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The Book of Mormon — Another Testament of Jesus Christ
The Book of Mormon is a story of the people of the American continents
and Jesus visit to them shortly after he was crucified.
For More Information
For more information about
The Church itself or to explore our beliefs about
families, the Nature of God, and the purpose of life, see www.Mormon.org.
You can learn more about the basic doctrines, teachings, history,
and organization of the Church. You can also view
answers to frequently asked questions
or to ask a question of your own.
Free Copy of
the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is available in English as well as in over 80
languages. To obtain a no obligation, free copy of the Book of Mormon
call 1 (800) 528-2225. This book has made a huge difference for me in
my life, and it can for you too.
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Why Family History?
The Scriptures repeatedly encourage us to seek out our ancestors. "And
he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart
of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with
a curse." Mal. 4: 6. "And he shall plant in the hearts
of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the
children shall turn to their fathers." Doctrine and Covenants
2:2
"What was the promise made to the fathers that was to be fulfilled
in the latter-days by the turning of the hearts of the children to their
fathers? It was the promise of the Lord made through Enoch, Isaiah, and
the prophets, to the nations of the earth, that the time should come when
the dead should be redeemed. And the turning of the hearts of the children
is fulfilled in the performing of the vicarious temple work and in the
preparation of their genealogies" (President Joseph Fielding Smith,
Doctrines of Salvation, 2:154)
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A
temple baptismal font. |
We believe our spirits existed before mortal birth, and that our spirits
will continue on after our bodies die. All our ancestors have preceded
us to to a "Spirit world," where they continue to learn while awaiting
the resurrection and final judgment.
Part of this immortality of the spirit includes the ability for parents,
children and family members to unite and remain together for eternity.
For this sacred purpose, we may make covenants in temples for those of
our ancestors who did not have a chance while living to hear and accept
the gospel. While in the spirit world, they may choose to accept or reject
these covenants.
The covenants or ordinances performed in the temple include baptism,
confirmation and bestowal of the Holy Ghost, marriage sealings, and sealings
to children. Before we can make these covenants on behalf of our deceased
ancestors, we must first identify them. Thus the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' great program of family history
work.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said,"The greatest responsibility in this
world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead." (History
of the Church, 6:313). We believe that everyone, alive and having already
passed on, should have the opportunity to receive the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Family history research lets us identify our ancestors so we can
through vicarious ordinances performed in a temple the chance to partake
of His glory.
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Biblical References to the Book of Mormon
Genesis 49:22-26
Joseph's
branches to run over the wall and receive blessings in the lands of the
everlasting hills; the Nephite crossing of the ocean wall is a plausible
fulfillment, as both Lehi and Ishmeal were decendants of Joseph. 2
Nephi 3:3-5
Isaiah 29:2-4
A people of
the Lord is to be brought down, and yes these are to speak low out of the
dust; also, their voice shall be as one that hath a familiar spirit. The
Nephite nation was virtually destroyed; yet the record was preserved and
has come forth as the Book of Mormon, which teaches essentially the same
doctrine as the Bible. 2 Nephi 3:19-20; 33:13
Isaiah 29:11-14
Vision of all
as the words of a book that is sealed; fulfilled in sealed portion of the
Gold Plates of Mormon and the Charles Anthon incedent, in which the words
of this book were taken to one who was learned. 2 Nephi 27:15-20; JS-H 1:63-65
Ezekiel 37:15-20
The stick of
Judah -- which is the Bible -- and the stick of Joseph -- which is The Book
of Mormon -- are to be joined as one in the hand of the Lord; the Bible
is essentially the story of the decendants of Judah whereas the Book of
Mormon is essentially the story of the decendants of Joseph. In ancient
times books written on scrolls and then rolled onto a stick. 2 Nephi 3:12
John 10:15-16
Other "sheep"
are to be visited by Christ, the good Shepard; Christ fulfilled this promise
when He visited the Nephites on this continent, as He makes clear in Matthew
15:24. 3 Nephi 15:11-24
Acts 10:40-42
2 Cor 13:1
God Works through
witnesses; in the mouths of two or three witnesses shall all things be established;
the Bible is one witness to the divinity of Christ and The Book of Mormon
is another witness. 2 Nephi 29:10-14
Revelation 14:6-7
John the Revelator
saw that an angel was to fly through the midst of heaven carrying the everlasting
gospel; this could have been fulfilled through the Angel Moroni, who gave
the plates of the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith: The Book of Mormon, of
course, does contrain the everlasting gospel. JS-H 1:34-35
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