“I’ve heard that the Book of Mormon is written for our day. What does that mean?”

The Book of Mormon tells of the Nephites and Lamanites, but it wasn’t written for them. In fact, many of the Book of Mormon prophets knew that future generations would have the book (see, for example, 2 Nephi 25:21; Mormon 8:35). Near the end of the Nephite civilization, the Lord inspired Mormon to choose from the many records of his people the teachings and accounts that would be helpful to us today.

The main purpose of the book is to teach and testify of Jesus Christ. His gospel, which is taught clearly and powerfully in the Book of Mormon, applies to our day, as it does in any age. But even the events and story lines of the Book of Mormon can teach us. For example, if you look at the enemies and wars in the Book of Mormon as symbols for the spiritual battles we face today, you can learn how to strengthen yourself against temptation.

As you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon, your faith and testimony will be strengthened—and that is something we all need today.

Words of the Lord for Us

When I was 11 years old, I read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover in one year. That was a great experience for me. I have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know with all my heart that the things which are written there are true and written by chosen prophets of God. I strongly believe that these words were written for our time. The Book of Mormon is there to help us and to prepare us to return to Heavenly Father.

Katja K., 17, Brandenburg, Germany

Like an Iron Rod

The words of the Book of Mormon have always been like an iron rod guiding me in the gospel, even through the adversities we have as we try to arrive at the tree of life. Its words have always been a signpost telling me the direction I should go—just as the Liahona in Nephi’s days pointed the way they should go—according to the faith, attention, and diligence that I give to this sacred book (see 1 Nephi 16:28).

Elder Santos, 20, Japan Kobe Mission

A Book of the Restoration

The Book of Mormon was written by prophets of ancient times who lived in the Americas, and God wanted these sacred writings saved for the day of the Restoration of the gospel. This is why the book was reserved for such a long time—so that today we may study it and search it, since in it are found many sacred writings. We find stories like when God sent Lehi and his family to the promised land, the coming of Jesus Christ to the Americas, and many more uplifting stories for our lives. We also find doctrines and principles that God wants us to learn.

Monica V., 15, Santander, Colombia

Mormon Was Inspired

The Book of Mormon is a compilation of histories and sermons from a people who lived in the Americas. Hundreds of years ago, Mormon put these stories together after praying to God about what to put into the Book of Mormon. These stories can apply to us today because through Mormon, God composed the Book of Mormon so that it would speak to our day.

Dylan S., 16, Arizona, USA

Teachings to Help Us

The Lord knew the challenges we would face in our generation, even back in Nephite times. He knew exactly when the Book of Mormon would be brought forth, so He instructed the prophets who kept the records to write certain things that He knew would apply to our day. The Book of Mormon is a companion to the Bible to teach us doctrine but also to show us what happens when a population gets too wicked or prideful. The Lord made sure to include parables and examples that would help us fight against the temptations that we face today.

Amanda J., 17, Nevada, USA

Like a Journal

We are told to keep a journal. This is to help the generations after us know how it was in our day so our descendants can learn from the things we did. This relates to the Book of Mormon. It was written by prophets telling about the things they did and learned so that we can have a guide to help us be closer to our Heavenly Father.

Rosa E., 19, Washington, USA

Prophets Guide Our Journey

The Book of Mormon tells us different principles that we can use in our daily decisions. Through reading it, we will realize that every story contains lessons and values that we may apply in our days. The stories of ancient prophets in the Book of Mormon can be our example in our journey today.

Hannah M., 19, Isabela, Philippines

Testify of the Book of Mormon

I know that the Book of Mormon is true and is for our day. Moroni saw our day in a vision and knew that his words would be read at a future time. Mormon also was writing for our day.

I think this means that we need to read the Book of Mormon more and apply it to our daily life. We should also tell other people how it was written for our day. I have shared my testimony about the Book of Mormon with my friends and my family. I feel happy when I talk about my testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Andrew K., 15, Virginia, USA