A Study of the Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 29 This is a particularly curious chapter that was given directly as a revelation of the Lord to Nephi in very strong an clear terms. It deals with the general rejection of the Book of Mormon as scripture in our time. Upon understanding the scope of the Lord's work, that it has extended and will continue unto all nations of the earth, the argument for additional scriptures becomes much more plausible. A broader view, and the possibility that Christianity was preached elsewhere besides Judea in antiquity, lead to the natural conclusion that there must have been records kept elsewhere. Verses 12 and 13 are of particularly curious note in that they state that there are yet other records which have been kept by nations other than the Jews and the Nephites that we have not yet received, but will at some future date and time.

1 Nephi 13:29-42 The series of events leading up to the introduction of the Book of Mormon is unsuspecting. The Gentiles are blessed in the land of promise. However, the descendants of Lehi (according to the covenants of the Lord that he made with Lehi) are not utterly destroyed either. They are smitten for a season because they had rejected the truth. Then the Gentiles who had smitten them also "stumble[d] exceedingly" ( see vs. 34 ) because of the many important parts of the Bible that were removed in erroneous translations. Both groups in question had fallen short. It seems that that Book of Mormon didn't come about until the world absolutely needed it. It is characteristically described as containing plain and precious truths, culminating in a witness for Jesus Christ as the Son of the Eternal Father and as the Savior of the world ( see vs. 40 ). In the Savior's own words, he says that in it is "written my gospel... my rock and my salvation," ( vs. 36 )...

Lesson: The Holy Bible is a witness of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was a record kept by the Jews in antiquity and completed by the early Christian Apostles. However, God has had other groups of people that lived outside of the region of Israel. They too believed in Jesus Christ, followed his teachings, and made records of their experiences. Reference: 1 Nephi 13:40 , John 10:14 & 16 Invitation: Today we have accounts of both civilizations and their best efforts to live the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. The first is the Holy Bible, and the second is the Book of Mormon. May we share with you how God has made both of these records available to us today?

1 Nephi 13:20-28 The title has reference to the Holy Bible. In Nephi's time, it wouldn't have been know as the Holy Bible, however. The angel points out to Nephi that this record is similar to the record that he has upon the Plates of Brass. He also describes it as a record of the Jews containing the covenants of the Lord to the house of Israel and the prophecies of the holy prophets. It also contained at one point the fullness of the the Gospel of the Lamb. These verses of scripture are where Latter-day Saints gain our understanding that from its original version, there have been malicious revisions to the sacred text by those with dark motives. (This is offensive to some, that we believe the Holy Bible to have been modified from its original state.) Much of the Gospel of Christ was rewritten, or mystified. Many of the covenants were removed ( see vs. 26 ). However, there is no mention of prophecies being altered. Indeed, this makes sense that the prophecies would be left alo...