In the early sections of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord repeats “a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men” many times. When something in the scriptures is repeated over and over it is usually a very important idea. 

            The “marvelous work” mentioned is often interpreted as the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. The translation and publication of the Book of Mormon was indeed a marvelous work. It was an amazing feat for a poorly educated young man to be able to translate an ancient record in such a short time. After reading the Book of Mormon many times, I know that there is no way that Joseph Smith could have written it himself. It is truly an inspired compilation of many ancient writers. 

            It was also amazing that the same poor young man could have gotten the support and money to publish the translated manuscripts. Many people including Joseph Smith, sacrificed a lot of money, time, and effort to translate and publish the book. People don’t sacrifice that much unless they are committed to the product.

            The Book itself is a marvelous work. It is the records of some of the ancient prophets that lived on the American continent. It is an amazing that those records were compiled and preserved for so long and that they were given to Joseph Smith. I have read the Book of Mormon many times, and each time I read it I learn something new. It has so many layers and applications, that there is no way, that a poorly educated boy in the early 1800s could have written it. 

            When I study the Book of Mormon, I have a notebook nearby that I can write the impressions and thoughts that I get from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost teaches me new things and answers the questions I ask in my prayers while I read the Book of Mormon.  I write down the reference to the scripture and the impressions that I received while reading it. Writing it down helps me to not only remember what I was taught, but also allows me to expand on that line of thought.  I love to go back through that notebook and see what I have learned. What amazes me the most is that the exact same verse has taught me two different lessons at different times. They are not contradictory lessons, rather it is because there are so many different layers and lessons imbedded in each chapter that many lessons can be learned from the same passage. This is a testament to me that the Book of Mormon is from God and not the creation of man. God used man’s hands to write and translate it, but it is from Him.

            There were many other marvelous works that came about after these early revelations. The restoration of the priesthood powers, the building of temples and the restoration of the work done in the temple are examples of other marvelous works that came forth. However, without the Book of Mormon as the foundation, these other marvelous works would not have occurred. The Book of Mormon touched the hearts of the people, and was a tool in their conversions.  Without a testimony of the restored gospel and the Book of Mormon, the early members of the church would not have sacrificed so much to come together to receive the blessings of the priesthood and the temple. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon was truly a great and marvelous work.

Tags: Doctrine And Covenants Book Of Mormon

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