A shared set of scriptures enabled Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Seventy to explain to an associate the importance of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, he said during the Sunday afternoon session of conference.
Brother Christensen said he and a friend presented the scriptures to the associate, not a member of the Church. After examining the books and being shown the title page of the Book of Mormon, the associate asked, "Why do we need additional witnesses of Jesus Christ other than the Bible?"
Elder Christensen and his friend expressed their feelings about the Bible. "We then declared," he said, "that like the Bible, the Book of Mormon is additional evidence that God loves all of His children and has provided a way for us to return and live with Him once again."
He then recounted some of the things they discussed about the Book of Mormon:
• A book with a promise. "The Holy Ghost can speak to our hearts and confirm that the Book of Mormon is true," he said.
• A book with a purpose. As stated on the title page, he said it is "to the convincing of each of us 'that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God."'
• A book that teaches the great plan of happiness. He said, "In profound yet understandable terms, the Book of Mormon teaches the purpose of life."
• A book that testifies that Jesus is the Christ. "Most importantly, we declared that the Book of Mormon is a book that testifies that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world."
• A book that authenticates the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith. "We then testified that the Book of Mormon is tangible evidence that Joseph Smith was chosen by the hand of the Lord to restore The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the earth."
Elder Christensen said it was his prayer that "we will continue to use the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ to share the gospel message with family and friends."
