The Book of Mormon — purposes of and doctrinal contributions of The Book of Mormon
The seven major purposes of the Book of Mormon are:
- The Book of Mormon is an independent witness that Jesus is the Christ.
- Title Page of the Book of Mormon
- The Book of Mormon is a second witness to the verity of the Bible.
- John 5:31
- John 8:13
- 2 Corinthians 13:1
- 2 Nephi 29:8
- The Book of Mormon is tangible proof the Joseph Smith is a prophet.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
- 1 Corinthians 15:6
- Luke 24:39
- Luke 24:4
- 3 Nephi 11:13-15
- D&C 20:11-12
- D&C 21:1
- The Book of Mormon stands as proof that God is in reality the same yesterday, today, and forever.
- The Book of Mormon is an independent source of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its purity.
- D&C 20:9
- D&C 42:12
- JSH 1:34
- The Book of Mormon stands as proof that God is in reality the same yesterday, today, and forever.
- The Book of Mormon is ordained as the scriptural testimony which gathers Israel to the faith of their ancient fathers.
- The Book of Mormon, through spiritual power and purity of doctrine, brings a man closer to God than any other book.
- D&C 5:16
Doctrinal contributions of the Book of Mormon:
- Jesus is the literal Son of God (Matthew 1:18 & 20, Luke 1:31, 1 Nephi 11:16-21, John 10:18)
- Jesus is the Christ (Jacob 4:4-5, Helaman 5:8-12)
- Christ is the Promised Messiah (Mosiah 13:28 & 31, Mosiah 13:34-35, Mosiah 15:10-11, Alma 7:10-12)
- The Fall of Adam (2 Nephi 2:22-25)
- The Plan of Salvation (2 Nephi 9:6 & 13, 2 Nephi 11:5, Alma 12:25, Alma 42:8 and 15)
- The Atonement of Jesus Christ (Mormon 9:13-14, 2 Nephi 2:6-13, 9:6-19, Alma 34:13-16)
- The Resurrection (Alma 11:45, Alma 40:23)
- The Spirit World (Alma 40:6-15)
- The necessity of ordinances (2 Nephi 31:5)
- The doctrine of justification and grace/works (2 Nephi 25:23, Alma 41:3-4)
- The gathering of Israel (1 Nephi 15:12-20, Ether 13:10-11)
- Continual revelation (Moroni 10:3-5)
- The Lord’s own testimony of the Book of Mormon: D&C 17:6 “He [Joseph Smith] has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as you Lord and your God liveth, it is true.”
- The Book of Mormon bears record of Jesus Christ, certifying in plainness and clarity of his Divine Sonship and mission.
- It certifies as to the truthfulness of the Holy Bible and supplies some of the missing doctrines and passages.
- It stands as a witness to the divine calling and appointment of Joseph Smith, giving the world something tangible to prove his words.
- It explains such doctrines as the atonement, judgment, resurrection, baptism, repentance and other basic principles.
- It specifies the special circumstances and mission of the land of America as compared with other nations.
- It testifies as to the work of God on the earth in the last days, and to such things as the gathering of Israel and the New Jerusalem.
BRIGHAM YOUNG’S WITNESS REGARDING THE BOOK OF MORMON:
“No man can say that the Bible is true, that it is the word of the Lord, is the way, is the guideboard in the path, and the character by which we many learn the will of God, and then at the same time say that the Book of Mormon is untrue; if he has had the privilege of reading it, or of hearing it read, and learning its doctrine. There is not that person on the face of the earth who has had the privilege of learning the Gospel of Jesus Christ from these two books, that can say that one is true and the other is false. No Latter-day Saint, no man or woman, can say that the Book of Mormon is true and at the same time say that the Bible is untrue. If one be true, both are true; if one be false, both are false.” Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, volume 1, page 3.