A key message of the Book of Mormon is that we should study the Bible. The book of Ether underscores this point by referencing the first book, Genesis (the tower of Babel), and the last book, Revelation (in conjunction with the brother of Jared's vision).
Out of Captivity
Nephi prophesied that people in the Americas would be freed from captivity because they would humble themselves before God. Lehi and Moroni added that God intends for this land to be free and that we will retain our liberty if we follow Him.
Stumbling Blocks
A stumbling block is anything that causes you to lose your balance and stop moving forward. The removal of plain and precious truths from the scriptures was a stumbling block to many. So was pride. God can help us overcome every stumbling block we face.
Nephi’s Vision and Nephi’s Prophecy
Many themes from Nephi's vision (1 Nephi 11-14) also appear in Nephi's prophecy (2 Nephi 25-30): 1. Jesus Christ would be crucified. 2. Nephi's descendants would write scripture. 3. God will do a work which will bless the whole world.
The Remnant Shall Return
Isaiah's prophecy about the remnant of Israel returning to God assures that no matter how far they are from home, they are not out of God's sight. Book of Mormon authors echo this sentiment: God is mindful of you, wherever you are, and you can come home.
The Book of Mormon and the Bible: Growing Together and Establishing Peace
Lehi taught that the Bible and the Book of Mormon would "grow together" and establish peace. By recognizing the unity of God's word to different people in different cultures, we learn to build strong relationships based on universal principles.
The Last Shall Be First
An angel taught Nephi, "The last shall be first." One meaning of this sentence is that we take turns serving one another. We can't all be first all the time. Another meaning is that activities which seem small may bring the greatest happiness in the end.
Belonging
One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to assure us that we belong, that because of "the covenants of the Lord," we "are not cast off forever." Jesus taught that we belong to the covenants God made with our ancestors, and that He will not forget us.
The Title Page and Nephi
Although Moroni wrote the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, he was heavily influenced by Nephi. In this post, I show many parallel phrases between the Title Page and Nephi's words. From start to end, the Book of Mormon has a consistent message and purpose
Apostasy and Restoration
Patterns of apostasy and restoration are an example of God's grace. Left to ourselves, we tend to drift, both collectively and individually. But God loves His children, and He provides infusions of knowledge and invitations to act, because He loves us.