Without the Book of Mormon, I Would Not Have Known

By Elder Craig Raeside

Area Seventy

Throughout my life I have read a lot of books—great adventures, fascinating histories, uplifting biographies, and informative professional books. While many have had a positive effect on my life, only one has completely changed it. The Book of Mormon has helped me draw nearer to God and to build my foundation on the rock of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ. (See Helaman 5:12.)

Testimony

Although not very active in the Church when I was 14, I was invited to attend seminary. By divine design, the Lord blessed me with a simple but profound answer to a prayer only a couple of days earlier and I was prepared to accept the invitation. That year, we studied the Book of Mormon. Through the support of a loving teacher and my classmates, I accepted the invitation to read the Book of Mormon during the year. More importantly, I accepted the prophet Moroni’s invitation to ask God if the book was true. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

Shortly after starting seminary, I approached my Father in Heaven again, with a sincere heart and real intent, wanting to know for myself if the Book of Mormon was true, and whether Joseph Smith had translated it by the gift and power of God as he had claimed. That same feeling I’d experienced earlier washed over me. That feeling of pure love burned through me, and I knew—absolutely knew—that the Book of Mormon was the word of God.

Simultaneously, I knew that because the Book of Mormon was true, Jesus Christ was my Saviour, Joseph Smith was His prophet, foreordained to restore the Lord’s true Church on this earth, and that a living prophet on the earth gave counsel and guidance that I needed to follow as I tried to live the commandments and standards of the Church. Those were profound things to know as a 14-year-old boy.

That knowledge changed me. I wanted to be good. I wanted to do the right things, and when I made mistakes, I felt sorry for what I had done, I repented, and relied on the Lord to help me to do better. My faith in Jesus Christ grew daily through my strengthening testimony and understanding of the teachings in the Book of Mormon.

President Russell M. Nelson asked Church members to consider three questions: “First, what would your life be like without the Book of Mormon? Second, what would you not know? And third, what would you not have”?¹

If you have not already done so, I invite you to prayerfully ponder those questions and answer them truthfully. When I answered them, my love and gratitude for the Book of Mormon, and Jesus Christ of whom it bears witness, increased greatly.

I would not have known about the great plan of redemption, the atoning sacrifice and grace of Jesus Christ, or of the teachings of living prophets. My life is what it is because of the Book of Mormon. The principles in it help me stay on the covenant path in a deteriorating world.

Family Blessings

President Marion G. Romney (1897–1988), former second counselor in the First Presidency promised:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, 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.”²

When we had five young children, our family struggled to follow this prophetic counsel. It took us about 18 months to finally finish reading the Book of Mormon. Most days we read a page. Each of us read a verse and we helped our youngest daughter, aged four, repeat a verse after one of us read for her. To celebrate, we all went out to eat, and at the table I asked my family what their favourite Book of Mormon story is. The stories included Alma among the Zoramites, the journey to the promised land by Lehi’s family, Helaman and the stripling warriors, Mormon and Moroni, the missionary labors of Ammon, and the conversion of Alma the Younger. Finally, our four-year old daughter added her voice. She said, “Just Jesus!” She taught us a powerful lesson of childlike faith that day.

Invitation and Promise

President Nelson taught:

“When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word power. The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls. . . .

“I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life.”³

Moroni’s promise applies to all who read the Book of Mormon, whether it be for the first or the fiftieth time. Remember faith and prayer, a sincere heart, and a real desire to learn. Combined with your determination to study, ponder, and pray, you too will obtain that testimony and receive the beautiful blessings it brings. This will be enhanced as you share the book and your testimony with others.

I invite you to make the Book of Mormon a part of your daily life. Learn its teachings, enjoy its stories, and follow the example of true followers of Jesus Christ. I promise, as you do so your faith in Christ will be strengthened, you will experience increased hope, and through the Lord’s tender mercies, you will feel the pure love of God fill your soul.