It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, although it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the Book of Mormon. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception.
President Ezra Taft Benson
Purpose of the Book of Mormon
The purpose of the Book of Mormon is stated on the title page. It is "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God."
The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ through two basic means. First, it tells in a plain manner of Christ and His gospel. It testifies of His divinity and the need of our putting trust in Him. It bears witness of the Fall and Atonement and the first principles of the gospel, including our need of a broken heart and a contrite spirit and a spiritual rebirth. It proclaims we must endure to the end in righteousness and live the moral life of a Saint.
Second, the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time.
Now God expects us to use the Book of Mormon in several ways. We are to read it ourselves - carefully, prayerfully, and ponder as we read.... We are to use the Book of Mormon as the basis for our teaching, ...to liken the Book of Mormon scriptures unto us "that it might be for our profit and learning." (1 Ne. 19:23) We are to use the Book of Mormon in handling objections to the Church.
Here, then, is a procedure to handle most objections through the use of the Book of Mormon.
First, understand the objection.
Second, Give the answer from revelation.
Third, show how the correctness of the answer really depends on whether or not we have modern revelation through modern prophets.
Fourth, explain that whether or not we have modern prophets and revelation really depends on whether the Book of Mormon is true.
Therefore, the only problem the objector has to resolve for himself is whether the Book of Mormon is true. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was His prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation.
Ezra Taft Benson
When Man is Greatest
That man is greatest, and most blessed, and joyful whose life most closely fits the Pattern of the Christ. It has nothing to do with earthly wealth, power, or prestige. The only true test of greatness, blessedness or joyfulness is how close a life can come to being like the Master Jesus Christ. He is the right way, the full truth, and the abundant life.
Ezra Taft Benson
 |