HCS Book of Mormon
Blog Post
Week of Dec. 11th
– 17th
Pages: 525 – 531
We are now down to the final 3 Chapters of the Book of
Moroni and the end of the Book of Mormon. These are three chapters contain some
vital and beautiful scripture. Chapter 8 is essentially a letter from Mormon to
his son Moroni. It is probably best known for its doctrine concerning infant
baptism. It is a stern rebuke to anyone who believes that God would hold little
children accountable for sin. It thus becomes a lesson on the rules of
accountability, in addition to the purity and innocence of infants and little
children. I know in my personal life and that of our family, this doctrine has
“rung true” and provided much comfort during some challenging times.
Mormon also “re-teaches” some common themes found throughout
our study of the Book of Mormon…namely the importance of meekness, humility,
some functions of the Holy Ghost, and the danger of pride (the opposite of
humility).
Spencer W. Kimball once said….”ALL progress in the gospel in
IMPOSSIBLE without the prior attainment of humility”. Mormon shared with his
son Moroni these words of doctrine and truth…”And the remission of sins
bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart (humility); and because of meekness
and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter
filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto
prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with
GOD”. Moroni 8:26
The last chapter of Moroni (Ch. 10), which is also the last
chapter of the Book of Mormon brings to full circle a statement made by Nephi
in the first chapter of the BofM, 1 Nephi 1:20, in which he states that one of
his major goals in writing is to show us “the tender mercies of the Lord.”
Now, in this last chapter of this sacred record, verse 3,
Moroni also speaks of the mercies of the Lord. He desires us to remember “how
merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men.”
Thus, the “mercies of the Lord” become “bookends,” if you
will, to the entire Book of Mormon. As you think about this concept for a
moment, you might recall to mind the almost countless times within the pages of
the BofM that all people, including each
of us, have been invited to repent, to come unto Christ, and be saved. Truly,
the Lord is merciful! Moroni 10:33
Our dear brothers and sisters of the Hunter’s Creek Stake,
we love you and want you to know of your Stake Presidency’s testimony of the
Book of Mormon and the blessings it will bring in your life as you study,
ponder and LIVE it’s divine commandments and principles. As we conclude our
reading this year of the Book of Mormon, may we each keep its teachings “close
to our heart” and use it as our guiding compass throughout our daily lives!
- Richard Garrison - Stake Executive Secretary
