President Gordon B. Hinckley has challenged members to read the Book of Mormon by the end of this year. In the First Presidency Message of the August 2005 Ensign and Liahona magazines, President Hinckley, in part, wrote:
"We studied the Book of Mormon in Sunday School this past year. Nonetheless I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon. If you will read a bit more than one and one-half chapters a day, you will be able to finish the book before the end of this year. Very near the end of its 239 chapters, you will find a challenge issued by the prophet Moroni as he completed his record nearly 16 centuries ago. Said he:
" 'And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust? . . .
" 'And God shall show unto you, that that which I have written is true' (Moroni 10:27, 29).
"Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."
This counsel from President Hinckley bears as much weight and significance for us today as did admonitions from prophets to people in biblical times. A prophet has spoken. Will we listen and do as he has asked?
The First Presidency sent a letter regarding President Hinckley's message to Church leaders asking that it be read to members in sacrament meeting. The letter was published in the Church News issue of July 30, 2005. In part, the First Presidency wrote:
"Those who read the Book of Mormon will be blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."
President Hinckley and his counselors, President Thomas S. Monson and President James E. Faust, encouraged each member to have his or her own copy of the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion, a foundation to our past and the promise of our future, the soul of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every member must understand it in order to come to a fuller knowledge of all other books of scripture, including the Bible.
Reading the Book of Mormon once, twice or even three or four times probably will give most members just a general familiarity with its history and some of its teachings. In most cases, many more readings will be required for a fuller understanding of its principles and doctrines. Reading the Book of Mormon might be likened to going to the temple: there is something new to be learned with each reading or session; more understanding comes as a result of each.
We have stated in earlier Church News Viewpoints that each reading of the Book of Mormon brings new understanding because each of us has undergone experiences that bring a different perspective. Our needs, challenges and circumstances change as we advance in years. Likewise, life's experiences can teach and broaden our souls. There is, then, a continuing necessity for divine direction and inspiration. The Book of Mormon is a sacred resource than can be drawn upon to meet the ongoing challenges of life.
As we accept President Hinckley's challenge to read the Book of Mormon by the end this year, let us make our daily reading a time of discovery and increased understanding. Also, let us strive to learn, apply and live the principles taught in the Book of Mormon. Let us invite the Spirit of the Lord to attend our daily study so that it will be an ongoing spiritual adventure in coming to believe, follow and know Jesus Christ, of Whom this sacred book is a another witness.