Book of Mormon - Keystone to Our Religion

D&C 130
20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

D&C 82:10
I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."

Our commitment and devotion to Him will determine the commitment and devotion with which we are willing to obey His commandments.

The story of the Jaredites - building a barge
Ether 2:16,18

Do we do exactly according to the Lord's specifications?

President Ezra Taft Benson Nov 1986

"I want to speak about one of the most significant gifts given to the world in modern times.
This gift was prepared by the hand of the Lord over a period of more than a thousand years
By His own mouth, the mouth of the Savior, He has borne witness "

that it is true (D&C 17:6)
that it contains the truth and His words (D&C 19:26)
that it was translated by power from on high (D&C 20:8
that it contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (D&C 20:9, 42:12)
that it was given by inspiration and confirmed by the ministering of angles (D&C 20:10)

He gives us solemn warnings about how we receive it. After indication that those who receive the Book of Mormon with faith, working righteousness, will receive a crown of eternal glory (D&C 20:14)

There is a law irrevocably decreed..........

verse 15 "But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation"

1832 - early missionaries returned from their fields of labor, the Lord reproved them for treating the Book of Mormon lightly. As a result of that attitude, he said, their minds had been darkened. It had also brought the whole church under condemnation, The Lord said, "And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon" (D&C 84:54-57).

" It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. When you begin to hinger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance."

President Marion G. Romney testified of the blessings that can come into the lives of those who will read and study the Book of Mormon.
"The Spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the coulsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness

I have a firm belief that reading the Book of Mormon will help us understand who we are why we are here and what we must do to bring peace an joy into our own lives.