Scriptural Highlights

• The Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion.
• Many witnesses have testified of the Book of Mormon.
• The Book of Mormon was written for our day.
• The Book of Mormon can bring us nearer to God.

The Keystone Of Our Religion

• On Sunday, November 28, 1841, the Prophet Joseph Smith had spent the day in council with the Twelve at the home of Brigham Young.  The Prophet indicated that Joseph Fielding was also present, having recently returned from his mission to England.  Joseph Smith said of his teaching that day, "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." (DHC, 4:461; also quoted in the Introduction to the Book of Mormon, paragraph 6)
• WHAT IS A KEYSTONE?
• Dictionary definition: "1. the wedge-shaped piece at the summit of an arch, regarded as holding the other pieces in place.  2. something on which associated things depend; foundation: the keystone of one's philosophy."  (Random House Webster's College Dictionary 1996, p742)
• WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ARCH IF THE KEYSTONE CRUMBLES OR IS REMOVED?
• WHY DO YOU THINK JOSEPH SMITH CALLED THE BOOK OF MORMON THE KEYSTONE OF OUR RELIGION?
• President Ezra Taft Benson:  "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." (Ensign, Nov 1986, p6)
• Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "The Prophet's expression that 'the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion' means precisely what it says.  The keystone is the central stone in the top of the arch.  If that stone is removed, then the arch crumbles, which, in effect means that Mormonism so-called--which actually is the gospel of Christ, restored anew in this day--stands or falls with the truth or falsity of the Book of Mormon." (Conference Report, Apr 1961, pp39-40)
• WHY DOES THE CHURCH "STAND OR FALL" WITH THE TRUTHFULNESS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON?
• President Benson:  "There are three ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion.  It is the keystone in our witness of Christ.  It is the keystone of our doctrine.  It is the keystone of our testimony." (Ensign, Nov 1986, p5)
• HOW IS THE BOOK OF MORMON THE "KEYSTONE IN OUR WITNESS OF CHRIST"?
• WHAT ARE THE THREE PURPOSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON?
• Before sealing up the plates Moroni engraved a brief summary of the record which has been included in the Book of Mormon as the title page.  He wrote that the three purposes of the book are:
1. "...to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers"
2. "that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever"
3. "And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations"
• As we thoughtfully and prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, we come to further learn that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master, cares about us.  We learn how he operates in the lives of people and how he blesses us for obedience.  The Book of Mormon has brought many to Christ, for it is a powerful witness of him.

    I think one of the most difficult accusations we deal with is the charge that we are not Christians, that we do not believe in Christ.  The Book of Mormon powerfully dispels that concept to those who are willing to read it.  As Moroni states, it was written to convince "the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ."  And as Nephi declared so eloquently, "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Nephi 25:26).
• A few chapters later, Nephi summarized how it is that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our witness in Christ, how a belief in Christ and this book are intricately tied together, "And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good" (2 Nephi 33:10).
• WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE BOOK OF MORMON ABOUT JESUS CHRIST?  HOW HAS THE BOOK OF MORMON STRENGTHENED YOUR TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST?
• HOW IS THE BOOK OF MORMON THE "KEYSTONE OF OUR DOCTRINE"?
• D&C 10:45-46:  "Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work.

    "And, behold, all the remainder of this work does contain all those parts of my gospel which my holy prophets, yea, and also my disciples, desired in their prayers should come forth unto this people."
• President Benson:  "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." (Ensign, Nov 1986, p6)
• HOW HAS THE BOOK OF MORMON INCREASED YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF IMPORTANT DOCTRINES?
• HOW IS THE BOOK OF MORMON THE "KEYSTONE OF OUR TESTIMONY"?
• Several years ago, I went with some friends on a visit to Temple Square.  We spend a lot of time in the Visitor's Center looking at the exhibits and viewing some of the movies.  One individual in the group was not a member of the Church.  She said to me on the drive home, "I like a lot of things about your Church."  She went on to list things like the youth program, the welfare program, and Family Home Evening.  She then said, "This is all great, but I could not be a member of your church because I cannot believe the Joseph Smith story."

    Believing the Joseph Smith story is fundamental to believing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed the Lord's church.  How does one come to believe that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet.
    In the early months of my mission, I visited with many devote Christians whose belief was a powerful in their faith.  Having grown up in central Utah, surrounded by Mormons, I had never had such a challenge to my faith and testimony.  I entered a period of doubt.  I even considered leaving my mission and returning home.  I became physically sick through this challenging period.  While laying in bed, I pondered all of this and determined that I had to do exactly what I had been challenging the people to do, to read the Book of Mormon and to prayerfully consider its validity.  I did just that and over a period of days and weeks, I came to know in an unshakable way that the Book of Mormon is exactly what it purports to be, a true witness of Jesus Christ and an account of the Lord's dealings with his people on the American continent.  Know that the book was true, I then knew that Joseph Smith was indeed the Lord's prophet and that the work of restoration and the subsequent organization of the Church was true.  Needless to say, I completed a successful mission because of the powerful witness I gained of the Book of Mormon.  The Book of Mormon has continued to be the "keystone" of my testimony, for it was my witness of that book that pulled me out of a period of spiritual darkness.
• WHAT MUST WE DO TO GAIN A TESTIMONY OF THE TRUTHFULNESS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON?
• Consider Moroni's promise in Moroni 10:3-5.

Witnesses Of The Book Of Mormon

1. As Joseph Smith was translating the plates, he learned that he would not have to be the lone witness of the plates.
• Ether 5:2-4:  "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.
    "And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record--and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day."
2. WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE WITNESSES OF THE GOLD PLATES?
• Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Whenever the Lord has established a dispensation by revealing his gospel and by conferring priesthood and keys upon men, he has acted in accordance with the law of witnesses which he himself ordained.  This law is: 'In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.' (2 Cor. 13:1; Deut. 17:6; 19:15; Matt. 18:15-16; John 8:12-29.)

    "Never does one man stand alone in establishing a new dispensation of revealed truth, or in carrying the burden of such a message and warning to the world.  In every dispensation, from Adam to the present, two or more witnesses have always joined their testimonies, thus leaving their hearts without excuse in the day of judgment should the testimony be rejected" (Mormon Doctrine, p436).
3. WHAT OTHER WITNESSES VALIDATE THE TRUTHFULNESS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON?
1. See supplement, The Most Correct of Any Book on Earth, a summary of evidences validating the antiquity and authenticity of the Book of Mormon.

Why Study The Book of Mormon?

1. 26 Reasons for Studying the Book of Mormon.
• President Benson listed 26 reasons for studying the Book of Mormon (The Book of Mormon Is The Word of God, Covenant Recordings, Inc., © 1986):
1. It is the word of God.
2. A man can get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other book.
3. It is addressed to us in our day.
4. To convince us that Jesus is the Christ.
5. It teaches us to come unto Christ and to abide by His gospel.
6. It exposes the enemies of Christ.
7. It confounds false doctrines.
8. It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day.
9. God expects us to read and study the Book of Mormon.
10. We are to use it as a basis for our teaching.
11. We are to liken the Book of Mormon scriptures to us, that it may be for our profit and learning.
12. We use it to handle objections to the Church.
13. It is to be used as a standard for the Lord's people, the House of Israel.
14. It testifies that Joseph Smith was a prophet.
15. It is the great finder of the golden contact.
16. It is a great sieve - it does not teach things pleasing unto the world.
17. Our missionaries are more effective by using it.
18. It makes our homes and families stronger.
19. Social, ethical, cultural, and educational converts will not survive under the heat of the day unless their taproots go down to the fullness of the gospel, which the Book of Mormon contains.
20. Church classes cannot be spirit filled unless used as a standard.
21. Our nation will degenerate unless we heed the words and teachings of the Book of Mormon.
22. To lift the church from condemnation.
23. Persuades and prepares men to go on missions.
24. Those who receive it in faith and work righteousness shall receive a crown of eternal life.
25. Those who harden their hearts in unbelief and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation.
26. Provides spiritual and intellectual unity in one's life.
• Let us focus on a few of these reasons.
2. The Book of Mormon Was Written for Our Day.
• Though the Book of is an ancient document, it was written and preserved for the latter days.
• 2 Nephi 25:21:  "Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand.

    "Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand; and they shall go according to the will and pleasure of God; and the nations who shall possess them shall be judged of them according to the words which are written."
• 2 Nephi 27:22:  "Wherefore, when thou hast read the words which I have commanded thee, and obtained the witnesses which I have promised unto thee, then shalt thou seal up the book again, and hide it up unto me, that I may preserve the words which thou hast not read, until I shall see fit in mine own wisdom to reveal all things unto the children of men."

Mormon 8:34:  "Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.
    "Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing."
• President Benson:  "The Book of Mormon...was written for our day.  The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times.  It was meant for us....  Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations....  If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon?  We should constantly ask ourselves, 'Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record?  What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?'" (Ensign, Nov 1986, p6)
3. A Person Can Get Nearer to God.
• In the Prophet's statement he said that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."
• WHAT ARE PRECEPTS?
• Commandments or principles.
• HOW CAN THE PRECEPTS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON BRING US NEARER TO GOD?
• Consider the teachings by King Benjamin and Alma on testimony and conversion (see Mosiah 4-5 and Alma 5).
• Consequences of not studying the Book of Mormon.
• D&C 84:54-58:  "And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received--
      "Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
      "And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
      "And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written--
      "That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion."
• In the April 1986 General Conference President Benson said that "We have felt that scourge and judgment!" 
• Our salvation is absolutely dependent on knowing that Book of Mormon is from God.
• Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "These are deep and solemn and ponderous matters.  We need not think we can trifle with sacred things and escape the wrath of a just God.  Either the Book of Mormon is true or it is false.  There is no middle ground.  Either it came from God or it was spawned in the infernal realms.  It declares plainly that all men must accept it as pure scripture or they will lose their souls. It is not and cannot simply be another treatise on religion.  It either came from heaven or from hell.  And it is time for all those who seek salvation to find out for themselves whether it is of the Lord or of Lucifer." (CR, Oct 1983)
• President Joseph Fielding Smith: "It seems to me that any member of this Church would never be satisfied until he or she had read the Book of Mormon time and time again, and thoroughly considered it so that he or she could bear witness that it is in very deed a record with the inspiration of the Almighty upon it, and that its history is true....        
      "...No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon." (Conference Report, Oct 1961)
• The Book of Mormon has power to create change.
• President Marion G. Romney: "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."  (Conference Report, Apr 1980)
• President Benson: "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 that will begin to flow into your life 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."  (Ensign, Nov 1986, p7)

Summary

If you have thoughtfully and prayerfully studied this lesson, you must stand convinced that an ongoing study of the Book of Mormon is absolutely necessary.  It has the power to change and strengthen lives.  Everyone of us need that.  It is the "keystone" of our religion and we need to make it the keystone of our testimonies.  I would suggest making two commitments for the year 2000:

1. In harmony with the Gospel Doctrine study course, read the entire Book of Mormon.  Do not end the year 2000 until you have read everything from Nephi's description of "having been born of goodly parents" to Moroni's great promise.  Begin your daily study with prayer.
2. Commit to giving away a copy of the Book of Mormon.  Commit to giving away at least one copy.  What if every member of the Church gave away just one copy in 2000?  We have the greatest message in the world.  Let's share it.

Next Week

Lesson 2: 1 Nephi 1-7