Is your heart so hardened that you will not consider what may be true?

Is your heart so hardened that you will not consider what may be true?

If we open our hearts and minds, we will have the opportunity to learn additional truths. Wouldn’t you want to know things that God would want you to know?

3 Nephi 21: 6

6 For thus it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people...

Jacob 6:4

4 And how merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long; and they are a stiffnecked and a gainsaying people; but as many as will not harden their hearts shall be saved in the kingdom of God.”

What about the Holy Bible? 

The Bible is a collection of sacred writings containing many of God’s revelations. It is a record of His dealings with some of His children from the Creation through the ministries of Jesus Christ and His Apostles. It was written by prophets and historians who knew God and testified of Jesus Christ.

Paul explained, the scriptures are “made known to all nations for the obedience of faith” (Romans 16:26). The message of the Holy Bible is meant for all humankind. It is a message of Jesus Christ. It is a message of hope. It is a message for all the world.

The Bible is not God’s final revelation to humanity, and neither is this collection of sacred writings complete. The Bible itself speaks of many other authoritative books of scripture including books of Nathan the prophet and of Jehu and Enoch, the prophecy of Ahijah, the visions of Iddo the seer, and even missing epistles of Paul (see 2 Chronicles 9:29; 13:22; 20:34; 1 Corinthians 5:9; Jude 1:14).

The Book of Mormon bears witness of the truthfulness of the Bible as it was handed down by the original writers.

1 Nephi 13:20, 23

20 And I beheld a book, and it was carried forth among them.

23 Behold it proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew. And I, Nephi, beheld it; and he said unto me: The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; … they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the Gentiles.

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon was written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile; It was written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation.

Witnesses Have Testified of its Truthfulness

“We, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record…we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God…” Testimony of Three Witnesses

“Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands…” Testimony of Eight Witnesses

The Book of Mormon invites those in the Latter-days to lay hold upon the Gospel of Christ in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon

Mormon 7:8-9

8 Lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles from the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you.

9 For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them.”

As we learn more of the Gospel and make and keep covenants with God, we will be blessed

1 Nephi 2:19-20

19 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart.

20 And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.

My testimony of the Book of Mormon

Growing up going to different churches, I always felt I was missing something. I could never understand what was being taught. I became familiar with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but hesitated investigating more because of doubts of the Joseph Smith story. I asked members of a different churches I was attending what they believed and received a different answer from each person I asked, which I knew wasn’t right. After reading the Book of Mormon, I finally humbled myself to ask God if it was true. The answer was simple - yes. A resounding YES. So strong that I could not and will not deny it.

I challenge you to soften your heart that you may be open to the promptings of the Holy Ghost in your life and that you may receive knowledge and answers to your sincere prayers.