“Mormon 7: ‘A State of Happiness Which Hath No End,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Mormon 7,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Mormon 7

“A State of Happiness Which Hath No End”

Imagine what Mormon may have felt as he witnessed the sorrow and destruction caused by the final battles between the Nephites and Lamanites. Before these battles claimed his own life, Mormon concluded his writings by teaching of Jesus Christ and the eternal happiness that awaits those who follow Him. This lesson can help you follow Jesus Christ and prepare to live with God in eternal happiness.

The life of Mormon

Take the following quiz to see what you remember about the prophet Mormon.

Answers are found at the end of the lesson.

How was Mormon described in his youth? (See Mormon 1:2.)
1. He was an arms bearer in the Nephite army
2. He was scared
3. He was quick to observe
What did Mormon experience at the age of 15? (See Mormon 1:15.)
1. He was visited of the Lord
2. His preaching converted hundreds
3. He was injured in battle
Approximately how much of the Book of Mormon was written or abridged by Mormon?
1. 1/2
2. 2/3
3. 3/4

Mormon had the responsibility to abridge, write, and preserve the sacred scripture we now know as the Book of Mormon. Toward the end of his life, Mormon witnessed and participated in a great war between the Nephites and Lamanites. This war eventually cost Mormon his life (see Mormon 8:3). Prior to passing the sacred records to his son Moroni, Mormon wrote his final message to future readers of the Book of Mormon.

As you reflect on Mormon’s life, experience, and testimony, what do you think he might write in his final message to future Book of Mormon readers? Why?

As you study Mormon 7, look at how Mormon’s message might be meaningful not only to people in the midst of a war but to people in any circumstance in life.

What Mormon wants us to know

Read Mormon 7:2–7. Mark in your scriptures or list in your journal the things that Mormon wanted readers to know. Pay particular attention to what Mormon taught about Jesus Christ in verses 5–7.

You may have noticed that as Mormon was surrounded by wickedness and war, he looked to the Resurrection and redemption of Jesus Christ. He taught that because of Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and thus prepared to live with God in a state of happiness (see Mormon 7:7).

What are some challenges or negative influences that surround you?
How does a knowledge of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the potential for eternal happiness serve as a source of hope and strength in your life right now?

Turning knowledge into action

Knowing we can dwell with God in eternal happiness can provide us with great hope. To help us achieve this happiness, Mormon encouraged us to turn knowledge into action. This is indicated by his use of the word “therefore” in verse 8.

In your study journal, write the following incomplete statement: “I can live with God in a state of happiness as I …”

Read Mormon 7:8–10 and complete the statement by writing at least three actions that Mormon invites us to take. Note that in verse 9, “this” refers to the Book of Mormon and “that” refers to the Holy Bible.

Choose two actions and answer the following questions:
- What are some ways we can apply these actions?
- How can these actions prepare us to receive the promised happiness available through Jesus Christ?

Reflect on how well you are acting on Mormon’s counsel. Look at the following scale and rate yourself in each category (1 = never; 5 = almost always).

Select one of Mormon’s invitations that you feel could help you seek the happiness available through Jesus Christ. Decide what you can do to act on that invitation and how it can help you focus on the Savior.

Answers to the quiz: 1) c; 2) a; 3) b (Words of Mormon–Mormon 7 and Moroni 7–9)

Optional: Want to Learn More?

Mormon 7:2. How can knowing I am of the house of Israel make a difference in my life?

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

One of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.” Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul! …

When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. So many issues become nonissues! You know how best to groom yourself. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and with whom to associate. You know what you want to accomplish. You know the kind of person you really want to become. (Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 92, 94)

Mormon 7:2. What does it mean to be of the house of Israel?

Being a part of the house of Israel means that you have a covenant relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It means that you, like Abraham, are meant to “be a blessing” to God’s children (Genesis 12:2; Abraham 2:9–11). It means, in the words of Peter, that “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). It means that you are one who “perseveres with God” as you honor your covenants with Him. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022, 41)

Mormon 7:9. How can the Book of Mormon increase my faith in the Holy Bible?

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

Love for the Book of Mormon expands one’s love for the Bible and vice versa. Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible. We are indebted to martyrs who gave their lives so that we could have the Bible. It establishes the everlasting nature of the gospel and of the plan of happiness. The Book of Mormon restores and underscores biblical doctrines such as tithing, the temple, the Sabbath day, and the priesthood. (Russell M. Nelson, “Scriptural Witnesses,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 43)