When Moroni, the last author in the Book of Mormon, appeared to Joseph Smith on Sunday, September 21, 1823, he quoted a number of passages from the Old Testament, most of which also appear in the Book of Mormon. Here is a list of four of those passages, as recorded in Joseph Smith—History 1:36-41, with a brief summary of each passage:
| Old Testament Reference | Book of Mormon Reference(s) | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Malachi 3, Malachi 4 | 3 Nephi 24, 3 Nephi 25 | When the Savior comes again, it will be a terrible day for the wicked, but a wonderful day for the righteous—those who keep the commandments of God as given by prophets. An important preparation for that day is the strengthening of family relationships. |
| Isaiah 11 | 2 Nephi 21 | The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will correspond with the gathering of Israel, and it will initiate a period of peace. |
| Acts 3:22-23 (which is actually a quotation of Deuteronomy 18:18-19) | 1 Nephi 22:20, 3 Nephi 20:23, 3 Nephi 21:11 | Only by following the Savior can we be part of God’s covenant people. |
| Joel 2:28-32 | Men and women of all ages will be preserved during troubling times by receiving revelation. |
I would summarize the combined message of these four passages this way:
Troubling times will precede the return of our Savior Jesus Christ, but God will help us prepare for those days. He will gather the people who are willing to keep His commandments. He will send them revelation. He will help us build strong families. The Second Coming of Jesus will be a glorious and a peaceful time for those who are prepared.
Today, I will be grateful for the knowledge and the tools God has given me to enable me to live in troubling times. I’ll be grateful that I can participate in the gathering of Israel. I’ll be grateful that I can receive revelation and hear Him. I’ll be grateful for priesthood power which enables me to strengthen family relationships. I will strive to let God prevail in my life, so that I can overcome the challenges I face and be prepared for the Savior’s return.
Book of Mormon Study Notes 
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