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Book of Mormon: Confirming evidence

In an address delivered in the October 1983 general conference, Elder James E. Faust, then of the Quorum of the Twelve and now second counselor in the First Presidency, said that the Book of Mormon is confirming evidence of the birth, life and crucifixion of Jesus and of His work as the Messiah and the Redeemer.

"Nephi writes about the Book of Mormon: `All ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ.' (2 Ne. 33:10.)"Nephi and his brother Jacob join with Isaiah to constitute three powerful pre-Messianic voices proclaiming the first coming of Jesus. Isaiah is quoted extensively by Nephi because he is the principal Old Testament prophet who prophesied of the coming of the Messiah.

"The Book of Mormon establishes the truthfulness of the Bible. (See 1 Ne. 13:40.) It is evidence `to the world that the holy scriptures are true.' (D&C 20:11.) It foretells the establishment of the fulness of the gospel of peace and salvation. It was written to give us principles and guidelines for our eternal journey.

"One of the ultimate messages of the Book of Mormon, and indeed of the Old Testament and all human history, is that mankind cannot reach perfection on its own. There is another message which comes through loud and clear from its pages. It is the often unpopular and seemingly harsh injunction - `Repent or perish.' When the Book of Mormon people listened to this prophetic message, they flourished. When they forgot the message, they perished."

Elder Faust quoted the Savior's declaration in the Book of Mormon: " Behold I have given unto you my gospel.' (3 Ne. 27:13.) Elder Faust added, "As a special witness, I testify that Jesus is the Christ and that Nephi's and Isaiah's prophecies of His coming have in fact been fulfilled. Like Nephi,We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ.' " (2 Ne. 25:26.)

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