What Is the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ appears to the people of the ancient Americas

The Book of Mormon in 60 Seconds

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Four things everyone should know about the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is an ancient record that teaches about Jesus. The men, women, and families in the Book of Mormon struggled with life’s challenges, just like we do. We can see ourselves in their stories, and be inspired to be better and help others like Jesus did. Here are four things you should know about this sacred book:

1. The Book of Mormon, like the Bible, is the word of God

Just like God spoke to Moses and Noah in the Bible, He also instructed His prophets in the Americas to keep a record of His teachings and laws. Their writings were eventually gathered into one book by a prophet named Mormon. The Book of Mormon’s words affirm Jesus’s life, ministry, and His act of saving us from sin and overcoming death. In fact, the highlight of the Book of Mormon is when Jesus came to visit the people in the ancient Americas.

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul taught, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1). When God teaches an important principle, He sends another source to confirm it. The Book of Mormon and the Bible are witnesses of each other. As many people today drift from God and religion, having more than one witness of God's words can help us stay on track (see 2 Nephi 29:7–8).

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2. It can add peace and meaning to your life

The Book of Mormon is a guidebook on how to live a life filled with peace and happiness.

A modern-day Apostle, Marion G. Romney, promised that when we read the Book of Mormon, “the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity —the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.”

3. Millions of people read the Book of Mormon

Millions all over the world have read it in their own language. They asked in prayer if it was the word of God. They got an answer—“Yes!” The Book of Mormon promises that if you ask God if it’s true, He will tell you. Which brings up another question: If you got that answer from God, would you follow it?

4. We can deliver a free Book of Mormon right to your door

If you want a Book of Mormon, you can have one at no cost. Local representatives will hand deliver your book, no matter where you live. They would be happy to show you a couple of their favorite stories.

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Common Questions

Here’s a short synopsis of the epic thousand-year history:

In essence, the Book of Mormon is a story about a family. Lehi is a prophet in Jerusalem. God warns Lehi in a dream to take his family and leave Jerusalem because it will be taken over. They cross the ocean to the Americas. Laman and Lemuel, the oldest sons, don’t believe their father Lehi was inspired. They are always complaining. Their younger brother Nephi is full of faith. Nephi is chosen by God to lead the family and be their teacher.

The people eventually split into two groups: the Nephites and the Lamanites. These groups are often at war and their faith is constantly being tested. This faith fills the pages of the Book of Mormon in the form of powerful sermons, life lessons, and spiritual experiences.

After Jesus is resurrected, He appears to the people in the Americas. He teaches them about baptism and forgiveness. He heals their sick and blesses their children. He establishes His Church. Unlike those in Jerusalem, the people listen to Jesus. Afterward, they live in peace for hundreds of years.

Over time, the people lose faith and war breaks out again, wiping out nearly the entire population.

Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon has many authors. It is a collection of journals and histories passed down from one writer to another over a period of about 1,000 years. The first author is the prophet Nephi, who left Jerusalem with his family in 600 BC and sailed to the Americas. Nephi passed the record to his younger brother, who then gave it to his son. Each author gave the record to someone they trusted. Mormon was the name of the prophet who gathered all the writings into one book, so it is called the Book of Mormon.

In 1823, Joseph Smith was led to the ancient records and translated them by the power of God.

The Book of Mormon supports the Bible and often clarifies the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Bible, both Mark and Luke tell the same stories about Jesus, but you can learn more when you get information from two perspectives.

Together, the Book of Mormon and Bible contain thousands of years’ worth of inspiration, guidance, and instruction. By studying both books, you can get a better understanding of who God is and what He wants for you.

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