Title Page/Introduction/"Brief Explanation about the Book of Mormon"

The Title Page and “Brief Explanation about the Book of Mormon” attempt to briefly summarize the different authors, sections, and make-up of the Book of Mormon. It would be helpful for you to read over this, but don’t panic if it doesn’t all make sense. I will dissect the book chapter by chapter as we read through it.

As the Title Page states, the purpose of the Book of Mormon record is “to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.” The Book of Mormon is very much like the Bible, and even from a similar time period, but written by people living in a different part of the world (what is now the American continent). To me, it demonstrates that God is aware of, and communicates with, his children all over the earth who will hear His voice—not just to one group of people. 

I think these are important overview excerpts from the Introduction:

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel.

 The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites… After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are among the ancestors of the American Indians.

 The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

I love reading “The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith” in the introduction. This tells the story of how the Book of Mormon came to be, as told by the translator. I love studying about Joseph Smith—his life was incredible and so difficult. The more I learn about him, the more I am amazed (and fascinated!). 

And in my opinion these are the most important paragraphs of all the introductory pages:

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

 Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah.

What a cool promise. And I believe it from experience.

Excited to dive in tomorrow?? Have your questions for God ready to go.... :)

-Megan