Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemisphere (Jesus Christ Visits the Americas), by John Scott

Chapter 5

Use the Power of the Book of Mormon

Consider This

• How is the Book of Mormon the keystone of our religion?

• Why is the Book of Mormon so powerful in the conversion process?

• What does the Book of Mormon teach about Jesus Christ?

• How can I use the Book of Mormon to help myself and others draw closer to God?

• How does the Book of Mormon address the questions of the soul?

• How can I help people read and gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is your most powerful resource in conversion. This book is an ancient, sacred record written to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ (see the title page of the Book of Mormon). As its subtitle says, the Book of Mormon is “another testament of Jesus Christ.” It is also compelling evidence that God called Joseph Smith as a prophet and restored the gospel of Jesus Christ through him.

arched doorway with keystone

The Book of Mormon Is the Keystone of Our Religion

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the Book of Mormon is “the keystone of our religion” (introduction to the Book of Mormon). On another occasion he said: “Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 196).

An arch is a strong architectural structure made from wedge-shaped pieces that lean against each other. The middle piece, or keystone, is usually larger than the other wedges and holds them in place.

President Ezra Taft Benson said the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion in at least three ways:

Witness of Christ. “The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity.”

Fulness of doctrine. “The Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the ‘fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ’ [Doctrine and Covenants 20:9; 27:5]. … In the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of [the doctrine] required for our salvation. And [it is] taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation.”

Foundation of testimony. “Just as the arch crumbles if the keystone is removed, so does all the Church stand or fall with the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. … If the Book of Mormon be true … one must accept the claims of the Restoration.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 129, 131, 128.)

By gaining a testimony that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, we can know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Through him, God’s priesthood authority was restored by heavenly messengers. God also authorized Joseph to organize the Church of Jesus Christ. Revelation continues today through living prophets.

young man reading scriptures

The Book of Mormon Is Essential to Personal Conversion

An essential part of conversion is receiving a witness by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. As you read and study it sincerely, you will feel its words enlarge your soul. Its words will enlighten your understanding of life, of God’s plan, and of Jesus Christ (see Alma 32:28). Pray about the book with real intent and faith in Christ. As you do, you will receive a witness through the Holy Ghost that it is the word of God (see Moroni 10:4–5).

Your own testimony of the Book of Mormon can lead to a deep and abiding faith in its power to help others become converted. Help the people you teach recognize the enlightenment they feel as they read it sincerely. Emphasize its powerful witness of Jesus Christ. Encourage them to pray to receive their own witness that the book is true.

Encouraging people to seek a witness from the Holy Ghost about the Book of Mormon should be a central focus of your teaching. The Book of Mormon can change their lives forever.

Use the Book of Mormon to Teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “The Book of Mormon [is] the most correct of any book on earth” (introduction to the Book of Mormon). It testifies of Christ and plainly teaches His doctrine (see 2 Nephi 31; 32:1–6; 3 Nephi 11:31–39; 27:13–22). It teaches the fulness of His gospel. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon are the way to an abundant life.

Use the Book of Mormon as your main source for teaching the restored gospel. The following chart lists some of the truths in the Book of Mormon that you will teach.

Missionary Lesson in Chapter 3	Doctrine	References
Missionary Lesson in Chapter 3 The Message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ	Doctrine The nature of God, the Savior’s ministry and Atonement, a falling away, Restoration, Joseph Smith, priesthood authority	References 1 Nephi 12–14 2 Nephi 3; 26–29 Mosiah 2–5
Missionary Lesson in Chapter 3 Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation	Doctrine The “great plan of the Eternal God,” including the Fall of Adam and Eve, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Resurrection, and the Judgment	References 2 Nephi 2; 9 Mosiah 3; 15–16 Alma 12; 34:9; 40–42
Missionary Lesson in Chapter 3 The Gospel of Jesus Christ	Doctrine Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end	References 2 Nephi 31–32 3 Nephi 11; 27:13–22
Missionary Lesson in Chapter 3 Becoming Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ	Doctrine Ordinances such as baptism, priesthood ordination, and the sacrament	References 3 Nephi 11:22–28; 18 Moroni 2–6

Scripture Study

What does the Savior say about the Book of Mormon?

• Doctrine and Covenants 1:29; 3:19–20; 19:26–27; 20:5–16; 33:16; 42:12

• Moses 7:62

The Book of Mormon Testifies of Christ

The central purpose of the Book of Mormon is to testify of Jesus Christ. It affirms the reality of His life, mission, resurrection, and power. It teaches true doctrine about Christ and His Atonement.

Several prophets whose writings are preserved in the Book of Mormon saw Christ personally. The brother of Jared, Nephi, and Jacob saw the premortal Christ. Multitudes were present during the Savior’s ministry among the Nephites (see 3 Nephi 11–28). Later, Mormon and Moroni saw the resurrected Christ (see Mormon 1:15; Ether 12:39).

As people read and pray about the Book of Mormon, they will come to know the Savior better and experience His love. They will grow in their testimony of Him. They will know how to come unto Him and be saved. (See 1 Nephi 15:14–15.)

President Russell M. Nelson

“The Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere. It teaches what it really means to be born again. … We know why we are here on earth. These and other truths are more powerfully and persuasively taught in the Book of Mormon than in any other book. The full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 62).

Personal Study

Throughout your mission, write answers to the following questions in your study journal:

• What have you learned about Jesus Christ from your study of the Book of Mormon?

• How has your study of the Book of Mormon influenced your testimony of Jesus Christ?

• How can you use the Book of Mormon to help people strengthen their testimonies?

Scripture Study

What reasons did the Book of Mormon prophets give for writing their records?

• 1 Nephi 6:4–6; 9:3–5

• 2 Nephi 4:15–16; 25:23–29; 26:15–16; 29:11–14; 33:13–15

• Jacob 1:4–8; 4:1–6, 12

• Enos 1:13

• Jarom 1:2

• Omni 1:25–26

• Words of Mormon 1:3–8

• Alma 37:2, 14

• 3 Nephi 5:14–15

• Mormon 8:35

Personal or Companion Study

The Book of Mormon is written “to the convincing of [all people] that Jesus is the Christ” (title page of the Book of Mormon). The following table lists some Book of Mormon chapters that testify of the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus Christ. Select passages to study throughout your mission.

In addition, think about the needs of the people you are teaching. Make plans to read some of these passages with them to strengthen their knowledge and testimony of the Savior.

Title page and introduction	Make clear the purpose of the book.
1 Nephi 10–11	Lehi and Nephi testify of the Savior.
2 Nephi 2; 9	Lehi and Jacob testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
2 Nephi 31–33	Nephi teaches the doctrine of Christ.
Mosiah 2–5	King Benjamin testifies of Christ.
Alma 5; 7	Alma testifies of the Savior.
Alma 36	Alma experiences the atoning power of Christ.
3 Nephi 9–10	The Savior invites people to come to Him.
3 Nephi 11–18	The Savior teaches the Nephites of the Father and of His doctrine.
3 Nephi 27	The Savior teaches His gospel.
Ether 12	Ether and Moroni teach that faith in Jesus Christ is a principle of action and power.
Moroni 7–8	Mormon teaches of the pure love of Christ and His Atonement.
Moroni 10	Moroni invites all to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

The Book of Mormon Helps Us Draw Nearer to God

Regarding the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Joseph Smith said that “a man [or woman] would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (introduction to the Book of Mormon). By consistently teaching and inviting people to live the principles in the Book of Mormon, you help them develop faith in Jesus Christ and draw nearer to God.

The Book of Mormon builds testimony and invites personal revelation. Use the Book of Mormon to help people have spiritual experiences, especially a witness from the Holy Ghost that the book itself is the word of God.

Give priority to Book of Mormon passages when you teach. They have converting power through the Holy Ghost. When you teach the gospel using the Book of Mormon, your teaching will resonate with power and clarity in the heart and mind.

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that “those who have read [the Book of Mormon] prayerfully, be they rich or poor, learned or unlearned, have grown under its power.” He further taught:

“Without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God” (“The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, June 1988, 6).

missionaries reading scriptures

The Book of Mormon Addresses Questions of the Soul

Reading the Book of Mormon with the guidance of the Spirit can help people find answers or insights to their personal questions—or questions of the soul. Help people see how the teachings in the Book of Mormon address life’s questions.

Some of these questions are listed below, along with Book of Mormon references that address them.

• Does God exist? Who is God? (Mosiah 4:9; Alma 18:24–40; 22:4–23; 30:44)

• Does God know me and care about me? How can I feel His love? How can I feel closer to Him? (2 Nephi 26:24; Mosiah 4:9–12; Enos 1:1–12; Alma 18:32; Moroni 10:32–33)

• What is the purpose of life? (2 Nephi 2:25; Alma 34:32)

• Why is life so hard sometimes? How can I find strength during hard times? (1 Nephi 17:3; 2 Nephi 4:20–21; Alma 36:3; Ether 12:27)

• How can I find peace in times of turmoil? (Mosiah 24:13–15; Helaman 5:47)

• How can I be happier? (Mosiah 2:41; Alma 22:15–16)

• How can I be a better person? (Mosiah 26:30–31; Alma 5:12–13; 7:23–24; Ether 12:27)

• How can I feel God’s forgiveness? (Enos 1:2–8; Alma 36:17–21)

• What happens after I die? (2 Nephi 9:3–6, 11–13; Alma 11:42–44; 40:11)

The Book of Mormon also provides guidance about other important questions, such as:

• How can I contribute to the spiritual well-being of my family? (1 Nephi 1:1; 8:36–38; Mosiah 2:5–6; 4:14–15; 3 Nephi 18:21)

• How can I help my children build strength to resist temptation? (1 Nephi 15:23–25; Helaman 5:12; 3 Nephi 18:15, 18–21, 24–25)

• How can obeying God’s commandments help me have a happier, more abundant life? (2 Nephi 2:25–28; 4:35; Mosiah 2:41; 4 Nephi 1:15–18)

President Dallin H. Oaks

“Missionaries must know how to use the Book of Mormon to answer their own questions so they can use it effectively to help others learn to do the same. … They must internalize the power of the Book of Mormon in teaching the restored gospel, first by applying it in their own lives and then by sharing it with those they teach” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Counsel for Mission Leaders,” seminar for new mission leaders, June 25, 2022).

Personal or Companion Study

List questions of the soul that you have or that you have heard from others. Find verses in the Book of Mormon that help address these questions. Write the insights and Book of Mormon references in your study journal. Use them as you teach.

The Book of Mormon and the Bible Support Each Other

The Lord said to “teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:12). Latter-day Saints “believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” (Articles of Faith 1:8; see also 1 Nephi 13:29). The Bible is sacred scripture. The Book of Mormon is companion sacred scripture that contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Bible and Book of Mormon complement and enrich each other (see Ezekiel 37:16–17; 1 Nephi 13:40; Mormon 7:8–9). Both volumes of scripture are compilations of teachings recorded by ancient prophets. The Bible tells of God’s interactions with people in the Eastern Hemisphere for thousands of years. The Book of Mormon tells of God’s interactions with people in the ancient Americas for more than a thousand years.

person highlighting scriptures

Most important, the Bible and Book of Mormon complement each other in witnessing of Jesus Christ. The Bible provides the account of the Savior’s birth, mortal ministry, and Atonement—including His death and Resurrection. The Book of Mormon includes prophecies of the Savior’s birth and mission, teachings about His Atonement, and the account of His ministry in the Americas. The Book of Mormon confirms and expands the testimony of the Bible that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon teach the law of witnesses: “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1; see also 2 Nephi 11:2–3). Consistent with this law, both books of scripture testify of Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 29:8).

Personal or Companion Study

Find cross-references on the following topics in the Book of Mormon and Bible. Examples are given in parentheses after each topic. Add your own topics and passages.

• Prophets (Jacob 4:4–6; Amos 3:7)

• Apostasy (2 Nephi 28; 2 Timothy 4:3–4)

• Restoration (1 Nephi 13:34–42; Acts 3:19–21)

• We are all children of God (1 Nephi 17:36; Acts 17:29)

Help People Read and Understand the Book of Mormon

Those who do not read or understand the Book of Mormon will have difficulty receiving a witness that it is true. You can help them understand the book by reading it with them. Read during a teaching appointment, during a follow-up visit, or via technology. You can also arrange for members to read with them. Watching a Book of Mormon video and then reading the related chapters can be very helpful.

Pray for help as you select passages that address people’s concerns and needs. Read and discuss short passages, such as 1 Nephi 3:7 or Mosiah 2:17. Also read and discuss longer passages or complete chapters, such as 2 Nephi 31, Alma 7, or 3 Nephi 18. Encourage people to read the Book of Mormon from the beginning, including the testimonies of the Three and Eight Witnesses and the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

sunday school class

Consider the following suggestions as you read the Book of Mormon with people:

• Pray before reading. Ask for help in understanding. Pray that the Holy Ghost will witness to them that it is true.

• Take turns reading. Go at a pace they are comfortable with. Explain unfamiliar words and phrases.

• Stop occasionally to discuss what you read.

• Explain the background and context of the passage, such as who is speaking, what the person is like, and what the situation is. If there is a relevant Book of Mormon video, consider showing it.

• Point out key messages or doctrine to look for.

• Share your testimony and appropriate insights, feelings, and personal experiences.

• Teach doctrine directly from the words of Book of Mormon prophets. This will help people feel the spiritual power of the book.

• Help people “liken” what they read to their own lives (1 Nephi 19:23). Help them see how the scriptures are relevant to them personally.

As you apply these principles, you will help people develop the ability and desire to read the Book of Mormon on their own. Emphasize that reading the book daily is a key to progressing toward baptism and lifelong conversion.

Rely on the promise in Moroni 10:3–5. Encourage people to read the Book of Mormon sincerely and to pray with real intent to know that it is true. Explain that real intent means being willing to act on the answer they receive through the Holy Ghost. Every person who sincerely reads and prays with real intent about the Book of Mormon can know of its truthfulness by the power of the Holy Ghost.

You should also apply this promise regularly to strengthen your own testimony of the Book of Mormon. Your testimony will give you confidence that those who apply this promise will receive a witness that the book is the word of God.

Use the Book of Mormon in Every Aspect of Your Work

The Book of Mormon is a powerful resource in conversion. Use it as your main source for teaching restored truth. President Russell M. Nelson said:

“Something powerful happens when a child of God seeks to know more about Him and His Beloved Son. Nowhere are those truths taught more clearly and powerfully than in the Book of Mormon. …

“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” (“The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?” 61, 62).

When reading the Book of Mormon with people, share your testimony of the spiritual power you have felt as you have read it. Emphasize the importance of its witness of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Share passages that can help people feel their Savior’s love. Help them see how they can come to know the Savior better through its pages.

Read passages that will lift and strengthen people. Focus on their needs. Share examples of how the teachings in the Book of Mormon apply to our lives today.

Remember This

• The Book of Mormon is the keystone of our witness of Christ, our doctrine, and our testimonies.

• The Book of Mormon teaches plainly the doctrine found in the missionary lessons.

• The Book of Mormon addresses questions of the soul.

• Read consistently from the Book of Mormon with the people you teach. Help them read on their own every day and apply what they learn.

• Trust the Lord’s promise that everyone who sincerely reads and prays about the Book of Mormon will know of its truthfulness by the power of the Holy Ghost.

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Ideas for Study and Application

Personal Study

• Read 2 Nephi 2; 9; 30; 31; 32. Highlight each reference to Jesus Christ. Make a list of the different names and titles for Christ in these chapters. Mark His spoken words. Highlight His attributes and actions.

• As you read daily from the Book of Mormon, record in your study journal the passages that have special meaning for you. Write how you will apply them in your life.

• Write in your study journal how you felt when you first gained a spiritual witness that the Book of Mormon is true.

• Write the following three questions in your study journal. Throughout your mission, add answers to these questions.

  • What would my life be like without the Book of Mormon?

  • What would I not know without the Book of Mormon?

  • What would I not have without the Book of Mormon?

• Read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7 and Christ’s sermon at the temple in 3 Nephi 12–14. How does reading these together help you better understand the Savior’s teachings?

• Study each instance in the Book of Mormon that references someone praying. In your study journal, write what you learn from the Book of Mormon about prayer.

• From the chapter headings of Mosiah 11–16, write a summary of what Abinadi taught. Then read these chapters and expand your summary.

• From the chapter headings of Mosiah 2–5, write a summary of what King Benjamin taught. Then read these chapters and expand your summary.

Companion Study and Companion Exchange

• Read Book of Mormon passages together. Share what you have learned and felt. Discuss how you will apply them in your life.

• Read Alma 26 and 29 together. Share how you feel about your mission. Write your feelings in your study journal.

• Read Alma 37:9 and discuss how critical the scriptures were to Ammon and his fellow missionaries. Find references that describe how they used the scriptures.

• Read Alma 11–14, with one of you taking the role of Alma or Amulek and the other taking the role of the detractors. Discuss how these missionaries responded to difficult questions.

District Council, Zone Conferences, and Mission Leadership Council

• Practice using the Book of Mormon in each of the ways mentioned in the main headings of this chapter.

• List questions raised by those you are teaching. Explain to each other how you would respond to these questions using the Book of Mormon.

• Read Book of Mormon passages together. Share knowledge, feelings, and testimony.

• Practice using the Book of Mormon to confirm the message of the Restoration.

• Invite missionaries to share experiences in which the Book of Mormon has helped them and those they have taught in the conversion process.

• Have missionaries share a favorite Book of Mormon scripture that helps address a question of the soul.

• Invite a member who is a convert to share the role of the Book of Mormon in his or her conversion.

Mission Leaders and Mission Counselors

• Teach the missionaries how to use the Book of Mormon to confirm the truthfulness of the message of the Restoration.

• Read 1 Nephi 1 with the missionaries and compare it with Joseph Smith’s experience.

• Provide missionaries with a clean paperback copy of the Book of Mormon. Invite them to read and mark the book twice during the next two or three transfer periods.

  • On the first reading, ask them to mark everything that points to or testifies of Jesus Christ.

  • On the second reading, ask them to mark gospel doctrine and principles.

  Have missionaries share what they have learned and felt. Elder Ronald A. Rasband described how reading the Book of Mormon this way affected him as a missionary:

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

“There was much more to my reading than just marking scriptures. With each reading of the Book of Mormon, front to back, I was filled with a profound love for the Lord. I felt a deeply rooted witness of the truth of His teachings and how they apply to ‘this day.’ This book fits its title, ‘Another Testament of Jesus Christ.’ With that study and the spiritual witness that was received, I became a Book of Mormon missionary and a disciple of Jesus Christ” (“This Day,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 25).

• Invite missionaries to share with you Book of Mormon scriptures that have been important in their lives.

• Identify questions of the soul for people in your mission. Invite missionaries to find verses in the Book of Mormon that help address these questions.