"...A man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book"

**All-American** · 08-23-2009, 12:07 AM

Originally posted by TripletDaddy View Post

A thought I have been having this past week re: the intro section to the Book of Mormon.

"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on Earth and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."

I have read this passage countless times, as I am sure most of you have done the same.

I have heard countless commentaries on the "keystone" symbolism. I know President Benson expounded on this in his well-known BoM talks (I abbreviated "BoM" just for him!).

I have never really bothered to ponder the latter portion of the quote...."by abiding by its precepts."

What exactly are the precepts of the Book of Mormon? I quick search on LDS.org yielded exactly zero talks on this topic. I found this ironic in that we are told that we can grow nearer to God if we abide by the precepts, yet the precepts are never clearly defined for us.

Obviously the title page of the Book of Mormon makes its objective clear....the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.

But what of the core precepts? Are they too numerous to cite or can they be condensed into something akin to the Two Great Commandments?

ERCougar's post this morning about "applicability" is also relevant here. I have been thinking about that today, as well. While it is true that the Book of Mormon likely cites hundreds of precepts (at least in the broadest sense of the word)........what if I am looking for something applicable to me right now...today? what if we are to explain this to someone that is searching for the milk, as opposed to the meat?

Just a thought. Would be interested in your input on this one. thanks.

Have faith in God, repent, be baptized . . .

**Surfah** · 08-23-2009, 04:38 AM

Faith in Jesus Christ. It's another testament after all.

**LA Ute** · 08-23-2009, 05:59 AM

I agree, it's hard to know exactly what he meant by "precepts," but I kind of ran through a list of well-known BofM teachings and this one leaped to mind:

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

The same principles aer taught in the Bible but not as specifically, I think. Also coming to mind:

2 Nephi 2 (opposition in all things not exactly a "precept" to abide by but an excellent way to see life);

Nephi's teachings on enduring to the end;

King Benjamin's sermon

Alma 42 on mercy and justice

Just a few. I think actively incorporating those "precentps" into one's life would cetainly draw one closer to God.

Now I have to go to church and actually try to to this stuff . . ..

"...A man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book"

"...A man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book"

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