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"...in our day, the Book of Mormon can be verified by humble seekers of truth.
Dear sisters and brothers,
President Nelson has said,
“The Book of Mormon is tangible and irrefutable evidence of Joseph Smith’s foreordained designation as the prophet of this dispensation. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. It teaches more about the Savior and His infinite Atonement than does any other book. It is key to conversion and a survival handbook for those of us living in the latter days. It is the instrument that heaven has placed in our hands to help us gather Israel.”
Since before it was published, critics and naysayers along with “scholars” and persecutors have raged against the Book of Mormon and those who believe it. The intensity of the persecution against Joseph Smith is, of itself, evidence of his divine mission and the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon he brought forth. Joseph commented on this fact with surprise, wondering why such forces arrayed against him with such fury when he was destined to be of no worldly consequence due to his poverty and station in life. Yet he was subjected to ruthless and incessant persecution during his entire life.
President Nelson describes the Book of Mormon as a “survival handbook” and as an “instrument” placed in our hands by heaven to help us gather Israel.
Survival Handbook
Spiritual survival in any age, but especially in our day, is dependent on our ability to recognize, receive and respond to direction from God through the Holy Ghost. The distractions and attractions of the world can be powerful and persistent influences on all of us. As we make time to really study the doctrine of Christ, so beautifully, yet simply, taught in The Book of Mormon, our attention can be re-focused on Him. Our personal study can literally bring daily REFRESHMENT in every sense of the word.
Our memories of past witnesses and experiences can be refreshed
Our feelings of love and gratitude for the Savior can be rekindled and renewed
Our spirits can be nourished by the delicious ‘spiritual meat’ of the scriptures
An Instrument for Gathering Israel
When we share a simple witness of the Book of Mormon, at least three things happen.
1) Our own testimony grows because of the connection to Heaven that is created by saying the words in faith
2) Our sins are forgiven
3) Others can feel our faith and may be motivated to seek answers for themselves.
There are so many simple yet meaningful ways to share how we feel about the Book of Mormon. Expressing our feelings in everyday language and in everyday situations is often better than a formal ‘bearing of your testimony’.
Every act of kindness, every invitation to do good is an expression of faith.
Sharing simple phrases in a helpful spirit can mean a lot to our friends:
“I feel more peace in my life when I read The Book of Mormon”
“I feel closer to Christ when I read The Book of Mormon”
“I am grateful for what I am learning in The Book of Mormon about…”
When the Savior walked the earth, the ‘learned’ and the ‘wise’ of His day mocked Him and scoffed at his teachings. But, their derision and persecution could not change the truth of His message and mission. Nor could they deter honest seekers of light from flocking to Him and His church.
Likewise, in our day, the truth of the Book of Mormon and the mission of Joseph Smith to bring it forth, against the very forces of hell, can be verified by honest, humble seekers of truth.
While I believe it is helpful to know of the many physical and intellectual evidences that have come forth in support of The Book of Mormon, for me, the strongest evidence is the experience I had many years ago in which I felt the Lord witness of it’s truth to me.
Along with that experience, over the years, I have had so many moments in which I have seen and felt the presence and hand of God in my life and the lives of others who are close to me. These bring me strength of conviction. And each time I study The Book of Mormon, I really do feel peace and I feel closer to my Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ.
I am grateful for that witness. I feel privileged to share it with you.
I love you all.
President Gardner
Resources for Additional Study
Tad R. Callister: The Book of Mormon—a Book from God
Tad R. Callister: God’s Compelling Witness, The Book of Mormon
Tad R. Callister: A Case for the Book of Mormon
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