What Is the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon contains sacred writings from followers of Jesus. Just like God spoke to Moses and Noah in the Bible, He also spoke to people in the Americas. These men, called prophets, wrote down God’s word. Their writings were eventually gathered into one book by a prophet named Mormon.
God’s people have always been taught by living prophets. Like us today, the women and men of those times struggled with temptation, searched for wisdom, and led happier lives when they followed the teachings of Jesus Christ. We can recognize ourselves in their stories—inspired and inspiring spiritual records. The Book of Mormon is evidence that God loves all His children and is involved in their lives. It serves as a witness to the truths in the Bible and to the divinity and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon answers the big questions

The Book of Mormon can help us understand the essential questions that we all have at some point: 

• Is there life after death?
• What’s waiting for us on the other side? 
• What is the purpose of life? 
• How can I find happiness and peace now? 
• Does God know me and hear my prayers? 
• How can I avoid sin and learn to truly repent? 

If you want, missionaries can meet with you and discuss the passages that answer these questions. They'll also bring you a free copy of the Book of Mormon.

“When [the missionaries] suggested that I read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it was true I had faith that Heavenly Father would answer my prayer. I knew that if I asked for His help He would give it to me. When I said that prayer, I got an even greater feeling of peace in my heart and in my mind.”
—Brenda Dee, nature lover

The promise of the Book of Mormon

God promises us that if we read the Book of Mormon with an open heart and mind, He will reveal to each of us its divinity and its truth through inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Some 80,000 missionaries are teaching people about this book on six continents in 107 languages—and these people are currently putting that promise to the test. Missionaries give out copies of the Book of Mormon for free, yet millions of people count it among their most valuable possessions. Men and women from all over the world, from every possible background, are learning that the Book of Mormon can help us find peace and faith in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

“And if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Moroni 10:4 

How do we have the Book of Mormon today?

In 1823, Joseph Smith was led by an angel to the ancient records and translated them by the power of God. Like the ancient prophets who came before him, Joseph Smith served as God’s messenger and testified of Jesus Christ’s Atonement and of the Savior’s ability to change our lives for good.
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Why is the Book of Mormon significant?

The principles that were recorded in the Book of Mormon—faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, joy, salvation—changed the lives of an ancient people. In our day, the Book of Mormon has influenced the lives of millions of people around the world by bringing them closer to Jesus Christ. Here are a few stories:



Richard Auger on the Book of Mormon
Richard was diagnosed with cancer and found comfort in the Book of Mormon.









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How can the Book of Mormon benefit my life?

Scriptures are more than just old words and stories. They are relevant, timely messages for the problems we face. When you approach reading the Book of Mormon by frequently asking yourself, “What is this really saying?” you’ll find there are many relevant messages for you today. The book was written to inspire readers to make decisions that would ultimately improve their lives and bring them closer to God. It was the authors’ hope that their words would lead people to Jesus Christ and change behaviors; would lift sadness, uncertainty, and fear; would offer purpose and direction to people’s outlook on life; and would give people evidence that God is still “a God of miracles” (Mormon 9:10).
The significance of the Book of Mormon in the world could be measured in the quantity of copies distributed or the overall increase in the number of people who choose to follow Jesus Christ after reading the book. The most important effect, however, is distinctly personal. The Book of Mormon answers questions, provides hope, and solidifies spiritual strength in people, one by one.