The Most Correct of Any Book

I have just finished reading, for the second time, the Book of Mormon from cover to cover! What I have always found interesting is that each time I have read this record, I have noticed within myself a greater desire to read it even more! So I continue to read the book and always find a few verses that mean something special to me.

The scriptures do not really help us unless we supplement our learning with prayer.
https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/hands-scriptures-917541?lang=eng&category

 Through this journey, I noticed something really cool right at the beginning. In 1 Nephi 1:3, it says “And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.” [See Footnote 1] Out of this verse, there is one phrase that stuck out. It is the phrase where Nephi declares the validity of this record. He simply states “the record which I make is true.” On the word ‘true’, there is a footnote that goes to the bottom of the page and references 5 other passages in the Book of Mormon. These references are 1 Nephi 14:30, 2 Nephi 25:20, Mosiah 1:6, Alma 3:12, and Ether 5:3 (1-3). I will just list them here, respectively:

“And now I make an end of speaking concerning the things which I saw while I was carried away in the Spirit; and if all the things which I saw are not written, the things which I have written are true. And thus it is. Amen.” [2]

“And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err. And as the Lord God liveth that brought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should heal the nations after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them, and also gave him power that he should smite the rock and the water should come forth; yea, behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.” [3]

“O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. And behold, also the plates of Nephi, which contain the records and the sayings of our fathers from the time they left Jerusalem until now, and they are true; and we can know of their surety because we have them before our eyes.” [4]

“And it is they who have kept the records which are true of their people, and also of the people of the Lamanites.” [5]

“And now I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me, according to my memory; and I have told you the things which I have sealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate; for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God.

“And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work;

“And unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are true.” [6]

These are 6 different occurences in which 4 different historians and prophets in the Book of Mormon have testified to their relatives, friends, and even us today that these things are true. Not only these authors wrote concerning this, but the Prophet Joseph Smith himself said that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth… and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” [7] Just by looking through the footnotes and remembering the things I have read before, I have been able to find so many witnesses from prophets that these things are indeed true!

The Lifelong Journey to Endure to the End

This morning, I was reading in the Book of 3rd Nephi, Chapter 15, and a certain verse really stuck out to me. It was verse 9:

“Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.” (The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, page 437)

There is a very simple doctrine stated in this verse, but it seems to be the hardest sometimes: enduring to the end. This is continuing instruction that we see throughout the scriptures, and sometimes I confuse myself with how much there really is to do. Being a missionary, it is easy to become overwhelmed. You are worried about teaching others everything that you find important. You are worried that you may not be living to your full capacity sometimes. You even worry that you may not be able to talk of gospel truths when it really matters the most.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/mormonad-finish-1118378?lang=eng&category

But when I really look at it, I feel as if enduring to the end may be the most important thing that we teach people how to do. We can get baptized into the Church of God and then not do anything about it, that can be done if someone really wants to. Baptism is a saving ordinance, something that allows us to return to God’s presence again. But it is also a covenant, or a promise, that we make with God that we will do our best to work hard, and show Him that we truly do love Him. And in turn, he promises not only His Spirit to be with us, but also eternal life, as stated in this scripture above.

The real question that we are forced to ask sometimes, and the question I asked myself this morning, is “What does it mean to ‘endure to the end?’ How am I supposed to do this?”

My Journey Begins

I can confidently say that my journey did not begin when I opened this site. It began a long time ago. I’m not old. In fact, I’m currently 19. But I believe that anyone can truly come to know who God is and how he teaches them if they only start with a desire.

In my first post here, I would like to explain more about the purpose in this blog. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and through my journey growing up in this wonderful Church, I have not only come to know who God is, but I continue to learn more of Him every single day through sincere prayer and scripture study. In putting this blog together, I hope to be able to share a portion of His light with all those around me, even in the entire world, as we can do with technology today. I hope to share with as many people as possible how I have come to know who He is, how He has taught me the simple truths that He shares with us, and I can only hope as well that those who read this will have a desire to follow Christ’s teachings, and to pray and try for themselves the wonderful fruits that this gospel has to share.

I would like to add in that I am also a missionary for the Church, and have recently received access to Online Proselyting, and as such, we now have access to creating blogs, Facebook access, and other things that will assist us in our proselyting efforts. So yes, I am a missionary, but I am just a normal person that is sharing his growth in this world at the same time.

Throughout this blog, there will be quotes from scriptures, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or even people I am around every day. As I post material, I will try to link what I can so that you can easily learn more. And as you read, I would encourage you to ponder on these quotes and the importance of them.

I pray that through this blog everyone will not only have a desire to come to know God and who He truly is, but that everyone will also come unto Christ and “lift where [they] stand” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2008).



My own personal scriptures with my LDS Missionary nametag