Ether 4 Believe in the Book of Mormon

This is a beautiful chapter that can be used in the context of introducing the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is sometimes criticized because it is not a part of the Bible, but rather a separate book of scripture. Some people believe that there is no other scripture necessary besides the Bible. I completely disagree. In fact, in this chapter it seems that the Lord is talking to those very people.

Be your own judge
The Lord says, "And he that believeth not my words believeth not my disciples; and if it so be that I do not speak, judge ye; for ye shall know that it is I that speaketh, at the last day." (verse 10) This is one of many times that the Lord invites you to judge for yourself. It is important that you judge correctly - is the Book of Mormon true scripture written by prophets or is it not? The prophet Mormon teaches us in the Book of Mormon that you will be judged by this book. (See Words of Mormon verse 11) Do you believe it or not? I do, so I will strive to live as it teaches me to live (ie: have faith in Christ and always follow His commandments, which can be found in the Book of Mormon and other scripture) What about you? Try reading the Book of Mormon and praying to God to know if really this is a true book. Because if it is, it is crucial for you that you start living according to the teachings found therein. Be your own judge - it is your right as a son or daughter of God

So what if the Book of Mormon is true?
There are so many blessings that come from knowing that the Book of Mormon is true scripture. It means that Jesus Christ is really your Redeemer and that God loves you. It means that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, because it was through him that God gave us this book. It means that there really is only ONE path to Eternal Life, and part of that path is being baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

There are more beautiful blessings that await the believing heart and the studious pupil. You have judged and accepted the word of the Lord. Here are some blessings that await you as you continue to read and study the Book of Mormon and other scripture:

1. "But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. for because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good." (verse 11) You will do good!

2. "... I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief." (verse 13) One of my favorite things about studying the scriptures is the additional insight I receive every time I study. Once you start to believe in the Book of Mormon, you will start learning great things at church that you've never heard anywhere else on earth.

3. "...it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief." (verse 14) You will understand more about this life, before this life, and what will happen after this life (the great things the Lord hath laid up for you). These are things that are explained in the Book of Mormon, other scriptures, and by modern Church leaders. We learn about this Plan of Salvation in detail at church regularly.

4. "...Ye shall know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel." (verse 15) Do you know what covenants your fathers have made? Read the Book of Mormon and slowly you will start learning.

5. "And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John be unfolded in the eyes of allt he people." (verse 16) You know that book of Revelation in the Bible? Sometimes difficult to understand? Don't worry - the Book of Mormon and teachings of the Church will enlighten you and help you understand that Revelation is a pure and simple prophecy of our day and days to come. This is not the only time that John's words are mentioned in the Book of Mormon. This is an example of how the Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible and that the teachings found therein are TRUE! There are many other examples.

6. "Therefore, when ye shall reveive this record ye may know that the work of the Father has commenced upon all the face of the land." (verse 17) Once you realize that the Book of Mormon is true, you will start to learn at church about the glorious and marvelous things that have been happening since Joseph Smith's time. We are in the last dispensation and the true and everlasting gospel is being preached to all the ends of the earth. You are only one of millions to recently become a part of the Lord's one and only true Church. You have the priviledge of hearing a living prophet - a man with the same authority that Moses, Abraham, and Jacob had while on the earth.

7. "...Signs shall follow him that believe in my name." (verse 18) I promise that you will see miracles. Trust in the Book of Mormon and live according to it's teachings. It will change your life. It has changed my life! President Gordon B. Hinckley, the late Prophet promised, "Those who read the Book of Mormon will be blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God. " It is true. I've seen it change other people's lives, too, and I cannot doubt the power of it's teachings.