A Study of the Book of Mormon

As is the case with the two previous testimonies, the Prophet Joseph's testimony of the Book of Mormon also deals with the origins of the book and the events that he deemed most important in the book's coming forth. With that in mind, the bulk of his testimony deals with the ministering visits of the Angel Moroni. Perhaps the bulk of the first paragraph which describes the angel's appearance, could have been fabricated, if we wanted to approach it from that angle. But there are specific descriptions in the second that seem to be beyond fabrication. Essentially, Joseph saw an angel in the 1820's and was reflecting back to that occasion in 1838 when he made his record of the events. Joseph describes the angel's countenance as lightning. I don't quite know how to envision a countenance as lightning except that it had the effect of being striking. The angel's mode of teaching is notable. Four visits: three at night, one the next day. In the first visit, Moroni ...

The Testimony of the Three Witnesses The three witnesses' testimony of the origin of the Book of Mormon is compelling. Though all three later in life became disaffiliated with the LDS Church, none ever revoked their witness attached to this record. To the contrary, towards the end of their respective lives, they were clear to validate their previous testimony of the book. Their testimony of the Book of Mormon is based on two specific points: They had received a visit from an angel who presented to them the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. They saw the plates that this heavenly messenger carried. They saw the engravings on the plates. They heard the voice of God tell them that the translation taken from those plates was done "by the gift and power of God". Towards the end of their testimony it seems that perhaps after having received the angelic visitation, they would have been disposed to keep these sacred events close to their hearts without mu...

Ether 5 Vs. 1 - Moroni had written down all that is found in chapter 4 from memory. How clear was his intelligence, his recollection. Look at this! "I have told you the things which I have sealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate;" There was a part of the plates that was sealed up. Moroni just said he told us what is on them according to his memory. So it was a summary that we have. Of what though? It's also interesting to note that it was Moroni who sealed up that part of the Book of Mormon. So what we have now is literally what Mormon and Moroni  were commanded of the Lord to write. Vs. 4 - Is there no power in the Book of Mormon? Most definitely there is. By the power of this book will all the world be judged at the Last Day. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost all testify of the Book of Mormon.

Mormon 8 Moroni starts to write. Vs. 6 - Prophecy complete. Alma 45:10 Vs. 10 - After having had explained that only Lamanites and robbers remained in the land, he says this, "and there are none who know the true God..." that's quite the distinction! He did not say there were no saints (though I suppose a true saint does know God). This separation defines those that will make it to the Celestial Kingdom. Vs. 11 - The three disciples of Christ serve as teachers to the prophets and apostles, among other things. They ministered to Mormon and Moroni. (I'm sure their instruction is tremendously useful, insightful.) Vs. 14 - How interesting and yet how true it is. The Gold Plates, though made of gold, have no worth ($), because the Lord has said it... that no man will get gain from those plates. And so it is!