I know the Book of Mormon is true.

I am convinced on every level. Intellectually, having studied the documented process, contemporary witnesses, and the text itself I find there is no other explanation other than that Joseph Smith translated The Book of Mormon, “by the gift and power of God.” (Title Page, Book of Mormon)

Emotionally, I find the characters, stories, literary constructs, and wording to be the most profound literature I have ever read. Several writers in the book worry at their weakness in writing, and I want to say across the centuries or perhaps the veil, “You are an astonishing writer!” The Psalm of Nephi, a poem of rejoicing in the Lord found in 2 Nephi 4:16-35, is one of the most beautiful and moving  ever written.

Practically speaking, I have found that without exception, applying the principles taught in The Book of Mormon have lead me to experience peace and joy in my life even during hard times.

But the most remarkable way in which I know the Book of Mormon is true is through spiritual experiences. As I read the Book of Mormon, the Holy Ghost gives me a clarity of thought and vision that connects me to the mind of God. This means understanding the greatness and goodness of my Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ; knowing how they see me and all other human beings; understanding Heavenly Father’s purpose for me; being moved to act in righteousness which brings me closer in deed and thought to Christ; and understanding how much the Father and Son love me. These principles lead to the most profound and amazing doctrine of all:

Jesus Christ redeemed us.

He atoned for our sins and he suffered our pains and he delivered us from death.

Over and over, the writers of the Book of Mormon tell us that their whole purpose in writing was to testify of the Savior and his Atonement. in 2 Nephi 25:23,26 it says:

For we labor diligently to write to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies , that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

The Book of Mormon is the reason I believe in Christ. It is the reason I believe in the Bible. The Bible has come to us through thousands of years of lost and found manuscripts, copying by hand, and translations with meaning changed consciously or unconsciously through personal interpretation and lack of fluency. But though it has such an uncertain history, I know through the Book of Mormon that it is essentially true.

…they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people….

… the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another …And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.

And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man… – 2 Nephi 29:4,8-9

I am so grateful for the Gospel. The Rock of my salvation, upon which I’ve built my whole house – my sense of self, of reality and morality, and all that I expect to do and have in the future – has proven to uphold me even through the most unexpected and difficult trials of my life. Whenever I falter, whenever I stumble on the edge of despair, whenever I become confused I remember this: Jesus Christ knows me, and loves me, and has atoned for me. These things are true for everyone, for he “loveth the world, even that he layeth down his life that he may draw all men unto him.” And I know this because

I know the Book of Mormon is true.