The Book of Mormon, Introduction, Paragraph 6

Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth,…

The Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ; “…the most correct of any book on earth,…”. Oh what comfort those sweet words bring. To know that the Lord loves us and has given us additional witnesses of his life, purpose and ministry. To help us understand more fully how we can live righteous lives and return to live with him again. The Book of Mormon (BOM)  is in fact the keystone of the LDS (Latter Day Saint) religion. As President Ezra Taft Benson [i] said:

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.

Let’s focus on the three ways President Benson [i] outlined that the BOM is the keystone of our religion.

It is the keystone in our witness of Christ

The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity. Unlike the Bible, which passed through generations of copyists, translators, and corrupt religionists who tampered with the text, the Book of Mormon came from writer to reader in just one inspired step of translation. Therefore, its testimony of the Master is clear, undiluted, and full of power. But it does even more. Much of the Christian world today rejects the divinity of the Savior. They question His miraculous birth, His perfect life, and the reality of His glorious resurrection. The Book of Mormon teaches in plain and unmistakable terms about the truth of all of those. It also provides the most complete explanation of the doctrine of the Atonement. Truly, this divinely inspired book is a keystone in bearing witness to the world that Jesus is the Christ

It is the keystone of our doctrine

The Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the “fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ”

D&C 20:9

9 Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles
and to the Jews also;

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. The Book of Mormon offers so much that broadens our understandings of the doctrines of salvation. Without it, much of what is taught in other scriptures would not be nearly so plain and precious.

It is the keystone of testimony

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. The enemies of the Church understand this clearly. This is why they go to such great lengths to try to disprove the Book of Mormon, for if it can be discredited, the Prophet Joseph Smith goes with it. So does our claim to priesthood keys, and revelation, and the restored Church. But in like manner, if the Book of Mormon be true—and millions have now testified that they have the witness of the Spirit that it is indeed true—then one must accept the claims of the Restoration and all that accompanies it.

I would like to add my testimony, that I know this book is true. That President Monson is the living prophet on the earth today and that he communes directly with the Lord to receive revelation for the welfare of the church and the people on this earth today. I know with surety that this church is true.
And I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Kelly Westover

Wife to Eric. Mom to Quinn. And Twins Avery & Rhys. I believe that I am a child of God. Who loves me & I love him. I believe in date nights to the Temple. To the movies. Out to dinner and especially long hikes.
Wednesday’s are my fave day of the week because, ‘it’s Wednesday David’. Red is simply the best color. And black takes a close second.