I was raised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My parents were faithful, hardworking members. By their examples and teachings in our home, I knew from my earliest ability to understand, that God lives and loves us as his children, that his Son Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that we will be happiest in this life and in the next if we do our best to pattern our lives after Jesus Christ and trust and follow the counsel of the prophets. My belief in the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon has the same source. I know it to be true. But my belief in these things, has grown significantly in breadth and depth over the years as I have grown and matured and learned. Though I’ve never doubted, I have repeatedly put my belief and my understanding to the test, not out of rebellion or doubt, but to confirm and strengthen.
As Alma taught, I nurtured the word (the gospel, the Book of Mormon, the teachings of the prophets) in my heart, I tried the counsel, I sought the confirmation of the Holy Spirit, and I considered the results. (Alma 32). Likewise, I followed the counsel of the Savior himself who said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:17) In every case, as I have nurtured the word, and as I have lived the commandments and teachings of the Savior, I have been strengthened in my knowledge that it is the word and will of God.
I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God for his children. Together with the Bible and other canons of scripture, it will illuminate our path back to Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. It will bring comfort, guidance, and happiness to our lives. I know this because I have read it and put it to the test in my life.
