From Cover to Cover

Brian D., Virginia, USA

During high school, I didn’t really do anything against Church standards, but I also didn’t do much to strengthen my testimony. When I was 18, I was tired of just going through the motions each day without the constant companionship of the Spirit. And even though I’d heard many people bear their testimonies on how the Book of Mormon had blessed their lives, I’d never read the whole thing. So I decided to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover.

As soon as I began reading, I felt so much more joy in my life. As time went on and I got further and further into the Book of Mormon, my testimony grew immensely and I was able to feel the influence of the Spirit each day.

One scripture excerpt became my motto: “If there be no righteousness there be no happiness” (2 Nephi 2:13). This scripture helped me stay diligent in my study.

On a chilly Sunday evening in October, I sat quietly on temple grounds and finished the Book of Mormon. I took Moroni’s promise to heart and prayed to know if what I’d suspected all along was true—if the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

Since then, the Spirit has confirmed to me that the Book of Mormon is true. I have a firm testimony of its life-changing power, not only for me but also for all who sincerely read it.