Teachings of the Book of Mormon

I was asked what the Book of Mormon gives to us that is important in the plan of salvation that can't be found in the Bible. Here is a list of some of what the Book of Mormon has to offer, although it is by no means a complete list.

--Teaches the importance of repentance in the plan of salvation

--In general, makes clear teachings in the Bible about which many religions disagree.

--Stands as a second witness with the testimonies in the Bible that Jesus is the Christ, and that He resurrected from the dead. "This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." 2 Corinthians 13:1

--Describes the purpose and meaning of the atonement in greater detail. Dallin H. Oaks taught, "For example, the word atonement appears only once in the entire New Testament but twenty-eight times in the text of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is clearly the most profound treatment of this supremely important subject found anywhere " Dallin H. Oaks, "'Another Testament of Jesus Christ'," Ensign, Mar 1994, 60

--Describes the resurrection, judgement, and our life after death in greater detail.

--Makes clear that infant baptism is not necessary. Because of the atonement of Christ, little children are saved if they die before the age of accountability

--Teaches the proper method of baptism

--Teaches of the blessing and cursing that was put upon this land (the American continent) which are that as long as the inhabitants serve God, they will be blessed and will prosper in the land. But if they do not serve God, they will lose these blessings.

--Gives greater understanding to the words of Isaiah

--Gives us examples of the cycle of pride to help us to learn to avoid this cycle.

--Teaches of our life before this Earth life

--It was written for our day, to convince us to come unto Christ and to obey His commandments.

--Teaches more about the sacrament.

--Why death is necessary

--The workings of the evil one, and how to combat temptation.

--Teaches about the order of the priesthood

--How to distinguish between good and evil

--The true nature of God

--How to retain a remission of your sins

--It restores main "plain and precious" things that were lost from the Bible during its compilation