The author of Joshua steps back near the end of the book to clearly state the core message of the book: God keeps His promises. Mormon provides similar conclusions in the Book of Mormon, even inviting readers to conduct their own inventory and see for themselves.
Ask Now of the Days That Are Past
Deuteronomy 4 contains a warning and a promise. The warning: time and distance tend to erode memory. The promise: God does not forget His covenants. The Book of Mormon reminds us of this promise and helps to fulfill it. Both Moses and Moroni invite us to see ourselves as part of an extraordinary sacred history.
The Shema in the Book of Mormon
The Shema — the central prayer of Judaism, from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 — is never quoted in the Book of Mormon, but its influence is pervasive. Echoes of the Shema appear as Nephite prophets teach their children, cultivate a holistic religious practice, and urge people to let God's word sink deep into their hearts.
He Turned Aside
When Moses saw the burning bush, "he turned aside," and God spoke with him. We can turn aside by eliminating distractions and by letting go of inappropriate behaviors and thought patterns. As we turn aside from the things of the world, we are able to give our full attention to sacred experiences.
Seeing Afar Off
God wanted Enoch to expand his people's perspective. "Their eyes cannot see afar off," He observed. We can expand our perspective by studying the gospel, repenting, and developing Christlike attributes.
“Calm as a Summer’s Morning”
Paul, Moroni, and Joseph Smith faced death with serenity, hope, and confidence in Christ. Their examples invite us to see the Final Judgment as a joyful and triumphant reunion with God, not as an event to be feared.
Fire, Snow, Sun, and Great Waters
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery described the Savior using biblical imagery: eyes like fire, hair like the snow, a countenance like the sun, and a voice like great waters. These metaphors remind us that the Savior knows us perfectly, that He is pure and holy, that He radiates light, and that He speaks with power.
Blessed by God’s Mercy
In the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer, Joseph Smith repeatedly pled for mercy. A week later, the Savior promised to manifest Himself in mercy in His house. We find mercy in the temple through covenants which bind us to God, sealing ordinances which unite us with our families, and a deeper appreciation for our Father's plan.
Accepted of the Lord
God loves all of His children perfectly. We please Him when we are humble, when we repent, and when we make every sacrifice He asks of us. In that way, we prepare for the ultimate manifestation of His acceptance—to be welcomed into His presence.
Receiving Gifts from God
Elder Patrick Kearon taught that receiving a gift is more than accepting it. It includes valuing it, putting it to use, and strengthening our relationship with the giver. Jesus was a good receiver of gifts from the Father, and we can follow His example, receiving grace for grace until we receive a fulness.