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Table of Contents, 4
This Book and How to Use It, 15 Part I —The Reading Guide, 15 Part II —The Doctrinal Guide, 16 Part Ill—Special Helps, 16 Suggestions for Using This Book, 16 Other Suggestions, 18
Using Book of Mormon Study Helps Effectively, 19
PART I: THE READING GUIDE
Week 1 — First Nephi, 21 Historical Outline, 21 Chapters of Special Interest, 21 Passages of Special Interest, 21 Note: The Isaiah Passages, 24
Week 2 — Second Nephi 1-25, 26 Historical Outline, 26 Chapters of Special Interest, 26 Passages of Special Interest, 26 Note: The Isaiah Passages, 27
Week 3 — Second Nephi 26-38, Jacob, Enos, Jarom, 0mni, Words of Mormon, 32 Historical Outline, 32 Chapters of Special Interest, 32 Passages of Special Interest, 32
Week 4 — Mosiah 1-22, 37 Historical Outline, 37 Chapters of Special Interest, 38 Passages of Special Interest, 38
Week 5 — Mosiah 23-29, Alma 1-8, 43 Historical Outline, 43 Chapters of Special Interest, 43 Passages of Special Interest, 43
Week 6 — Alma 9-26, 49 Historical Outline, 49 Chapters of Special Interest, 50 Passages of Special Interest, 50
Week 7 — Alma 27-44, 57 Historical Outline, 57 Chapters of Special Interest, 57 Passages of Special Interest, 57
Week 8 — Alma 45-63, 64 Historical Outline, 64 Chapters of Special Interest, 65 Passages of Special Interest, 65
Week 9 — Helaman 1-16, 69 Historical Outline, 69 Chapters of Special Interest, 69 Passages of Special Interest, 70
Week 10 — Third Nephi 1-18, 76 Historical Outline, 76 Chapters of Special Interest, 76 Passages of Special Interest, 76
Week 11 — Third Nephi 19-30, Fourth Nephi, Mormon 1-9, 84 Historical Outline, 84 Chapters of Special Interest, 85 Passages of Special Interest, 85
Week 12 — Ether, Moroni, 95 Historical Outline, 95 Chapters of Special Interest, 96 Passages of Special Interest, 96
PART II: The DOCTRINAL GUIDE
1. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About the Purpose for Which It Was Written? 1.1 Book of Mormon Purpose, 107
2. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Studying the Scriptures? 2.1 Studying the Scriptures, 108 2.2 How to Understand the Scriptures, 108 2.3 Recognizing Truth, 108
3. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Its Relationship to the Bible? 3.1 Relationship to the Bible, 108 3.2 Old Testament Writings in the Possession of Book of Mormon Peoples, 108 3.3 The Lineage of the Book of Mormon Peoples, 108 3.4 Major Biblical Passages Cited, 109 3.5 The Ten Commandments, 109 3.6 Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, 109 3.7 The ”Other Sheep”, 109 3.8 The Writings of Isaiah, 109
4. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Its People? 4.1 Records Kept by Book of Mormon People, 109 4.2 The Connection Between the Nephites, Mulekites, and Jaredites, 110 4.3 The Lamanite Curse, 110 4.4 Prophecies Concerning the Fate of Book of Mormon Peoples in the B. of M. Era, 110 4.5 The Three Nephite Disciples Whose Lives are Extended, 110 4.6 Calendar Systems, 110 4.7 Monetary System, 110 4.8 Language, 110
5. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Its Geography? 5.1 Land Features and Relationships, 110 5.2 The Hills Cumorah, Shim, and Ramah, 111 5.3 Crops and Agriculture, 111 5.4 Animal Life, 111 5.5 Metals, 111 5.6 Climate, 111
6. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About the Nature of God? 6.1 The Existence of God, 112 6.2 The Relationship of God the Father and Jesus Christ, 112 6.3 Prophecies of the Birth, Ministry, and Death, 112 6.4 The Father and the Son Reveal Themselves Unto Man, 112 6.5 The Personality and Attributes of God, 112 6.6 God’s Power, 113 6.7 God’s Love, 113 6.8 God’s Word, 113 6.9 God’s Knowledge, 113 6.10 God as the Source of Good, 113 6.11 God as Creator, 113 6.12 The Grace of God, 113 6.13 Christ’s Grace, 113 6.14 God’s Forgiveness to Man, 114 6.15 Signs Given by God, 114 6.16 Curses Instituted by God, 114 6.17 God Chastens the People He Loves, 114 6.18 Christ, the God of Israel, 114 6.19 Christ, the God of the Whole Earth, 114
7. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About the Atonement of Jesus Christ? 7.1. Who May Be Saved, 114 7.2 Salvation Through Jesus Christ, 114 7.3 The Atonement of Jesus Christ, 115 7.4 The Redemption of Jesus Christ, 115 7.5 The Law of Moses, 115 7.6 Law, 115 7.7 Justice, 115 7.8 Mercy, 116 7.9 Little Children Who Die, 116 7.10 Those Who Sin in Ignorance, 116 7.11 The Forgiveness of Sins, 116 7.12 Garments Washed White Through the Blood of the Lamb, 116
8. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About the Basic Principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 8.1 Christ’s Gospel and Doctrine Defined, 116 8.2 Conversion to the Lord, 117 8.3 Faith Defined, 117 8.4 Examples of Faith, 117 8.5 How Faith Is Obtained and Strengthened, 117 8.6 Men Commanded to Have Faith, 117 8.7 Faith Necessary for Gaining Salvation, 117 8.8 Faith Necessary for Receiving Revelation, 117 8.9 Faith Necessary for Gaining a Remission of Sins, 118 8.10 Faith in God and Christ, 118 8.11 The Power of Faith, 118 8.12 Faith Brings Blessings, 118 8.13 Faith and Hope, 118 8.14 Preach Faith, 118 8.15 People Destroyed and/or Damned Without Faith, 118 8.16 Men Commanded to Repent, 118 8.17 Repentance Necessary for Church Membership, 119 8.18 Examples of Repentance, 119 8.19 Mortality a Time for Repentance, 119 8.20 Procrastinating Repentance, 119 8.21 Repentance Necessary for Salvation, 119 8.22 Repentance Brings God’s Forgiveness and Mercy, 119 8.23 Revelation Comes to the Repentant, 119 8.24 Preach Repentance, 120 8.25 People Destroyed and/or Damned Unless Repentant, 120 8.26 Baptism Unto Repentance, 120 8.27 Instructions for Performing Baptisms, 120 8.28 Baptism (Miscellaneous), 120 8.29 Baptism Brings Forgiveness and Remission of Sins, 120 8.30 Baptism the Entrance into the Church, 120 8.31 The Baptismal Covenant, 121 8.32 The Baptism of Christ, 121 8.33 Baptism Necessary for Salvation, 121 8.34 Men Commanded to be Baptized, 121 8.35 Holy Ghost One of the Godhead, 121 8.36 Holy Ghost a Separate Entity, 121 8.37 God Manifested Through the Holy Ghost, 121 8.38 Holy Ghost the Comforter, 121 8.39 Those Baptized Receive the Holy Ghost, 122 8.40 People Filled with the Holy Ghost, 122 8.41 Gift of the Holy Ghost, 122 8.42 The Laying On of Hands, 122 8.43 Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost, 122 8.44 Born of the Spirit, Born of God, 122 8.45 Actions Directed by the Holy Ghost, 122 8.46 The Holy Ghost and Priesthood Power, 123 8.47 Knowledge Through the Holy Ghost, 123 8.48 Remission of Sins Through the Holy Ghost, 123 8.49 Revelation Through the Holy Ghost, 123 8.50 Sanctification Through the Holy Ghost, 123 8.51 Testimony Through the Holy Ghost, 123 8.52 Power of the Holy Ghost, 123 8.53 Protected by the Spirit, 124 8.54 Deny the Holy Ghost, 124 8.55 Holy Ghost Withheld from the Wicked, 124 8.56 Man’s Conscience, 124 8.57 The Spirit and Light of Christ, 124
9. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About the Church of Jesus Christ? 9.1 Name of the Church, 124 9.2 The Term “Christian”, 124 9.3 Priesthood Authority, 124 9.4 Unauthorized Priesthood Acts, 125 9.5 Ordinances of the Church, 125 9.6 The Sacrament, 125 9.7 The Roles of Church Leaders, 125 9.8 Preparing the Way of the Lord, 125 9.9 Missionaries and Missionary Work, 125 9.10 What Members Should Preach, 125 9.11 Protection of God’s People from Oppression, 126 9.12 Preservation of God’s Church, 126 9.13 Church Members Who Commit Evil, 126 9.14 Priestcraft, 126
10. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Revelation and Prophecy? 10.1 Who Can Receive Revelations and Prophecy, 126 10.2 The Purposes of Prophecy, 127 10.3 God Reveals Future Events to His Prophets, 127 10.4 The Fulfillment of Prophecy, 127 10.5 False Prophets, 127 10.6 Angels, 127 10.7 Frequency of Receiving Revelations, 127 10.8 Accepting Revelation, 128 10.9 Dreams and Visions, 128 10.10 Seers, 128 10.11 New Revelations Still to be Received, 128 10.12 The Mysteries of God, 128
11. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Miracles? 11.1 Miracles, 128 11.2 Healing, 129 11.3 Casting Out Devils and Evil Spirits, 129 11.4 Raising the Dead, 129 11.5 Moving Mountains, 129 11.6 Miraculous Aid and Protection, 129 11.7 Men Made Mighty in Speaking and Writing, 129 11.8 God Helps Those Who Obey Him, 130
12. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About God’s Plan of Salvation? 12.1 Pre-Mortal Life, 130 12.2 The Fall of Adam, 130 12.3 Opposition Needed in All Things, 130 12.4 Man’s Free Agency, 130 12.5 The Nature of Man, 130 12.6 The Purposes of Mortal Life, 130 12.7 Translated Beings, 130 12.8 The Spirit-World Paradise, 131 12.9 Hell, 131 12.10 The Second Coming of Christ, 131 12.11 The Millennium, 131 12.12 The Resurrection, 131 12.13 The Final Judgment, 131 12.14 Events at the End of the Millennium, 132 12.15 The Heavens, 132 12.16 Gaining Eternal Life, 132 12.17 Inheriting the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, the Lord’s Rest, Eternal Mansions, 132 12.18 Being Damned, 132 12.19 The Second Death, Spiritual Death, 133 12.20 Lake of Fire and Brimstone, 133 12.21 The Son(s) of Perdition, 133 12.22 Suffering Endless Torment and Misery, 133
13. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Death? 13.1 Attitude of the Righteous Concerning Death, 133 13.2 Attitude of the Wicked Concerning Death, 133 13.3 Fate of the Righteous Who Die, 134 13.4 Fate of the Wicked Who Die, 134 13.5 God Controls Man’s Time of Death, 134 13.6 Man’s Soul, 134
14. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Righteous Living? 14.1 Accepting Counsel, 134 14.2 Avoiding Evil, 134 14.3 Being Righteous, 134 14.4 Charity, 134 14.5 Chastity and Sexual Purity, 135 14.6 Controlling Thoughts and Words, 135 14.7 The Eye Single to the Glory of God, 135 14.8 Forgiving Others, 135 14.9 Knowledge, 135 14.10 Knowing God, 135 14.11 Knowing God’s Will, 135 14.12 Love, 135 14.13 Being Meek, 135 14.14 Remembering Forefathers, 135 14.15 Seeking Perfection, 136 14.16 Strengthening the Weak, 136 14.17 Keeping God’s Commandments, 136 14.18 Obedience, 136 14.19 Example, 136 14.20 Responsibilities of Parents, 136 14.21 Recordkeeping, 136 14.22 Hope, 136 14.23 Worship, 137 14.24 Seeking the Kingdom of God, 137 14.25 Service to God, 137 14.26 Service to Others, 137 14.27 Believing in God, 137 14.28 Humility, 137 14.29 Caring for the Poor, 137 14.30 Good Works, 138 14.31 The Sabbath Day, 138 14.32 Testimony, 138 14.33 Trusting God, 138 14.34 Giving Thanks, 138 14.35 Tithing, 138 14.36 Praising God, 138 14.37 Church Attendance and Activity, 138 14.38 Fasting, 139 14.39 Joy, 139 14.40 Commanded to Pray, 139 14.41 How to Pray, 139 14.42 What to Pray For, 139 14.43 When to Pray, 140 14.44 Mighty Prayer, 140 14.45 God Hears and Answers Prayers, 140 14.46 Examples and Results of Prayer, 140 14.47 Family Prayer, 140 11.18 Results of Not Praying, 141 14.49 Improper and Ineffectual Prayer, 141 14.50 Wickedness Prevents Prayers from Being Answered, 141
15. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Becoming Godlike and Being Sanctified? 15.1 Becoming Like a Little Child, 141 15.2 A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit, 141 15.3 Becoming Children of Christ, 141 15.1 Being Born of the Spirit, Born Again, Baptized by Fire, 141 15.5 Sanctification, 142 15.6 Purification, 142 15.7 Being Christ-like, 142 15.8 Becoming Perfect, 142 15.9 Confessing Sins, 142 15.10 Retaining a Remission of Sins, 142 15.11 Spiritual Gifts, 142 15.12 Enduring to the End, 143 15.13 Covenants, 143
16. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Relationships with Others? 16.1 Equality of Men, 143 16.2 Communal Living and Having All Things in Common, 143 16.3 Children, 143 16.4 Having Children, 143 16.5 Long Life, 143 16.6 Divorce, 143 16.7 The Purpose of Suffering, 144 16.8 Relationships with Enemies, 144 16.9 Witnesses, 144
17. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Money? 17.1 Money and Riches, 144 17.2 The Prosperity of the Righteous, 144
18. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Negative Emotions? 18.1 Anger, 144 18.2 Despair, 145 18.3 Fear, 145 18.4 Guilt, 145 18.5 Unbelief, 145
19. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Satan and Evil? 19.1 Satan, the Devil, 145 19.2 Sorcery and Witchcraft, 146 19.3 The Nature of Sin, 146 19.4 The Unpardonable Sin, 146 19.5 Temptation, 146 19.6 Desiring to Do Evil, 146 19.7 The Results of Wickedness, 146 19.8 Murder, 147 19.9 Human Sacrifice, 147 19.10 Adultery, Fornication, and Unchastity, 147 19.11 Plural Wives and Concubines, 147 19.12 Stealing, 147 19.13 Idolatry, 147 19.14 Drunkenness and Alcohol, 148 19.15 Swearing and Taking Evil Oaths, 148 19.16 Contention, 148 19.17 Lies and Rumors, 148 19.18 Hypocrisy, 148 19.19 Judging Others, 148 19.20 Borrowing from Others, 148 19.21 Pride, 149 19.22 Idleness, 149 19.23 Seeking Signs, 149 19.24 Rejecting Truth, 149 19.25 Rebellion Against God, 149 19.26 Denying Christ, 149
20. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About False Churches and False Doctrines? 20.1 False Churches, 150 20.2 Priestcraft, 150 20.3 The Teachings of Apostates and Anti-Christs, 150 20.4 False Doctrines, 150 20.5 Persecution, 150 20.6 The Great and Abominable Church, 150 20.7 Those Who Fight Against God’s Work, 151
21. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Blessings and Judgments on Righteous and Wicked Nations? 21.1 Blessings Promised to Righteous Nations, 151 21.2 Are the Righteous Spared When the Wicked Are Punished?, 151 21.3 God Tests His People, 151 21.4 God Influences the Enemies of People He Protects, 151 21.5 The Fate of Wicked Nations, 151 21.6 Judgments Sent From God, 151 21.7 Famine, Pestilence, War, and Other Afflictions, 152 21.8 The Result of Casting Out the Righteous, 152 21.9 The Spirit of the Lord Is Withdrawn, 152 21.10 A Chronicle of the Decline-and-Fall Process, 152 21.11 God Warns of Judgments Wickedness Will Bring, 152 21.12 Wickedness Cannot Defeat God's Purposes, 153 21.13 Being Cut Off From the Presence of the Lord, 153 21.14 Why God Allows the Wicked to Slay the Righteous, 153
22. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About the Americas in the Last Days? 22.1 The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, 153 22.2 Joseph Smith, 153 22.3 The Restoration of the Gospel, 153 22.4 The Lamanites (American Indians), 154 22.5 The Gentiles, 154 22.6 America, A Choice Land and Land of Promise, 154 22.7 The New Jerusalem in America, 154 22.8 Blessings Promised to America if Righteousness Prevails, 154 22.9 Judgments Promised to America if Wickedness Prevails, 154 22.10 Prophecies About America Already Fulfilled, 155 22.11 Prophecies About America Not Yet Fulfilled, 155
23. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About the House of Israel? 23.1 The Wickedness and Scattering of Ancient Israel and Judah, 155 23.2 God’s Covenant With the Fathers of the House of Israel, 155 23.3 How the Gentiles will Help the House of Israel, 155 23.4 The Future Gathering and Restoration of Israel, 155
24. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Government? 24.1 Regard for Government and Authorities, 156 24.2 Righteous Leaders, 156 24.3 Wicked Leaders, 156 24.4 Rule by Kings, 156 24.5 Corruption in Government, 156 24.6 Freedom of Worship and Religious Discrimination, 157 24.7 Capital Punishment, 157 24.8 Taxes, 157 24.9 Secret Combinations, 157
25. What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Liberty and War? 25.1 Liberty and Freedom, 157 25.2 Slavery, 157 25.3 Defending Homes and Liberties, 157 25.4 Military Draft, 158 25.5 The Treatment of Prisoners, 158 25.6 The Wickedness of Warring Armies, 158
PART III: CHARTS AND SPECIAL HELPS
A Simplified Chart of the Peoples of the Book of Mormon, 159
Chart of the Plates Received by Joseph Smith, 160
Ancient Prophets Prepared for the Loss of the Book of Mormon Manuscript, 161
Basic Elements of Book of Mormon Geography, 162 The Four Lands of the Book of Mormon, 162 Key Passage Establishes Geographical Relationships, 162 The Land of Nephi, 163 The Land of Zarahemla, 163 The Land of Bountiful, 164 The Land of Desolation, 161 The Narrow Neck of Land, 165 The River Sidon, 165 The Hills Cumorah, Ramah, and Shim, 165 Climate, 166 Distance Relationships Between Book of Mormon Lands, 166
Authors and Record Keepers of the Books of the Book of Mormon, 168 Records from the Small Plates of Nephi, 168 Explanation by Mormon, 168 Records from the Large Plates of Nephi (Abridged by Mormon), 168 Writings of Mormon and Moroni, 169
About the Author, 171
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