The Book of Mormon

This past week, I wasn't as diligent in my study of the scriptures as I usually am. I was reminded multiple times this week of the blessings that come from consistent and regular scripture study. I was talking to a really good friend of mine tonight, and he randomly asked if I had any quotes about the Book of Mormon. So, I was going through notes, talks, Ensigns, the scriptures, etc, and I found so many. I was reminded again tonight of the power of the Book of Mormon.

I am so grateful to be alive during this time when we have the Book of Mormon and the fulness of the gospel. I know this church is the only true and living church upon the face of the earth. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and it was through him that the gospel was restored. I know we have a prophet who speaks to us today, President Thomas S. Monson. I am so grateful for the opportunity we will have to hear from him and other leaders of the church in two weeks.

"No other written testament so clearly illustrates the fact that when men and nations walk in the fear of God and in obedience to His commandments, they prosper and grow, but when they disregard Him and His word, there comes a decay that, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death." -Gordon B. Hinckley Ensign August 2005

"To those who may not be familiar with the Book of Mormon but are sincerely seeking truth, reading it will have a profound effect on your life. It will expand your knowledge of the way God deals with man and will give you a greater desire to live in harmony with his gospel teaching. It will also provide for you a powerful testimony of Jesus." -Howard W. Hunter Ensign March 1989

"Thousands have tried this approach to truth; and have found the testimonies they sought. So far, no one who, with flaming desire, sincere prayer, earnest study, and fearless practice, has sought the truth of 'Mormonism' has failed to find it. Some, for lack of courage, though truth stared them in the face, have kept it to themselves. But, the approach never fails, so declares fearlessly the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." -John A. Widtsoe Evidences and Reconciliations p. 17

"The Book of Mormon identifies the love of riches and the pride it engenders as the cause of the spiritual and temporal downfall of the people of God." -Dallin H. Oaks Pure In Heart p. 79

"By the power of God I translated the Book of Mormon from hieroglyphics, the knowledge of which was lost to the world, in which wonderful event I stood alone, an unlearned youth, to combat the worldly wisdom and multiplied the ignorance of eighteen centuries, with a new revelation." -Joseph Smith Teachings of Presidents of the Church p. 60

"From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war... And more than anywhere else, we see in the Book of Mormon the dangers of materialism and setting our hearts on the things of this world. Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?" -Erza Taft Benson Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson p. 59

"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on the 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." -Joseph Smith Introduction to the Book of Mormon

"The Book of Mormon is additional evidence that God loves all of His children and has provided a way for us to return and live with Him once again." -Elder Craig C. Christensen (70) Ensign May 2008

"The Book of Mormon is tangible evidence that Joseph Smith was chosen by the hand of the Lord to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth in these latter days." -Elder Craig C. Christensen (70) Ensign May 2008

"The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing today. Those people never had the book—it was meant for us. Mormon, the ancient prophet after whom the book is named, abridged centuries of records. God, who knows the end from the beginning, told him what to include in his abridgment that we would need for our day." -Ezra Taft Benson Ensign May 1975

"Among the lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon are the cause and effect of war and under what conditions it is justified. It tells of evils and dangers of secret combinations, which are built up to get power and gain over the people. It tells of the reality of Satan and gives an indication of some of the methods he uses. It advises us on the proper use of wealth. It tells us of the plain and precious truths of the gospel and the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for all mankind. It informs us of the gathering of the house of Israel in the last days. It tells us of the purpose and principles of missionary work. It warns us against pride, indifference, procrastination, the dangers of false traditions, hypocrisy, and unchastity." -L. Tom Perry November 2005

"Truly the people of Mexico and other Latin American countries are among the descendants of prophets. The Book of Mormon is their inheritance. Jesus Christ did minister unto their fathers...Jesus Christ gave us the Book of Mormon as the instrument to gather scattered Israel...The Book of Mormon is its own witness to the people of Latin America and of all nations. Its very coming forth in these latter days bears witness that God has once again begun to gather scattered Israel." -C. Scott Grow (70) Ensign November 2005

"The Book of Mormon stands as an added testament of Jesus Christ. Through its pages march the testimonies of prophets of the New World. Majestic in its sweep of history, its chapters are filled with the tragedy of war, with divine warnings, and with God-given promises. It speaks as a voice from the dust to a world that needs to listen." -Gordon B. Hinckley Ensign January 1989