![]() Also, it is important to include Nephi’s commentary on Lehi’s vision or dream as found in chapter 15. Perhaps it is even safe to say that those themes are established by the dream and vision of Lehi (see 1 Nephi 8 10) and Nephi’s subsequent vision of the same (see 1 Nephi 11–14). If this is so, then the small plates of Nephi (1 and 2 Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Jarom, and Omni) are a preface to the entire 531 pages (English edition). In fact, the more I read, study, ponder, and pray over the Book of Mormon, the more I am convinced that Lehi and Nephi set the major doctrinal themes for all other writers. This greater view appears early on in 1 Nephi. So significant are the small plates, and especially the writings of Nephi, that the Lord declared, “Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel ” (D&C 10:45 emphasis added). These three writers were clear in their purposes for writing, all of which generally tie into the title page of the Book of Mormon but, as will be shown below, it was probably Nephi who started the basic themes that helped all other writers and compilers with their focus, resulting in the title page as we know it today. Nephi is the principal writer and author of the small plates, and Mormon and Moroni are the principal compilers and writers of the large plates. Thus, the first statement leads to the second: “that they may know the covenants of the Lord.” Specifically, the term fathers referred to in the first statement may refer to specific ancestral lines and to all the great prophets and patriarchs in the Old Testament, but quite often the fathers are the three great patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with whom the Lord made covenants. In the first two purpose statements, “what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers,” and “that they may know the covenants of the Lord,” Moroni clearly established that people in the Book of Mormon are Israelites and inheritors of the promises made to the fathers. My own efforts showed that the longest list of references is under the third purpose, substantiating the truth that the Book of Mormon is the most Christ-centered book ever written and truly “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” To this list we might add Moroni’s last words on the title page, “That ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ,” a vital part of the Book of Mormon’s purpose.Ī worthwhile scripture study exercise is to take three separate pieces of paper and write one of the statements at the top of each and then begin a careful study of the Book of Mormon, writing scripture references supporting each purpose.
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