Coming Closer to Christ

I am making a commitment to come closer to Jesus by studying the Book of Mormon. I know some people say, if you are Mormon you are not Christian. Joseph Smith said, "...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." (introduction to the Book of Mormon) So to paraphrase, a man can get closer to Jesus by studying the Book of Mormon than any other thing he could do.

I am going to put this precept to the test, and come closer to Jesus. Despite what man may say, I can know Christ better, and be closer to him by studying the Book of Mormon.

In reviewing that statement it says three things. First the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book. The Book of Mormon comes to us as a translation of ancient gold plates. this translation was done by the gift and power and of God. I think when something is done through the power of God, it is true and correct. Consequently the statement, it is the most correct book on earth is a true statement.

Second, the book is the keystone of our religion. I have read a couple articles which both represent this book as the Keystone in three ways. It is the keystone of our witness of Christ. It "convinces that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God. It is the keystone of our doctrine and teaches eternal truths. Finally it is the keystone of our testimony. It spiritually verifies the divine calling of Joseph Smith. (see James E. Faust, Ensign, Jan. 2004, "The Keystone of our Religion; Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Oct. 1986, Conference Report) The Book of Mormon is the key to having a testimony of the restoration of the gospel, a key to having a firm testimony and salvation through Jesus Christ, and finally the key to teaching true principles.

Which brings is to the start of this article. A person can come closer to God by abiding the precepts of this book and any other book. The title to this book was modified in 1982 to say: "The book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ." We have the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and now also the Testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Studying the book of Mormon involves praying before reading, studying with real intent and faith in christ, pondering what you read, asking questions, and addressing God to have the firm witness that the book is true. (See Moroni 10: 3-5) The book was saved to come forward in our day, the Lord's own due time. The stories of the book were written for us, our day, and by the grace of God they have come to us for our benefit, that we might know Jesus, and through Him achieve eternal peace.