Lehi and his descendants followed the law of Moses, including offering sacrifices. Book of Mormon prophets used that practice to teach their people about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and to encourage them to live a consecrated life.
Holiness to the Lord
Through Moses, the Lord gave the children of Israel a law. It's a wondrous set of objects, activities, and sacred times all intended to point their hearts to the salvation He would provide them. The Nephites lived this law, recognizing that it pointed their minds forward to Jesus Christ.
Persuasion
God leads by persuasion, not coercion, because His goal is our long-term growth, not immediate compliance. As his disciples, we should lead the same way: sharing truth with clarity and gentleness as we humbly and patiently persuade others to make wise decisions.
Reading to Understand
Communication requires effort on the part of the giver and the receiver. Sometimes, the Savior invites us to do more work as readers or listeners. He often signals those moments with phrases like "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," or "Whoso readeth, let him understand."
“Who Shall Stand in His Holy Place?”
David asked who can stand in God's holy place. His answer—those with clean hands and a pure heart—was echoed by Nephi and Alma. The Savior invites us to stand in holy places and "not be moved" until His coming. These holy places can include temples, meetinghouses, our homes, and even sacred moments.
Receiving God’s Law
Receiving God's law requires more than hearing it, and more than superficial compliance. Ancient and modern scriptures teach that full reception involves thoughtful engagement, discussion with other people, covenants to obey, and complete integration of the law into every aspect of our lives.
The Empty Tomb
On a Sunday morning, three women approached a tomb and found it empty. Today, we celebrate that moment. Because of the Savior's resurrection, we will all be released from the bondage of death. Because of Him, death is temporary, and life is forever.
Book of Mormon Elements in Doctrine and Covenants 20
The Articles and Covenants of the Church (D&C 20) outline core doctrines and priesthood duties, drawing heavily from the Book of Mormon. Some passages are quoted directly, while others synthesize multiple passages to affirm core doctrines. By relying on the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery grounded the restored Church on Christ’s gospel.
Old Testament Prophecies of the Second Coming
Four Old Testament prophecies quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith teach us how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: 1. Strengthen families with priesthood power 2. Gather Israel and preach the gospel 3. Hear Him 4. Receive personal revelation
“I…Will Not Deny the Christ”
Mormon and Moroni warned us not to deny the Christ. Moroni refused to deny Jesus, even though that refusal placed his life in danger. We can also avoid denying Christ by receiving his power and gifts, forgiving others, and honoring His representatives.