Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 4 part 2

Introduction

What invention or development in society do you think has had a significant impact on humanity?  Briefly discuss possibilities, then read the following quote from President Benson:

My beloved brethren and sisters, today I would like to speak about one of the most significant gifts given to the world in modern times. The gift I am thinking of is more important than any of the inventions that have come out of the industrial and technological revolutions. This is a gift of greater value to mankind than even the many wonderful advances we have seen in modern medicine. It is of greater worth to mankind than the development of flight or space travel. I speak of the gift of the Book of Mormon, given to mankind 156 years ago.

Thoughts from Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov 1986

The Book of Mormon had been published for just 2 ½ years in September 1832 when the Lord told the Prophet Joseph that he was displeased with how church members treated this sacred book.  Read D&C 84:54-58.

• What was the consequence of this condemnation Church members were under?
• What did they need to do to escape this condemnation?
• What blessing awaited those who faithfully remembered the Book of Mormon?
• How does all of this apply to us today, over 165 years later?

How does the Lord feel about the Book of Mormon?

By His own mouth He has borne witness (1) that it is true (D&C 17:6), (2) that it contains the truth and His words (D&C 19:26), (3) that it was translated by power from on high (D&C 20:8), (4) that it contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (D&C 20:9, D&C 42:12), (5) that it was given by inspiration and confirmed by the ministering of angels (D&C 20:10), (6) that it gives evidence that the holy scriptures are true (D&C 20:11), and (7) that those who receive it in faith shall receive eternal life (D&C 20:14).

• Read D&C 20:10-12.  Has the truth of this book been confirmed to you by the ministering of angels? 
• How do you feel about the Book of Mormon? 

Why should we study the Book of Mormon?

There are three great reasons why Latter-day Saints should make the study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit.

The first is that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion.

The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do.  The Book of Mormon is the keystone of the doctrine of the Resurrection.  It also provides the most complete explanation of the doctrine of the Atonement.

The Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the “fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (D&C 20:9). That does not mean it contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. Rather, it means that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation.

Finally, the Book of Mormon is the keystone of testimony. Just as the arch crumbles if the keystone is removed, so does all the Church stand or fall with the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The enemies of the Church understand this clearly. This is why they go to such great lengths to try to disprove the Book of Mormon, for if it can be discredited, the Prophet Joseph Smith goes with it. So does our claim to priesthood keys, and revelation, and the restored Church. But in like manner, if the Book of Mormon be true—and millions have now testified that they have the witness of the Spirit that it is indeed true—then one must accept the claims of the Restoration and all that accompanies it.

Notice the key to testimony identified by President Benson – the witness of the Spirit.  Thousands of pages have been written by those trying to disprove the Book of Mormon, and even more have been written by those exploring the truths of this book of scripture.  But a testimony comes only from the Spirit, and for us to try to find a testimony in any other place will not succeed.

The second great reason why we must make the Book of Mormon a center focus of study is that it was written for our day.  In the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. A major portion of the book centers on the few decades just prior to Christ’s coming to America. By careful study of that time period, we can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible judgments that preceded His coming and what brought others to stand at the temple in the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into the wounds of His hands and feet.  More than anywhere else, we see in the Book of Mormon the dangers of materialism and setting our hearts on the things of the world. Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?

How do you use the Book of Mormon?

The third reason why the Book of Mormon is of such value to Latter-day Saints is given by the Prophet Joseph Smith.  He said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). That is the third reason for studying the book. It helps us draw nearer to God. Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book.

It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called “the words of life” (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.

Think about those promised blessings.  What is that worth to you?  What would you do (or what do you do) with these promises?

President Marion G. Romney taught, “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).

These promises—increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, increased spirituality and righteousness—are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God.

I gratefully add my testimony that these promises are true. 

The Three Witnesses

Today we have read the words of two witnesses – Presidents Ezra Taft Benson and Marion G. Romney.  God provided three witnesses who were shown the golden plates by divine power and commanded to bear testimony to the world.  Read D&C 17:3-5.  

Show selections from the video presentation “The Three Witnesses” from 11:11 to 16:34, 21:15 to 23:20, 27:30 to end.