Words of Mormon

Explanation on Plates

In Word of Mormon, Mormon creates a bridge between the small plates of Nephi and his abridgement of the rest of the Nephite history. Just to be clear in understanding the timeline … Mormon first made an abridgement from Lehi to King Benjamin (the lost 116 pages or Book of Lehi … see D&C 10:38-40) and then paused in his work and inserted the small plates of Nephi (1 Nephi to Omni). Then he wrote this insert (Words of Mormon) before continuing on with the remainder of the abridgement. Once he finishes the abridgement, he passes the record on to Moroni who makes commentary of his own and abridges the Plates of Ether and finally ends the Book of Mormon (also read “A Brief Explanation About the Book of Mormon”)

Prophesies Fulfilled

In verse 4, he says, “as many things as have been prophesied concerning us down to this day have been fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surely come to pass.” I think that this is one of the main purposes of scripture. As with the case of the Book of Mormon, we see that Lehi, Nephi, Jacob and the rest of the prophets testified that Christ would come to the earth. I think Alma prophesies that Christ will visit the Americas (see 2 Nephi 26:1, Alma 16:20 for prophesies and Helaman 16:17-19 for a scripture about doubters). Many prophets prophesied of the Nephite destruction. When you get into Helaman and 3 Nephi, you begin to see many prophesies told and fulfilled and all of it has been documented. As for things to come, there are countless prophesies of the New Jerusalem or Zion being built, signs of the 2nd Coming and other future events. Many of those things are found in 2 Nephi where Nephi and Jacob insert many chapters from Isaiah. I believe and feel that someday, I too with Mormon will testify of the truthfulness of the scriptures and how prophesies are fulfilled.

The Will of God

In verse 7 Mormon says, “he [the Lord] worketh in me to do according to his will.” I put a little note next to this verse saying, “Christ did his father’s will.” I am alluding to the many scriptural references that state that we too may become like Christ or in other words we too may become the son(s) of God (see D&C 35:2; D&C 76:58; 1 John 3:1-2; Moroni 7:26, 48; 3 Nephi 9:17). Mormon, in his life, tried to emulate the savior in all that he did. This is just another way in which he was like Christ – he did the will of his father. Therefore, we too should strive to do the will of the Father in order to become a son of God.