In Isaiah 29 of the Bible, Isaiah discusses how the fullness of the gospel will disappear and the prophets will no longer guide us.
For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. (Isaiah 29:10)
From this verse we understand that even in the days of the Old Testament, the prophets knew there would be an apostasy, a time when there would be no more prophets, no more direct guidance of the church from God, this due to the choices of the people. Because there would be no guidance, many churches would spring up with differing doctrines, chosen by men and over time, no one would remember what was true or what the Bible really meant.
But Isaiah also foresaw a time when that would end, when there would be a restoration.
“Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” ) Isaiah 29:14.
These scriptures are repeated in the Book of Mormon, quoted by the prophet Nephi. His people, though living far from Jerusalem now, had originally come from Jerusalem, and had brought with them the scriptures, including the words of Isaiah. Nephi loved Isaiah’s teachings, and quoted them often. You can read them in 2 Nephi 27.
The Book of Mormon is often referred to by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the marvelous work and wonder, but in reality, the verse refers to all of the restoration of the gospel. Of course, the Book of Mormon is important to that restoration, since it assures the world the Savior didn’t come just to convert the Jewish people or those who lived in Jerusalem. Because Jesus also came to the people of the Book of Mormon, we understand He came for all people everywhere, bringing to all the opportunity to be redeemed of our sins.
Neal A. Maxwell, a high ranking church leader, said,
“After all, the Book of Mormon’s stated purpose is for “the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ” (title page), making it a divine gift to the entire human family.
In fact, Nephi tells us that God “doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world” (2 Ne. 26:24). The knowledge concerning God’s plan of salvation, repeatedly and carefully set forth in the Book of Mormon, can counter the hopelessness and despair of some who lament the human predicament in which they feel mortals are “conceived without consent” and “wrenched whimpering into an alien universe” (Morris L. West, The Tower of Babel [1968], 183). So many mortals desperately need to know there is divine design. No wonder the Lord told Joseph Smith that the Restoration came to increase faith in the earth! (see D&C 1:21).”(Neal A. Maxwell, “‘By the Gift and Power of God’,” Ensign, Jan 1997, 36)
It isn’t true that we were forced to come here. We agreed to come here and are here by choice. We could make this choice because we lived with God as spirits before we were born. This means we weren’t wrenched whimpering, but embarking on an exciting learning opportunity of our own choosing.
The teachings of the restored gospel assure us of this, which reassures us our Heavenly Father really does love us and that there is a reason for all that happens to us here.
The Book of Mormon answers many of the questions we have about mortality, God, Jesus, and the plan of salvation. It offers comfort and reassurance, but also guidance for making the most of our mortal experience. The writing is simple and clear, easily understood once you’ve become accustomed to Biblical-type language. It can be read as a fascinating storybook, and we often do read it just for that. However, it’s full value can only be realized when we treat it more as a handbook of instructions and a testament of the Savior and His Father.
You can read it online, but nothing quite equals holding it in your hands and reading it. Would you like a free copy of your very own? Visit Mormon.org.
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
