1st Paragraph - "...bear record with words of soberness..."
It must have been a tough time to live in. There were detractors and mobs, and people who didn't believe what they had to say. Still, they bore record of something that may have sounded crazy because they knew that it was true. It's up to us to be witnesses of the truth, even if sometimes the world may look at us and think that we're crazy.
1st Paragraph - "...for we have seen and hefted..."
I was able to hold a model set of Gold Plates - created based on the descriptions of these witnesses and others - and it took quite a bit of "hefting" to lift them up! They are not very light, even though they were probably made from an alloy and wasn't solid gold. It impresses me that Joseph Smith was able to out run attackers and subdue them while carrying the plates. He did what he was commanded to do. Sometimes we may think that our own burden is heavy, but with help from the Atonement and grace of God, we can bear our burdens admirably.
1st Paragraph - "...and we give our names to the world..."
I find it interesting that often we don't question the existence of something until we can't see it...sometimes even after having seen it! A lot of people question the existence of the gold plates. I'm sure in a few generations a lot of people would question the existence of these eight witnesses themselves. Many question the Bible. This is part of the trial of faith that we have on this earth. It helps us to learn the faith and trust and hope that we need to come unto Christ and receive exaltation.
1st Paragraph - "...through the grace of God..."
The privilege of seeing the Gold Plates would bring a lot of 'bragging rights'...(Yeah I saw the plates...and you DIDN'T...) However, there's something to be said for the humility of these men. They realized that it was a gift from God and a great privilege to see the plates, and not an event to be taken lightly. We need to be humble as well, or risk being humbled...
1st Paragraph - "...obedient unto the commandments of God..."
Unlike these witnesses, we don't have the commandment to witness that we saw the Gold Plates. However, we do have the commandment to stand as witnesses at all times, in all things, and in all places (Mosiah 18:9). As this scripture states, as we live up to that commandment to share our witness of the Book of Mormon, of other scripture, but especially our witness of God, we will be blessed with redemption, being part of the first resurrection, and most importantly, eternal life.
1st Paragraph - "...if we are faithful in Christ..."
I feel that there is a slight difference between "faithful" and "faith". Faithful is more of a connotation of being true to somebody or something, while you normally have faith in somebody or something. In this vein, I feel that faithfulness is a product of faith. If we truly have faith in Christ, we will be faithful to Him.
3rd Paragraph - "...what they must do to gain peace in this life..."
The people of the world all want to be happy. The Book of Mormon teaches us what we must do to be happy. If we study and apply the teachings, we will be happy. Mosiah 2:41 - Consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.
5th Paragraph - "...new and additional witness that Jesus is the Son of God..."
Our purpose on Earth is to be instruments in the hands of God to help others come unto Christ (Alma 29:9). One effective way to do that is to share the Book of Mormon. It teaches the laws and ordinances of the Gospel, and if we follow those, we are coming closer to Christ, and we will receive salvation by following that path.
6th Paragraph - "...most correct of any book on earth..."
Although Joseph Smith makes this statement, which may seem bold, he doesn't degrade other books like the Bible. I'm sure he would have been quick to say that although plain and precious parts were removed, the Bible was a close second in revealing truth. See Article of Faith #8. He does say that it is the most correct. Studying and following the teachings within the Book of Mormon will also be the most effective means of helping us against Satan and his forces.
8th Paragraph - "...those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth..."
After explaining the invitation to ask of God, a promise is given that "those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost." The key words I think are "pursue" and "faith." This is another example of working and demonstrating your faith, and then learning to recognize the response from the Holy Ghost. If we really want an answer, we need to develop our faith through faithful actions. Then we can receive the truth of all things...line upon line, as we need it and can handle it.
1st Paragraph - "Written to the Lamanites"
The descendants of the Lamanites that live today are one of the intended audiences of the Book of Mormon, as stated in this paragraph of the Title Page. These people are actually a mixture of Nephites, Lamanites, Jacobites, Josephites, etc. This is shown in the years after Christ came to the Americas closer to the end of the Book of Mormon. This shows that being a "Lamanite" was more of a matter of belief rather than of lineage. People considered "Lamanite" were those who rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Take Ammoron, the brother of Amalickiah in the book of Alma. Even being of Nephite lineage, he calls himself a "Bold Lamanite."
If I don't watch myself continually, repent, and improve, I am in danger of becoming (in that sense) a Lamanite.
2nd Paragraph - "To show unto [us] what great things the Lord hath done for our fathers..."
In Moroni 10:3-5, Moroni exhorts us to remember what great things that the Lord has done for our fathers (how merciful He has been). This helps us be grateful. It also helps eliminate pride. When we ask God for different things, it is very important to be grateful for what He has already given us. This comes especially into play when following the the later counsel from Moroni to "Ask of God." As we are grateful, it opens us up to be more humble, more teachable, and more open to revelation from God, and that He WILL answer our prayers and witness to us that these things are true. It's a much better idea than just flippantly asking, "Is it true?"
2nd Paragraph - "And now, if there are faults, they are the mistakes of men; wherefore condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the Judgment-seat of Christ."
This is reminiscent of Nephi in 1 Nephi 19:6 when Nephi explains that any faults are the faults of the flesh, or of man. We must realize that God will give us a lot. He wants us to succeed and have everything that He has. However, we must also realize that God will also give us a lot of "wiggle room" in order to help us to develop faith. There is a lot that we can learn, but we have to trust in the Lord to help bridge many faith gaps. Sometimes these faith gaps can include noticing seeming inconsistencies in writing styles in the scriptures...but I think that perhaps some faith gaps for some of the writers of the scriptures could have been trying their best to write the word of the Lord and seeing errors in their writing. A few of the prophets in the Book of Mormon wrote about this exact thing...take 1 Nephi 19:6,
2 Nephi 33:4,11, and Ether 12:23-25 for examples.
If we trust in the Lord to help us with understanding, avoiding harsh judgment on those who were trying their best, and seeking to understand their intended words/concepts, we will be able to come to a better understanding. We will also come to trust the Lord more as we see increased understanding and answers to prayer.
This is a project that I started a few years ago that I wanted to put into a more permanent format than simple paper and ink. I have a conviction and appreciation of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and want to share some of the insights that I have received over the years.
The goals behind this project are:
1. Have entries for every chapter in the Book of Mormon as well as introductory areas (such as the Title Page, etc).
2. Make sure these entries contain some specific insights that I have on the passages.
3. Have a digitized version of this project.
4. Enable others to add comments to share their own insights or comment on the ones I have posted.
5. Complete this before the world comes to an "end" in December 2012.
Let me know your thoughts and testimonies. I know that I'm not a professional theologian or scholar, but I also feel that I can help expand my knowledge as well as others as I accomplish this project.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to seeing your comments!
--Adam Gedeborg
