Appendix B

“Plain and Precious Truths”

The Book of Mormon was prepared to come forth during the last days, a time of widespread confusion about doctrine, or God’s eternal truth. Part of that book’s divine purpose is, as Nephi foresaw, to “establish the truth of the [Bible],” to “make known the plain and precious things” that have been lost over the centuries, and to “make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world” (1 Nephi 13:40).

The Book of Mormon reveals eternal truths that were lost during the Apostasy and adds a second, clarifying witness to many truths taught in the Bible. Here are just a few of those truths. Look for these and other plain and precious truths as you study the Book of Mormon.

The Godhead

• Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are separate beings but one in purpose (see 3 Nephi 11:32, 36).

• The resurrected Savior has a tangible body (see 3 Nephi 11:10–17).

Additional scriptures about the Godhead: 2 Nephi 31:6–8; Ether 12:41

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

• Jesus Christ suffered for our sins and afflictions so He would know how to succor us (see Alma 7:11–13).

• We can become perfected through the grace of Jesus Christ (see Moroni 10:32–33).

Additional scriptures about the Savior’s Atonement: 1 Nephi 10:6; 2 Nephi 2:6–9; Jacob 4:11–12; Mosiah 3:1–19; Alma 34:8–16

The Plan of Salvation

• The Fall of Adam and Eve was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan (see 2 Nephi 2:22–27).

• Opposition was necessary for us to be able to exercise agency (see 2 Nephi 2:11–16).

• We will be judged according to our works and the desires of our hearts (see Alma 41:3–7).

• The “lake of fire and brimstone” is symbolic of the anguish of the unrepentant (see 2 Nephi 9:16–19; Mosiah 3:24–27).

Additional scriptures about the plan of salvation: 2 Nephi 9:11–26; Alma 22:12–14; 34:31–35; 42:1–26

The Apostasy and the Restoration

• The Great Apostasy occurred because of wickedness and unbelief (see Mormon 8:28, 31–41).

• The Book of Mormon establishes the truths taught in the Bible (see 1 Nephi 13:19–41; 2 Nephi 3:12).

• Christ’s Church should be called in His name (see 3 Nephi 27:3–9).

Additional scriptures about the Apostasy: 1 Nephi 13:1–9, 24–29; 2 Nephi 27–28

Additional scriptures about the Restoration: 1 Nephi 14:7–12; 22:7–11; 2 Nephi 3:7–24; 25:17–18

Prophets and Revelation

• All prophets testify of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 13:33–35).

• A knowledge of spiritual truth comes through the Holy Ghost (see Alma 5:45–47).

• The Bible does not contain all of God’s word (see 2 Nephi 29:10–13).

• Revelation from God has not ceased in our day (see Mormon 9:7–9).

Additional scriptures about prophets: 1 Nephi 22:1–2; Mosiah 8:16–18; Helaman 13:24–33

Additional scriptures about revelation: Jacob 4:8; Alma 12:9–11; 17:2–3; Moroni 10:5

Priesthood

• Priesthood holders were called and prepared from the foundation of the world (see Alma 13:1–3).

• A person must receive authority from God to preach the gospel (see Mosiah 23:17).

Additional scriptures about the priesthood: Mosiah 18:17–20; Alma 13; Helaman 10:7

Ordinances and Covenants

• Baptism is essential to receive eternal life (see 2 Nephi 31:4–13, 17–18).

• Baptism must be performed by immersion (see 3 Nephi 11:23–27).

• Little children have no need to be baptized (see Moroni 8:8–12).

• Ordinances must be administered according to the commandments of Christ by someone with proper authority (see Mosiah 18:17–18; 3 Nephi 11:21–27; Moroni 4:1).

Additional scriptures about ordinances: Mosiah 18:8–17; 21:33–35; Alma 13:16; 3 Nephi 18:1–11; Moroni 2–6; 8:4–26

Additional scriptures about covenants: 2 Nephi 11:5; Mosiah 5:1–9; Alma 24:17–18

Marriage and Family

• Husbands and wives should love one another (see Jacob 3:5–7).

• Parents should raise up their children unto the Lord (see 1 Nephi 7:1).

Additional scriptures about marriage and family: 1 Nephi 1:1; 2 Nephi 25:26; Jacob 2:23–28; Enos 1:1; Mosiah 4:14–15; 3 Nephi 18:21

Commandments

• The Lord will prepare a way for us to accomplish His commandments (see 1 Nephi 3:7).

• God promises to bless us if we keep His commandments (see Mosiah 2:22–24).

Additional scriptures about commandments: 1 Nephi 17:3; 22:30–31; Alma 37:13, 35; 50:20