How can we know that the Book of Mormon is true?
A promise in the Book of Mormon:
"And when ye shall receive these things...if ye would ask God, the Eternal Father in the name of Christ… And if ye will ask with a sincere heart, with real intent…he will manifest the truth of it unto you… And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:4-5) About 421 A.D.
<< The phrase, "receive these thing" means that we need to actually open the Book of Mormon up and read it with a humble and sincere prayer, asking God if it is true and then;
“…the Spirit [will] speaketh [unto us] the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls....” (Jacob 4:13) 544 B.C. to 421 B.C.
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<< Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorm of the Twelve Apostles
"That's how people will know if the Book of Mormon is true. Just pick it up and read it and pray about it and you will come to know that religious truth is always conformed by what you feel. That is the way Heavenly Father answers prayers." Is There Scientific Proof Authenticating the Book of Mormon?
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How can we receive personal revelation?
<< Barbara Thompson
“The way to receive personal revelation is really quite clear. We need to desire to receive revelation, we must not harden our hearts, and then we need to ask in faith, truly believe that we will receive an answer, and then diligently keep the commandments of God."
"Following this pattern does not mean that every time we ask a question of God, the answer will immediately appear with every detail of what to do."
"Most often personal revelation will come as we study the scriptures, listen to and follow the counsel of prophets…."
"If we diligently keep the commandments and ask in faith, answers will come in the Lord’s own way and in His time.” (Personal Revelation and Testimony, (Barbara Thompson, Ensign November 2011)
Personal Revelation and Testimony (Barbara Thompson, Ensign October 2011) (9:56 min.)
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Revelation to each individual can be received “by the power of the Holy Ghost”, as the following scriptures indicate.
(Moroni 10:3-5)
(James 1:5-6)
(Matthew 7:7-11)
(Acts 2:37)
(Luke 24:32)
(Doctrine and Covenants 9:8)
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<<Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorm of the Twelve Apostles
Introduction to The Book of Mormon (Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.). (2:43 min.)
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<< Elder Bruce D. Porter,
Did you think to Pray? (BYU Devotional By Elder Bruce D. Porter, 12/4/12)
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A True Story
Sometimes when people pray to ask if the Book of Mormon is true they do so having their minds already made up. How can you ask God if the Book of Mormon is true and hope to receive an answer from him when you are not open to receiving an answer? The following link is a personal story illustrating this example.
Praying About The Book of Mormon (A true story and personal experience of Phil Michel.)
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<< Elder Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorm of the Twelve Apostles
"In the acquisition of sacred knowledge, scholarship and reason are not alternatives to revelation. They are a means to an end, and the end is revelation from God." (Alternate Voices, Elder Dallin H. Oaks)
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<< Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge
Stand Forever (Lawrence E. Corbridge, General Authority Seventy, BYU January 22, 2019 Devotional). (27:43 min)
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