of this thing, even as I am sure of the promise of Moses; for the Lord hath said unto me, I will preserve thy seed forever.

This prophetic declaration alone, especially verse 12, tells us that the Bible and the Book of Mormon (stick of Judah/stick of Joseph) are two records, which shall testify not only that the Bible is true, but that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was raised up to restore God's Kingdom on the earth.

The old Testament Prophet, Ezekiel, confirms this:

Ezekiel 37:15 The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,

16 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:

17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.

18 And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?

19 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.

These are as plain as revelation and prophecy can be declared unto any reader who believes in Jesus Christ.

Edited June 14, 2013 by skalenfehl

[prisonchaplain]

And that what makes the Doctrine and Covenants so . . . I don't want to say "suspect", but maybe "tricky", in my opinion. The D&C isn't one individual document. It's not even fourteen (or thirteen) separate documents, like the Pauline epistles. It's one hundred and thirty eight separate documents, with no other canonized unifying Gospel narrative tying them all together and contextualizing the documents.

I, personally, have a hard time getting much out of reading the D&C unless I'm simultaneously working through other sources that provide me with historical data about what was going on at the time each individual document was received, biographical data about the people involved in those documents, and so on.

The Book of Mormon, by contrast, does a pretty decent job of independently drawing readers into its universe without needing a lot of external study aids.

Sounds like good justification for your church history scholars. Maybe there will be commentaries some day.

[Guest brornBamb]

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[Guest brornBamb]

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[Guest brornBamb]

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