Why Latter-day Saints Call It “Another Testament of Jesus Christ”

the Book of Mormon is much more than a religious text—it is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ, a record of God’s dealings with ancient peoples, and a spiritual guide meant for all who seek truth.

A Guide to Its Message, Purpose, and Role in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Book of Mormon stands at the heart of the faith, worship, and identity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Often misunderstood, sometimes misrepresented, and deeply cherished by millions of believers worldwide, the Book of Mormon is much more than a religious text—it is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ, a record of God’s dealings with ancient peoples, and a spiritual guide meant for all who seek truth.

This post explores what the Book of Mormon is all about: its origins, its teachings, its structure, and—most importantly—its central message.

What Is the Book of Mormon?

According to the Church, the Book of Mormon contains the writings of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent between approximately 600 BC and AD 421

The Book of Mormon is a volume of sacred scripture that Latter-day Saints believe is another testament of Jesus Christ. It complements—not replaces—the Bible. Together, these books testify of God’s love for His children and His divine plan of salvation.

According to the Church, the Book of Mormon contains the writings of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent between approximately 600 BC and AD 421. These prophets recorded their experiences with God, their teachings, their struggles, and their prophecies—especially concerning Jesus Christ.

The book takes its name from Mormon, a prophet-historian who abridged centuries of records and passed them on to his son, Moroni, who later completed and sealed the record.

How the Book of Mormon Came Forth

Joseph Smith was directed by an angel named Moroni to an ancient record engraved on metal plates

Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith, whom they regard as a prophet called by God. According to his testimony, Joseph Smith was directed by an angel named Moroni to an ancient record engraved on metal plates. Through divine means and by the power of God, Joseph translated this record into English, and it was first published in 1830.

For members of the Church, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is seen as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and evidence that God continues to speak to humanity.

The Central Message: Jesus Christ

Above all else, the Book of Mormon is about Jesus Christ.

From beginning to end, the prophets testify of:

• Christ’s divinity

• His role as the Son of God

• His atoning sacrifice

• His resurrection

• His mercy, grace, and power to redeem

Remarkably, the Book of Mormon contains prophecies of Jesus Christ centuries before His birth in Bethlehem. It speaks of His mission, His suffering, His death, and His resurrection with clarity and spiritual depth.

One of the book’s most powerful accounts describes the resurrected Jesus Christ appearing to a righteous people in the Americas. He teaches them His gospel, invites them to feel the wounds in His hands and feet, establishes His church among them, and blesses their children one by one. This event stands as the spiritual pinnacle of the entire record.

Why Latter-day Saints Call It “Another Testament of Jesus Christ”

The Book of Mormon is organized much like the Bible, with multiple books named after prophets or leaders

The subtitle of the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. This phrase summarizes its purpose.

Just as the Old Testament and New Testament testify of Christ in the Old World, the Book of Mormon testifies of Him in the New World. It affirms that Jesus Christ is:

• The Savior of all mankind

• Not limited by geography or culture

• Actively involved in the lives of all God’s children

Rather than competing with the Bible, the Book of Mormon supports it, clarifies it, and reinforces its teachings.

The Structure of the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is organized much like the Bible, with multiple books named after prophets or leaders. Some of the most significant sections include:

1. The Small Plates of Nephi

These books focus on spiritual teachings, prophecies of Christ, and personal reflections on faith, obedience, and redemption.

2. The Large Plates (Historical Record)

This portion details wars, political struggles, missionary efforts, and the rise and fall of civilizations—always showing how righteousness brings peace and wickedness leads to destruction.

3. The Visit of Jesus Christ

The central chapters recount Christ’s appearance to the people in the Americas after His resurrection.

4. The Final Writings

These books describe the tragic collapse of a civilization that rejected God, serving as a solemn warning and a final testimony of Christ.

Key Doctrines Taught in the Book of Mormon

1. Faith in Jesus Christ

Faith is portrayed as the foundation of spiritual power, hope, and transformation.

2. Repentance and Forgiveness

The book repeatedly teaches that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy when they sincerely repent.

3. Covenants and Ordinances

Baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and sacred covenants are presented as essential steps in following Christ.

4. Agency and Accountability

Human beings are free to choose, and choices carry eternal consequences.

5. God’s Love for All People

The Book of Mormon strongly condemns pride, racism, and inequality, declaring that God “denieth none that come unto him.”

A Book Written for Our Day

Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon was preserved specifically for modern times. Its warnings about pride, moral decay, secret combinations, materialism, and the rejection of God feel strikingly relevant today.

Its message is not merely historical—it is prophetic.

How the Book of Mormon Is Used in the Church

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon is:

• Studied daily by individuals and families

• Used alongside the Bible in worship services

• Central to missionary teaching

• Quoted extensively by Church leaders

Church members are encouraged not just to read it, but to pray about it and seek personal confirmation of its truth through the Holy Ghost.

An Invitation, Not a Demand

One of the most distinctive features of the Book of Mormon is its closing invitation. Rather than commanding belief, it invites readers to:

• Read

• Ponder

• Pray

• Ask God if it is true

This invitation reflects the Church’s belief that spiritual truth is best confirmed personally, not imposed.

Why the Book of Mormon Matters

To Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon:

• Strengthens faith in Jesus Christ

• Restores lost or plain gospel truths

• Confirms God’s ongoing involvement with humanity

• Brings peace, hope, and direction

Millions testify that reading it has changed their lives, healed hearts, restored families, and drawn them closer to God.

Conclusion

The Book of Mormon is not simply a book about ancient peoples or distant events. It is a living witness of Jesus Christ, written with purpose, preserved with care, and offered freely to the world.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is sacred scripture. For seekers of truth, it is an invitation. And for all who read it with an open heart, it offers a profound message: God lives, Jesus is the Christ, and redemption is real.