The Bible

If you've not had a chance to read from the Book of Mormon, you are in for a treat. It is very similar to the Bible, in that it contains the holy words of God. Its purpose is much like that of the Holy Bible - to bring people to Christ, to discover His redeeming love, and to bring peace therein.

I love the Book of Mormon. What a privilege to have one and to be able to read it. If you don't yet own a Book of Mormon, did you know that you can read it online for free? Of course, I like having an actual one, so that I can cross reference it with the Bible, writing notes in the columns and corners of each page to remind myself of flashes of understanding and new feelings of peace.

But until you are able to receive your own copy, if you've not already, here is a link to the online version.

The Book of Mormon begins with an account written by an individual named Nephi. His family traveled away from Jerusalem a short time before its destruction. Both Nephi and his father, Lehi, were record-keepers of the events of their lives, in addition to being prophets.

Nephi begins his record with the following words:

"An account of Lehi and his wife Sariah and his four sons, being called, (beginning at the eldest) Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. The Lord warns Lehi to depart out of the land of Jerusalem, because he prophesieth unto the people concerning their iniquity and they seek to destroy his life. He taketh three days’ journey into the wilderness with his family. Nephi taketh his brethren and returneth to the land of Jerusalem after the record of the Jews. The account of their sufferings. They take the daughters of Ishmael to wife. They take their families and depart into the wilderness. Their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness. The course of their travels. They come to the large waters. Nephi’s brethren rebel against him. He confoundeth them, and buildeth a ship. They call the name of the place Bountiful. They cross the large waters into the promised land, and so forth. This is according to the account of Nephi; or in other words, I, Nephi, wrote this record."

There is much that is contained in Nephi's record. So much so that his writings comprise two individuals "books" within the entire Book of Mormon - 1 Nephi and 2 Nephi. But what I love most from Nephi is his certainty in his Savior and Redeemer.

In spite of all the hardships Nephi passed through, these were his words:

"Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation" (2 Nephi 4:30).

Yes, indeed, if this is the first opportunity you've had to read from the Book of Mormon, what a beautiful experience you have waiting for you. You will meet individuals every bit as valiant as Nephi in their testimony, witness, and love of the Lord. And every day you read their words is a day that can help you become stronger for the Lord yourself. Happy reading!