My Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith said that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its (The Book of Mormon) precepts, than by any other book". This is why I am going to start re-reading the Book of Mormon and I will write about some of my impressions on this blog as I am re-reading it. I will start by giving my current testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I was born into a Mormon family, so I grew up with many of Mormon teachings like the one above, and I will admit that I was very fond of Mormon stories and doctrine from a young age. It felt right, it felt good and it felt happy. But the response many people have told me who do not believe in the doctrines of the Mormon church to these feelings is that I was brain washed as a child, or I can't really know because I grew up with these doctrines. This can be contrasted with the teachings of the church itself, that as an individual member there is a need to develop my own personal testimony apart from any other person because when hard times come I will need to know that I can rely on the Lord, and the tools he has given me through his church one being the Book of Mormon. With both of these two views being expressed to me I felt that I needed to like Joseph Smith, find out which church was true, or if the Mormon church is true. I have read the Book of Mormon, not once, not twice but many many times. The depth that this Book holds, and the capacity it holds to change our character to be more loving of our heavenly father and our fellow men is nothing short of a miracle. I ask anyone reading this who doubts what I am saying, who doubts that I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it has the power to change men who will study it seriously, to investigate it for themselves as I have. My testimony is not based on the testimony of others though I have learned and gained insight about the Book of Mormon it ultimately has been the Holy Ghost which has witnessed to my heart and soul that it is true. The spirit has also taught me that the study of this book along with the Bible, as long as I will apply the doctrines therein will lead to the Salvation and Exaltation of my soul. I will end with Moroni's Challenge which is near the end of the Book of Mormon, which reads:

"'Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.'

'And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it ounto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.'

'And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.' (Moroni 10:3-5)

I have taken Moroni's challenge and asked God, who gave me an answer and I testify that I know this book to be true, and I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the lessons I have learned about him and myself through this Book. I also testify that this book is a second testament that Jesus is the Christ, and the saviour of the world. Thank-you for reading my testimony of this sacred book, it means a lot to me, please if you do not like it, please respect that is sacred to me.