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.
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 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.

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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?”